Ruby sat inside her dimly lit workshop staring at a long black box. In her left hand, she held a spherical glass bottle with a glowing red liquid inside. Her tired golden orbs traveled to the red substance in her hand. She wanted to smash the bottle to the ground, set it ablaze, and spat on it but what help can that do in her current situation.

The potion in her hand is an Anti-Love potion, she created a reserve just in case she needed it. Truth be told, she didn't know how to make such a potion even though she was the one who promised to make one for Lesley so she had to start tedious research from scratch. She worked day and night to create the perfect spell to manifest the potion that she needed. She encountered many failures every day but she never gave up nor stopped because her freedom and her future depends on that potion.

Dyrroth would bang at her door almost every hour to convince her to get out and take care of herself but she would just lock him out and shush him with a spell. She became paler and weaker every day as she slit her wrist and gather her blood to use for the spell.

She had died once due to overworking but when she woke up, the answers came to her and she perfected the spell. She was able to figure out that hate is not the opposite of love but apathy therefore she had to gather the essence of someone who lacks empathy or human emotions and the only ones who possess such traits are the dead. Since she is not in a good relationship with Vexana her best option is Faramis. The warlock is reasonable enough to give her the manifestation of apathy but for a fair price. Since he knew that she is immortal, he asked for nine of her lives which Ruby willingly gave even if it meant that she had to die nine times.

When all the materials that she needs were gathered, it only took her less than a day to create the potion. Ruby held the bottle triumphantly in her fingers however her head spun with clouded visions and her body gave out due to lack of nutrition. Dyrroth broke down the door just in time to catch her collapse and prevent her from dying once more. He nursed her back to health and never left her side as she lay weak in bed. He even read her stories since he learned how to read to entertain her. He was the one who bathed her and changed her clothes and he did it without malice. Due to his tender love and care, Ruby was able to heal pretty quickly, especially since he supplied her with his magic to speed up her recovery.

Lesley proved to be an excellent tool. She had returned three weeks after her visit, bringing back with her Excalibur in all of its excellent glory and Ruby had kept her side of the bargain by providing her the potion that she needed to get back her lover. It should have been a triumph for her, the Sword of Promised Victory lies in front of her after all allowing her to take a large step forward in freeing herself from the curse he had set upon her. But why is it difficult to feel triumphant? Why is she less happy now that she's closer than ever to her goal?

Lesley knelt before Ruby presenting her with a long black box bearing the sword. She was covered in wounds and scratches, her clothes are in tatters, and her riffle had been destroyed. She came very early in the morning making Dyrroth alarmed so he attacked her to protect his mistress. Ruby luckily came out before he can engage in combat with the marksman who was already in a poor condition and gave her a revitalizing potion.

"My queen. I deliver you the symbol of your reign and your heritage. Excalibur is yours. Victory is now in your hands." Lesley declared as she presented the sword to the witch.

Ruby couldn't believe it at first but when she finally opened the box she was no longer able to doubt its authenticity. Truly did the marksman bring back the sword, Ruby instantly felt it calling for her, coaxing her to hold it in her hand and reclaim it as a Pendragon. She had rejoiced when her hand gripped the handle feeling it claim her as its wielder and in her blind joy, she had happily given Lesley the potion, forgetting what her action entails for her beloved friend.

"You did incredible, Lesley. You may rise." Ruby said as she held the sword with a victorious smile on her face. "As I've told you. I am no queen. I am just a witch of the Dark Forest and I keep my end of the bargain." Ruby handed Lesley a bottle with a crimson liquid in it. The marksman brightened and accepted the potion as tears started to swell from her eyes.

"With this Gusion and I will finally..." Tears began falling from her eyes as she looked at the small bottle in her hand that she held with utmost care.

"Thank you. Thank you so much!" she cried looking really happy at the witch while tears fall profusely from her eyes. A pitying smile stretched across the witch's face. She feels guilty that the person she had wronged is thanking her but she also can't help but be happy to see her companion find her happiness.

Even though it shall be the grief of someone who she loves...

Ruby weakly moved her free hand and caressed the blade of the sword lying inside the velvet-covered box. She can feel the power of the blade by merely being in the same room as it. Even after hundreds of years of being parted from a Pendragon, the holy blade that protected the land still shined like it had newly been forged while rust and decay never seem to grace the metal of the sword.

Ruby is in her workshop again and hadn't left it since she received the Sword earlier this morning. Dyrroth would always try to break down the door but this time she was able to reforge it with a spell to keep him out. She's not planning on killing herself again, she's just contemplating what move to best take right now. She is ignorant of the events unfolding outside of her small four-cornered world only occasionally hearing Dyrroth bang on her door and leave meals outside the room which she never ate.

