Ain't no confusion here, it is as I feared

The illusion that you feel is real

To be vulnerable is needed most of all

If you intend to truly fall apart

You think the worst of all is far behind

The vampire of time and memories has died

I survived. I speak, I breathe,

I'm incomplete

~The Vampyre of Time and Memory, Queens of the Stone Age


The circlet. Get the circlet.

As Ruby pressed forward, her senses honed on the ethereal whispers of her parents' spirits, she felt a sense of urgency coursing through her veins. The pleas of her companions, their voices laden with desperation, faded into the background.

RUBY!

Astarion's voice cut through the haze of her determination, a sharp reminder of the imminent danger that lurked behind her. She knew his cry was genuine, devoid of any pretense or ulterior motive. Yet, despite the urgency in his tone, her reflexes seemed sluggish, as if time itself had slowed to a crawl.

With a sinking dread, she felt the icy touch of fear clutch at her heart as the claws closed in on her. The sharp sting of pain blossomed across her back as they tore through her flesh, leaving a trail of crimson in their wake. Every movement felt like a struggle against the encroaching darkness, a futile attempt to evade the inevitable.

As Ruby's consciousness wavered on the edge of oblivion, the voices of her companions, once distant murmurs, now rose to a crescendo in her ears. Shadowheart and Astarion's argument pierced through the fog of her fading awareness, their heated words echoing off the walls of her mind like shards of glass.

She wanted to interject, to plead for peace amidst the chaos that threatened to consume them all, but her strength failed her. Her body felt heavy, as if weighed down by the burden of her own mortality, and she struggled to keep her eyes open, to stay present in the tumultuous world around her.

And then, suddenly, darkness engulfed her. She could no longer see the figures of her companions, their forms swallowed by the inky void that surrounded her. Yet, amidst the suffocating silence, she could still hear his voice, his cries tearing at the very fabric of her soul.

I went from not caring about anyone but myself to caring about you...somewhat more than myself.

His words echoed in the caverns of her mind, a confession laid bare in the shadowy recesses of her subconscious. In that fleeting moment of clarity, she felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She couldn't leave him—not now, not ever.

With every fiber of her being, she fought against the encroaching darkness, clawing her way back to consciousness with a tenacity born of desperation. She had to get back to him, to reassure him that she was still there, still fighting.

You can't die! You can't leave me here, Ruby! Wake up!


Ruby's eyes shot open, her heart racing as she tried to shake off the remnants of the nightmare that had gripped her so tightly. It wasn't the first time she'd been haunted by the specter of death, yet this time felt different. Despite her logical mind reminding her that she had already faced the brink of mortality and returned, the fear lingered like a stubborn shadow.

As Astarion's comforting presence enveloped her, she found solace in the odd warmth of his cold embrace. His arms, like a shield against the darkness, offered reassurance and safety.

She was transported back once again to that fateful moment of near-death, where the thin veil separating life and death threatened to consume her completely. Astarion's voice, raw with desperation, continued to echo in her mind, a haunting reminder of the terror that had gripped them both.

In that moment of weakness, as she lay on the precipice of existence, Ruby had felt the weight of her exhaustion pressing down on her. It wasn't just physical fatigue, but the weariness that stemmed from years of internal conflict and external pressures.

Haunted by the echoes of lost souls and burdened by the weight of her own destiny, Ruby yearned for a respite from the chaos that defined her existence. She longed to break free from the constraints of her cursed fate, to embrace a life untouched by the darkness that lurked within her.

But even as the longing for normalcy tugged at her heartstrings, she knew deep down that her path was inexorably intertwined with the forces that had shaped her destiny. The decision she had made, to defy convention and assert her independence, had set her on a course fraught with peril and uncertainty.

As Ruby contemplated the idea of marriage, she couldn't shake the feeling of being too young, too inexperienced to make such a monumental decision. At eighteen, she still felt like a child in many ways, her sense of self not fully formed, her dreams and aspirations still taking shape. The thought of committing herself to someone for a lifetime felt daunting, especially when she hadn't yet discovered who she truly was. However, if she were to marry, it would have to be someone she cared deeply for and trusted with her life.

