Ruby glanced back at Nerio, his peaceful slumber deeper than usual, and a furrow formed on her brow as she watched him. Concern etched her features as she noted the passing time.
"I need to ask Albus…" She made a swift decision, rushing towards the door and grasping the doorknob tightly.
"Where are you going?" Amelia's voice sounded from the bed, her expression reflecting concern.
"I have a few questions for the lion. I'll be back soon, so don't worry," Ruby reassured her friend, her tone gentle yet determined. A small smile graced Amelia's lips as she nodded in understanding, her worry easing slightly.
With that, Ruby left the room, her mind filled with Questions and seeking answers.
She continued to search the rooms along the hallway, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. Ruby knocked at each door, her heart pounding with anticipation, hoping for a response from within.
As she roamed, her gaze caught sight of a woman in a flowing dress and apron, her form ethereal and mysterious. With determination, Ruby sprinted towards her, intending to ask for assistance.
"Hey, excuse me, ma'a-" Her words trailed off as the woman turned, her back still to Ruby. Strands of black hair obscured her face, and through her transparent hands, the floor was visible.
Startled, Ruby pulled back, a gasp escaping her lips. "Oh dear… I'm sorry, honey," the woman's voice, though soft and gentle, carried an otherworldly quality. Despite her unsettling appearance, her tone was calming, offering a sense of reassurance.
"May I help you?" The lady smoothed her hair with her transparent hand, her visage resembling that of a beautiful ghostly figure. Ruby exhaled in relief. "Do you know where Albus is?"
The lady met Ruby's gaze with a smile. "Ah, Master Albus. Please, follow me." With that, she turned and glided down the hallway, Ruby trailing behind her with footsteps barely audible.
As they walked, an awkward silence hung between them. They halted at a door, the lady raising her hand slowly before giving a gentle knock. "Master Albus, you have a visitor," she announced, waiting patiently for permission to enter.
"Come on in…" Albus's voice floated through the door with a gentle tone. The lady opened the door, allowing Ruby to step into the dimly lit room where Albus sat quietly, engrossed in his book by the flickering candlelight.
Ruby stood frozen, hesitating as she looked down at the ground with a worried expression growing on her face. "How long will Nerio be alright?" she asked in a gentle tone, keeping her distance.
"He should be alright in around two weeks or so," Albus replied.
Ruby took a step back upon hearing his answer. "W-we can't stay here for too long!" she shouted, her voice trembling with emotion. Her face grew angrier, her eyes welling up as she fought back tears.
"This is your fault! He wouldn't be suffering if you hadn't attacked us!" Ruby's voice cracked with emotion as tears streamed down her cheeks. Albus closed his book quietly, exhaling deeply before meeting her gaze with a solemn expression. "I guess it's time for me to explain." He turned his chair towards her, adjusting his posture and clearing his throat. "He and I... came from another world."
"I am simply trying to find a way back while retrieving him..." Albus began, his voice tinged with regret. Ruby stood frozen, her fists clenched tightly, her emotions a storm within her. "Then what's the reason for attacking us?!" she demanded, her eyes burning with anger as she glared at Albus.
Albus looked down, his expression pained. "I had to ensure that nobody knew about us," he said quietly. "I ordered my sister to knock you unconscious and... remove your memories about him." He glanced away, staring at the floor. "If humans ever find out about us or the beastmen, it will cause chaos... possibly even a war."
Albus leaned forward, his head bowed, fingers intertwined tightly. "Originally, humans and beastmen lived together in ancient times. But when the beastmen discovered magic, humans began to fear them and detested the idea of using magic." His voice grew heavier, and his grip tightened as he continued. "So, the beastmen were forced to separate from humans. They used all of their power to create another world, a place where they could live free from human fear and prejudice."
Ruby's anger slowly eased, her clenched fists relaxing as she began to understand. "But... you didn't remove my memories while I was asleep, right?" Her tone became softer and gentler. "And you didn't leave us in the forest either, even though you had the opportunity to take Nerio away..." She wiped her tears with her arm. "I don't understand... Why did you help us?" Her face grew calmer as she questioned him, searching for answers in his eyes.
Albus's face softened into a smile as he glanced back at Ruby. "When I was about to be hit, I knew I was facing death," he said, looking down and raising his hand to place it on his chest, gripping his shirt tightly. "But you were brave enough to calm him down. I can't imagine what might have happened if Adira had seen her little brother die…" He looked back at Ruby, his eyes warm and filled with gratitude. "You remind me of Adira when she was younger," he added, his smile growing more affectionate.
Ruby took a moment to process his words, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks as she smiled. "Ah.. is that so?" She looked down, her fingers nervously gripping her arm. "Sorry… I shouldn't have shouted at you. I didn't understand anything, or how much of a burden you've carried." Her face grew gloomy with guilt as she glanced away, her eyes finding a corner of the room to focus on. "I just don't want to see someone sacrifice themselves for me…" she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness and regret.
"I should be the one apologizing," Albus replied softly. Ruby glanced back at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "...and also thanking you for saving me." He gave her a confident smile, which made Ruby smile too.
"Thank you for explaining everything to me, Albus." She bowed slightly, taking a moment before straightening up again. "I think I should go now." Albus nodded, his expression thoughtful. Ruby hesitated before leaving, her steps slow and deliberate.
"Wait!" Albus shouted, reaching out his hand towards her. Ruby turned her head, her eyes meeting Albus's just before she was about to leave the room.
"Something's glowing underneath your shirt!" Albus exclaimed, pointing at her chest. Ruby looked down to see her blue gem pendant glowing intensely. "My mom's… pendant?" she murmured, holding the pendant tightly.
The energy from the pendant began swirling around her, causing her hair to rise. "Hold on!" Albus shouted, standing up and covering his face against the sudden, powerful force. "Damn it! It's too strong!"
The energy from the pendant continued to intensify, filling the room with a dazzling light and a rush of wind. Ruby's eyes widened with both fear and awe as the pendant's magic enveloped her, leaving Albus struggling to maintain his footing against the growing force.