"Ruby!!!" Dyrroth yelled from the women's room window as he watched the maiden run desperately away from him. Ruby looked up and saw him in realization.

"I can't wait for you just follow me! That stupid crow stole my necklace. Come on now." Ruby yelled back before continuing running. Dyrroth looked in the direction Ruby is pointing at and saw a crow indeed with a necklace clasped in his beak.

Well, that relieved his heart and maybe lifted his spirits. He breathed a sigh of relief before jumping off the window as well and tailing the maiden. His strides were larger and his steps are faster than hers. He kept his sight pinned to her back because of how easy it is to lose someone in this crowd.

Ruby took many twists and turns with a constant speed and jumped off from roof to roof while Dyrroth diligently followed. They were 15 feet apart but Dyrroth did his best to catch up to her however Ruby proved to be formidable as a speed opponent. Due to the fury of not catching up to the maiden, the demon threw a brick at the crow which instantly killed it but sent it spiraling to a far away alley.

Ruby crossed the intersection but Dyrroth was suddenly held up by the traffic. It seems that hundreds of cars are passing by him while Ruby pursued the dead thief while unknowingly losing him. Dyrroth released a deafening scream of anger and despair as stomped his foot on the pavement which cracked in contact. He gritted his teeth and took a turn in the corner of the street for a little detour.

Meanwhile, it seems that Dyrroth had thrown that brick rather hard since the trajectory created a really wide arc that sent her running through the labyrinth-like alleys between the buildings of housing units.

Finally, she saw the brick which is smacking the bird land but it was beyond the building in front of her so she decided to go over it and not around since she might lose her way if she took another turn. Ruby saw the dead bird land on the pavement with her necklace but there were a few men around. Neverminding the crowd, Ruby jumped from the roof and landed perfectly on the pavement where the birl landed and picked up her necklace before raising it with a victorious smirk.

"I got it!" she yelled triumphantly.

"Dyrroth, let's go now to that aquarium." she requested only to find no demon in disguise behind her, instead she saw multiple guns pointing at her.

"Stand down, brat! Tell us who you are or well riddle you with holes!" said one of the men.

"She looks rich. Give us your money!" added another.

"Wait, are you... Robbing me? And keeping that man hostage." Ruby asked with a perplexed look as she eyes the well-dressed blond man in the middle of the gang.

"What does it look like, we're taking your candy?"

"Ohh." Ruby said in realization with no hint of fear nor alarm.

"Nah, I'll pass. It was a demon who gave it to me so I'm sure he won't like it if I lost his gift. So instead of robbing people, why don't you work for your earnings and maybe even contribute to society." Ruby suggested before throwing the first man with the same brick that Dyrroth used.

The impact instantly knocked him out but a barrage of gun fires targeted the maiden which she evaded by jumping towards the wall to propel herself towards the person on the back of the gang. The force knocked him out and she landed on his head and crushing it to the ground. She grabbed the gun the man dropped before retaliating and shooting them. Ruby made sure not to puncture any vital organs since these men might have families depending on them that's why they're doing this so she only aimed for their sides, arms, and legs. Some fled or went down on the ground but the luckier ones who only got scraped by the bullets charged at her with blades drawn.

Ruby threw away the gun after using all its bullets before picking up her pointy stilettos to defend herself with. It is such a waste to ruin such beautiful silver shoes but it will give her money's worth if it saves her life. She lowered her body into a battle stance and waited for them to attack.

The first assailant charged and brought his sword down to split her head but Ruby expertly evaded him by taking a simple sidestep and bashing his neck with her heels. It seems that the pressure was too much and her strike was too accurate that it hit a nerve weak point which instantly knocked him out.

Ruby was suddenly surprised when someone grabbed her from behind and crushed her in a bear hug. She tried flailing and thrashing but the man's upper body strength is too great for her to overwhelm. His arms tightened around her neck to asphyxiate her which slowly changed her color from white to red and then purple due to the lack of air. Ruby released coughs and desperate breath intakes but none of them are effective to fill her burning lungs with the oxygen they needed. She gritted her teeth in annoyance before pulling a little trick. She squeezed his manhood with her hand extremely hard regardless of how disgusting the act is just for her survival. The man loosened his grip on her and Ruby took this chance to flip him by his arm before stepping on his shoulder and twisting it to break.