She released a sigh and covered the box. She stood up and finally turned to leave however when she reached the door frame she looked back at the box bearing the sword with a pained expression.

"I'm sorry, mother... for becoming an evil woman."

🥀🥀🥀

She ascended the steps leading to the kitchen and found out that it was already nighttime when she gazed out of the window. Her stomach growled in hunger so she decided to see what she can find in her kitchen. She found a soup already prepared on the stove so she took a bowl and poured herself some. She paired it with bread and a glass of wine as she dined alone at the table.

It's been quite a while since she dined with Dyrroth. He must still be angry at her for locking him out and not listening to him. She wonders where he is right now since she can't hear anything in the house besides the noise of the crickets and the hooting of the owls.

She dumped her dishes on the sink and allowed them to clean themselves while she took a bath in the hot spring. She didn't linger very long in the bath since her body is pretty tired and she wanted to take a bit of rest. She wrapped herself in a white towel before ascending to her room on the second floor. Her wet body dripped water on the floor but she didn't mind it. The house can clean itself.

While passing through the hallway of the second floor she came across Dyrroth's room and noticed his door quite a jar. She heard his voice narrating something. Curiosity got the best of her so she took a little peek at his activity. What she saw melted her heart. Manticat was tucked in Dyrroth's bed and the demon himself lay beside the familiar with a book in his hand. He read the story to the little cat monster who listened with drowsy eyes meowing a comment once in a while.

A smile made its way to Ruby's lips due to the precious scene. Dyrroth looked so serene and calm as he spends his time with her cat. His tone is gentle and the action doesn't seem forced nor inconvenient for him. The sight made her think of them as a father putting his child to sleep and the thought made her giggle softly. Ruby listened in a little more relishing the adorable sight.

"'The Lord of the Underworld is a very feared man. He never had any true friends nor family or lovers because he only brings sadness and death that's why everyone detests him but he is not truly evil. He's just lonely and in need of some love so when he saw the beautiful golden-haired Spring maiden, the complete opposite of him who brings life after the deathly cold of Winter, the Lord of the Underworld can't help but fall in love.' Oh, you fell asleep. The end I guess." Dyrroth said before closing the book and placing it on the bedside table. While doing so he noticed Ruby staring softly at him with gentle features.

"So you decided to finally come out. I thought it would take you another month to come out of that place." He said with disinterest before standing up to close the door but Ruby stopped him.

"That was very sweet of you to do." she commented smiling softly at him. Dyrroth paused and looked down at her serene features. His brow creased as he watched the water dripping down her body. A tiny drop flowed down her cleavage and he can't help but blush.

"He was crying because he missed you. He said he's worried about you locking yourself in there so I went to comfort him." Dyrroth responded looking away from her body.

"What story were you reading to him?"

"Something about Death falling in love with the goddess of Spring and kidnapping her down to the underworld. He seems to like those kinds of stories but he fell asleep while I was just beginning." Dyrroth replied a bit more casually.

"Ohh, A Rose For The Wicked. I kind of fancied that story as well. Did you get to finish reading it?" Ruby asked with a hopeful expression.

"Not really, but I'm tired I'm going to bed. Good night mistress." Dyrroth said trying to avoid her and turned away from her.

"Uhmm! Wait!"

"What do you need?" he asked in contempt turning back.

"I just want to say thank you for all that you've done for me and I'm sorry for making you... Mad if you feel like I abandoned you." she spoke in a hushed yet sincere voice.

Dyrroth's brows furrowed frowning at her with confusion and annoyance. He cannot fathom what game she is playing at him right now presenting herself in a very revealing manner while playing vulnerable and miserable. He wanted to hurt her and fuck her and make her suffer for the things she made him experience but he just can't. No matter how much a part of his brain is screaming to do something to make her feel pain all he can do is stare at her from a distance and desire her love. He won't hurt her even if he can, he will slit his own throat before that happens.

"Sure, what can I really do it's your life, not my problem. You should get dressed, the night is cold." Dyrroth replied monotonously before going back inside his room and leaving her alone, not bothering to look into her face.

When the door click into place, Dyrroth leaned against it and stared up at the ceiling. Watching her weak and always on the brink of death and depression drove him mad the past few days after she had locked herself in that room to make that potion. While she stayed up working on her project he stayed up worrying about her health and well-being.

Why hadn't she eaten? Why wasn't she going out? Why wasn't she smiling? Why wasn't she talking to him? Why won't she let him in?!

