SYMPHONY: SELLING THE SOUL TO THE DEVIL

Walles Town Center is always buzzing with activity, with the busiest times being just after dawn. Jayden Gavian pushed his black hat further down to cover his red hair and the bangs that fell over his eyes.

The sound of the pedestrian bridge alarm echoed, eliciting a brief smile from the tall, long-legged man. Jay was the epitome of male model perfection, with the perfect proportions typical of male models gracing magazine covers under the title 'Men of The Year.' He found every flicker annoying, even the blinkers! One reason Jay believed pursuing outdoor activities was right, despite rules against it, was because he loved the rush of adrenaline that came with it. While carrying a bag, Jay moved slower than the bustling crowd around him, but he didn't mind. Each time he passed them, Jay puffed out his chest, solemnly inhaling the swirling air, occasionally licking his lips. "Interesting. Humans always apply fragrance under their ears, especially the neck," Jay thought to himself, excited by the possibilities.

For Jay, it resembled the smell of melting butter at breakfast. The building in front of the pedestrian bridge bore a logo with two red eyes, seemingly welcoming its owner as its glass door slid open. After Jay swiped his identity card, gossipmonger James Sandreas turned away from his front office desk, running a hand over his crew cut in a failed attempt to appear cool as he accompanied his boss on their walk.

"Oh, you're at it again... Where's your luxury car off to now, Mr. Billionaire Vampire?" James asked, pressing the elevator button without taking his eyes off Jay.

The elevator was empty, allowing Jay to relax his shoulders visibly.

"How do you know? No, wait," Jay hissed excitedly at his friend, "What business is it of yours?" "You think I'm going to hand it over just because I don't use it?"

"Hey, that's not what I meant, buddy. I'm just curious why you don't take advantage of your wealth, especially while you're still young," James replied.

"Those are all human habits. I help them spend money for happiness. If they're happy, they'll eat a lot, and the rest is my job," Jay explained matter-of-factly.

"So, if I understand you correctly, you're saying that you're making the most of your assets? Oh, wait a minute! Oh, did you secretly donate it? James was really keen to find out more.

Jay removed his jacket and settled into a plush, wheeled chair.

"Oh, absolutely not. Our company does it for the sake of image," Jay clarified, opening black folders adorned with gold ribbons, symbolizing exclusivity and excellence.

"I mean," James let out a sigh of resignation. "Ah, forget it! So, have you made your choice?

"Yes, I think so," Jay replied, his gaze drawn to a half-body photograph exuding a distinct aura.

It depicted a gorgeous girl with long, wavy black hair, sparkling aquatic blue eyes beneath heavy lids, and complete, supple lips that made Jay's heart flutter. A stunning red ruby necklace shone against her warm olive skin, creating an enchanting sight.

"Oh right, she distracted me!" James exclaimed, causing Jay to lean in closer across the desk with a sense of excitement.

"Crystal Zetaruby," Jay read aloud, his eyes alight with excitement as he weighed his options.

"As beautiful as the person, right? But look at the scar!

Following James' finger, Jay noticed a streak of scars resembling dry red leaves on the bridge of her nose.

"She has a chronic illness, but she's still going strong! Prurigo, the 'sweet blood' kind! This probably explains the scars! "Are you absolutely thrilled about this?" James asked with a hint of excitement.

"Diseases are like seasoning to be avoided, but they can also be used to add a little extra flavor to your life! "The slower a human wound heals, the more enjoyable it is," Jay replied with a smile. "I choose her!"

"Oh, and one more thing," James said, his eyes alight with excitement. He paused at the door. "Guess what! The receptionist mentioned a complaint from a woman yesterday, asking to see you."

"Oh, what's the complaint?" Oh, did her family or friends go missing after using our app? Let it be! "They'll despair and accept their fate on their own," Jay said with a smile, focused on checking the bloodstock data in the warehouse folder.

"But this complaint is different. She even mentioned the Basker Forest! "I think we should change the dumping site!" James urged.

With a gleam in his eye, Jay closed the folder. "How long have we been dumping bodies there?"

"It's been three months! We've disposed of seven bodies and counting! "Guess what! The police have been monitoring the nearby village of Baskerville," James told him.

Jay tapped his index finger on the table, his mind racing with a thrilling thought: could the woman who complained have recognized the company dumping at that site? Why on earth did she want to meet him in person? Jay had to tread carefully, but he was excited to see what would happen next. It could be a trap, but he was ready for it. He'd been avoiding the authorities to avoid escalating things with the woman. Still, now Jay wasn't prepared to face them head-on.

"Tell Vata to change the body disposal site."