She took big gulps of oxygen, gasping like a fish out of water before turning around to face her next opponents.

"Who's next?!" she challenged after picking up her shoes.

"I surrender. I mean no harm." said the man whom she recognized as the one being mugged earlier. She looked around the alley and saw that the other gangsters had been knocked out as well while the man remained pristine and perfect. He didn't even seem to have shed a single sweat although his opponents seemed kind of plenty. The man rubbed his wrist as he approached her.

"Greetings brave little lady, my name is Gilgamesh Alastair Stormborn. Whom do I owe the pleasure of saving my life?" he smiled offering his hand for a formal introduction.

Ruby looked him up and down to assess his personality. Sometimes the clothes make the man they say so she began by analyzing his appearance. Mr. Stormborn wore a very dark blue dress shirt that is almost black with a few buttons undone to show his chest, paired with pure white pants probably of the highest quality material. Around his neck hangs a golden necklace shaped like a multitude of elongated ellipses stacked horizontally together making it appear like the rays of the sun. He wore bracelets of similar design around his wrists showing his obvious high standing in society. His features are very handsome probably around his thirties. His blonde hair shined like the gold around his neck while his crimson eyes that had slits for irises reassemble the perfect ruby of her ring. They were terrifying yet oddly mesmerizing at the same time. And somehow, he feels familiar.

"My name is Ruby, Huntress of the Dark Forest." Ruby bit her lips due to the mistake of revealing her true name. The man seemed astonished after hearing her name which made her more anxious. He may have known her name due to her vagabonic travels and adventures which means that he might know that she's being held captive by the Abyss so seeing her free might come to him as odd and scandalous.

"Ruby... What a very beautiful name. Thank you so much for helping me out. I will forever be traumatized by the danger of women's heels. Now I will never infuriate my wife even if she only has shoes." Ruby released a laugh due to the man's humor before straightening herself and pitching to bid him farewell.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Stormborn."

"You can call me Gilgamesh. No need to be very uptight with me. Your bravery has merited you my respect."

"Oh, right, Mr. Gilgamesh. What a very unique name. It is pleasant meeting you but I'm afraid that I've been away from my companion for too long. He might feel lonely and angry then throw a tantrum."

"Of course, but let me accompany you on your way out. We are in the slums though it might seem rather decent this place is actually dangerous. Perhaps it would be better if we find our way out together. Don't worry I have no intention of doing anything bad to you and I would never dream of such things. But if you doubt my words then I will let you hold on to my sword to defend yourself with." The man said as he unbuckles the clasp of his sword belt before handing it to her. Ruby who is very cautious accepted the blade without complaint but plans on returning it to him before they part and find the exit.

"Oh, thanks." she said as she strapped the belt on her waist but it was too wide for her thin body.

"You should eat more. You're still a growing girl. Growing girls need vitamins and good nutrition."

"True. But I do eat lots it's just that I like keeping physically active that's why I don't gain much weight. I'll just stash it on my back that also works." Ruby lifted the belt over her head before hanging it on her shoulder.

"How brilliant." commented Gilgamesh.

"Let's go now, Mister. I'm getting anxious the longer that I'm not with my companion."

"So, are you socially awkward without him?" asked the man as they began to walk away from the bunch of passed out crooks.

"No, my communication skills are fine. I'm just afraid that he'll turn the whole city upside down if he doesn't find me. He's a bit clingy."

"Ah, an overprotective boyfriend I presume. I would have done the same thing if I don't find my wife this instant."

"Hmm... He's not really my boyfriend but is that a common trait among men? It appears that I still don't know much about people, especially boys." Ruby wondered making Gilgamesh chuckle in amusement.

"Don't worry too much. You'll soon understand the world better once you see much of it. Then you will realize that nothing really makes sense because the world is constantly upside down. It's changing, so the best way to live in it is to learn how to adapt. And then dominate to shape it to the way you want."

"Woah, you're so wise, Gilgamesh. By the way, your name doesn't sound like it's from around here. Did you come from the Western Desert? Although I've read your name from somewhere other than the textbooks about ancient kings, I think I also heard it somewhere business-related."

"Well, I am indeed a businessman. I own several businesses but nothing much."

"Wait, are you like super rich?"

"We're comfortable."

"That's exactly what a Mega rich person would say!"

