53 Kind Of Adorable (2/2)

Ruby didn't want to have to hide herself for eternity though. If her own flesh and blood couldn't accept the way she looked there was no way a vampire would.

He was a great friend but that would change in a heartbeat once he saw her without her glamour on. Fae were superficial beings at heart. One trait they all shared was that they loved beautiful things. Ruby was not beautiful and never would be.

The sun began peeking through the trees so a ray landed on Ash's face. He shifted uncomfortably and pulled a face that made it seem like he was about to wake up.

He needed his sleep so Ruby flew in front of him to block it. His peaceful expression resumed and he turned back into a statue. She sighed. It was going to be a very long couple of days doing nothing but guarding each other like this.

===

Ruby was dead beat by the time they made it back to the castle, especially since they had to restock on groceries on the way home from the airport. She really needed a fridge, not just a freezer if she was going to live here properly. And an oven.

Actual lamps in each room would be nice too instead of resorting to those camping lanterns. She might need to drop by the witch coven and get several more of those electricity adapter devices.

She wanted to go lie down in the grass or something—grateful to finally be back in a place that actually had it—but Ash had other ideas. He nervously fiddled with the braid in his hair and wouldn't meet her eyes as he spoke.

”Hey…this is going to sound strange but could you hold onto my arm or something while I finish casting the barrier spell?”

Ruby raised an eyebrow at him. ”Why?”

”I tried practicing when we were in Las Vegas and noticed I could only do the full barrier when you grabbed onto me in your sleep. I know it sounds crazy but it's the truth,” Ash said sheepishly.

He was perfectly serious. How bizarre. But why would she have any effect on blood magic? Was this another part of her rather unique power set or what?

”Show me,” Ruby insisted. She wanted to see what he could do by himself as opposed to when she was helping.