It was harder than she thought, leaving home with everyone crying like she was never coming back. Her heart had twisted when she looked back one last time before the vehicle lifted into the sky. Only when they were finally soaring through the clouds did Ruby let out a long sigh of relief.
Jett wasn’t with her this time he had caught a cold and needed rest, so she told him to stay behind. She had enough to handle already.
The drive was painfully long. and the path between the third and fifth villages wasn’t well-marked. At one point, she’d nearly taken a wrong turn if not for the help of a kind old Witch who pointed her in the right direction.
Thankfully, Julian had come prepared, he had packed a whole bag full of dry food, nuts, and water bottles, thinking ahead like always. Ruby was grateful, especially when the hunger started creeping in during the quiet hours of the drive.
By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in red streaks, she was too tired to continue. Her back ached and Julian looked half-asleep already. She made a quick decision and pulled over in a small town, checking them into a modest hotel for the night.
Julian was clearly exhausted, his steps dragging as they entered their room. He sank into the bed and closed his eyes without even changing.
"Jules," Ruby said gently, brushing his hair back, "come on. I know you’re tired, but you should eat something—just a little. You’ll feel better."
He opened his eyes slowly, nodding like a sleepy child.
She led him downstairs to the hotel’s small restaurant. It was quiet, almost too quiet. Only a few scattered tables were occupied, and the low sound of a ceiling fan filled the silence.
Julian sat beside her, his eyes a bit dazed from the road. Ruby ordered simple food—steamed rice, vegetables, and warm soup, something light for the stomach.
She looked at him from across the table and smiled softly.
"You were amazing today, you know that?" she said, pouring water into his glass. "You didn’t complain once."
He blinked, then smiled shyly, still too tired to speak much. But his gaze lingered on her like he was glad just glad to be by her side.
"Wife? Where is that place exactly?" Julian asked softly, stretching his arms. Sitting in the car all day had made his body sore and his mood dull.
Ruby leaned back in her chair, her hand rubbing her neck. "That village is called Dreadmire. I thought we’d reach before sunset, but I was wrong. We didn’t know the exact route, and the signs only float in the sky when the village border begins... those infused glass boards aren’t always easy to spot unless you look up at the right time."
Julian looked up at her with admiration, blinking slowly. "Hmm... you’re great, wife. Even when you don’t know everything, you still brought us halfway without giving up." His voice was light but sincere.
Ruby’s lips curved into a smile at his quiet praise.
Just then, the waiter arrived with two simple bowls of hot vegetable stew and soft bread. The warm aroma filled the quiet restaurant.
They began eating in silence, and after the first few bites, Julian finally looked like the fatigue was fading from his eyes. His face relaxed, and a soft hum escaped his throat.
"I didn’t even realize I was this hungry," he mumbled, dipping his bread into the stew.
Ruby chuckled, watching him fondly. "That’s what happens when you forget yourself just to take care of me."
Julian smiled shyly, chewing slower now.
Outside the window, soft lights flickered in the distance, and the sound of faint music echoed from nearby. A calm evening had finally settled over their tired journey.
When they finished their meal, the cozy warmth of the stew still lingering in their stomachs, a witch approached their table. She wore a deep green robe with leaf embroidery and had a kind, freckled face framed by soft black curls.
"Hey, are you two new here?" she asked with a friendly tilt of her head. "I’m Aria."
Ruby offered a polite smile. "Hi, Aria. I’m Ruby, and this is my husband, Julian."
Julian gave a small wave, his usual shyness showing in the way he looked down for a moment before smiling back.
"Oh! A married couple? How lovely," Aria beamed. "There’s a tribal event happening tonight for couples—sort of a welcoming and blessing ritual. It’s nothing formal, just dancing, food, and a small ceremony by the fire. If you’re interested, you can join. Outsiders are welcome too."
Ruby was about to decline, she wasn’t in the mood for crowds or festivities after a tiring journey but then she glanced at Julian.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Wife... should we go? Just for a little while?" he asked softly, his voice hopeful.
Ruby paused for a beat, then exhaled a soft sigh and smiled. "Alright. For you, we’ll go."
Julian’s face lit up with joy, and Aria clapped her hands happily. "Great! I’ll wait near the garden in fifteen minutes. Just follow the sound of drums."
As Aria walked away, Ruby leaned over and tapped Julian’s nose gently. "You owe me cuddles later for this."
Julian shyly said. "Deal."
Julian had changed into a soft, flowing red robe. The fabric had gentle gold threads woven into it, and a simple tied belt rested around his waist. When Ruby stepped out, matching his color with her own deep crimson robe, which was elegant with long sleeves that trailed slightly—his cheeks flushed.
"You really matched with me," he whispered, his smile filled with awe.
"Anything for you," Ruby said with a small smirk, linking her arm with his.
When they met Aria, she grinned brightly. "You two look like fire and wine tonight. Come, I’ll take you there."
She led them through a winding path lit with little floating crystals—light stones that hovered softly in the air like fireflies. As they entered the ceremonial grounds, Ruby’s eyes widened.
The entire clearing was transformed into a mystical haven. Twisted tree branches arched above like a natural dome, draped with flower garlands and glowing beads. A heady fragrance of jasmine, sandalwood, and something wild lingered in the air.
But what truly caught her breath was the glowing white fire at the center of it all.
—To be continued...🪄