CHAPTER 386: CHAPTER 386 AUDITION (1)

Ruby’s own life was spinning faster than ever.

Mornings belonged to her company—handling meetings, solving problems, checking on production and finances. Her workers had grown used to seeing her stride in with rolled-up sleeves and eyes sharp like a hawk. But once she returned home and the house slowly settled into Soulstream time, Ruby would retreat into her room for two hours each night.

Two precious, quiet hours.

That was her time. The laptop open, her fingers flying over keys. Designing, building, coding. She was crafting something of her own—a debut game that wasn’t just fun, but unforgettable. Something that would bring emotion, story, and wonder.

She didn’t just want it to launch. She wanted it to shake this entire world.

***

"Stop being nervous! You’ll be good," Ruby said as she drove, eyes fixed ahead, voice steady but filled with the kind of calm that usually made Karl sit straighter—until now.

"I don’t know..." Karl muttered, slumped in the passenger seat like a guilty puppy. His leg bounced restlessly and he was chewing his thumbnail like it owed him money. "What if I mess up? What if they laugh at me, or worse—what if they don’t even remember me after I leave?"

"Karl!!" Ruby’s voice cut through the air like a slap of thunder—firm and sharp, enough to make him jolt.

"Alright, alright!" he said quickly, yanking his hand away from his mouth and pressing it to his chest like a scolded child. "No biting. I get it. I’m just—nervous, wife. This is big."

"You don’t need to be perfect," she said softer now, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "You just need to be yourself."

Karl pouted, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeves. "What if myself isn’t good enough?"

Ruby let out a slow breath and turned to look at him for a second. "Then we work on it. Together. You think I’ve never failed before?" Her lips twitched. "You’re not alone, Karl. You have me. You have all of us. Even Milo believes you’ll shine. Don’t waste that."

Karl blinked at her, his eyes round and a little watery. "Wife..."

"Yes?"

"I think I love you more now," he said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart.

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Just don’t forget your lines."

"I might forget my own name, but I’ll never forget that you’re cheering for me."

She chuckled. "Good. Then shut up and rehearse. We’re almost there."

***

Ruby led Karl down the narrow street, her hand lightly brushing his wrist now and then to make sure he was keeping up. The sun was soft today, veiled behind clouds, and the city buzzed with quiet chatter and the occasional chime of bells hung outside shop doors.

She remembered the address clearly—she had read that letter so many times she could see it in her sleep. "Past the tool shop, then turn left," she muttered under her breath. And just as expected, there was a small store with wrenches hanging in the window and bolts clinking inside. Ruby slowed for a moment, glancing up at the sign, and then took the next turn.

"There," she said softly. Ahead of them was a wide gate with a decorative stone sign that read Soul Star Casting Hall. The building behind it was tall, with big windows and pretty golden lettering.

Karl didn’t say anything—his lips were pressed tightly together and his cheeks puffed out in silent panic. He looked like he wanted to hide behind her hair.

"Wife...my legs feel like jelly," he whispered.

"They should. You’re about to fly, not walk," she whispered back with a soft smirk.

But just as they stepped forward, a voice called out behind them. "Excuse me—are you... are you Ruby?" Witch’s voice asked, uncertain yet excited.

Ruby turned, blinking.

A young witch stood there with wide brown eyes, her friend clutching her arm. "Red eyes... white hair... You are Ruby, right? The one who made the raincoats?" she asked, awe clear in her voice.

Ruby gave a polite smile and nodded slightly.

"Oh my goddess," the witch whispered, "She’s even prettier in real life. I told you it was her!" she nudged her friend, who also gawked. "Can I... can I just say... we love your work. And your clothes are all over the City right now. Like, everywhere."

Karl stood a little taller beside her, now puffing his chest out proudly like he had made every raincoat himself.

"Thank you," Ruby said with a slight bow of her head. "That means a lot."

The witch beamed. "Are you here to audition too?"

Karl coughed loudly. "I am," he said with dramatic flair. "Karl. Her husband. Rising star." He raised his chin proudly and Ruby almost laughed.

The witches giggled and wished them luck before moving on, whispering excitedly behind their hands.

Ruby looked over at Karl. "Feeling better now, Mister Rising Star?"

Karl grinned and wiggled his brows. "Wife, I think fame suits me."

She rolled her eyes. "Then go earn it."

They walked through the gate together.

They stepped inside the casting building.

The lobby was wide and clean, with soft white lights hanging from a curved ceiling. Posters of past films lined the stone-textured walls, most of them featuring dramatic poses and bold titles. A few posters even had Kaelan’s face on them, his blue eyes fierce, his golden hair glowing under the lighting.

Karl gulped.

A curved reception desk stood at the center. Behind it sat a tall witch in a dark robe, her pale skin shining faintly under the soft light. She had striking silver eyes and short black hair.

Ruby walked up confidently. "Hello. I’m Ruby, and this is Karl. We were invited to today’s audition."

The receptionist looked up and gave a small nod. "Ah, Ruby," she said with interest, then gave Karl a quick once-over. "And this must be your husband. Director Sylvia already mentioned your arrival."

She stood smoothly and gestured toward a side hallway.

"Come with me," she said in a calm voice.

The hallway was quiet, with dark wooden panels and soft lights embedded into the walls. As they passed, Karl whispered, "Wife, this place is fancy... Even the air smells like fame." He sniffed dramatically.

To be continued... 🪄