Helios had long retreated down the horizon with his splendid chariot and so, the goddess Nyx proudly brandished her brilliant cloak in the heavens. While the humans brightened their cities with candle lights, the stars illuminated the sky with their primordial light. They shone with unparalleled beauty like dazzling gemstones on the cloak of the night goddess.

Martis stared upon the beautiful view of the heavens on one of Ruby's grand verandas with a cup of wine in one hand. He was having his dinner with Datu Lapu-Lapu and Queen Urduja but Ruby is not with them since she has a lot on her plate being a new queen and all. Sorca told him that she would not have her lunch till later in the night. He would have waited for her but his friends invited him to dinner which he cannot refuse due to courtesy.

The two Easterners were laughing at one of Lapu-Lapu's escapades while Martis kept quiet thinking about Ruby and their luncheon earlier.

"Martis, what took you so long to visit? I've been sending you several letters but you never responded to them. I was beginning to think that you don't miss me at all." Ruby mumbled with a pout as she poked her salad.

Martis sighed as he rummaged through his satchel. "Because you wrote them in Runic, an alphabet I couldn't understand. I tried to translate them but I'm not very good with it, so I had to resort to using one of your spells." he said as he handed her the letters.

The letters were written by Runa and Alaska while she dictated the message. Ruby realized that they don't know how to write using the alphabet and she never really checked what they wrote due to how busy she was. They only learned it recently to help her manage Raizenhal.

Well, this certainly explains the misunderstanding.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Martis. It was my fault. I was so busy that I didn't bother checking them." Ruby said with a blush.

"I would like to ask for some compensation for the trouble of worrying myself to death. I thought they were threatening letters or even ransom letters, so I was extremely troubled for weeks because of them."

"Wh-what compensation would you like?"

"If you have free time, I would like to spar with you. To see if you really have improved along the way."

"A spar? Sure, of course."

"If you must know, Lady Mother's abilities are impeccable. I carried her on my back during the siege so I witnessed first hand how formidable she was even without using her godly prowess." Fragarax commented as he tore a piece of meat using his bare hands before eating leisurely.

"I do not doubt that." Martis replied as he eyed the wolf.

Fragarax has been quiet for a while, casually listening in on their conversation. It was obvious that he is still wary of Martis so he's keeping his guard up. Ruby had seen him occasionally touching the handle of his sword only to grasp air. She had initially ordered them to leave their weapons before entering the room.

"Oh, so you figured out how to make Raven Polaris. But a falcon instead of a raven. I guess it does seem more like your style." she said, changing the subject.

"Yes, and I see that you learned how to use magic without Fenrir's guidance. Well played. That ice block you used to stop the fight was very lethal. If it was anyone slower they may have been crushed to death."

"Do you really have to bring that up?" grumbled Ruby.

After that, their lunch progressed peacefully and amicably. Martis and Fragarax shared a few words but Ruby was the main source of conversation.

It was so heartwarming to see her again. To see her smiling. To see her blushing. To see her getting annoyed and being annoying. It was so nostalgic. Even though they've only spent a few months together in Devas, Martis feels that Ruby's vibrant personality is an important part of his everyday life.

He sighed.

Although she is much younger than he is, he can't really take his mind off of her. His heart yearned for her for so long and no matter what reason or command he told himself, there was nothing he could do to cure himself from loving her. And so his heart really broke every time she talked about Dyrroth with a forlorn gaze. The melancholy that accentuated her beautiful face was heartbreaking.

A blasphemous part of him celebrates the fact that Dyrroth is incapacitated which means that he can have Ruby all for himself. But his brotherhood with Dyrroth surpasses that greed. His honor and his pride trample any malicious thoughts. He will not stoop so low as to sweep her off her feet now that she's unguarded. If Ruby will ever be with him, then it will be her own choice. No schemes, no grand plans.

"Martis. Martis. Are you okay?" Lapu-Lapu asked as he shook his hand in front of him to capture his attention. The Eastern chieftain looks like he is already drunk and his words are beginning to slur. His cheeks are flushed and his eyes are a bit unsteady. Martis noticed that a few jugs are already empty. He suddenly remembered that these islanders are very heavy drinkers.