"I assume that you are one too given your engagement ring. Let's see." Gilgamesh took her hand to analyze the ring Dyrroth gave to her.

"The ruby is perfectly cut and of the highest quality. It's probably not from around here and extracted from somewhere very deep. The 24-karat gold is expertly molded. Still a beginner since he forgot to polish some designs but I guess 300 or so tries. And it appears that it's made with the most thought about a specific person. Your ring has so much personality and messages. The dragon wings for example probably meant that he wants to give you freedom and power. The rose vines are for perpetual love that binds the two of you."

"Wow, you're good. Uhmm, so how do we get out of here?"

"I actually... Have no idea." Gilgamesh answered truthfully. "But a king is never lost, he just wanders. I'm sure we'll wander to the exit in no time."

"Wait, are you a king?"

"I used to be but that is a story of another time."

"Okay. So which way do we take?" Ruby asked as they reach a crossroad where three paths diverge.

"Hmm... The left one leads deeper into the slums, the right one leads to a river, and the middle one leads straight to the main road."

"I thought you said you didn't know. How can you tell that?"

"I have clairvoyance skill. It's not really my primary ability but it helps. I can predict us walking each of these paths and seeing where they will lead us. My sight doesn't stretch long since they only see a few moments ahead but they're pretty useful in predicting what the enemy will do in a fight."

"Wow, you have such an amazing skill. What else can you do?" Ruby asked with shining eyes as they went straight to the middle road.

"I can summon weapons I've collected and use them to smite people. A most convenient way of dealing with mongrels. I can use the weapons to clash blades if I'm feeling generous but if the enemy is unworthy I just snipe them with my blades."

"Is that how you defeated the goons earlier? No wonder you didn't break a sweat."

"Ah yes, I was about to help you but it seems that you have everything under control." Ruby only hummed in reply feeling extremely.

"Excuse me for a second I should send my wife a message. She might be looking for me." Gilgamesh took out his phone and began typing.

"Can I snap a photo of the two of us to send to my wife? I told her that I'm helping a little girl find her way out of the slums and not with some mistress or prostitute."

"Sure."

"Say cheese." he said before snapping a picture with her. Ruby managed to stretch her lips just in time to have a decent photo of herself with Gilgamesh beside her.

"It's nice. You look like a beautiful marionette. Or some fairytale princess."

"Thanks, I guess."

"You know, I like you very much." the man said after tucking his phone back in his pocket. His words made the maiden look at him incredulously and walk a few meters away from him.

"Not that way. But I think you remind me of my daughter. You should be about her age by now."

"Oh, what's her name?"

"Ruby. Just like you. She's also blonde and has the brightest green eyes. We lost her when she was just a baby when our house was attacked by dark forces. Her attendants managed to carry her to safety but all of them are dead. We don't know where our daughter is."

"Sorry to hear that. I wish you can find your daughter. I'm an orphan so I don't know what having parents is like but I was adopted by my grandparents. But now they're gone too, so I know that losing someone you love is very difficult. It's ineffable."

"It's is. That's why we haven't stopped looking for her. Anyway, if we follow this path we'll be out here in no time. I think it will be plenty of time to stop your boyfriend from tearing Avalor apart."

"Yeah, I just wish that he hasn't started yet."

🌹🌹🌹

"Where could that girl be? I didn't expect that I would drop the compass which points to her ring and now I have no idea of where she is." Dyrroth sighed as he walked around the street looking around for the maiden and the compass.

"I shouldn't have suggested this trip if I knew that this would happen. I will blast this whole kingdom if I don't find you soon."

"Excuse me. Young man." said an unfamiliar feminine voice addressed towards the disguised demon who quickly turned to face the lady.

"Yes. What is it?" he replied as she paused in front of her after catching up to him.

Dyrroth was extremely astounded to see Ruby, or someone who looks extremely like her but older and more mature looking, handing his compass back to him. This woman is taller with a more vivacious body and larger breasts but her eyes are the same as his Ruby's. Her hair is just as golden and her face is just as beautiful. The difference is that this woman exuded more confidence and authority than his timid and reserved princess. Her darker emerald eyes reflect experience and wisdom while Ruby's reflect hopefulness and a thirst for vengeance, an odd combination but one that she seems to emit.