Those thoughts swirled in his head while he waited for her to come out. Counting the seconds of her absence, not seeing her face even though a door is the only thing separating them. It was torture for him. Yes, he's been separated from her after the blood moon but then he was the one that left by her command. That too was difficult for him. Thinking of her well-being every day, punishing himself time after time again for letting her get hurt and hurting her he nearly killed himself if he wasn't reminded that he wanted to see her smile for him.

He just wanted to feel her love, her affection, her devotion, and her loyalty but Ruby was ungenerous with her feelings in fear of getting hurt. But then why did she want that marksman? Why did she want someone who is finite? Someone who will leave her eventually as death always claims those creatures with life.

Never mind that. As long as he can see her smile. As long as he can be with her. As long as she keeps him by her side he will be satisfied. He released a sigh of exhaustion and went to caress Manticat's head.

"The things we endure for love..."

🥀🥀🥀

Ruby couldn't sleep that night. She always twisted and turned in her bed while the guilt in her chest weight down her heart. She betrayed Guinevere, Dyrroth is mad at her, and she made Manticat cry. Her poor baby must be really missing her if he cried to Dyrroth. She sighed and sat up from her bed.

She went to the bookshelf and pulled a brightly crimson book, making the shelf flip and reveal a minibar. She grabbed a bottle of vodka and drowned herself in liquor. Tears started falling from her golden eyes.

Why did it have to be this way? Betraying someone you love feels so bad even though it bears good results for you. Even though Guinevere is a bit arrogant at times and narcissistic Ruby had learned to love her greatly. She's the only person who visited her not to buy potions or hexes or use her for her own gain but purely for company and friendship.

Guinevere was always kind to her and even though she won't admit it she always had a big heart. She can still remember the first time that they met. Guinevere went all the way to her cottage bearing a basket full of sweets and delicacies from her hometown to give to Ruby. The gesture astounded the witch since no one visits her for a mere chat over tea during the afternoons so she became suspicious of her visitor though she retained a friendly attitude. Surely this girl is like the others trying to get on her good side so that she will give her what she wants.

"This tea you made is magnificent. I've gone to the best cafés in the Land of Dawn but I've never tasted something as perfect as this one." Guinevere had complimented as they drank tea in the garden surrounded by blooming roses and bougainvilleas. The mage had dropped by unannounced and introduced herself as the new fighter mage for the MLBB Tournaments and started chatting with her about casual things like the flowers in her garden, magic, skipping stones in the lake, and the temperature of the day.

The mage seemed to be truly enjoying her time with the witch making Ruby completely confused about her true purpose for visiting so she began to ask.

"Uhm... May I ask the true purpose of your visit? I'm still quite not sure what business I can do for you. All we've been doing is pleasant chatting. If you need anything from me there's no need for pleasantries I can give you anything I can for a fair price so you can cut the acting." Ruby had said.

Guinevere had a surprised expression on her face at the witch's words.

"The true purpose of my visit?" Guinevere contemplated this for a moment looking at the sky, wondering how she will start with her answer.

"Well, I just want to talk to you and get to know you better. I saw you fighting in the arena and I was impressed by your skills. All those dashes and lifesteal it looked like you were merely waltzing with your enemies in an enchanting dance macabre. I also noticed that you are quite pretty however you don't seem to like showing your face so I came to see you. I quite fancy seeing beautiful blooming flowers like you." Guinevere answered with an embarrassed smile, blushing a little as she answered.

Ruby was taken aback by the mage's reply but more so on the sincerity of her words. The witch had lived long enough to know when a person is lying to her however there seems to be no pretense from this lady in front of her making her blush in utter and complete flattery at one of the sweetest lines someone has ever told her.

Since that day they've become the best of friends and each other's greatest confidantes. Ruby eventually told Guinevere about her past which the mage accepted with an open mind never judging her choices and her actions which delighted the witch while Guinevere confessed about all her insecurities and frustrations.

Soon enough Guinevere met Gusion and she fell in love with him instantly however he's already in a loving relationship with Lesley. He doesn't want anything to do with Guinevere other than be friends. He wanted to break their engagement but Guinevere refused, breaking her heart instead so she went to Ruby and begged her for a love potion in exchange for something in return which the mage gave willingly though with a bit of hesitation. Ruby warned her about all that the potion entrails especially about living in an illusion where the greatest fool will be herself, for believing in a faux and enjoying it, however, the mage only brushed off her warning and continued with her plan.

