"Don't you look ravishing?" Dyrroth commented as Ruby emerged from the theater bathroom for a little change of clothes. The maiden has put on a grey high neck dress that reaches above her knee with an elegantly designed heart-shaped silver bodice which exposed a good amount of her chest and cleavage. She had lifted her hair into a simple yet elegant updo and finally used some crystal teardrop earrings to accentuate her beauty.

Ruby did a little twirl to show Dyrroth her whole look making her chiffon skirt float beautifully around her.

"Getting a little show-off, aren't we? I kinda like it." The demon added as he offered his arm for her to take which the huntress accepted without hesitation since it's also difficult to walk with her 2-inch silver stilettos.

"Thank you. You look dashing as well in that tuxedo." Ruby praised as they enter the auditorium and walked on the red carpet to reach their seats. Dyrroth wore a really expensive looking raven black tuxedo paired with some matching pants, a silver vest inside, and a black dress shirt underneath. Ruby paused to redo his tie seeing that it's a little crooked and straightened it for him.

"There. Perfection." Ruby smiled as she settled on her seat.

"Thank you." Dyrroth said as he did the same although there was a hint of pink that dusted his cheeks which the maiden failed to notice.

"Wow, for being famous for its plays, the golden theater seems to be quite vacant. There are at least 20 people who are here though there's still some coming in, I doubt it will reach a full capacity. It seems that there aren't many people who watch the opera in the daytime." Ruby observed as she fixed her skirt.

"Considering the price per seat, I doubt they'll get bankrupt even if only one person shows up."

"Fair point. I think it's worth it since these chairs are so comfortable and the vibe around here is just elegant. I feel like was born on diamonds already."

"Their show better be worth it. I don't want them to disappoint my princess."

"I doubt that. I guess it's just a matter of perspective and preferences to determine if something is really good or not."

"Well said. Anyway, it's cold in here. Are you sure you'll survive with just a short dress and no sleeves? Your dress is too thin, why don't you take my coat since I don't feel cold at all?" Dyrroth suggested as he began unbuttoning his tuxedo.

"Oh, thanks." Ruby replied as he wrapped the coat around her shoulders and fixed them so that they cover her body well. Ruby didn't give the slightest objection since the auditorium is almost freezing and this demon is really a tough one.

"By the way, where did you leave our shopping bags? I don't remember you dropping them off somewhere. Did you leave them in some store or something?"

"I placed them inside a pocket dimension. It's a type of compartmentalizing magic Alice taught me years ago which I never get to use until now."

"It's impressive how you know so much magic even though you're a pure fighter."

"Yeah well, magic is simple if you have the blood and the knowledge to do what spell does what. How about you? You can channel Fenrir's powers when called upon, can you turn into snowflakes too and move very fast before reforming as if it was nothing?"

"Not really. At least, I don't think I can. I guess I never really explored his powers since I'm afraid that by doing so he'll get to influence me and control my actions but he hasn't tried anything of the sort. He simply suggests things, or more like coaxing."

"Well, you should try using his powers more. It might save you in dire situations like what happened between you and the salamander. You got lucky that time because Terizla happened to be there too but what if you're not as lucky next time and I'm not there with you?"

"I guess you're right. Even though Fenrir is a god of destruction, his abilities are very reliable. Maybe I'll try exploring what I can do next time."

"And I'll help you unlock your hidden abilities. It's been so long since we had a spar I kinda missed you trying so hard to decapitate me."

"Are you a masochist or something? Thought you were more of the sadist type."

"I am a sadist. I just like seeing you get all worked up about not hitting me where it counts. Your face is really cute when you're annoyed. Now, if you would excuse me. I shall take a little nap since this kind of thing starts too long. Wake me up if it gets interesting or somebody accidentally dies." Dyrroth placed his head on her shoulder before instantly dozing off with the speed of light.

"Wait, you're asleep already?" the maiden asked in surprise but the demon only snored softly beside her.

"That tired? Well, I guess you did work late just to spend time with me today so... Sweet dreams you annoying yet devilishly handsome prince." she whispered as she tucked a strand of hair behind his ear before kissing his forehead. She instantly blushed after realizing what she's done which is a force of habit since she used to do this to the children she was paid to babysit. She guessed that seeing him this vulnerable triggered her maternal instincts. Yes, it's probably just that and nothing more.

"How enviable." commented an unfamiliar feminine voice. Ruby turned her attention to the person who took a seat beside her and smiled amicably to the lady.

A woman with long flowing hair as black as the night sat beside her wearing an alluring red dress that hugged her body perfectly and highlighted her curves. Her eyes were a pair of warm brown orbs that stared at her with gentleness and friendliness. Ruby searched her whole persona yet didn't detect any sense of falsehood nor pretentiousness from her eyes so she decided to return her smile.