She glanced at Astarion, his porcelain-like features illuminated by a soft glow, and a pang of uncertainty shot through her. He was someone she cared deeply for. He was someone she trusted with her life. But the idea of marrying him, of binding their fates together in matrimony, sent her heart racing with panic. It was too soon, too sudden to even entertain such thoughts.

Their relationship, if it could be called that, existed in a nebulous space between friendship and something more. They shared a bond that went beyond mere camaraderie, a connection forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding. Yet, they had never explicitly defined the nature of their relationship, never put a label on what they were to each other.

Were they friends? Undoubtedly. Were they something more? Perhaps. But the lines between friendship and romance blurred in their interactions, leaving them both hesitant to take the next step. They were navigating uncharted territory, treading carefully as they explored the depths of their feelings for one another.

As Ruby buried her face into Astarion's chest, seeking solace in the coolness of his embrace, she felt the weight of her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Tears traced a silent path down her cheeks, betraying the turmoil that churned within her soul.

As his hand tenderly brushed away the tears that stained her cheeks, Ruby felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. In the safety of his arms, she found the courage to voice the words that had been weighing heavily on her heart.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry for scaring you. I'm sorry for being a mess right now. I'm sorry-"

But her apology faltered as tears choked her words, rendering them unintelligible. A sob escaped her lips, the sound echoing in the quiet sanctuary of their embrace. Astarion's response was immediate, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace as he cradled her head against his chest.

With gentle strokes, he began to rub soothing circles into her back.

"My dear, we're both completely and utterly fucked up. You have nothing to apologize for. But you can make it up to me." Astarion lifted his head just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes locking with hers in a silent exchange of understanding.

"What?" Ruby's curiosity piqued as she awaited his request, her doe eyes wide with anticipation.

"Tell me exactly what you're doing before you do something stupid," he replied, a hint of seriousness underlying his jest.

Ruby couldn't help but chuckle at his straightforwardness. It was a simple request, yet it carried a profound significance. In asking her to confide in him, to share her thoughts and fears openly, Astarion offered her more than just reassurance—he offered her trust.

With a contented sigh, Ruby nestled closer to him, tucking her head under his chin once more. The weight of his arms anchored her to the present moment as she drifted back to sleep.


As Ruby and Astarion embarked on their mission the next morning, the weight of their previous night's ordeal hung heavy in the air. Yet, despite the lingering echoes of fear and uncertainty, they pressed forward, their resolve unshaken by the challenges that lay ahead.

Accompanied once again by Karlach and Shadowheart, the quartet ventured deeper into the Thorm mausoleum, their footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls that surrounded them. With each passing step, they sensed a shift in the atmosphere, a palpable tension that seemed to coil like a serpent waiting to strike.

It soon became apparent that this was no ordinary resting place for the dead. It was a temple—a sanctum devoted to Shar, the Mistress of the Night, and the patron deity of Shadowheart herself.

It was a place steeped in mystery and shadow, where the boundaries between the mortal realm and the divine blurred into obscurity.

For Shadowheart, it was both a homecoming and a trial. Here, in the heart of Shar's domain, she felt the weight of her faith bearing down upon her, a reminder of the sacred duty that bound her to her goddess. And yet, amidst the darkness, there was a sense of purpose—a calling to become something more, something greater than herself.

They descended far beneath the mausoleum's depths in chambers cloaked in hues of deep purples and accented with touches of shimmering gold.

As they ventured further, they encountered Shar's undead guardians—sentinels of darkness that prowled the shadows with an eerie sense of purpose. To Shadowheart, they were more than mere obstacles; they were tests from the Lady of Darkness herself, challenges designed to prove the worthiness of her followers.