Being with the assassin made her friend happier and while Ruby couldn't find herself agreeing with her friend's choice she didn't make any move to oppose her nor lecture her further since it was her willing choice and it was her life to rule.

Ruby knew that her friend's fairytale world will soon come to an end as smoke will always fade and mirrors will shatter but she never expected herself to be the prime cause of her illusions being destroyed. She always expected someone else to burst her bubble but now that she had done it herself, she can't help but feel remorseful for her shameless betrayal to the woman who risked her own life to save her during the Blood Moon. To the woman who visited her every day in the hospital and tried her best to peel fruits for her even though they always end up deformed. She's the woman that boosted her hope to free herself and never stopped believing that there's a future where she won't be bound by the chains of her past.

Ruby threw the bottle against the wall shattering it into a million pieces like how Guinevere's heart will be in a few days. She released a loud tortured cry. If only there was some other way but she knew that a path where there are fewer casualties is always too good to be true. She can't reverse what she did because she had only redressed her grievance against Lesley who had suffered for so long thinking that she was insufficient and irreplaceable. She knew that she did the right thing but why does her heart feel heavy? She's not on the receiving end of the unfair scale of their requited and unrequited love since she is merely the catalyst that tips the scales from one end to another but why does it feel that regardless of where the scales tip she will always be the one to be crushed underneath the weight even though she's just an outside party?

"If you can't sleep then have enough courtesy to let other people do so." Dyrroth said with monotonous annoyance looking down at her from the doorway. He had a disinterested look on his features as he gazed down at her pitiable state.

"I'm sorry..." was all Ruby could reply but it seems to be directed to someone else other than him.

"You are such a troublesome woman." Dyrroth sighed before walking towards her and grabbing a bottle of Bourbon and pouring himself a cup.

"What are you doing? I thought you were mad at me." she whispered wiping away her tears.

"The Dyrroth that's mad at you is your lover. I'm here as your friend, no strings attached. And friends drink with their sad friends to make them feel better and listen to them cry and watch them get all snotty. It's the "humane" thing to do." he answered taking a gulp of his drink.

"Plus I can't sleep anyways if you keep throwing expensive stuff on the wall and screaming worse than a dying beowolf."

Ruby stared at him for a moment assessing his motives, gouging his words, and dissecting the contents of his soul like she always does when meeting new people. She's been with Dyrroth for five months now but he keeps on surprising her with almost everything that he does. Why can't he make himself less desirable? Ruby gulped as she watched him drink down the liquor seemingly unaffected by its spirit. He looked so hot and cool it made her heart skip a beat but she slapped herself. You're grieving not flirting, she reminded herself.

"I did something wrong." she started meekly.

"Care to elaborate? There seems to be a long list from that category." he replied sarcastically. Ruby frowned at him but didn't talk back she just grabbed the bottle from him and drank from it.

"Take it easy there, moonlight. You're not a demon, you're not immune to the effects of liquors, especially hangover." Dyrroth warned but didn't do anything to stop her.

"Shut up. You're not my mom." Ruby replied stubbornly, the effects of the alcohol kicking in.

"Obviously, because I can't fuck you if I am." he replied with a bored tone.

"Didn't you just say no strings attached?"

"There won't be once I pull the strings of your bikini."

"You're such a creep."

"Just get on with your depressing story and be done with it."

"Fine. I feel guilty that I betrayed Guinevere and helped Lesley get back with Gusion."

"Uggghh. Chick drama. So boring."

"I thought you were my friend." Ruby reminded giving him a weak slap on the arm before gulping the bourbon.

"I am but I'm also bored of such trivial matters. Fine. I will humor you. What are you so guilty about?" He replied beckoning her to pour his glass another round, Ruby did so with a cute frown making the demon giggle mentally.

"I feel terrible about how easily I sold my friend out for my freedom. I broke her heart for my selfish reasons. I keep saying to myself that I did the right thing but why does the right thing feel so heavy? It feels like an oppressive excuse to help me block out how much of a bitch I am. Not only that but I made you very worried and angry and I made Lucius cry again I'm such a bad mother!" Ruby cried out.

"Lucius? Is that Manticat's true name? Okay look, what you did may seem wrong, but is it?"