"I wish my lover and I can be sweet in public as you two. You look like you also came from a wealthy family but it's so amazing how you can freely show your affection for each other without fear of judgment. People around here are very scandalous about something as simple as affection." said the lady.

"A very nasty habit of society don't you think?" Ruby replied and she slightly twisted her body to face her companion while making sure that the demon is comfortable.

"I'm Carmilla, by the way. Carmilla Ansaac." the woman introduced as she lends her hand out for a handshake which Ruby took politely.

"Hello, I am Ru-- Rose, Scarlet Rose, and this little idiot is my friend, Magnus Lancaster. A pleasure to be your acquaintance."

"Oh, just a friend? I thought you were more than that considering your beautiful ring and the gentle way with which he treats you. It was just heartwarming so I assumed that you were together. Apologies for that."

"It's okay. We've been through thick and thin, hot and cold, and his one-sided crush on me but I don't think we're going to tie the ropes pretty soon. So what about you? I assume you have someone very dear to your heart based on your earlier statement."

"Yes, he's really great and I love him but he's pretty enigmatic. He's so mysterious and distant but to me, he's sweet and gentle. I feel special when around him." Carmilla shared with a look of fantasy.

"Let me guess, a secret romance. Your parent doesn't know so you keep it a secret which makes it more exciting."

"Nailed it."

"Oh, wow. Finally got something right. So how did you meet?"

"We met here. In this very amphitheater. He was charismatic and kind and I really enjoyed talking to him. It's like our souls were meant to be together, we spoke as if we knew each other for years even if we've only met for a few hours so we decided to meet again in secret again and again and then before we knew it, we were already falling in love."

"But why did you have to keep it a secret? If you really love him that much wouldn't you want to tell it to the world? Oh... Sorry for stepping my boundaries."

"It's okay. He's not really from a well-off family like me and there's barely anything anyone knows about him. As I said, he's an enigma. So my father wouldn't like me having a relationship with someone from who he can't gain some political advantage. As you know, daughters of rich families don't really have much choice about who they're gonna marry unless it's rich and not an enemy of their father."

"Oh, yeah I get that. His, well, basically parents don't approve of me too. Magnus is very affectionate with me but his parents don't really like someone like me with their son. I didn't really come from royalty and just paid off my apartment with my hunting jobs so there's that. I don't particularly love him, I guess I like him but he doesn't want to let me go which made his psycho mother try to kill me multiple times."

"That's terrible. I suggest that you fight for your love no matter what others do. Even though I can't do it for myself I wish that you too can succeed with your romance. I will pray for your marriage and survival from assassinations." Carmilla said as she took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

"Thank you. I will pray for your happiness too. I wish you and this lover of yours get the happily ever after you deserve."

"Thank you, Scarlet. I don't know why but talking with you feels natural. Like I don't have to worry about anything. And I feel that you will not betray me like the other noble ladies here."

"Well, you're right about that one. I don't like spreading personal stuff about anyone especially people that I like. Additionally, Magnus and I are just here for a little date. I doubt we'll be meeting each other anytime soon after that but let's see what fate brings us."

"Agreed. The show is about to start. Let's continue our conversation after the show so we can focus on the play I assure you that this one will be spectacular. The main lead is a very good actor, you'll definitely give your money's worth."

"With your reassurance, I feel that it is."

The two newly made friends didn't chat further and only exchanged small comments about the scene and shared good laughter during the comedic scenes. Carmilla provided the two of them some tissues when the scenes became melancholic and depressing. Who knew that such small gestures can deepen a friendship that sparked so instantly?

"Carmilla," Ruby called as they wait for the next scene to play out. The curtains are drawn together while the stagehands prepare the settings.

"Yes, dear?"

"How do you know if you're in love with someone? How do you know that you love a person?" Carmilla had a contemplating look as she formulates a reply and thinks thoroughly about how to explain it.

"Well, I guess you just know. You'll feel something new that wasn't there before. Your chest will feel warm when you're together and butterflies will flutter in your tummy when you think about him. You'll have trouble breathing, you'll be tongue-tied, your heart will beat uncontrollably, you won't know what to say, and your face will be super red. After that, you will think that nothing else matters in the world more than him. You're willing to give everything just to make him happy and to remain by his side. You will accept everything about him even the parts that you don't understand or the parts that are bad because that's how you know that you're in love. By accepting every single thing about him and loving him just the same. Have you never been in love before?"

"Well, I think I have, or I guess it was a silly obsession."

"Who was he?"

"He was a demon hunter from the Empire. We met while on a mission and then we dated. Soon we decided to move in with each other because we were so in love. He said that there was nothing in the world more precious to him than me and that he'll forever cherish me but then things changed when he met this sexy elf archer in the Azrya forest. Of course, being a man fickle to temptation, he fell in love with her but still kept me as a plaything without even me knowing it. Sure, I suspected it but I didn't do anything to stop him from making a fool of me because I was so satisfied with being one of his bitches that I threw away my dignity just for a bastard who couldn't give all his love to me." A single tear escaped her eye which she wiped away to stop others from following it.