But for Ruby, the truth was far more unsettling. Ever since Shadowheart had revealed her allegiance to Shar, Ruby had felt a growing sense of unease gnawing at her conscience. In the presence of these undead monstrosities, the dissonance between their beliefs became glaringly apparent.

Where Shadowheart saw divine providence, Ruby saw only cruelty and oppression. Where Shadowheart found solace in the embrace of darkness, Ruby was a mote of light—a symbol of hope in a world plagued by despair. The thought of worshiping a deity who reveled in the shadows, who thrived on fear and suffering, filled her with a sense of revulsion she struggled to contain.

Yet, despite their differences, Ruby knew that Shadowheart was more than just her beliefs. She was a companion, a friend—a steadfast ally she could rely on.

So, they dispatched the bony guardians with ease, blades and axes swinging, while rays of golden magic pierced through the air.

As Ruby's violet eyes scanned the chamber below, they alighted upon a sleek, black panther-like creature prowling with feline grace. Its movements were fluid, its sleek form weaving sinuously through the shadows as if dancing to some silent rhythm. Yet, despite its predatory aura, there was a certain magnetism to its presence, an allure that drew Ruby's gaze like a moth to flame.

"Is that a—"

"Displacer beast," Astarion interjected, his voice tinged with a note of caution. He nodded in confirmation, his expression betraying a hint of wariness as he regarded the creature below.

Ruby felt a shiver run down her spine at the mention of the beast's name. Displacer beasts were notorious predators, known for their ability to bend light around their bodies, making them appear to be several feet away from their true position. It was a formidable foe, one that demanded respect and caution in equal measure.

"I don't like the way it's looking at us," Karlach remarked, her voice edged with unease. She maintained unbroken eye contact with the creature, her stance tense and alert as she assessed the threat it posed.

"It doesn't seem like it wants to bring us harm," Shadowheart explained, her voice steady and composed despite the uncertainty that lingered in the shadows.

But Astarion's response injected a note of caution into the conversation, his words dripping with playful skepticism. "I wouldn't say that, Shadowheart," he remarked, his lips curling into a smirk. "All cats prowl before they pounce."

Ruby couldn't help but chuckle at his analogy, despite the gravity of their situation. Astarion had a way of injecting levity into even the most dire of circumstances, his wit a welcome distraction from the looming threats that surrounded them.

As he turned to her, his smirk turning flirtatious, Ruby felt a flush of heat rising to her cheeks. His playful banter never failed to catch her off guard, leaving her feeling simultaneously flustered and amused.

"Isn't that right, darling?" he added, his smile widening as he locked eyes with her, his gaze filled with a playful twinkle.

Caught off guard by his sudden attention, Ruby felt her cheeks burn even hotter. She averted her gaze shyly, cursing herself for reacting like a lovestruck schoolgirl.

"It's not going anywhere," Karlach broke the silence with a raised brow.

Ruby took a deep breath, steeling herself against the lingering embarrassment of Astarion's playful teasing. With a determined expression, she pushed aside her flustered appearance, channeling her focus into the task at hand. "I think it wants us to follow it."

"That... sounds like a horrible idea," Astarion admitted with a heavy sigh, his gaze flickering between his companions as if searching for a glimmer of reassurance. "But it's also the only lead we have on where the hells to go in this bloody place, so, shall we?" With a flourish, he bowed theatrically, gesturing toward the broken stairs with an extended hand.

As Karlach and Shadowheart pressed forward, their gazes fixed on the retreating form of the displacer beast, Ruby felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. With each step, they drew closer to uncovering the truth behind the scars on Astarion's back.

Ruby reached out and clasped Astarion's extended hand in hers, intertwining their fingers with a gentle squeeze. The coolness of his touch sent an oddly comforting shiver down her spine, grounding her in the intense moment.

Together, they followed in the wake of their companions, their footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls as they descended deeper into the heart of the temple. But as they reached the bottom of the staircase, Ruby realized that the bottom few steps were missing, leaving a daunting gap between them and the platform below.

