Solo Ruby in the Raven's lair | Taennie ff

3

The Unyielding Path
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With Ruby subdued and restrained, Jimin and Lisa dragged her from the forest back towards their waiting vehicles. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long, eerie shadows on the path. Ruby’s struggle had faded to a resigned silence, though her eyes still burned with defiance.

As they approached the outskirts of the forest, the hum of the engines grew louder. The vehicles waited, their headlights cutting through the darkness like beacons of impending retribution. The operatives, having dealt with Ruby’s client, were now on standby, their focus shifting to the captured gangster.

Ruby was bundled into the back of one of the vehicles, her hands cuffed and her eyes fiercely challenging. Jimin and Lisa climbed in after her, taking their seats on either side to ensure she couldn’t make another escape attempt. The engine roared to life, and the vehicle began its journey back to the Dark Ravens' mansion.

The ride was tense, the silence punctuated only by the rumble of the engine and the occasional rustle of movement. Ruby sat with her back against the seat, her eyes scanning the interior of the vehicle. She knew the stakes were high, and the Dark Ravens’ leader, V, would not be forgiving. Her mind raced, trying to come up with a plan even as the throbbing pain from her injuries clouded her thoughts.

After a tense drive, they arrived at the Dark Ravens' mansion. The imposing structure loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette a stark reminder of the power and control held within. Ruby was led out of the vehicle and through the mansion’s gates, her head held high despite the restraints. The mansion’s grand entrance was guarded, the security tight as ever.

Inside, V waited in his private office, a room lined with dark mahogany and illuminated by a single, harsh light.
As Ruby was ushered in, she found herself facing not only V but also the core members of the Dark Ravens. The room held a total of eleven people: V, Ruby, Jimin, Lisa, and seven other close gang members.

The seven included two women and five men, all of whom were integral to the Dark Ravens’ operations. The women, known for their ruthless efficiency and intelligence, stood close to V’s desk. The men, diverse in their roles but unified in their loyalty, formed a formidable presence around the room.V stood behind his large, imposing desk, his gaze fixed on Ruby as the guards escorted her in.

As Ruby was brought before him, V stood slowly, his presence commanding and unyielding. He took a moment to appraise her, noting the bloodied and battered state she was in. Despite her injuries, she maintained a fierce, unbroken demeanor.

“Ruby,” V said, his voice low and measured. “I must say, I’m impressed. Few have dared to challenge the Dark Ravens and lived to see the consequences.”

Ruby met his gaze with a steely resolve. “I didn’t come here to play games,” she replied, her voice hoarse but defiant. “I took the diamond, and I’m not afraid of you.”

V’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Fear isn’t what I’m after. Respect is. And you’ve certainly earned a measure of that. But you should understand the gravity of your actions.”

He gestured to Jimin and Lisa, who stepped forward with the briefcase containing the stolen diamond. V took it with a careful hand, examining the jewel with an almost reverent expression. He then turned back to Ruby, his gaze hardening.“

You’ve crossed a line, Ruby. And now, we need to discuss how we resolve this… situation.”

The tension in the room was palpable. Ruby, despite her battered state, remained defiant, her eyes never leaving V’s. The conversation that followed would determine her fate, but for now, she steeled herself for whatever lay ahead.