Oh my god it's been so long since I last updated this story a lot of you probably thought thst I abandoned it. I was so busy with depressing over life and focusing on my other novels that I postpones updating this one but from here the ending is quite near. Enjoy~

The light of the retreating sun cast a purplish twilight upon the heavens. With the sun's gradual departure came the arrival of the pale moon along with several stars that already dotted the sky. It provided a serene ambiance with a hint of melancholy that is somewhat foreboding. The different households that lived in the capital began illuminating their homes as the darkness slowly rolled in. 

Dyrroth flipped through the pages of the scrapbook he found. Every image, every word brings an unexplainable sense of familiarity and nostalgia to his heart. His chest would swell with happiness at the image of Ruby always smiling in every picture, an action she rarely does now. But perhaps the hardest part to see in this picture book is the man always beside her.

"It was me. I am Aurelius..." he mumbled as he touched the face of his previous version who was smiling haughtily at him as if in mocking. 

It was him. Or who he used to be. He knew that as much. While he was reading through the passages, distant memories would flash in his mind rekindling some hidden feelings and frustrations that weighed heavily on his soul. Ruby was a vibrant and lively person, a grave contrast to the solemn and melancholic woman she is now and yet, he still finds it in himself to love her no matter what she is. Be it a princess or a witch. 

How did he not realize it sooner when she was always by his side? She was the root of his happiness and melancholy but how can't he recognize her sooner? He concluded that he was a true idiot. He remembered that his heart would always flutter when she smiled at him with all the radiance of the sun and how her eyes would twinkle with all the light of the stars. He had loved that about her but now it was different. 

That version of her barely has any effects on his heart now. Now he loves how she is, glaring at him with those sharp yet beautiful eyes or looking down at him with that sadistic smile that can make every fiber of his being tingle with excitement and delight. She is flawed, manipulative, and cunning, a great deviation from the honest and perfect girl that she was. 

He laughed. It was a dark and hollow sound perfectly matching how he felt. How differently they turned up from what they were and what they were meant to be and all of it was because of him. Ruby's life was ruined because of him. She was miserable because of him! He loved her, but he was selfish and so he took everything that she loved and turned it all into ashes because he was selfish. He cursed her in an immortal vessel and bound her in one place like a leashed dog! He wanted to punch his old self for what he did to her. He wanted to kill himself for that idiocy and hypocrisy. 

If he truly loved her then why did he hurt her this badly? Why did he break her to the point where she became so different and so hollow? Why did he have to imprison her in an eternity of suffering? 

He doesn't want this! He cannot have this! He needs to make it right. He needs to free her. He needs to learn how to let go. 

He scratched the face of his old self with his claws and flung the book across the room breaking some lamps and vases. 

"I shouldn't have existed! Maybe if I died in the Abyss she could have lived a happy life with her family and found someone more worthy for her to love!" he screamed as he began tearing down the pictures on the wall and breaking every piece of furniture he found. 

He tore every pillow in half, spilling their white stuffing on the ground; he shattered every vase he could find; and chopped the furniture into pieces. Tears fell in his eyes, every drop tells a different emotion. The first one was anger, the second was regret, the third was sadness, and the fourth was heartbreak. 

A scream of hatred erupted from his lips. It was a monstrous sound that reverberated through the empty halls of the palace. He was unsure why no one had ever come to attack him yet, but it was not the least of his worries as he took his anger out on everything in his line of sight. 

Meanwhile, the scabbard made a loud clamoring sound as it fell on the floor. He was immediately alerted by this and so he stared at it with hollowed eyes. 

He only came here to find this thing, but why did he have to find out about all his sins and corruption? If he had remained oblivious of the truth then perhaps he can show himself in front of Ruby without any guilt and regret on his face. So now how could he, when he knew that he was her torturer?

He doesn't want to see the look of utter contempt and spite in her golden eyes. He was too afraid to see rejection reflecting from her face as she turned her back on him with hate. 

But... 

Can he really live without her? Can he really spend a day without thinking of her? Her face with her beautiful sardonic smile, or her merciless eyes glaring at him for his foolishness, her sweet pink lips bossing him around as if he was merely her property? 