Before she could react, Astarion released her hand and gracefully leaped onto the platform, his movements cat-like. Ruby watched him with a mixture of admiration and trepidation as she prepared to follow suit.

But before she could make the jump herself, Astarion was in front of her, his strong arms encircling her waist as he effortlessly lifted her down to him. Her breath caught in her throat at the unexpected gesture, her cheeks flushing with a deep crimson blush as she met his gaze.

With a playful wink, Astarion released her, his smile lighting up his features as he watched her reaction. Ruby's heart fluttered at the sight, her stomach a flutter of nervous excitement as she found herself lost in his gaze.

As their hands found each other once more, Ruby felt a renewed sense of determination coursing through her veins.

"Were you always this chivalrous?" Her teasing remark hung in the air like a playful melody, eliciting a grin from Astarion as they resumed their journey through the chamber's dimly lit corridors.

Astarion's steps were light and confident, his gaze flickering with amusement as he glanced sidelong at her. He feigned offense with a hand flying to his chest. "I'll have you know I might be a luscious prick most of the time, but I am very well-mannered, my dear."

The dhampir couldn't help but laugh at his theatrical response, the sound echoing softly around them. "At least you're aware," she quipped, her tone teasing yet affectionate.

"Trust me, I am," Astarion replied with a playful wink, his smirk widening as he squeezed her hand gently.

As Ruby's laughter faded into gasps, her breath catching in her throat like a caged bird, she stumbled forward, her legs threatening to buckle beneath her. In that moment of vulnerability, Astarion was there, his strong arms enveloping her in a protective embrace as he guided her gently to her knees.

Though she couldn't hear his words over the roar of her own heartbeat, she could sense the soothing cadence of his voice, his whispered reassurances a balm to her fractured mind.

The orthon.

Clutching Astarion's arms tightly, she steadied herself against the tide of panic that threatened to overwhelm her.

Next room. Kill him.

Her parents' voices echoed in her mind, their words a grim reminder of the task that lay ahead.

"Ruby, are you alright?"

The sound of Astarion's voice pierced through the haze that clouded Ruby's mind, jolting her back to the present moment with a start. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the disorientation that gripped her as she struggled to make sense of the chaos swirling within her.

But then, like a torrent unleashed, the memories came rushing back with a relentless intensity. The circlet, the zombie, the cold touch of the stone floor beneath her, and Astarion—his concerned expression etched into her mind like a haunting refrain.

Astarion. Astarion. Astarion.

It dawned on her with a sudden clarity that sent a shiver down her spine. Her parents had put her in danger—sent her on a quest fraught with peril and uncertainty. But why? They would never intentionally endanger her, would they?

The realization struck her like a blow to the gut, leaving her reeling with a mix of disbelief and betrayal. They had known about the circlet, yes, but had they been aware of the horde of zombies that guarded it? Had they knowingly sent her into harm's way, or had they been deceived by forces beyond their control?

But then, another thought crept into her mind—a nagging doubt that refused to be silenced. Her parents had sensed the mind flayers, just as they were now sensing the orthon. They had guided her through countless dangers before, their guidance a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.

As she struggled to make sense of it all, Ruby felt a sense of overwhelming confusion wash over her, her thoughts swirling like a tempest in her mind. She shook her head, trying to dispel the onslaught of images and emotions that threatened to consume her.

Rocking herself gently, she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, willing herself to find a semblance of calm amidst the chaos.

"They put me in danger," she whispered shakily. "Why would they do that? They would never do that."

"Darling, what are you on about?" Astarion's voice was laced with confusion and concern, his brow furrowing as he searched her face for answers.

But before she could respond, Shadowheart's words cut through the tension like a knife, her tone sharp and assertive. "Maybe this was a bad idea, Astarion. We should go-"

"Just give us a moment, Shadowheart!" Astarion's interruption was firm, his gaze unwavering as he turned back to Ruby.