"My God! What a dreadful man. He deserves the worst punishment of all. You should have cut off his banana!"

"I should have but I was a fool. When he left me after I saw them-- excuse me for the term, fucking in my own bed I still tracked him down and begged him to make me his mistress. I even promised that I'll be nice to his bitch and all that crap. That's why I was so allergic to love. Dy-- Magnus is nice and all but I'm still licking my past wounds. I think it's gonna take some time before I open my heart again."

"Are you trying to fall in love with Magnus?" Carmilla asked with a gossipy tone.

"Quite the opposite, I'm forced to be with him since I trespassed their home and I lost to him in a fight so I became his prisoner. And he began having some reverse Stockholm syndrome with me. The dude fell in love with me. We made a bet that if I fall in love with him within one year then I'll be his wife but if I don't have the slightest affection for him after a year then he'll release me."

"My, my, what a very interesting deal. I would love to read a novel about that. So who's winning?"

"I guess me because I don't love him."

"Then what was the meaning of that tucking a hair stand behind his ear and that gentle kiss on his forehead?"

"That was just my maternal instincts! I used to babysit children so seeing him sleeping made me a bit motherly." Ruby objected while a soft blush began spreading across her cheek.

"Fine, fine. But before you decide on anything, ask yourself, what do I really want? My mind is telling me that I'm not yet ready but what if my heart wants him? Is Magnus really that bad or he someone that deserves your love?" Ruby's eyes turned to the demon who snuggled closer to her in his sleep. Her hand slowly found its way to his warmer one before intertwining their fingers together.

"I wish I know the answer."

🌹🌹🌹

"It is wonderful meeting you, Scarlet dear. I wish the stars align for us to meet again. Maybe we can have a chat over tea sometime once you return to Avalor. And I wish that you find the answer to your heart's questions." Carmilla said as she bid them farewell while clasping Ruby's hand in her own.

"Thank you. I wish the best for you too. I'll find you when I get back and I hope that we'll bring good news to each other once that happens. Now if you'll excuse us, my partner here is rather impatient to visit the aquarium. See you later, Carmilla."

"I'll see you later, Scarlet." The two kissed each other's cheeks before going their separate ways.

"Finally, I thought your boring girl talk is never gonna end." Dyrroth complained as he walked up to Ruby with a sleepy frown.

"Well sorry to keep your majesty waiting. I was just socializing with the new friend I made while you slept through the whole play."

"Having one conversation with a total stranger doesn't make them your friend. They're just your acquaintance."

"And what do you know about friendship? As far as I know, you don't have any."

"Neither do you." Dyrroth retorted shutting her up and making an embarrassed blush spread across her face.

"What are you talking about? I have tons of friends!"

"Oh, really? Then why haven't they showed up yet to rescue you?"

"Ah, hello? For your information, the Abyss is as secured as hell. Even ants can't get in and out easily. And I wouldn't want them endangering their lives just for me."

"Oh, how noble. But even if they did show up to take you away from me I'll just kill them all without you knowing it."

"Whatever, I'll get out in six months anyway so there's no point in arguing with you."

"Oh? Bold of you to assume that you would win. As far as I know, you're on your last leg before completely falling for me."

"You wish. But like I said there's no point in arguing with someone who's going to lose so if you'll excuse me then I'll be off now changing into something that can whoop your butt."

"I'll be the one whooping that ass. That thick juicy sexy ass. You know, I've always wondered how someone small, thin, and cute as a toddler, has such a nice ass."

"Ohh, shut up. Now, wait here. I'm just gonna go change."

"You're making me wait again? Agghh as if you didn't make me wait long enough talking to your new "friend". You're just going to change clothes. You women take forever in the bathroom maybe I should just come with you and dress you up myself."

"I would rather have sex with Selena's demon form than let you touch me."

"Ouch, low blow. You'll take all those back when I finally make my way inside you. Just wait."

"What was that? I couldn't hear anything other than the sound of my victory. Anyways I'll get changed now, loser. Ciao." Ruby gave him a smug smile before entering the women's room and shutting the door to his face.

Dyrroth leaned against the wall before releasing a sigh of exhaustion. Although he was still a bit groggy earlier, he heard everything about Ruby's former love affair. She didn't go through some extensive details since Carmilla is still a stranger but he grasped the whole picture. Her heart was broken and that's why she closed herself from him. Whoever that bastard is owed him a big deal. Once he finds out who played with his Ruby, he'll make sure that the asshole regrets it. He even has a few clues about the person's identity. First is that he's most likely from the Empire. Additional five points for torture. Second, he's a demon hunter. Plus 10 points to a terrible death. And third, he's frolicking with an archer elf who hurt his beloved too much. That will be plus 100 for taking everything he loves and destroying it in front of his face with a side topping of mutilation.