***

"I told you! That fool chose me! Here, take a look!" Ruby exclaimed as she jumped into a wicker chair, holding her cell phone up for everyone in her group to see.

"Jayden Gavian invites you to the Loveroom," she announced.

The five northern wolves cheered spontaneously, except for Glenn Maximoff, who nodded proudly, slow clapping with full respect.

"You are a true queen," Glenn complimented.

"Thank the Beta brain of the northern wolf pride," Ruby nodded towards Haris Razzega, who was calmly reading a vampire journal. Realizing all eyes were on him, Haris took a sip of his coffee.

"It's nothing. Basic vampire knowledge is easy to learn," he remarked.

"So true! Who would have thought that diabetes could fool them? Real vampires are greedy," Ruby shook her head.

"When do we give that imbecile vampire a reckoning?" Thomas interrupted, "I can't wait to break his fangs!"

"Hush," Shey sighed sadly. Gamma looked annoyed at her lover, even going as far as lightly hitting Thomas on the head.

"You're the one being stupid!" Shey retorted sharply, her voice rising, "We have to be careful. If it's found out, it could lead to World War Three!"

"I'm just asking, my beloved Shey Harumi," Thomas groaned, rubbing his head. He narrowed his eyes, returning Shey's glare.

"If you keep acting out, the most handsome Delta of the century, Thomas Xavier, won't marry you," he threatened.

"Then, I'll just marry Glenn," Shey clicked her tongue, playfully linking her hands.

Shey rested her temple against Glenn's bicep, his forefinger scratching the tip of his scarred eyebrow.

Amidst the household commotion, Ruby's breathing became heavy. She was half-stunned, racking her brain intensely. The green light was in front of her eyes, but the path ahead was fraught with pitfalls.

Ruby would confront a cage of blood-sucking creatures. She had always hated those careless creatures, without needing a reason. No, she could come up with a thousand excuses.

The main goal was clear. Ruby's blood boiled every time the Baskerville police appeared. The vampire company dumped their food carcasses into the Basker forest near the northern wolves' residence.

Whatever was found in the forest, the wolf village of Baskerville became an easy target for investigation. Even though they were always cautious when hunting, the lives of northern wolves were threatened at the slightest misstep. Ruby also needed to ensure that Baskerville remained untouched by humans.

"What do you think? Any other difficulties?" Glenn whispered.

Ruby gasped. Shey and Thomas had just realized they had left the gazebo table. The young couple transformed into wolves, fighting in the yard. Barlie Yu, the Omega, returned after helping his mother. He distributed some snacks and joined in watching the ordinary scene with Haris.

"Are you nervous?" Glenn asked again.

"A little," Ruby admitted, "this is the first time I've dealt with an outsider. Pretending to date without any knowledge makes me afraid of messing up."

"Why not ask My Luna for help? She's smart about these things," Glenn suggested.

"You know, Anna is avoiding me. I consider her a friend, but she sees me as a rival, maybe forever," Ruby sighed, flicking her side bangs to hide her sadness.

"Let me handle this."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Come on, it'll get worse. She was jealous that I could freely roam around you while she was training the female wolf pack."

"You guys are so complicated, even though you play an important role for us," Glenn muttered, at a loss for words.

"You don't understand, Glenn," Haris snapped. "Women's self-confidence is like a bubble. It breaks easily when hit by more vigorous bubbles. Baskerville has many muscular werewolves, but only Ruby can defeat a hundred alphas, and she is close to you."

Glenn groaned awkwardly, styling his mullet hair with thin bangs that reached his eyebrows, inspired by a gangster film.

"Then, how? I don't want to die stupidly defeated by the descendant of the wolf queen; it's better to serve her."

"What are you talking about?" Ruby exclaimed, scrambling to stand, banging the wooden table until her legs shook. "That's enough. I'm going to town and picking out pretty dresses for the date! Haris, do you want to give me a lift?"

"With pleasure, Your Majesty," Haris responded, his curly hair framing his distinctive dimples.

Glenn furrowed his forehead slightly. "I can't come?" he asked, his voice heavy.

"Not unless you can carry your Luna to the car."

---

The car's exhaust emitted a lovely, satisfying plume of smoke, indicating that the engine was heating up and ready to roll. Haris opened the door for Ruby and then circled to the driver's side, opening the rear seat door.

Haris and Ruby were surprised to find Anna sitting calmly inside. The blonde girl hugged Ruby.

"Your Highness, do you mind if I join and help?" Anna offered softly.

