Ruby turned at the sound of footsteps, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as they landed on a young witch standing just a few steps away. The witch was unfamiliar—petite, sharp-featured, with dark hair neatly tied back into a looped bun that looked too perfect to have been done in a rush. She wore a dark gray robe stitched with golden seams that shimmered quietly beneath the warm hallway lights.
A flicker of pride crossed Ruby’s heart. That robe was from her company’s latest release. Seeing someone wear it so naturally felt oddly satisfying.
"Yes?" she said calmly, though her tone held a trace of distance, as always when facing strangers in her space.
The young witch gave a respectful nod, clasping her hands in front of her. "Our Ma’am would like a word with you. She says it’s... urgent."
Ruby’s brows lifted slightly. "Ma’am?"
"She’s waiting upstairs. Meeting chamber. She said it won’t take long."
Ruby glanced over her shoulder at Karl, who was still glowing from his earlier stage performance. He tilted his head, curious, but didn’t say anything.
"Alright then," Ruby said, stepping forward, the click of her shoes echoing gently down the floor. "Lead the way."
Karl followed her out of habit like a child not ready to let her out of sight.
But when they reached the upper floor, just outside the office, the assistant turned and lifted her hand. "I’m sorry, Sir. The meeting’s been requested with Miss Ruby alone."
Karl stopped. "What?" His expression twisted into a full pout. "But I’m her husband!"
The young witch looked apologetic but didn’t move. "I know... but it’s a private meeting."
Karl looked like he was about to protest again, but the moment another witch appeared and gently coaxed him toward a nearby lounge, his mood shifted instantly. The room was cozy, lined with velvet chairs and a small bookshelf stacked with glossy magazines. Before he could even settle in, another assistant arrived with a tray in hand, placing a cup of thick, creamy chocolate coffee and a plate of butter biscuits in front of him.
He took one long sip and blinked with delight. "This is so good," he said, turning his charm up a notch. "Can I have another one? Pretty please?"
The witch blinked. "Oh... uh, sure?"
Meanwhile, inside the office, Ruby stepped into a softly lit space designed more like an artist’s chamber than a corporate office. A wide glass window bathed the room in pale gold. The scent of ink and something earthy, like dried lavender, hung in the air.
Behind a long oak desk sat a old witch. She was older, but striking. Her long gray-black hair swept over one shoulder like velvet drapery, and her deep green eyes held the stillness of someone who had seen a great deal and survived most of it.
The older witch lifted her gaze and smiled. "I’m Verona Elshade. CEO of Soulstream Productions."
Ruby’s expression didn’t change, but her pupils narrowed for a brief second. Verona Elshade... she had heard that name before, back when she was working with Director Sylvia.
"I’m Ruby," she said quietly, stepping forward.
"Have a seat," Verona offered, gesturing to the chair across from her.
Ruby moved with confidence, her pale white hair catching the light like threads of moonstone. She sat down, red eyes watching the older witch steadily, without fear or flattery.
Verona’s lips curved. "I’ve heard quite a bit about you," she began. "You know, in this industry, we always say—the soul of a story is the actor, but the body... the final shape of it, that’s the editor’s art."
Ruby gave a faint smile. "That’s a lovely way to put it."
"But I didn’t call you here just to compliment you," Verona continued, folding her hands on the desk. "I want you to lead the edit for our next big project."
There was a short silence.
Then Verona chuckled softly. "Yes, yes, I know. You run your own company. You’re married—to four husbands, if rumors serve and I’m sure you have better things to do than sit in a dimly lit room dragging timelines and syncing layers."
"I wouldn’t say that," Ruby replied, still calm, but there was a spark in her voice now.
Verona leaned forward, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "I half expected you to send your husband alone for the audition. I wasn’t expecting you to show up today."
Ruby’s mouth curled into a smile."Oh no, ma’am. I support my husband. I don’t believe in sitting quietly when he needs me."
That earned a soft laugh from Verona. "You’re quite the partner, then. I’ll be honest—I was planning to sneak Karl into the casting process through a back door. But the ghost surprised me. He’s got something. A strange charm."
Ruby let out a quiet laugh. "I figured that out the moment I read the conditions in your letter. It was written too carefully."
"So you agree?" Verona raised an eyebrow.
"I do. Though I may not be here every day," Ruby said lightly. "I have my hands full, as you know."
"Perfectly fine," Verona nodded. "And don’t worry—your time will be compensated. Generously."
Ruby’s smile was subtle, but her eyes glinted like molten wine. "In that case, I look forward to working with you, Miss Elshade."
And somewhere, not too far away, Karl was on his third cup of chocolate coffee—happily unaware that his wife had just accepted one of the most important editing jobs in the entire industry for him.
After wrapping up all the contract talks and studio formalities, Ruby stepped out of the office, her face a perfect mask of calm. But inside, her thoughts were already racing — about the offer, the editing project, Karl’s role, and how she’d balance it all with her current company.
She spotted the young assistant who had originally brought her in still standing neatly by the wall, arms folded, expression unreadable.
"Where is Karl?" Ruby asked, her red eyes narrowing slightly. "Did he leave to become a superstar already?"
The assistant blinked, then gave a soft nod. "He’s in the waiting room. This way, Miss Ruby."
To be continued... 🪄