WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS (BOOK1)

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 30

RUI

I woke up and found the spot next to me on the bed empty. Confusion swept over me until I heard the familiar sound of running water from the bathroom. Intrigued, I got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, my footsteps light.

There, I saw Ruvik standing by the sink, shirtless, his back turned towards me. What immediately caught my eye was the intricate tattoo that covered his entire back. It wasn't the typical black ink; it was a mesmerizing shade of yellowish gold, as if the dragons interwoven in the design were made of precious metal. The tattoo sparkled like pure gold under the bathroom lights, and I couldn't look away.

I was spellbound, my voice barely above a whisper as I said, "Ruvik, those tattoos... they're absolutely incredible. I've never seen anything quite like them. The golden hue gives them an almost otherworldly quality."

I observed in awe as his entire back was adorned with the golden dragon tattoo. Mesmerized, I couldn't resist reaching out to touch it. However, as soon as my fingers made contact with his skin, he turned to face me, revealing his chiseled abs and the rest of his striking physique. I was stunned.

Concerned by his silence and the way he was shivering, I asked with worry in my voice, "Did you catch a fever from last night? You're shaking." But he didn't reply, which only deepened my confusion.

I tried to bring him back to reality, saying, "Where did you get this from?" Still, no response. Frustrated, I playfully snapped my fingers in front of his face, teasing, "Hello, my king, are you still alive, or have you turned into a zombie?" But he didn't answer; instead, he abruptly left the bathroom.

He swiftly dressed in his clothes from the night before, a white woolen t-shirt and white cargo pants, and without a word, he left the room. I stood there, utterly bewildered by his actions.

Seated on the edge of the grand bed in Ruvik's room, I found myself in the clutches of a dilemma. My book, a culmination of passion and creative labor, hovered at the precipice of a crucial decision. Should I release it to the world as it was, or could it potentially benefit from further refinement, given the ample time I now had at my disposal? The weight of this choice pressed heavily upon my shoulders.

As my thoughts churned in uncertainty, my attention was stolen by an object on the nightstand. A dusty, ancient book lay there, a relic from a forgotten era. It seemed to have been untouched for years, and a faint memory triggered recognition – I had come across this very book in the library downstairs. But what was it doing here, in Ruvik's room?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist the allure of the book's enigma. Had Ruvik developed an interest in this old tome? Had it been transferred from the library to my quarters for his reading pleasure? The book's timeworn pages, yellowed with age, beckoned with the promise of hidden stories and secrets.

I decided to carry it with me, intending to return it to its rightful place after some investigation. With the dusty tome in hand, I made my way to my own room on the third floor.

After placing the mysterious book on my desk, I embarked on my rituals. Brushing my teeth was a brief affair, followed by a refreshing shower that washed away the my unnecessary thoughts. Stepping out of the shower, I contemplated my attire for the day. Comfort was my priority, and I opted for the same white woolen t-shirt and white cargo pants I had worn the day before.

Dressed once more, I gathered my belongings, including the curious book, and prepared to head downstairs. The dusty tome would have to wait for my further investigation.

I carefully placed my book into my bag and descended the stairs to the kitchen. The servant met me and informed me that everyone had gathered in the dining room, awaiting my arrival. I hesitated for a moment, then pushed open the dining room door, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me.