Sasa’s anger boiled over, her eyes burning red as rage twisted her expression. How dare this witch take her lightly? Her fists clenched, and she could feel the heat rising in her chest.
"You—" The word barely left her lips before she lunged at Ruby, legs driving forward in an attempt to strike her square in the stomach.
Ruby’s eyes flickered with quiet amusement, instantly noting the poor positioning of Sasa’s kick. Too slow.
With a simple motion, Ruby caught Sasa’s leg mid-air, pushing it aside with minimal effort. Sasa’s body twisted awkwardly.
Before she could regain balance, Ruby shifted slightly. Her waist twisted with the smallest of movements, and Sasa felt her leg buckle beneath her.
Her back hit the ground with a dull thud, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as the air momentarily left her lungs.
Ruby didn’t look down, her attention already drifting elsewhere as if Sasa’s attempt wasn’t even worth acknowledgment.
"Don’t strain yourself," Ruby said, her tone flat but edged with mockery. "It’s embarrassing to watch."
Sasa’s hands pressed into the ground as she glared up at Ruby, humiliation burning hotter than the ache in her back.
Karl stared at Ruby with wide eyes.
Ruby turned to him, brushing back a stray lock of hair that had fallen over her shoulder. Her gaze softened just a touch, but her tone remained indifferent.
"Let’s leave this garbage here and go home," she said, stepping closer. Without hesitation, she took Karl’s damp, sweaty hand in hers. Her palm was cool against his, grounding him instantly.
Karl blinked up at her, his baby blue eyes glassy with unshed tears. He lowered his gaze, staring at their joined hands.
"...Okay," he whispered, barely audible.
Behind them, Sasa lay sprawled on the ground, her chest rising and falling with heavy, labored breaths. She didn’t move, but her burning gaze followed Ruby’s every step, with hatred in her eyes. Her fingers twitched against the floor, itching to strike, but the dull ache in her body kept her still.
Ruby didn’t spare her a second glance. She walked ahead, leading Karl away calmly.
As they reached a safe distance, Ruby finally stopped. She let out a soft breath and gently pulled her hand away from Karl’s grasp.
Karl’s big blue eyes looked up at her, wide and filled with lingering tears. His hands hung at his sides, trembling slightly, as if unsure whether to reach for her again or keep his distance.
Ruby sharp gaze softening just a little as she studied him. "What were you doing outside?" she asked, though her voice carried more concern than anger. "You should have stayed at home. What if I hadn’t heard you screaming?"
Her chest tightened at the thought, and she exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself. The image of him trapped in the clutches of those witches flashed through her mind, and she hated the way it made her heart race with fear.
Karl wiped his face with his sleeve, but the tears kept falling. His lower lip quivered as he struggled to speak. "I—I came to find you..." he choked out, his voice breaking before he burst into loud sobs.
His shoulders shook violently as he cried, and his fists balled up at his sides. "Stupid wife... yelling at me even though I’m scared..." he mumbled through his tears, his voice barely coherent.
Ruby’s serious face softened. Seeing him cry like that made her feel something inside. She let out a small sigh and gently pulled him into her arms without thinking twice.
Her fingers gently ran through his messy hair as she held him close, feeling his frame trembling against her.
Karl’s eyes widened in surprise at first, but the warmth of her embrace broke through his defenses. He clung to her robe, burying his face against her shoulder as the fear and panic from earlier poured out in heavy sobs.
Ruby patted his back in slow, comforting circles. "Shh... Don’t cry," she whispered, her tone softer than before. "It’s alright. I’ve got you now."
His sobs quieted a little, but he still held onto her tightly as if afraid she might disappear if he let go.
As she hugged him, Ruby found herself lost in thought. This idiot... she thought, her lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. He’s the one always showing attitude and pretending to hate me... but he was the only one who came to find me.
He hadn’t been able to help much, but he had still tried to find her.
Ruby rested her chin lightly on his head, letting him cry for as long as he needed. She didn’t rush him, nor did she scold him any further. For now, she was simply grateful he was safe.
"You’re stupid, wife... why did you run away? Why... do you know how worried I am?" Karl’s voice cracked as he clung to her, his breath hitching between words. "Ow... and why are you angry just because we stole money?"
His grip on her robe tightened as he buried his face against her shoulder. "I’m sorry, okay? But stupid wife... we’re your husband... and... and we didn’t even spend it! We were just collecting it for emergencies... what’s that called again?" His voice trembled as he rubbed his eyes, smearing the dampness against the fabric of her robe.
Ruby arched a brow, mildly amused by the mess he was making. "Saving," she said, gently patting the back of his head. She could feel the warmth and unmistakable wetness seeping through her robe near her chest. Does he think I can’t feel that? she thought, suppressing a sigh.
"Yeah, yeah—savings!" Karl sniffled loudly, gripping her even tighter, as if letting go would somehow make her disappear again.
Ruby’s hand slowed, resting lightly against the back of his neck. She could feel the tension gradually fading from his body, though the occasional shaky breath gave away the lingering fear he tried to hide.
"You’re too emotional for a husband," she muttered softly, though there was no bite to her words.
Karl lifted his head slightly, his eyes red and puffy as he blinked up at her. "And you’re too mean for a wife."
—To be continued...🪄