"You dropped this. Oh!" she was suddenly surprised by the loud vibration of her phone which she immediately retrieved from her pocket. Without wasting a moment, Dyrroth took the compass that he needs to track down Ruby.

"Thank you." was his reply to the woman who seems to be trying to figure out how her extremely advanced phone works. Dyrroth ignored her and began tinkering with the compass.

"This girl is... She can't be my daughter, could she?... Ruby?" The woman mumbled as she stared at the floating hologram picture someone sent to her. Dyrroth's ears perked in recognition of the name instantly capturing his interest. His sight left the compass and fled towards the hologram where he indeed saw the smiling face of his beloved.

"Miss, where was this taken? This girl is Scarlet, my wife, and I need to find her immediately."

"Oh, your wife? Scarlet is with my husband. He said that he's helping her find her way out of the slums but they're heading to the park where we'll rendezvous. Perhaps it would be better if you walk with me. You might miss her if you leave. They say that they'll be there soon enough." The woman suggested after snapping from her reverie.

"Of course. Thanks." Dyrroth began walking along with the lady who greatly reassembles Ruby.

"I'm Stellaris Althreya Stormborn by the way. And you are?" introduced the lady.

"I'm Magnus Lancaster, just a merchant that frequently travels."

"It's nice to meet you Magnus. You have such a lovely wife. She reminds me of someone I know." Althreya said with melancholy.

It was very far-fetched and highly coincidental but could she be Ruby's real mother? He's still astounded by how identical they look so perhaps he can confirm this theory by asking her a few questions.

"Do you have a daughter named Ruby who you lost 18 years ago? Blonde, green eyes, and the cutest smile in the whole world." Okay, that might be too direct and too personal. Perhaps he should have built up to it before going directly to the point. The woman seems a little surprised by his question but she answered truthfully nonetheless.

"Yes, we were attacked by descendants of Loki who cannot accept that I refused him in matrimony. He was so angry that he took his anger out on my family. So in an attempt to save my daughter, her attendants spirited her away and carried her to safety. I just didn't know if they succeeded or not. I presume that you heard that from the gossips of old noble ladies. Although your second sentence was oddly specific as if you knew my daughter personally. Do you?"

"I just assumed that she would look very much like you. Blonde and all. I'm sure that she's fine and I will make her happy. I mean, I'm sure that she's fine and happy wherever she is."

"I hope so too. So you said that Scarlet is your wife, we're you arranged to be married or is it by choice?"

"Hard to tell. She's in denial that she loves me but tradition dictates that she's my wife because of the bond we share. My parents don't approve of our relationships but there's nothing that I won't do to make sure that she's safe and with me."

"It sounds complicated." commented Althreya as they neared the park which wasn't far from where they met and also quite close to the slums where Ruby is said to be.

"Yeah, it is. I thought meeting her was an accident but now that I fall for her every day, I start believing in fate. The only fated thing to happen in my life is meeting her and falling in love. I didn't even know that I was capable of that."

"I'm sure that everything will work out for you one day if you remain by her side. But a word of advice, women love that their men are caring and selfless when it comes to them but we also do not like being treated like we're incapable. It's good that you worry about her safety but don't be too protective. You should let her grow and invent herself while you remain by her side doing the same thing. Growing together will prevent you from growing apart because both of you will dig deeper roots with a little space between each other."

"Do women always speak in codes? I didn't understand one thing you said."

"Just don't be too much of an obsessively protective husband or she'll leave you."

"Ahh, much simpler. But what if I only want what's best for her?"

"What's best for her is the thing that her heart desires. If what you think what's best won't make her happy then you should talk to her and make her understand your perspective while trying to understand hers. Listening is a two-way thing. You can't have a conversation without hearing each other out."

"I'm always listening to her. Sometimes I just don't do things the way she wants them. I'm stuck between unsure love and absolute duty. Choosing only one might end with me dead or miserable for the rest of my life."

"'Love is the death of duty and duty is the death of love.' A quote I read from Game of Thrones. And a dilemma you seem to be currently at." Ruby's mother is really an enjoyable company due to their great resemblance and similarity in personality. Dyrroth didn't even hesitate to open up to her. Additionally, she's basically his mother-in-law.

"How do I get out of that dilemma?"