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"Selfishness is a natural human quality and looking after yourself is not completely selfish or wrong. You told me that you only provided the love potion therefore it was Guinevere's choice to live in that illusion. You've warned her about all that it will entail and it was her choice not to listen. Lesley was the receiver of the shorter end of the stick so she received most of the agony, as far as I can understand human emotions. She wanted things to be redressed by going to the primary cause of all this so she went to you and strike a very reasonable bargain like that violet bitc- I mean Guinevere. You gave them what they asked for as it is your business and accepted their payments however the results of how they used your services are entirely their problem and not yours. You gave them what they want and they agreed to your price, therefore, the trade is finished. From then on the events that will unfold is entirely up to their will and not because you favored one over the other. There is no justice or right and wrong the only thing that matters is that the trade is fair." Dyrroth grabbed her chin making her face him as he wiped her tears with his thumb.

"What you did may not be considered morally acceptable, it may even be evil in some ways but you did what is necessary even though it is painful. Even though it led you to a path of sadness, regret, and betrayal to a friend, it was a necessary means to get to your end." He reasoned in a gentle charming manner like the opposite of conscience, justifying her wrongdoings and yet it sounded so alluring and true. His words aren't entirely a lie yet they don't feel completely just, but somehow it is soothing to hear like a siren song.

"Ruby you are a businesswoman and as I see it you invested where there is a lot for you to gain when the situation gave favorable cards to play and you gambled well. You didn't lose anything so you must stop your crying. If anything, you freed this Gusion dude from a life of lies and reconciled him to his true love. For example, do you really think that the two of us will enjoy our life if I had poured you the love potion?" Dyrroth questioned with a charming snake-like smile reminding her of Lucifer tempting Eve to grab the fruit of enlightenment.

"Absolutely not." She answered.

"Do you think you are at fault for any of their choices?"

"No."

"Is Guinevere really a victim in here when she's the one that bought a lie and foolishly believed in it, destroying a relationship with true affections as well as relishing an illusion? Is she a victim?"

"No. It was her choice. She gambled all in and I'm merely the dealer, however now Lesley got a better hand. I dealt them the cards fair and square now it's up to them who will call stronger or weaker." Dyrroth seemed extremely pleased with her answer.

"Very good. Did you really betray anyone when you only invested in the highest bidder?"

"I'm... not sure..."

"It's a no, my love." Dyrroth corrected placing a kiss on her cheek. "You didn't do anything wrong so you don't have to feel guilty about anything, okay?"

"Okay..." Ruby replied weakly.

"Feel better?"

"No." Dyrroth mentally facepalmed in her reply. He merely sighed and gulped his Bourbon, pulling away from her.

"And here I thought we were getting somewhere. Well, I tried reasoning with emotion, clearly, that is illogical. Of course, you have the freedom to feel however you feel. Honor your emotion and pain and I'll just be here until you get better." Dyrroth beckoned her again to refill his glass but Ruby only snuggled closer to him instead of doing it. He sighed and poured for himself.

A calm silence settled between the two of them as they continued drinking. Tears continued pouring from her eyes and Dyrroth stayed quiet as he listened to her sobbing. Time continued to pass while they stayed still in each other's company. Ruby started getting less sober every passing minute and she started to slur words together and babble illogical stories.

"I am freeing Gusion from an illusion. Oh my gosh, that rhythm! Hehehehe." Ruby giggled drunkenly.

"Yay, you're a poet." Dyrroth cheered humorlessly before taking a swig.

"Dyrroth take this seriously!! I'm sad here don't tolerate me not being sad!!" The witch complained sloshing her drink and ended up leaning against his shoulder.

"Okay, this needs to stop. Just take the wine and give me the Bourbon." Dyrroth forced the liquor from the maiden's hand but she protested profusely not wanting to let the bottle go.

"You alcoholic flat-chested loli, let the bottle go!!" Dyrroth groaned as he tugged the bottle from her hold.

"I don't want to! You persistent tsundere yandere demon!!"

"What the hell did you just call me you short thicc assed witch!?"

"I SAID SHUT UP!!" Ruby screamed before unexpectedly crashing her lips against his completely taking the demon off guard.

Ruby's soft pink lips kissed his chapped ones sending fire into his whole body. She let go of the bottle and pressed herself on top of him and Dyrroth held her waist to keep her closer. His head spun as he gently danced his lips with her sweet ones while his hand roamed the curves of her body. He felt Ruby push her tongue on his lips and Dyrroth parted his mouth to let her in. His tongue twirled with hers in a heated passion.

He opened his eyes and gazed up at her drunken features. He gently pushed himself up and pulled away from the kiss. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed with a blank expression.

He placed her gently over the sheets and started removing her liquor-drenched clothing. He sat beside her bed and grabbed her hand trailing butterfly kisses over her knuckles and gazing up at her gentle features with a faint frown. He tucked a silver strand of hair behind her ear and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"I'm sorry, Ruby."