No one disrespects and plays with his Ruby. No one can make her fall in love and go crazy other than him. And no one has the right to make her cry even him. He will make sure that he finds that bastard and his whore. They better pray to their pathetic gods to prolong their lives because once he gets his hands on them, he'll bring them to the deepest parts of hell and torture them to their last breath.

Nevertheless, even if he accomplished that, it won't change the fact that Ruby doesn't want to love him which is contrary to the little gestures she's directing towards him. Women are so difficult to understand. They say that they don't want the things you do for them, they say that they hate you but then why do they act sweet and very caring and gentle? She said that she doesn't want him but why did she take his hand while he was sleeping and snuggled him? What does it mean? What does she want?

He can already feel that something is sparking between them. And maybe he can accelerate these feelings and finally win her love if he can convince her to move in with him. Even her patron god suggested that. Fenrir wanted him to find Ruby and keep her safe. He doesn't really like following the words of God or anyone else for that matter but he will do that just. He will protect her and make her happy to the best of his abilities. That's what this whole date is all about. Him sacrificing his time, energy, effort, and the probability of being nagged at by Alice just so that he can calm her heart and make her happy even for a short time.

Another sigh escaped his lips. "You better accept me as your husband or else... I don't know what I would do without you."

"Maybe I'll burn this world and kill every single person you're trying to protect. I may not be the man of your dreams, but for you? I'll be your perfect psycho lover."

Meanwhile inside the women's room, Ruby splashed her face with water before staring at her reflection in the mirror. If what Carmilla said is correct then it is undeniable that maybe, even with this tiny sliver of possibility that she, a noble hero of justice and protection, has... "feelings" for him. For Dyrroth. He makes her heart flutter, he makes her stutter, and he makes her feel warm and fuzzy. She's not allowed to fall for him. It is utterly forbidden!

Think Ruby think! If you don't stop liking him you'll never escape! If you don't escape you'll die and so will the millions of innocent people living their peaceful lives in the Empire. You need to stop liking him.

But the question is: How?

How did she fell out of love with Alucard? Well, he betrayed her and hurt her so much that love turned to hate then to apathy. Well, that wouldn't work. Dyrroth doesn't look at anyone anymore other than her. Other women are just part of the background, they're a blur for him but she's the main focus. It's very unlikely that Dyrroth would cheat on her, possible but even that bastard has some morals. He will cheat on anything but not his love for her. He's adorable that way. Loyal and caring... He's brave and honest, too honest but he's also very dedicated and determined. His kisses are rough but they are also... Very sweet.

STOP RIGHT THERE! You are not allowed to think about him like that! Stop thinking about his good qualities. But, focusing on his bad ones doesn't seem effective because she has come to accept those too. He's a demon of course he's brutal and evil. He's the prince of the Abyss, of course, he machinates to destroy the Empire and take over the world. She knows that and she accepts it, there's nothing she can do to change that fact.

Okay, let's look at another perspective. How did Alucard lose his feeling for her? A very difficult question but she guessed that's because she's insufficient. She's not pretty enough, not mature enough, basically not good enough for him.

But it's Dyrroth we're talking about! He may be immature at times but he's not reckless. He knows what he's getting into and he knows how to deal with it. He's never not good enough, in fact, he's too much. Ruby appreciates every effort he dedicates to her no matter how small or mundane, or big and extravagant it is. Dyrroth gives his all for everything he does for her. He's... perfect. Although he may not be her ideal man but he is... Charming in his own way.

Okay, dump that though or else you'll lose this bet.

"What's taking you so long? Get on with it already!" Dyrroth complained from the other side banging angrily at the door.

"Wait a minute, will you?"

"You've been there for 10 minutes! What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm fixing my make up!"

"You don't wear any! Just come out already... I want to see you again."

"Alright, just wait a little more. I'll be with you in a while."

"Okay." was all Dyrroth said before keeping quiet.

Ruby released a sigh of exhaustion before looking back at her herself in the mirror. Her attention turned to the peculiar thing in her peripheral vision. She saw a raven staring at her with its enigmatic beady eyes before squawking. She turned around to face it but the raven suddenly took flight and pounced on her.

Ruby tried crossing her arms to block his attack but not a feather graced her skin, instead she felt something snap around her neck and realized that the bird had stolen her pearl. The one thing that can grant her freedom from the Abyss.

An angry yell escaped her lips which instantly captured the attention of her waiting companion who kicked open the door to see her crawling up the window and jumping off the building to chase the thieving bird. And of course, he didn't know that so for him, the love of his life made him wait for nothing only for her to leave him so abruptly and so heartlessly.