"Oh, um, yeah, thanks," Ruby replied, scratching her temple even though it didn't itch. Trying to cover her clumsiness, Ruby straightened her posture, feeling the need to be careful and maintain an attitude that didn't offend her. Ruby wanted peace. Unfortunately, Ruby had once caught Anna arguing with Glenn about herself.

"You think having a Zeta in our clan is a blessing? Do you see how his title and powers make such a difference? She didn't enrich this village. We're still surviving each other. She's not that special. Stop serving her."

Every time Anna's words echoed, Ruby's heart fluttered. This is the right moment, and Ruby proves her role.

"We're looking for a shop near Jay's company, as well as observing."

Haris nodded. "I understand."

The silent journey took forty minutes. Ruby poked her head out a little from the rolled-down glass window to observe the building decorated with the red eye logo.

"A cursed place."

People wearing formal clothes with identity cards hanging from their necks entered and exited without being suspected of being murderous monsters. Meanwhile, the wolf clan must face difficult questions. Ruby was willing to bet that the employees' coffee cups contained fresh human blood.

Should she run now and make them shed blood on the streets? Ruby gritted her teeth in annoyance.

Ruby felt a vibration in her jeans pocket. The long-awaited message had arrived. It was surprisingly from Jay. Instead of sending a direct message, he sent a chain message.

"Thank you for the opportunity to chat, Beautiful Lady. Let me introduce myself: Jayden Gavian. I am twenty-five years old and have worked as CEO at the company that developed the application we are playing. Please check my data using the link I sent if you don't believe me."

"However, I don't think it's that important because our communication is the most important thing. How about you? Are you willing to continue our conversation?"

Rigid, boring, narcissistic. The lowest caste of men are those who consider all women to be materialistic. Without being asked, he immediately told me his job. Or to look fabulous? Ruby pursed her lips, constantly grumbling inside. Anyway, the opening greeting could have been better. Ruby's speech was still good, as she had written it in elementary school. However, what Ruby typed was the opposite.

"Wow! Is it the owner of Vousme who contacted me? Is it not a problem? Is this part of application testing?"

A quick response followed, "Haha, Miss Crystal seems to be a pleasant person. Of course not, darling. Behind the desk, I am a lonely man interested in you."

"You are hilarious, sir. We have to plan a meeting soon; I can't wait to meet a great man. What an honor."

"Tomorrow is the weekend. I prepared the most beautiful dinner. How about it?"

"Accepted."

Ruby's moaning was just a diversion. She was itching to laugh at the vampire's innocence. He restrained himself. It was too early. Jay hadn't completely fallen into the trap yet.

"If you would like, send me your address. My driver will pick you up, darling."

"That's ridiculous," said Ruby, shuddering.

"Why? What's so ridiculous?" Haris asked. Anna's eyebrows also raised in curiosity.

"He dared to call me darling many times! Honestly, this is our first time chatting. Are all rich vampires flirtatious like this?" Ruby scolded.

This situation is far from ordinary. Never mind being given sweet nicknames if the male wolves outside Glenn's pack want to talk to her; it's already the world's eighth wonder.

A word of 'No,' the maximum version they commonly say to Ruby is, 'I don't know, Your Highness.' Meanwhile, the female wolves have more freedom with Anna. At a certain point, the fate that she was the only descendant of a Lycaon woman was burdensome for Ruby.

Adult male wolves like Lycaon and the wolf king usually wear Title Zeta. Ruby has proven the existence of Zeta women. But it cannot be denied; he needs to accept that his life differs from that of others.

There were moments when Ruby wished her ancestors hadn't acted so foolishly against the gods hundreds of centuries ago so that it does not need to control themselves desperately. There is no need to be afraid of destroying what they touch.

The dream of a free life is too far from reality.

"You'll get used to it later. Just imagine this as a simulation of when you find real love." Haris calmed Ruby.

"I doubt I'll ever go through that phase."

"Ey, all creatures are destined to pair up," Anna interjected.

Ruby chuckled awkwardly. "Says one person, an officer destined with Alpha from the beginning."

"Who knows, your destiny is not the capitalist vampire, but his wealth? Haha, it's like a storyline in a telenovela!" Anna laughed back.

"Wait, I thought of two funny words: capitalist vampire," said Anna, her banter still laced with an intonation like a sweet lullaby.

Haris laughed, glancing at the rearview mirror. "Miss, your terms are hilarious. Nowadays, people call them billionaires. She said it was cooler."

"There's nothing cooler than a bunch of master liars," said Ruby.

Anna's palm suddenly landed on Ruby's shoulder. "Sorry to say this, but could you tone down your anger? Isn't your role here an innocent and naive human who is looking for true love?"

"Why have you changed even though you were so angry with me?" Ruby cut to the chase.

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.