Ruby exhaled sharply and walked to the next corner.
There, near a fruit stall, stood an older witch, her scarf wrapped tight around her shoulders, her gaze calm but sharp.
Ruby asked again, more direct this time. "Please. I’m looking for a textile warehouse. Mystery and Fun brothel inside..."
The witch raised an eyebrow. "What would a clean, noble-looking witch want with a place like that?"
Ruby held her gaze without flinching. "Somethings need to be handled."
The witch blinked. Then, slowly, she pointed down the street. "Third left, past the dye shops. The one with the silk blue curtains on the windows. That’s the one."
Ruby’s eyes lit up with fire.
She reached into her pouch and placed three silver coins into the witch’s hand.
The witch’s eyes widened in surprise. Her wrinkled face softened. "Blessings on your path, Miss Witch."
Ruby nodded once, turned, and jumped back into the car.
The moment Ruby’s car disappeared into the sky, the people who had turned her away earlier stared after her, wide-eyed and full of regret.
One of the younger ghosts at a nearby stall whispered,
"Did you see those coins?"
Another groaned, slapping her forehead. "I should’ve spoken up! We all knew which place she meant!"
The fruit seller grumbled under his breath, "Could’ve bought two weeks’ worth of meals with that..."
The rich witch with fire in her eyes was gone
Ruby’s car lowered into a quiet back alley where the buildings were dull, silent, and packed too tightly together.
There, standing tall and almost hidden behind a wall of stacked fabric crates, was the place they had been searching for:
"The Mystery & Fun House."
There were no loud sounds, no music playing, just an eerie, still hush as if the place was asleep during the day waiting to awaken at night.
Ruby stood silently for a moment, just staring.
It looked clean. Safe. Refined.
But her gut twisted with disgust.
Because now she knew the truth
"So this is it..." she muttered.
Despite the shady alley it was tucked into, the Mystery & Fun House brothel looked surprisingly luxurious.
Its entrance was built with smooth black stone, the doors lined with golden trim, and elegant carvings of flowers and purple roses adorned the sides. The curtains were silk, faintly moving with the breeze, tinted a rich plum shade that shimmered under the sun. Even the faded lettering at the top hadn’t lost its charm—its glow enchanted just enough to make the name feel mysterious... alluring.
It didn’t scream danger.
It whispered temptation.
That’s what made it worse.
Julian looked at the building, his face pale but his jaw tight.
Milo moved closer to Ruby, grabbing the edge of her robe.
Adrian’s eyes scanned the entrance, already noting every guard, shadow, and side door.
Ruby clenched her fists at her sides.
The moment Ruby stepped through the tall, golden-trimmed doors, a heavy scent hit her—perfume, wine, and something far too sweet, like roses left too long in the sun.
Inside, the brothel was all gold and velvet. She wasn’t impressed.
Because the moment they entered, witches with glazed eyes leaned against silk couches, giggling and sipping from glowing glasses, their laughter too loud, their posture too loose. Some weren’t even fully aware of where they were.
Good-looking ghosts lounged near the stage, their robes half open, eyes sharp and hungry as they noticed Ruby walk in. A few of them raised brows or smirked, sending flirtatious looks in her direction.
Ruby’s lip curled slightly in disgust.
Behind her, Julian stepped closer, his shoulders tense.
Milo’s nose wrinkled, clearly uncomfortable.
Adrian’s jaw was clenched, eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk.
This place was dangerous.
Still, Ruby’s expression didn’t crack. She walked forward, her aura calm, her presence loud.
At the front desk stood a ghost witch in a formal robe, adjusting her brooch. Ruby approached her, her voice cool but polite.
"I’d like to speak to the owner."
The ghost witch raised an eyebrow at the sharpness in her tone but nodded.
A few moments later, a tall witch in a wine-colored gown arrived. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her eyes glimmered with practiced charm.
"Welcome to the Mystery & Fun House," she said with a smile. "How can I help such a stunning guest?"
"I heard a new ghost will be delivered here. One with short black hair, blue eyes, pretty face. I’d like to see him."
The owner smiled again but this time, her eyes narrowed a little.
"Ah... that one. Yes. He hasn’t been delivered yet."
Ruby tilted her head slightly. "When?"
The owner stepped closer, voice lowering into a whisper.
"Day after tomorrow. That’s when our supplier said he’ll arrive." She looked Ruby over, eyes lingering on her robe, her accessories, her elegance. "But... if you’re interested, and you pay extra..." she said, voice dripping with greed, "I might be able to pull a few strings and bring him in early. Even tonight."
Julian’s hands curled into fists behind Ruby.
Adrian’s brow twitched.
But Ruby just smiled slowly, every inch of her now playing the part of a rich customer.
"Is that so?" she said softly, then asked, "How much do I need to pay?"
The owner’s smile widened, sensing Ruby’s interest like a shark smelling blood in the water.
She leaned in just a little, lowering her voice to a silky whisper.
"For a special early delivery ... hundred gems."
Julian’s breath caught. Even Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Hundred gems wasn’t pocket change—even for someone successful like Ruby.
The owner tilted her head, watching Ruby closely, her voice playful and sharp.
"He’s... a popular one already. Pretty face, sweet voice. I’ve had a few other witches eyeing him, so you understand... I’d be taking a risk pulling him out early."
Milo looked horrified, like the thought of Karl being sold off to "other witches" made his stomach hurt.
Julian looked at Ruby quickly, his voice tense but low.
"You don’t have to do this. We can find another way..."
But Ruby’s red eyes didn’t waver.
Hundred gems. For Karl.
Hundred gems to stop this madness before it began.
She looked at the owner with a slow, unreadable smile.
"Prepare a private room tonight. I’ll have the payment ready by then."
The owner grinned, bowing slightly. "As you wish, Miss Witch. I’ll make the arrangements now."
And as she turned to walk away—
Ruby’s fingers brushed against Karl’s bracelet hidden in her sleeve.
Hundred gems? She’d pay ten thousand if it meant getting him back safe. But she didn’t plan on letting this brothel keep even a single coin.
—To be continued...🪄