Chapter 3 A Trap

Anna's awkward laughter created tension in the car. Haris instinctively kept quiet, sensing a brewing conflict between the women.

"I appreciate your support. I also like that idea. Come on, let's give it our best shot," Ruby said. "Anna, if you're hoping I'll date a vampire guy, don't bother helping me. It's impossible. And it's even more impossible for my relationship with Glenn to be as you fear."

Silence fell until the sound of wheels scraping against the asphalt broke it. Ruby no longer waited for a response. It didn't matter. What mattered was that she felt she had done something to ease Anna's anxiety.

"Actually-" Anna's voice interrupted Ruby as she reached for the door handle.

"I sincerely wish you success," Anna continued.

Ruby sighed faintly, then turned to her. "Okay. Pick out the prettiest red dress for me."

The curtain parted, revealing another queen among the rest. Eliminate the words elegant, charming, and polite from the dictionary. Crystal Zetaruby's journey over the centuries has been that of a warrior queen.

However, for the first time in her life, she must strive to live up to the standards of a true queen. Ruby's high heels wobbled, nearly toppling her tall frame. Fortunately, Ruby's legs were accustomed to being prepared for sudden impacts.

"Good grief! Are you okay? Did you twist your ankle?" Haris asked, always ready to assist.

"I'm fine. Everyone's fine."

"Oh, your red dress looks perfect! Look at the neckline!" Anna fluffed up the fabric on the right side and divided it into two. "Your beautiful legs are well exposed! Isn't that right, Haris?"

Haris momentarily closed his gaping mouth. "Ah... yes, exactly. Do you want to take this one or try something else?"

"No need to waste time. Just wrap this one up," Ruby replied, already in line with just one customer ahead. Her ears twitched as the women nearby chatted. How delighted they were discussing men on dating apps was quite touching.

"Just try using a provocative profile picture. I posed in an open-necked shirt and instantly got ten invites to Loveroom! Quite a change from when I wore more conservative clothes. Vousme's algorithm is really something. Initially, it spooked me," said the stylish woman with bobbed hair.

Her bespectacled friend responded enthusiastically, "Have you found the man of your dreams? What's he like? Is he handsome? Does he match his profile picture?"

"Just give me a moment. I'm meeting him tomorrow. He's mature and hardworking. The man of my dreams."

"What's his name?"

"Vata!"

"What time are you meeting him? Where?"

"After dinner, he's taking me to a hotel," the bobbed woman said slowly.

"What? That fast? Are you ready?"

"Why not? Haha!"

Anxiety quickly set in. Ruby's heels trembled, almost causing her to turn away. One thing held her back. Ruby struggled to find the right words. How could she tell these women that meeting a man from that app would likely lead to their deaths? Ruby couldn't reveal the existence of immortal creatures; it would be akin to suicide, as it would inevitably plunge the city into chaos. Hunting with their bare hands also posed a threat to the Northern Wolves.

"Hello? Please?" called the cashier.

Ruby stepped forward, completing her transaction while pondering deeply. Before leaving the line, she hesitated.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I overheard your conversation about Vousme. Many say the app is dangerous and has caused victims. Their data security is weak. Users could encounter psychopaths, robbers, or worse. Please reconsider."

The bobbed woman smirked sarcastically. "Thanks for your concern. But I'm not that naive. Mind your own business, okay?"

"Ma'am, I'm saying this out of concern for your safety!"

"Hey! Who asked you to care? Are you my mother? My little brother? And why do you call me 'ma'am'? I'm not that old!" the woman snapped.

Her friend caught the cashier's confused look and apologized.

"Elle, enough. Let it go. Just pay for your clothes quickly."

"Okay, okay! Just a moment!" Elle said, brushing off her friend's hand on her shoulder. "And one more thing!" Elle's index finger wagged in front of Ruby's face.

"You should learn to 'let it go' when someone's talking. Vousme has a five-star rating, flawless. Their service is top-notch! They even offer a dating shuttle service. Where did all this talk of victims come from? Are you talking about the same Vousme? Maybe you need to read the app more carefully. Double-check, and don't spoil my fun!"

Elle looked away, focusing on swiping her debit card.

"Insane woman! Touched in the head to enjoy an assault!" Ruby muttered.

Elle glanced back. "What are you looking at? Should I call security? Your intense stare is unsettling!"

Ruby stormed out of the shop. Her nails dug into the shopping bag. Emotions ran high on the asphalt road. The car door slammed shut, causing Haris and Luna to jump in their seats, thinking there was some sudden attack.

"What? Why? What happened? Are you okay? Is there a big problem?" Haris scanned the alleys lined with shops.

"Ruby, were you fighting a vampire?" Anna asked cautiously.

"No!" Ruby exclaimed. "Right now, if they dare show up before me, I might bring the whole city down."

Ruby's breath was heavy as if it could breathe fire. She was a wolf, and her strength lay in her claws, teeth, and muscles. Anna gently placed a hand on the bag in Ruby's lap, saving the red dress that was on the brink of tearing.

"Haris, how sophisticated are things these days? How can one company have so much control?" Ruby's forehead creased deeply.

"Hmm... most likely, they have a system that ordinary people don't understand," Haris replied. "We'd have to delve into their system to find out."

"Ah, seriously, though. For all RED-EYEZ's advancements, why isn't there a police force that knows their whereabouts? How can our legal system allow this? How can they lose to vampires who have lived for centuries? We've faced countless investigations in the last six months; what about the rest?"

"Here, let's secure your dress first," Anna said, then patted Haris on the shoulder. "Hey, we should get home quickly."

Haris nodded, driving the upset queen home, even though the game had yet to begin.