"You do your duty while setting some time for your love. You have 24 hours a day and true love survives the trials of time. Women don't need constant attention some just demand it. A wise girl will respect your time and make the most of every moment you spend with her. Of course, you don't need something grand to prove your affection. Eating together, sleeping together, and just spending time with each other develops love deeper than words can tell."

"Thanks. I never knew that I needed a pep talk like this from my mother-in-law nonetheless. I mean from a mother's perspective."

"You'll be fine. Now I guess this is where we'll part ways. Your wife is waving at us." Althreya said pointing towards Ruby who was waving at them beside Gilgamesh, who is most likely her father. What a cruel joke from fate.

Her real family is right in front of her yet she doesn't even know it and the only person who can reveal the truth doesn't want to lose her. If he reveals everything, she'll never want to go back with him and do everything she can to escape the Abyss. He can't lose her.

"Goodbye, Miss Althreya." He bid before running up to the maiden.

"And I'm sorry."

🌹🌹🌹

"

Why were you rushing so much to get away from the couple? I wanted to meet Mr. Stormborn's wife but you suddenly pulled me away and dragged me to a crepe stand without even being hungry. Now I have to eat everything you bought." Ruby complained as they sat together in the park as she ate her crepe while 5 more sweet treats await for her to devour them.

"You don't seem to be having any trouble with that." Dyrroth replied as he watched her in amusement. Ruby looked like a chipmunk trying to stuff her cheeks full for the long winters.

"You're the one troublesome. Chasing a random bird for an accessory, getting yourself in danger, and meeting a probably dangerous stranger." Dyrroth enumerated

"Fine. Let's forget about the whole ordeal and continue with our date. The sun is still up and there are lots of things we can still do. But we should pause since I'm still hungry. Let me finish my crepe."

"Of course. But, I'm just curious. Wanna catch me up on the stuff you've been through since we were separated in the Abyss. I've had numerous reports about your escapade. Your files contain a bunch of dead demons and one exploded salamander. You must have quite the adventure."

"Well, the demons were harassing some tribe near the border of the Fangs so I took them out. I also taught the tribe how to fight so that they'll learn how to defend themselves even if I'm not there." Ruby explained before taking another bite of her crepe.

"Wanna try some?" she offered after noticing him eyeing the dessert a few times. Only, it wasn't the crepe he was eyeing. Dyrroth licked the cream that remained on her cheek making the maiden gasp in surprise. Pink instantly colored her cheek while the demon smirked at her in victory. He fished out a strawberry from her crepe before sensually putting it in his mouth.

"My Ruby, always a hero of the oppressed even to creatures of darkness. So, the salamander. What did it do to you? It was thoroughly destroyed so it must be some fit of rage you've unleashed on that thing?"

"Well, the salamander chased me while I was hunting. The bastard ate the prey I was about to capture so I taught it a lesson." she replied while trying to control her face from blushing.

"Well done, little red. You've earned some amazing feats while we were apart and there I was busy doing the boring stuff. You can't possibly imagine how bored to death I was while you were away. It was fucking lonely without a sexy loli's cute face greeting me in the morning." Dyrroth said flirtatiously as he wrapped his arm around her waist and squished her cheeks with his.

"Uhmm... Personal space. Ever heard of that?"

"Nope. And I don't care. We were apart for 2 months, I really missed you."

"The only thing I missed was the comfortable bed in your room and my cloak. Now, back off." Ruby frowned as she pushed his face away from her which is proving to be a very difficult task.

"Anyways have you seen a real portal that leads to the human world?"

"Will I be with you if I did?"

"Fair point. So, who gave you that pretty pearl that you are so willing to leave me for? I don't remember giving you one or you owning it before. Is that a gift from someone?" And just like that, her heart sank to the bottom as Dyrroth stared at the pearl on her chest with narrowed eyes.

"I-It was a gift from Terizla. It was owned by his daughter Kali. We-- we were friends and he saw it fit to gift it to me as a memento of our friendship."

"It's not really that beautiful. I'll get you a new one that is much suitable for your beauty. You can return it to him."

"I--I..." Ruby bit her lip before swallowing her spit. She took a deep breath before formulating her reply.

"No. It's a gift to me and not you so I get to keep it. If you have any problems with that, then tell that to your demon lawyers while we sign our divorce papers." Ruby didn't miss the way he gritted his teeth in annoyance nor the tightened hold he has on her waist which she had to stop herself from winching.

