"This will probably be the last time I get to see you for a very long time. I'm going to miss you two." Ruby said as she hugged her grandparents. She was so glad and so sad at the same time. Her heart was heavy. She doesn't want to leave them but she can't stay either. She had so many things to tell them so many unspoken words that her heart had carried through the years after their passing and even before that.

They were her light and she was theirs. She was their granddaughter. She IS their granddaughter...

She doesn't know which words to speak first. Doesn't know if she should even speak them. Her heart is so sad like a melancholic flower being blown by the midnight wind.

"We're going to miss you too, apple pie," Restina replied holding her close. Her grandmother's voice pacified the chaos in her chest albeit lightly. She always finds solace in the comfort that they bring. She doesn't know how she even managed to survive so long without them. They were her whole world and for the longest time, they were the only people who had ever loved her so unconditionally.

Her grandmother lifted her chin and made her face her. "I want you to know that I'm very proud of the woman you've become." Ruby could feel the tears beginning to sting her eyes. These were the words she didn't know she needed to hear that healed the child in her heart. She pressed her lips together to stifle the cry that wanted to erupt from her throat. "We never blamed you for what happened to us so please learn to forgive yourself. You are our treasure and nothing you do will ever change that." At that, Ruby could no longer stop the stream of tears from her eyes. Her lips quivered and erupted into a cry of emancipation. She felt like a woman given divine amnesty. A heavy weight seems to have been lifted from her shoulders and the shackles of guilt rang loudly as it shattered to the ground.

Oscar smiled while wiping away her tears. A gentle smile decorated his lips. His eyes were glossy, he was obviously restraining his own tears. He was always an empath. He felt her pain in his own heart. He felt her sorrow and melancholy as well as her rapture.

"Right. And now you know who your real parents are. I can't believe that our baby is a duchess! I'm so excited for you to meet them."

"Sorry, we couldn't find them for you when we were alive. Our old bones weren't competent enough to return you home and for 17 years we've taken you away from your real parents." Oscar added giving her an awkward smile. He did feel guilty about that for some time but that guilt was always buried under the joy of having to witness her growth and progress.

"Don't say that, grandpa! I wouldn't change a thing about what happened! I'm so proud that you were the one who raised me. You made me the person I am today. I'm going to meet my parents one day but I promise I'll never forget you two. Never in a million years." Ruby hugged them again, wiping the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay? I can fight really good you know."

"We know, apple pie but this isn't your battle. You've done so much already. I think that the mission the wolf gave for you here is over. Now, it's our turn to save our goddess, our people, and our home."

"Okay, I'm going but please be careful. Take care of each other and please... Don't disappear."

"We won't. We'll be waiting for you here once your journey is over so please apple pie live a long and happy life with your husband."

"And if he pisses you off send him our way. Poison is a sure way to enter Helheim."

"Grandpa!"

"I'm just kidding, apple pie." Oscar chuckled making Ruby smile "Maybe."

🌹

"I wasn't much of a help and now I'm leaving when the going gets tough." Dyrroth rubbed the back of his neck feeling slightly flustered by the sudden turn of events.

"You've done enough to earn a big mansion in my realm. I won't forget this. Once I win, all livestock owned by you and your wife will die. That's how you know that I won because I will be throwing a massive feast for everyone. Your treat of course. Make sure to offer a cake to me and Garm once you return or I'll smite you." replied Hela. Around them, a legion of fierce soldiers gathered. Well maybe not fierce but driven. After all, Helheim is the land of the dishonorable dead but is it really dishonorable to not die in battle? Perhaps their redemption can only be found by fighting for the homes that they built for themselves. The homes their queen helped them build.

These people had a home to protect. Many of them only found such a home after their lifetimes ended.

"Yes, I will order the best cake for you, Queen Hela."

"I am not a goddess of protection like that smelly feline but I bless that you will evade Death as much as you can until your time is up. May you live a long and healthy life with your wife. And if possible try to die of natural causes, it would make an incredibly interesting century with the two of you here. Take care of that wife of yours. I won't be able to watch you all the time but if you mess up, I'll throw you in the coldest pit of Nifleheim. She's a great girl so make her happy."