"I'm fine. What's the matter?" he replied, snapping out of his thoughts.

"You've been distant. Spacing out. Are you still tired of your journey? You know you can excuse yourself if you're fatigued. Also, to save yourself from Lapu-Lapu's boring jokes." Queen Urduja informed as she directed him with a worried smile.

"I'm fine, it's just... I'm worried about Ruby." he answered, sighing a little as he lowered his head.

"Why? She's doing so well. I don't see any cause for concern." commented the datu, furrowing his brows.

"The ruling stuff is difficult even if you've been preparing all your life for it. She wasn't, and she's still slaying it. I don't understand why you are distressed over the matter." added the queen.

(Martis:)"She's still a child and yet this big responsibility is already placed on her shoulders. Leading an army, sustaining it, planning an attack, ruling a kingdom, and to top it off her... partner is incapacitated at the moment. I'm worried that with all of these things happening at once, she might come undone. She's been through so much... I trust her but I don't trust the situation."

(Queen Urduja:) "She's doing all of this for Dyrroth. She's doing all of this for love. For the person who values her more than anything else in the world. If it was me I would have done the same no matter the circumstances."

(Lapu-Lapu:)"She chose to make a stand instead of sitting around and waiting. That takes a lot of guts."

(Queen Urduja:)"Yes, doing nothing can be hard. Especially if you have to put your complete trust in the situation and other people. But doing something and doing the right thing is the true challenge."

"She's not built for this kind of life but she's doing it anyway to protect her love. You know, I saw her hand shaking from time to time. It's obvious that she's overwhelmed but I've never heard her complain a single time. She can say that it's hard, she can say that she's suffering but she doesn't. She's putting on her brave face and showing the world that she's unconquerable." Martis said with a melancholic smile.

"That's what makes her so admirable." he whispered.

"Do you doubt her, Martis?"

"No, I believe in her. She has us now and she has her new friends. It would be impossible for her to fail now that I am by her side."

"Such arrogance. You know what, I'm drunk but I have an idea to make you feel better and maybe even help the little queen. Ruby's birthday is coming up, I heard those dogs talking about it, and we should bring her a gift. What better gift could we bring her other than the safety of her lover Dye-root was it? Is he some kind of colorful tree?"

"I believe it's Dyrroth, brother."

"Yeah, whatever. I know that it might be a hoax but why don't we take a little risk and try to capture the Ibong Adarna to make it heal Ruby's plant husband."

"He's a demon, not a plant, brother. You've had one too many drinks. Your logic and memory are a mess. Martis, ignore him. He doesn't know what he's saying. He's had a barrel of Ruby's wine. The thing is sweet and delicious but it is extremely intoxicating."

"I get that."

"I was talking about the wine but clearly you have someone else in mind."

"Urduja, do you think that the story holds some truth? That the bird could really heal all wounds and illnesses?"

"I'm not sure. It is a fable but it does hold some truth about its capabilities. It can turn people into stone if it defecates but its magical healing properties are untested. I wouldn't risk it. I've told this to Ruby earlier and I discouraged her too. It might be the propaganda of the other tribes so it's not very advisable. Plus the warriors who sought it never returned. Even the best ones of mine."

"Well, I am a demigod. Perhaps things will be different for me."

"You're really willing to risk it? Even without certainty?"

"I won't be alone. I can use Lapu-Lapu as bait or as a sacrifice. Right, my friend?"

"He's passed out."

"He'll come around."

"There's no point in dissuading you if you've made up your mind. Fine, I will have someone guide you. You still have that magical knife of yours, don't you? If you sail to our islands then it would take you weeks or even months but with your tool, it will be instantaneous."

"Yes, I have it. The only places it can't access are those with magical fields surrounding them like Ruby's castle. Does your island have something like that?"

"The witches might, so you better stay out of their territory. You can drop off in our village to be safe. Tawalisi is the last known location of the bird. It might still be there if you're lucky."

"Then I will tell Ruby about my journey tomorrow."

"Are you sure? The wounds you got during your travels are still healing. Their magic might have closed them but you know very well that you are not in the best condition to travel again."

