The witch with dark hair streaked with a few grays and neatly tied in a bun, had a face softened by gentle wrinkles around her forehead and cheeks. When she saw Ruby, her face lit up with a warm smile, her dimples appearing.
Ruby chuckled to herself, 'My entire head would be white without even getting old,' she thought humorously.
The entire area had cameras set up, broadcasting every angle so everyone watching could see her victory on the other side.
"Your skills are impressive, Miss Ru," said the elder witch, Annie, her tone full of admiration. "Land racing is no easy feat. But you've done an exceptional job."
Another witch, also aged but with a sharp, discerning gaze, chimed in with a smile, "We know you're talented, Miss Ru, but would you be so kind as to show us your face? The entire race was recorded, and many are eager to see the winner's face."
Ruby's heart skipped beat.
Meanwhile, Kaelan watched the screen with barely contained excitement, his eyes shining with anticipation. He'd never felt so drawn to any witch before, but something about this moment, about her, had him captivated.
Angeline, watching closely, held her breath in suspense as Ruby remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. She could feel the thrill and tension building, her heart pounding alongside the crowd's anticipation.
"Yeah, yeah! Show us the face of the winner who actually beat Astra!" someone shouted eagerly.
"With a figure like that, she's probably a stunning witch!" another ghost voice chimed in, excitement sparking through the crowd.
Angeline's eyes stayed fixed on Ruby's screen, her worry mingling with the buzzing energy of everyone around her.
This was the moment they'd all been waiting for after they have seen ruby driving skills—would Ruby reveal herself to them?
Karl lay quietly in bed, trying to stifle his tears. The muffled sobs caught in his throat, but he didn't want to make a sound. He hated it when Julian and Adrian argued—it made him feel like his little world was crumbling. Even though Julian was just a month younger, he was always so mature, understanding things Karl couldn't quite grasp. Karl felt useless in comparison; he didn't have any special skills or talents. All he knew how to do was cry, and that only made him feel worse.
He glanced over at the old clock ticking on their small, worn table. It was 7:59pm. They usually went to bed early, but this hour always felt heavier than the others. By now, the darkness had thickened outside, wrapping around their little home, amplifying the silence. And yet, a worry gnawed at him—his stupid wife had broken their trust again. Their debt was piling up, and she was nowhere to be found.
Biting his lip, Karl's baby-blue eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and determination. Everyone else had fallen asleep, wrapped in the peace he desperately wanted for himself. But he couldn't let this go.
He knew where she'd be—the same bar she always ended up at. This time, he'd find her, bring her back, and maybe even scold her a little.
Karl sat up quietly, peering around the dim room at his sleeping companions. Adrian stirred slightly, and Karl's heart raced. He held his breath, fear gripping him, but when he heard the familiar sounds of snoring, he let out a sigh of relief.
Biting his lip nervously, he stood up, careful not to wake anyone. The bed creaked slightly beneath him, and his heart leaped into his throat, but thankfully, no one stirred. With a silent determination, he slipped out of the room and into the cool night air.
Outside, the sky was a deep shade of red with no moon in sight.
The stars sparkled like tiny diamonds, and the darkness above felt heavy, casting eerie shadows over the twisted trees that lined the path.
Karl felt a chill run down his spine as he glanced at the silent surroundings. It was creepy, but he pushed aside his fear and quickened his pace to reach the lively village area.
As he neared the village, he felt a flicker of hope—thankfully, a few villagers were still awake, their laughter and chatter breaking the thick silence of the night.
Seeing him walk by, everyone on the street turned to stare. Who didn't know who Karl was? Sold by his own family, married to an alcoholic witch, and buried under a mountain of debt—his reputation preceded him. but he ignored them as he made his way to the bar.
As he approached, the village bar started appearing from the fog, its neon lights flickering like a beacon in the night.
Karl felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He couldn't shake the feeling of inferiority that gripped him as he approached the entrance.
Witches and ghosts, dressed in elegant robes, laughed and twirled their hair, while he stood there in his old, tattered robe.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside, the sound of laughter and music washing over him. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of spilled drinks. As he looked around, his heart raced. He needed to find his stupid wife.
"Where are you going?" Suddenly, someone caught his wrist, and Karl's heart leaped into his throat. He turned to see a witch with Blad head and creepy black eyes gazing at him with a lustful grin.
That gaze... it sent shivers down his spine.
"Leave me alone! I don't know you!" Karl shouted, trying to pull away.
"Hahaha! Feisty! I like it!" she purred, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Do you know who I am? Let me tell you, I'm Sasa. If you sleep with me for just one night, I'll take you to heaven..."
She licked her lips as she looked him up and down, her gaze lingering. Despite his ragged clothes, he had a certain charm. His skin was fair and unblemished, and his fluffy black hair stood out among the sea of long-haired ghosts. Those expressive blue eyes of his, filled with fear and defiance, only seemed to draw her in more. His delicate features and plump pink lips made him an unexpected target for her desires.
Karl felt a mix of anger and fear. "I'm not interested! Just let me go!" he insisted, yanking his arm free from her grip.
—To be continued...🪄