The answer was simple. 

He can't. He couldn't bear the thought of never seeing her again. He can't imagine a world where he couldn't hear her voice. Now that they are together nothing will ever separate them ever again. Not him, nor his regrets. He only needs to keep this a secret and seduce her back to his arms. Everything will be perfect. Everything will be as it should be. 

But before that, he needs to know everything. Everything that led to the fall of their empire and the death of her mother. 

🌹

"We have a lot to do, Manticat. You can't sleep any more than you did and help around with the cleaning. Once Dyrroth gets back, this mess will be ten times worse. You know what a walking pile of garbage that demon is." Ruby reprimanded her familiar who was lazily sleeping on the couch in his human form. 

"Can't you just magic everything into perfection? Like you always do." Lucius suggested sarcastically. 

"I liked you better when you were a stupid cat. You were more charming that way."

"Boohoo. I don't exactly like you either, mother." retorted the warlock as he levitated a slice of pie into his mouth. 

"This is precisely why I threw you away. I knew you would end up like this." Ruby grunted as she waved her hand to order the furniture to arrange itself. Her back was turned to him so she missed the look of hurt that briefly flickered on his eyes. Lucius composed himself and thought of a reply. 

"Well, I never really asked for you to make me." he said, rolling his eyes when she turned to give him a warning glance. 

"Whatever. Just do something helpful for once."

"I'll be helpful by getting out of your way, mother dearest." the warlock grinned at her with sarcasm dripping from his lips. 

"I can't tolerate your insolence right now. Go to Dyrroth's room and don't bother me until I'm finished here. Oh, and take the sandwich on the table. You haven't had your lunch yet."

"Wow, you're being quite motherly. Now I'm worried that you placed poison on it." 

"If I want you dead, I wouldn't have brought you back to life when your wife killed you."

"Hmm. Good point." hummed Lucius as he took a bite of the sandwich she offered. 

"Hmm, grandma's special venison sandwich? My favorite. Finally something edible in this house." Ruby rolled her eyes as she redecorated the wreck that has become of her home. She wanted to finish cleaning up fast because every crack and broken thing reminds her of the friendship she had lost. Regardless of their situation, Guinevere would forever be held dear in her heart. 

"Oh, mother. Someone is approaching the house right now. You might want to dress up more appropriately." announced Lucius as his head poked from the top of the stairs. 

"Indeed." Ruby whispered to herself when she realized that she's still in her nightgown. With a simple snap of her fingers, her clothes instantly transformed into her typical black and purple dress. 

Lucius vanished back to the upstairs apartment just before the knocking on her front door captured her attention. She immediately finalized the preparations for her house and when the result suited her taste she went to attend to her waiting guest. 

Truthfully she wasn't expecting anyone to visit her today because of the spell she cast on the forest. Anyone who would dare to approach her home would be led back to the outskirts of the forest where they first entered. She thought that it was enough of a sign to tell people that she doesn't want anyone trespassing into her territory. It was a powerful spell but due to her depleted energy, she knew that a few errors would appear here and there especially if the person could counter dark spells. There are only a few people who could contend with her power which gives her a good idea of who it could be. 

But of course, reality could really astound you despite your better judgement. 

"Granger? What are you doing here?" she gasped in surprise after seeing the marksman. Honestly she thought that it was Dyrroth so imagine her surprise when her crush is the one to appear before her. 

She became worried when she finally got a good view of his appearance. He was breathing rather hoarsely and his clothes were in tatters and unruly. It was obvious that he had had a hard time getting to her house making her more curious about what he wanted with her. He must have gone through great lengths for hours trudging through her enchanted forest. He was indeed no magician but he certainly does have the privileges of a holy knight to counter her dark spell and find his way to her house. 

"I need a favor." was his reply after catching his breath. 

"Let's discuss it inside. You look like you're about to drop dead this instant. Why would you try to venture into a place that was obviously designed to keep you out? And at this hour when the monsters begin to stir from their sleep. What could be so important that you would risk your life so recklessly?" Ruby had a serious frown on her face as she led him inside the sitting room. 