"I know but if I delay longer, then the bird might fly off further. By then, the journey will be longer and more perilous."

"You have a point there. Well, I will begin the preparations tomorrow. I suggest you leave after a few days. Give yourself a break and give me some time to set everything to make your journey easier. You should also write to your sister. She'll be worried about you."

"I know."

🌹

"Mom, we finished the draft for the schools you wanted to build. The architects already handed me the blueprints of the buildings you instructed them to design. I think it needs a little polishing but it's your decision. The scholars and I already finished the curriculum structure and the budget needed for the implementation of the project. Oh, I also accounted for the salary of the teachers and miscellaneous." Aethros informed as he submitted the papers to her desk.

"Thank you, Aethros. You may rest now."

"Your majesty, if I may boldly ask. Why would you give free education to the people? The nobles are paying expensive money for their children's education but the plebians can get it for free? Doesn't seem very logical to me. Shouldn't you also charge them a fee for education?" asked one of the magisters in her court.

"When my grandma retired from being a huntress, she became a teacher instead. She always told me that literacy and education are very important to effectively function in society. 'Knowledge is a treasure that no one can steal.' (Unless you commit plagiarism then that is intellectual theft)." Ruby began as she browsed through the papers Aethros submitted.

"Gomharra left us a lot of money from exploiting its people. I am only returning it to them in a way that would last longer than any material thing. If the people are smart and educated then they won't be preyed on so easily. Plus, I want the children to have a shot at liberating themselves from poverty so they can get decent jobs and refrain from turning to evil ways like stealing and stuff. It's not a foolproof plan but I think it might work."

"You are a very magnanimous ruler, my queen. I'm sure that Raizenhal is blessed with you on its throne." said the politician.

"Thank you. By the way, has anyone seen Sorca lately? I haven't seen her for quite a while now. She's usually the one to bring me important reports."

"Commander Sorca is busy with preparations regarding a top-secret mission. She doesn't even tell us the simplest of details. Do you want me to find out what it is, lady mother?" offered Alaska as she stacked papers.

"No, let's give her some privacy. It might be for her anniversary with Areignee."

"As you wish."

"Lady mother, we have completed most of the important things for the kingdom. Perhaps we can continue tomorrow so that you can finally rest. You need more sleep or else you might not grow another inch." Runa suggested teasingly.

"Well, you're right. I need to go to bed. It's already past 12. Can you clean up by yourself?"

"Yes, we'll handle it. Fragarax should escort you now. We wish you the best of dreams." replied Runa with a charming smile. Ruby finds the chestnut-haired wolf girl very adorable making her smile back.

"Oh, before I forget. Can you find me the finest lamb in the kingdom tomorrow?"

"May I ask for what purpose? Is your meal earlier not to your liking? I swear those human chefs are no good. Should I hire new people?" Alaska questioned.

"No, no, it's nothing like that. I would like to dedicate it to Lady Skadi. She's been very generous with me today. I'm thinking of praying to her tomorrow. Oh, and make a small shrine where I can offer her the sheep."

"To Lady Skadi? Ah, she is an excellent warrior giantess. I see. Yes, I shall do as you said. Please leave it to us."

"Okay, goodnight everyone. Don't overwork yourself tonight." Ruby said as she left the room to return to her chamber.

After the maids cleaned her body and dressed her in fresh clothes, Ruby fell asleep almost instantaneously. Her body was very tired along with her mind. It seems that the confrontation between Martis and Fragarax really caused a huge toll on her body. That is why she failed to detect the sinister presence dwelling in her room.

"Little queen. Little queen. Come to your senses now. We don't have much time to spare here." said a deep echoing voice. It was deep and somehow sinister. It was not Fenrir's cold and somewhat sexy voice. It was darker and a bit more unrefined.

"What?" Ruby mumbled when she was finally able to open her eyes.

She was astounded to find herself in a strange place instead of her room. She was in a massive hall bathed in the purple flames of the braziers. It had a dark theme like Gothic and Demonic Architectures combined. It seems to say "I am the castle of the evil villain" or "this is the abode of the merciless tyrant".

"Ruby, right on time." said the person in front of her.

"Who are you?"

