By 6 PM, she was ready.
When she stepped out of her room, the world seemed to pause.
The dark robe wrapped around her like midnight itself, hugging her form but flowing softly with her every step. It brought out the warm undertone of her fair skin, making her look almost ethereal like a noble spirit walking out of a legend.
Her long white hair was swept up, secured with the sharp silver pin, a few loose strands falling gracefully around her cheeks. The simple gold heart locket rested right against her collarbone, catching the faintest glint of light as she moved.
She didn’t need heavy jewelry.
She didn’t need dramatic makeup.
She simply existed and looked stunning.
Adrian forgot to blink.
His breath caught somewhere in his throat, and he quickly looked away as if staring longer might set something on fire.
Milo stood there with his mouth slightly open, blinking slowly. "Wife..." he whispered, "you look like a powerful queen in a storybook..."
And Julian, who had always seen her through quiet glances and tender smiles, could only think one thing:
How in all the worlds did I end up married to her?
Ruby didn’t say much.
She just gave them a small smile.
Julian stepped forward, worry clouding his gentle face as he looked at Ruby, dressed like the night sky with fire in her eyes.
"Are you going alone?" he asked softly, though he already knew the answer.
Ruby glanced at him and gave a single nod.
Her voice was calm, but final.
"I... I want to go with you," Julian said, more firmly this time. His fingers curled slightly, as if holding himself back. "Brother Karl... he’s our family too. I can’t sit here knowing he’s in pain somewhere."
Behind him, Milo stepped up beside Julian, his face unusually serious. "Me too. I want to help bring him back. We all care about him."
Even Adrian, ever quiet, nodded. "I can help you find a way inside. I’m good at reading people. Let me come."
The three of them stood there, their eyes filled with concern—not just for Karl, but for her, too. For the danger. For what she might face alone.
But Ruby... only gave a small shake of her head.
Julian opened his mouth to protest again, but she raised her hand.
"Listen to me. That place what I’m walking into is not somewhere I want any of you near. It’s not just shady or corrupt—it’s filthy. The kind of place that drains people. It’ll ruin your peace just by being there."
Her voice softened as she looked at all three of them, her heart aching.
"You want to help Karl? Then let me go alone so I can get him out faster. If you come with me, I’ll be too focused on protecting all of you and that will only slow me down."
Adrian’s brows furrowed, but he said nothing.
Ruby stepped forward and placed a hand on Julian’s shoulder.
"Trust me. I’ve got this. You’ve all supported me in everything. Now it’s my turn to bring him home. Let me handle it."
For a moment, no one moved.
Then finally, Julian nodded slowly, even though his eyes still looked heavy.
"Come back soon..." he whispered. "With brother Karl."
And with that, she turned, her dark robe swirling behind her like a storm’s shadow.
When Ruby returned to the brothel that evening, the entire place had transformed.
In the daylight, it had looked expensive and beautiful but now, under the cloak of night, it looked like a trap dressed in silk.
The large windows glowed with a soft red hue, casting the entire front in a sultry, almost dreamlike haze. LED lights flickered along the walls, changing colors with the beat of low, thumping music that vibrated through the air like a heartbeat.
The sign The Mystery & Fun House..shimmered brighter now, luring eyes like a jewel under moonlight.
But Ruby’s expression didn’t change. If anything, her eyes burned colder.
As she stepped out of her car, her eyes caught movement across the street.
A witch leaned casually against a crate near a fruit stall, flipping a coin in her hand. Another witch with a faded satchel walked past her slowly, brushing against her shoulder like any passerby.
Civil officers. In plain clothes.
One of them nodded slightly as she passed.
A soft voice whispered as he moved by, barely audible.
"We’re behind you. Don’t acknowledge us. Stay sharp."
Ruby gave no response.
Her fingers adjusted the sleeve of her robe, and her feet carried her forward as if none of them were there.
The moment she entered the brothel, the difference from earlier hit her like a wave.
Inside, it was loud. Full. Alive.
Witches most of them young, rich, and dressed in pretty robes lounged in groups, sipping glowing drinks from long glasses. Good-looking ghosts walked between tables, laughing, pouring wine, and leaning close with playful smirks. Some danced in slow circles around stage, their faces lit with desire or disinterest.
It was a theatre of sin, and Ruby walked through it like she owned the stage.
The red and violet lighting made everything look hazy, like a slow fever dream.
But She walked straight to the front desk.
The ghost receptionist glanced up, then immediately stood straight, recognizing her.
"Oh! You’ve arrived, Miss Witch—please wait here, I’ll call the Madam."
Ruby didn’t even nod.
She just turned slightly, pretending to admire the chandelier above, her sharp eyes flicking toward every corner, every hallway.
A moment later, the owner appeared, still draped in her wine-colored gown, her smile as polished as ever.
"Welcome back," she purred, walking forward like they were old friends. "You look ravishing tonight, I must say. That robe suits you far too well."
Ruby gave a polite smile.
"I keep it for special occasions."
The owner laughed softly, then leaned in, voice low.
"And tonight is special. Your ghost is ready. Would you like to see him now?"
Ruby’s heart gave a hard thud but her smile didn’t fade.
—To be continued...🪄