She sat him on one of her ottomans before preparing a meal for him and retrieving a medical kit. She also grabbed a rejuvenating potion from her storage and set them all on the table.

Ruby asked his permission to treat him but he refused. The witch would not take no for an answer despite his repeated rejection of her offer so the marksman eventually gave in to appease her. Ruby first cleaned his injuries and disinfected them before using a healing spell to close all his wounds. Granger asked why she placed extra effort in dressing his wounds when she could have magically repaired them in an instant. 

Ruby joked that it was because she wanted to touch his muscles which earned a chuckle from the marksman. It seems that he wasn't aware that her words were actually half meant. The witch soon revealed that even though she could close all his wounds, it doesn't mean that the microorganisms would be eliminated as well. So if she didn't treat him, he could have an infection despite having no contusions.

Satisfied with her reply, Granger drank the revitalizing potion with no hesitation. He then had a few bites of the cake and took large gulps of the ambrosia she served. He was greatly pleased with the divine drink she offered and had even asked for a few refills.

Ruby didn't immediately interrogate his purpose until he had gathered his thoughts and was ready to speak.

"So, tell me, Granger... Why did you challenge my spell so persistently? I don't think that you're simply here to have a drink with me." The witch began as she folded her hands over her lap and addressed him more professionally.

"I won't beat around the bush anymore. I need a love potion for Lesley Vance." Ruby's face obviously darkened at his words. Granger noticed the drastic change in her mood but didn't comment on it. 

"I'm sorry but I no longer partake in such dealings. I've learned through the hard way that interfering with the matters of the heart has grave consequences. And that is coming from someone who deals with dark magic at high stakes on a daily basis. However, if you want to kill someone slowly, gruesomely, and painfully then there are a few spells I could offer you."

"So manipulating people's hearts are beyond you, but killing them in a torturous manner is okay for you? I cannot understand your morals."

"That's because I have no morals. I only have rules for my business. Nevertheless, I'm sorry but I cannot help you with your request."

"But why not? You sold it to Layla before. Why will you not entertain my wish? I will pay you whatever you want just... Please, I can't bear to experience this suffering anymore. This jealousy, this envy is killing me slowly every day that I'm going mad with rage and depression. Please, Ruby. Help me." Granger pleaded, making her sigh with displeasure. His desperation was pathetic and his begging was only making her more uncomfortable. However, she can't deny the fact that she could sympathize with his situation. She's been through it a thousand times through the centuries. 

"Even if I'm willing to help you, an obnoxious rat had already drunk my last potion. Some ingredients will not bloom for another century. Furthermore, where were you? Didn't you know that Lesley Vance already eloped with Gusion Paxley?"

"WHAT?! But I've only been away for a few days. How could this happen so quickly? I... I was on a mission so how could this... How could this happen?"

"It's quite ironic when just a few weeks ago she came to me asking for a love potion. For Gusion that is." Ruby averted her eyes from him and reached for her tea. She maintained a calm composure to avoid raising more suspicions from him. She knew that she's not telling him the whole truth but for the sake of her peace, it would be better if she could protect herself from more pain. 

"..." 

Silence briefly reigned between the two of them. The ticking of the grandfather clock reverberated so loudly inside the room. The sound seemed like the ringing of gigantic church bells tolling for someone's execution. And perhaps it is, due to the strong negative emotions coming from Granger who had buried his face in his hands to hide his distraught expression. 

Ruby doesn't have to look at him to know what's going through his heart and mind. She could almost feel his anger, his sadness, his lamentation, and his wrath swirling around him. He looked like he wanted to scream, to cry, to punch someone, and to destroy something. The smallest trigger could send him spiraling in a fit of rage and she almost feared that she would be his victim. 

Well, it's not like he could harm her anyway even if he tried. Despite her weakened state, she could defend herself fairly well. Plus, Granger is not the type of person to hurt a woman just because he was so upset with what she's done. 

"So...she's gone?" His eyes were empty as he uttered these words. She felt pity for him. She could understand what he's going through, but that's it. She wouldn't risk her life again to help someone who clearly doesn't care about her as much as she does for him. 