"I will. But before that, I believe that this belongs to you." Dyrroth handed Anubis' staff back to her and Hela held it with care and reverence.

"Thank you for taking care of it. I'll make sure that it returns to its rightful owner. The battle will be tough but he's worth it."

"I don't really pray but I have faith in you. I know that you'll win so please give Ruby and me a nice retirement plan."

"Fine. A mansion, six goats, eighteen chickens, three cows, a fish pond, and some servants. Good enough for you?"

"Yes."

"I will miss you, my champion. It looks like Fenrir won in this round. No matter, your soul would belong to me later anyway."

"Oh, about that... What about my body? Will I really be able to survive even if my soul gets out of here?"

"Your heart stopped so technically you already died but if the song of that bird, Adarna, can reach you before your body fails, then you will live for several more decades."

"I see. Will you really be okay once we leave?"

"Do you doubt me?" Hela smirked playfully making him chuckle.

"No, but the odds are unpredictable. Even the strongest demons died, and even the gods failed. You only need to say the word and I'll stay and fight alongside you. So will Ruby and Hrod. We are at your command."

"I appreciate the concern but I can handle this. Besides, you have your own battles to fight. Your realm needs you to keep it together or else if you wake up later you might find that everything you worked hard for is already gone." Dyrroth knew there was a semblance of her own situation to her words to him.

"Ah, I forgot about that. The power struggle of the Abyss is a fierce battle... But I enjoy it. Nothing keeps you more alive than playing with death."

"Well, you are correct on that. Now then, I think it is time for you to depart. Darkness is upon us and it is time for me to organize my forces and take back everything that was stolen from me."

"May the rivers flow red with the blood of your enemies."

"Is that how you say good luck in the Abyss? I quite like it."

"Step-Dyrroth, are you ready? Mom's waiting for you." Hrod asked interrupting their conversation.

"And you, little pest. Don't stress your mother out the way you stressed me in your youth or I will personally skin you alive. I raised you better than a wild mutt."

"Of course, Auntie. I'm mom's best son." Hrod replied trying his best to look dignified.

🌹

"Bye, everyone!!! I love you all and I wish you the best!!!" Ruby waved goodbye to the people gathered to see them off. The people from her village were especially ecstatic to see her return to their world. They would patiently await her return and ask for the stories she would collect on her life. Grandma Res and Grandpa Ozzy were trying their best to not be emotional but Grandpa Ozzy broke down in tears with Grandma Ress trying to comfort him.

The dwarves who helped them waved at them enthusiastically while Regn played a farewell tune for them. Sigfried stood on a corner and nodded them off with Baset who was happily waving at them.

"Are you ready?" Ruby asked standing beside Dyrroth. The demon simply nodded and took her hand in his.

Ruby summoned the rare artifact from her pendant and uttered a spell Hela taught her. When she opened her eyes, verdant flame danced on her pupils. Green runes appeared and encased the three of them. It surrounded them in a bright barrier of vitality. The light grew brighter, and the air felt warmer but it did not burn them. They all sensed a tether connecting them with the living world and it was being pulled by a mysterious force.

"I'll see you on the other side," Dyrroth whispered making her smile faintly.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Their eyes met and they both knew the truth of their words. The fear in their hearts was tamed by a mysterious serenity. They're not sure what's going to happen but at least they're doing it together and it seems to be enough.

"I love you three," Hrod added.

The life Jörmungandr gave led them back home. They shot through the sky like a comet exploring the universe.

Soon they left Helheim and burst from the frozen ground of the surface world like flowers in spring. One comet was divided into three, one heading south and two heading west. Dyrroth's soul flew through the heavens seeking his body resting in the Abyss. He wanted to cry out Ruby's name and to chase her but he knew that they would meet again.

Ruby and Hrod on the other hand flew over the lush trees of the Dark Forest where the beasts gazed into the sky seeing a flicker of light. They soared through the cobalt-colored towers of Lumina City where the Lightborn Knights patrolled. Soon they found themselves passing through the dazzling spires of Eruditio where a certain blonde marksman wished upon the shooting stars.