Her brow raised when the frown on his lips softened to a grin before suddenly forcing his lips on hers. She tried to push him away since they're in a public space but the demon bounded her wrists with one hand while the other held the back of her neck to prevent her from getting away. Her blush intensified when she felt his tongue pushing against her lips seeking entrance to her mouth. Ruby sealed her mouth shut to prevent his entry but this bastard suddenly rubbed and pinched her nipple making her gasp in surprise and unintentionally let him in. His tongue invaded her orifice making her struggle harder however his superior strength made it negligible.

Ruby can barely breathe while her heart hammered loudly in her chest as if wanting to break away from its cage and jump out from her body. Her struggling became weaker as her mind melted to his intimacy and Dyrroth wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer.

It felt like hours before he stopped kissing her and there was even a small crowd that formed to watch them make out. Her face was as red as her cloak when he finally pulled away with a victorious smirk. Ruby wiped the saliva from her lips before glaring at him fiercely. She stood up from the bench and put some distance between them.

"What the fuck?!" she yelled at him before glaring at the crowd which immediately dispersed due to her intimidating look.

"Sorry, not sorry. But how can I control myself when you're being sexy and bossy?"

"I would slap you and then beat you up but be thankful that we're in public and I have an ouch of decency to control myself."

"Be thankful that we're in public or else I would have done something more." retorted the demon which only infuriated her.

"Fuck you." she glared spitefully.

"Oh, I would love to do that."

"I would really like to have a divorce right now. In the first place, we're not officially married. There were no vows, white dresses, nor a fancy ceremony and 'I dos'. Nor are we in love. It's unrequited."

"Deny it all you want but you'll soon give in. I don't mind the chase so much, it makes the game more exciting."

"So I'm just your plaything?" she asked raising her brow questioningly.

"No, you're my wife that needs so much wooing. Anyway, do you want to shop for some more clothes and stuff? I destroyed your old ones and since you're moving in with me again might as well replace it with many more." Dyrroth suggested casually as if their argument didn't even happen.

"Who told you that I'm going back with you?"

"Uhhh, me?" Dyrroth replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Fat chance."

"Well, you can continue living with Terizla but who knows what sort of trouble you'll bring him? Helcurt already visited you and you still have the wounds to prove it. And the village you've been to might, I don't know, suddenly get attacked or something if you don't move in with me."

Ruby paused and stared at him with a blank look.

"Okay, first of all, how did you know that Alice sent Helcurt to take me out yesterday? And second, did you just blackmail me with your own people? How do you expect me to love you if you keep doing nasty things like this? You see, this only proves the obvious." Ruby yelled on the verge of a breakdown.

"And what might that be?"

"That we're not meant to be together. Dyrroth, I'm a hero of justice. I save people, I help them get their happily ever after which I was deprived of. And you," she paused gesturing to him up and down. "You do the opposite of that. You bring death and destruction!"

"I don't like that. I know you like me but... I don't understand what I'm supposed to do when I'm with you. I don't know who am I anymore. I... I just... feel lost." By then, tears began pouring from her eyes without her noticing them.

"I feel trapped. And I don't know if I can ever be free from this Abyss that's been dragging me deeper and deeper till I drown in its darkness." It was obvious that the maiden was having an emotional breakdown that she didn't refuse it when Dyrroth encased her in his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. It seems that whatever restraint she had finally broke and her tears flooded out like a dam bursting.

"I sorry. I'm sorry for doing that to you. I didn't know that you were in so much pain and I was being selfish. I was only thinking about what's going to make me happy without realizing that it's already hurting you. I love you. You know that, and I'm sorry for making you feel like an object which you are not." Dyrroth pulled away but didn't release her from his arms to stare at her face.

"I can't let you go, Ruby. Not just that I don't want to, but because you know too much. And even if I did release you, Alice and Thamuz have set their eyes on you. It was my fault why they're assassinating you. And Thamuz, he was the one who sent Helcurt to beat you up to send me a message. I was so scared when he came back with a lock of your hair that I immediately came to you. I don't know what I'm going to do if something happens to you." Dyrroth brought their foreheads together as he cupped her cheek and gently caressed it with his thumb. Ruby didn't say anything and only listened to him while wiping her tears.

"Ruby, I can't live in a world where you don't exist." And just like that, Ruby herself cupped his cheek and brought their lips together.