"I'm afraid so." Ruby replied solemnly. 

"I could feel massive bursts of negative energy from him. Should I take care of him?" Lucius asked telepathically. 

She could see him glaring murderously at Granger from the top of the stairs. She shook her head and gestured for him to retreat. But instead of following her order, he transformed to his panter form and prowled down the steps. He jumped up the couch and took a seat beside her declaring his presence to the marksman with a roar. 

Granger immediately looked up from his hands in alarm and stared at the panter who was obviously growling at him. 

"I... I didn't know that you have a pet panther." he mused as he stared at Lucius who released another challenging roar. 

Ruby held the back of his neck to stop him from pouncing on her guest. She forced him to stand down by bringing his head to rest over her lap and glared at him warningly. The witch was only half his size but he cowered under her gaze like a little kitten. His ears fell flat on his head and he made his body smaller in a sign of submission. Despite his smugness and insolence, it was obvious that he would never stop fearing his own mother. 

Satisfied with his response, Ruby stroked his head and smiled amicably at Granger. 

"Ah, yes. He's not really allowed on the furniture but he's feeling rather confident lately. You know cats, they think they own the world." 

"I suppose... Well, I better get going. I wouldn't want to waste any more of your precious time."

"But it's already dark and your path is dangerous. Even if I lift my spell, that doesn't mean that the monsters wouldn't find you. I don't control them after all." Ruby pointed out as he stood from his seat. He paused, seeing the logic in her words. He was indeed a brave and capable man but even he couldn't handle fighting things he couldn't see because of the darkness. 

"Then are you suggesting that I stay the night?" 

Lucius looked shocked and appalled. He released a grunt of protest but Ruby merely ignored him and nodded her head. 

"Yes. I have a spare room upstairs that you could use. I may have no morals but that doesn't mean that I am heartless. You could return back home once the morning arrives and the beasts have all returned to sleep."

"I'm thankful for your consideration and I wouldn't refuse it." If Manticat's jaw could drop any lower, then it would have reached the floor by now. 

"Very well. I will set it up now, meanwhile, if you want you could take a bath from our little spring at the back or  you can have a leisure hot bath in the bathroom upstairs. The heat of the water should help loosen some of your tense muscles and relieve even a small portion of your stress."

"That sounds lovely. I will do just that. Thank you for your generosity to me. I will forever treasure your kindness." Granger tried to put up a small smile for her but it only ended up looking like a grimace. 

"Alright. The clean towels are on the cupboards near the back door. I'll prepare some change of clothes for you. I don't have boy clothes but I'm sure I could magically turn one of my curtains into a decent nightwear for you." Ruby joked, making him release a shallow chuckle. 

"I'll look forward to that." he replied before taking his leave and heading to the spring. 

Once he was gone, Manticat reverted back to his Lucius form and glared at her. 

"The clean towels are on the cupboards near the back door. I'll prepare some change of clothes for you. I don't have boy clothes but I'm sure I could magically turn one of my curtains into a decent nightwear for you" Lucius mimicked mockingly in a high pitched voice. 

"What's wrong with you?" Ruby rolled her eyes at her familiar's antics. 

"Just when your relationship with Dyrroth is finally achieving clarity you go and stab him in the back like this. Shame on you, you vile witch. You play with the hearts of men like some marbles you could twirl between your claws." he reprimanded with a strict tone earning a confused frown from his master. 

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just being nice. He's obviously in pain so—" 

"So you should be the one to comfort him?" Lucius interrupted, making her more annoyed. This cat bastard is beginning to get on her nerves. 

"I don't see why you're so affected. You've seen me interact with multiple men through the century yet you didn't seem to care back then. Why are you so invested in my love life all of a sudden?"

"Because I don't want you to hurt Dyrroth. And I don't want you to get hurt too for not choosing the one you really love. I know it sounds cheesy and ridiculous coming from me, but what the two of you have is real." He avoided her gaze and turned his attention to the painting on the wall. His voice lowered to a whisper but she managed to catch what he was saying. 

"And the three of us almost feel like a family. And it was nice..."