Faster and faster they went, crossing borders faster than the wind. They saw new lands, witnessed strange events, and observed a lot of people.

They passed the red desert of the west where Esmeralda raised a brow at the strange phenomenon of two shooting stars side by side. Soon enough the ziggurats of Devas came into view where Lady Shura would be praying along with her fellow priestesses. The scenes became more and more familiar as the moments passed by. They saw the mountain where they first camped, the forest where they gathered for their first battle, and finally, they saw the walls of Raizenhal.

It was only a few days but seeing the city feels like it's been years since she last saw their newfound home. The wolves would be waiting for them ready to welcome them with open arms. She can't wait to tell them all about her adventures.

🌹

Thankfully the spell came with a safety landing and they landed on the roof of the palace. Without even waiting, Ruby carried Hrod jumped down to a balcony, and ran into the hallway. The wolves were startled when they saw her but they followed her nonetheless. Ruby ran down the spiraling staircases, through narrow corridors, inside the lavishly decorated chambers.

She needs to see how Dyrroth is doing. By now he should be back to his body but without proper protection and the powers of the Ibong Adarna, he could end up in danger again.

She needs to find Sorca, Fragarax, and Lyubim.

🌹

After asking around and running through the castle with her wolf children in tow, Ruby finally found Sorca who was in a meeting with her squad and some of the wolf leaders. Everyone was surprised to see her but the demoness immediately ran to her and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"Where have you been? I was worried sick! Do you know how many wrinkles I got because of your little escapade?" scolded the demoness.

Ruby took some time to catch her breath before talking to Sorca. "Sorry, Sorca no time to explain. We need to get to Dyrroth! We need to protect him. He's about to wake up!"

"What? How did you know that Martis and Skoll are on the way with the Ibong Adarna?"

"They are? That's great! Then there's no time to waste, Sorca! Let's take Lyubim and get back to the Abyss."

"I will arrange the forces and set you up with a decent size to go with you to the Abyss. We can't let you go without protection after hearing about the current state of the place without Lord Stepfather's control." Fragarax said.

"Thank you, you're so reliable, Fragarax" The wolf nodded flattered by his mother's compliment.

"We'll take care of the things here while you take care of Prince Dad," Runa reassured.

"Don't worry, mom! We'll protect Lord of Dadness for you so you don't have to worry." Ronan added giving her a thumbs up, his tail wagging behind him.

'Wow, my babies came up with so many nicknames for Dyrroth. I wonder how he'll react once he meets the pack.' thought Ruby with amusement.

After some planning and organizing, Ruby was finally sent on her way. She rode on Lyubim's back while Sorca and her trusted squad rode on the other winged wolves. Fragarax trailed after them on foot along with many other wolf warriors. They moved swiftly and efficiently like the apex predators that they are. Within some hours they crossed hundreds of
miles not yielding one bit.

Ruby had entrusted the safety of Raizenhal to Runa and her other wolf leaders. She knew that they could hold the fort and keep it safe from any threats. With her strong and smart children, she's not too worried about the fate of her city. She believes that they're in good hands.

Ruby was still a bit bothered by the events that happened in Helheim. All the new confusing and conflicting information she learned from Hela was making her head spin. There were so many questions racing through her brain but with no way of asking them with the goddess of death. Her existence right now feels surreal. She doesn't know if everything happening right now is real or not.

Is the strong wind hitting her face real? Is the sound of Layubim's wing real? Is she really back to the mortal world? Is Dyrroth going to be okay? So many uncertainties but she needs to focus on what she wants right now.

She's going to see Dyrroth again...

It won't be too long... She just needs to enter through the gates that connect to the Abyss and she'll be back in Chadis in no time. Dyrroth would be waiting for her. He'll be alive and well and they'll tell each other what happened in Helheim. They'll laugh about it and finally... They can be whole.

Ruby's heart raced as she neared the Abyss, her mind filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The journey had been swift, but the weight of what lay ahead felt heavier with each passing moment. She clung to the hope that Dyrroth would be safe, that they would soon be reunited.

As they approached the darkened entrance to the Abyss, a sense of foreboding washed over Ruby. The air felt heavier, charged with an energy that prickled her skin. Yet, she pressed forward, her determination unwavering.