As Shadowheart rolled her eyes and motioned for Karlach to join her a few paces away, Astarion wasted no time in scooching closer to the dhampir, his grip firm but gentle as he rested his hands on her shoulders.

"It's just us now, my sweet. What's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with concern.

Ruby shook her head once more, the weight of her realization pressing down on her like a leaden blanket. "You were right. I am naive," she confessed. With a heavy heart, she lifted her gaze to meet Astarion's, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "The spirits don't care...my parents don't care if I die."

The spawn's expression softened at her words.

"Ruby, I don't believe that's true," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "From what you've told me, your parents cared an awful deal about you. But if what you said is true, if their lost souls inhabit your mind, they're solely focused on one thing—"

"Vengeance," Ruby finished, her voice barely above a whisper. "That explains a lot, actually."

As Astarion brushed away a stray tear from Ruby's cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring, his words carried a weight of solemn truth. "Whoever they were before Cazador killed them, Ruby... that's gone with them. What inhabits your mind right now are empty shells of who they were."

Ruby's heart clenched at his words, the realization sinking in like a heavy stone. She had clung to the hope that somehow, somewhere, fragments of her parents' true selves still lingered within her, but Astarion's words shattered that illusion with brutal honesty.

"How do you know so much?" she asked with a trembling voice.

Astarion hesitated for a moment, his gaze distant as he wrestled with his own memories and demons. "Well, for one, I've been brushing up on some light reading regarding lost souls and dark deals," he replied with a wry half-smile, attempting to lighten the mood with a touch of humor.

"What's the other?" Ruby insisted, her eyes searching his for answers.

The spawn's smile faded, replaced by a heaviness that seemed to weigh him down. With a deep sigh, he bowed his head, his gaze falling to the ground as if unable to meet hers.

"When Cazador made me into his spawn, I lost almost everything of who I was," he confessed, his voice tinged with a bitter edge. "I can't even remember the color of my eyes before they turned red. I can only imagine how much worse it affected your parents, knowing their souls remain entrapped inside their daughter's mind."

Ruby's touch was tender as she caressed Astarion's cheek, her fingers tracing the contours of his face with a gentleness born of compassion. She ignored the second part of his speech, focusing on the fact that he didn't remember who he was, determined to offer him solace in his moment of vulnerability.

"I'm sure you were a wonderful person before Cazador," she murmured softly, her voice filled with sincerity and warmth.

"As much as you would love to believe that, darling, I think I was quite the opposite," he replied, his doubts and insecurities bubbling to the surface despite her efforts to reassure him. He shook his head, his grip tightening on her hand as he pressed a kiss to her palm.

Ruby's heart ached at the weight of his words, the pain of his self-condemnation echoing in the depths of her soul. But she refused to let him succumb to the darkness that threatened to engulf him, her voice firm as she sought to lift his spirits.

"Nobody's perfect, Astarion," she insisted, her gaze locking with his as she spoke. "We all make mistakes. It's what we do afterward that defines us."

He shook his head again, a gesture that seemed to convey both a sense of reluctance and finality. Ruby could sense that he wasn't quite ready to delve further into the complexities of his past, and she respected his boundaries, knowing that there were more immediate concerns that demanded their attention.

As she opened her mouth to speak, ready to shift the conversation to their current mission, Astarion rose to his feet in one fluid motion. With a graceful movement, he extended a hand to her.

Without hesitation, Ruby accepted his offer, her fingers intertwining with his as he pulled her upright.

"You will get through this, Ruby, and I will be here to make sure you do," Astarion declared.

The dhampir felt a surge of gratitude welling up within her at his words, a sense of warmth flooding her heart as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. In his arms, she found solace, a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos that threatened to engulf her.

As she leaned into him, she felt the tension in her muscles slowly begin to ebb away, the weight of her burdens lifting with each steady breath. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the voices that had plagued her mind fell and remained silent, their haunting whispers fading into nothingness.