She saw a very tall man with long silver hair and the most terrifying crimson eyes. He was very pale as if the sun has never graced his skin making her debate whether he is a vampire or a ghoul. The third thing she noted was his clothing. He was clad in a splendid grey tunic with snakeskin patterns that are somehow familiar. He also wore a silver circlet, a torc, and other accessories that are shaped like a snake with amethyst stones doting them. She will admit that he is very handsome and attractive with his stylish clothes and well defined cheek bones but something about him feels uncanny.

"What are you saying? We just met earlier and we met a few weeks before that."

"I don't... Remember you. Have we really met before?"

"Hint: I am your docile friend Lyca."

"Jormungand!! You're the giant snake!!! FENRIR!!! FENRIR!!! HELP MEEEEEEE!" Ruby screamed in realization. She knows that she can't beat him but if Fenrir can hear her then he can help her.

"Relax. I'm not going to hurt you. If I do anything to harm his favorite plaything, then my good-for-nothing brother will kill me for all eternity. He is the embodiment of spite that blasted dog. He wasn't even trying earlier."

"..."

Ruby doesn't trust him. Not at all but she can't do anything to help herself unless she listens to him.

"What do you want, Lord Jörmungand?" she said glaring at him fiercely.

"I told you that I would give you a gift. I'm not one to break my promises."

"What is this gift you are talking about, Lord Jörmungand?"

"What your heart truly desires."

"What my heart... Truly desires?"

"Come now, child. Hela must not see you."

"Hela? The goddess of death? Then that means that we're in Helheim! You killed me!" Ruby exclaimed as she paled in realization.

"No. I just borrowed your soul. I told you that I wouldn't harm you because that bastard dog is going to torture me for all eternity. I will admit that I am very powerful, but there is a reason why I was merely exiled while he was chained heavily with the strongest materials on the Seven Realms."

"So Fenrir is basically stronger than you and you're afraid of him so you won't hurt me?"

"I am not afraid of him! I am simply being cautious. I have infinite lives to spare, yes, but I do not want to spend them being tortured. Now, follow me. This is not a place you want to get lost in. The hounds are hungry for human flesh."

"Hounds?" Ruby asked as she began to follow him. She doesn't trust him but she also doesn't want to get lost in this peculiar place.

"Hela's pets. You must not encounter them. They are ravenous beasts hungered for living flesh. They are only fed rotting meat so they seek something more delicious. If you don't want to be their next meal then keep close until I deliver you to his room."

"His room?"

"You're quite dense, aren't you? It's adorable that you don't have Fenrir's devious mind but your naiveness is quite annoying. Obviously, I'm bringing you to Dyrroth's room. He is honored here, Hela favors him. Didn't Fenrir tell you that he was fighting for his life in gladiatorial bouts?" Ruby had a spiteful comeback but decided to hold it in.

"He did tell me that Dyrroth is in Helheim. But why are you bringing me here? What's your motive?"

"I was going to visit my beautiful sister and I thought that I would bring you along to see your boyfriend or whatever. Consider this as my gift. You don't need to be so cynical. You will return to the mortal realm once the morning comes so don't worry about getting stuck here. Even if you do, Fenrir is frequently here nowadays so he'll help you even if you get stuck."

"I see..." Ruby replied while looking around.

She noted several moving tapestries about morbid things like a whole boat filled with warriors being swallowed by a giant snake, probably Jörmungand. There's also a tapestry about Fenrir's binding where he bit off Tyr's hand. And she thought she passed by a depiction of her slaying the wolves of Vanargand.

She almost paused in front of the biggest mantle.

'Gods of Death: Queen Hela vs Anubis'

The texts were in Runic but she read them perfectly well thanks to Fenrir's shared intelligence. It depicted a very terrifying yet beautiful woman battling a dog-headed god with a man's body. The god wore only a white tunic so most of his beautiful muscular body was exposed and he was... so fricking hot.

His hotness was almost nostalgic, like a demon who always forces her to touch his abs.

"Lord Jörmungand? What are you doing here?" A familiar-sounding voice captured their attention.

Ruby's eyes widened as she saw him. The face of her most beloved person.

"Dyrroth?"