Sorca and her squad were by her side, their presence a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainty. Fragarax's reassuring presence bolstered her resolve, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this endeavor.

With Lyubim leading the way, they descended into the depths of the Abyss, the darkness swallowing them whole. Ruby's heart hammered in her chest as they navigated the winding passages, each step bringing them closer to their destination.

Some demons blocked their path instantly hostile after seeing forces charging out of nowhere. Conflict broke out and the wolves and demons clashed blades. Still, they pressed forward. The strongest and fastest wolves cleared the path ahead while Sorca's squad guarded their back.

The Abyss seems stranger and different after so long without Dyrroth's influence. With its prince incapacitated, the power vacuum allowed ambitious demons to ran rampant with the desire to usurp his power leading to more chaos and bloodshed than before. War and desolation seem to have ravaged every part of the city. Lowlifes and ravagers have found some advantages in the disarray.

Ruby wondered if everything would return to normal. But given that it's the Abyss, what exactly is normal? She herself doesn't know.

They reached the palace in Chadis, barging through the winding hallways and heavy doors startling the maids and servants. Finally, they reached the chamber where Dyrroth lay, his body still and unmoving. Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she reached out to him.

Martis and Skoll were already there and they had the Ibong Adarna in a cage. The bird began to sing. Its voice is both beautiful and enigmatic. Everyone who heard its song was immediately mesmerized as if they were caught in an enchantment.

Mystical powers burned in the air. Magic glowed with its ethereal light bringing hope and awe into their fear-stricken hearts.

Dyrroth's complexion was pale. His cheeks were devoid of vigor and life. His body mass had shrunk as a result of malnourishment. The hollowness made him look almost like one of the dried corpses in Anubis' sarcophagus. His body was still as dead. Without the slow rising and falling of his chest one would assume him dead. Darkness had rotted his flesh on the area where he was struck with a divine curse. It looked and smelled awful. The mere sight made Ruby turn with pity and sorrow.

The moment the Adarna's song poured into the world, life was breathed back into his face. Slowly, the magic revitalized his body washing over him like a golden tide of healing. It repaired what was broken and healed what was hurt. Little by little, he was returning to his old self.

When the song ended, the Adarna perched on its cage, raising its head with pride.

"Dyrroth," Ruby whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, wake up."

For a moment, there was only silence, the weight of their collective hope hanging in the air. Then, slowly, Dyrroth stirred, his eyelids fluttering open as consciousness returned to him.

Ruby's heart soared as she met his gaze, relief flooding through her like a tidal wave. In that moment, everything else faded away—the doubts, the fears, the uncertainties. All that mattered was the person before her, alive and well.

"Dyrroth," she breathed, a smile spreading across her face. "You're awake."

He blinked, his gaze softening as he reached out to her. "Ruby," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. "I missed you."

Tears welled in Ruby's eyes as she leaned in, her lips meeting his in a tender kiss. In that moment, surrounded by the darkness of the Abyss, they found solace in each other's embrace, their love transcending the barriers of life and death.

And as they embraced there, together at last, Ruby knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their love and determination. For as long as they had each other, they had everything they needed to overcome whatever challenges the future might hold.

"We have so much to talk about. But first, meet our children."

The wolves happily crowded over their step-father, eager to introduce themselves and hear the stories they brought from the Underworld. Sorca made her way through the barricade of excited wolves and bowed her head to her prince. Tears were welling in her eyes as the happiness to see her friend revived overtook her control.

"Welcome home, my lord. I kept my promise. I made sure Ruby knows every day...how much you love her."

"Thank you, Sorca. You're the best  blood sister a demon could ask for."

"We're all finally together!" Ruby exclaimed as she hugged the two of them.

"Glad to be back, tiny wife." Dyrroth grinned. "Now, who's up for killing ambitious wannabes?"

Note:

Blood sister/brother: A companion that is not always related to you by blood but someone who you've shed blood within the battlefield.

AHHHHHH!! We're finally back!!! We're near the end! Sorry for the long wait school and other stuff came up but we're in this together till the very end.