There was no trace of fear left on Serafina's face anymore. After hearing about Damien's mafia identity, an odd, contemptuous smile curved her lips. Instead of stepping back, she lifted her index finger and gently pushed it against Damien's chest.
Serafina (laughing mockingly):
"Paris's mafia boss? A billionaire? Damien, did you really think that by telling me these power fantasies you'd make me fall at your feet? I don't want to be the queen of your empire."
For a brief moment, something changed in Damien's eyes. He was used to people trembling at the sound of his name—but Serafina was openly belittling him.
Serafina:
"You think you're powerful, don't you? But to me, you're nothing more than a 👻—a ghost. You hide in the dark, playing with human weakness. Your billions and your mafia power can't buy my mind or my soul. I will never come to you, Damien. Never."
She adjusted her black-and-red mixed dress in one sharp motion and turned away. At this point, she no longer cared about Arias or Damien. Slapping Lily and rejecting Arias had awakened something deep inside her—an entirely different kind of strength.
Damien (in a cold, furious voice):
"You dare insult me, Serafina? You have no idea what I'm capable of."
Serafina (without turning back):
"No matter what you do, you'll always remain my shadow. You don't have the courage to stand before me as a real man. Go, Damien. Stay in your darkness with your Red Garden and your fake mafia pride."
With swift steps, Serafina crossed the Red Garden and disappeared into the depths of the forest. She didn't know where she was going—but tonight, she wanted freedom from the illusion of both men.
But Damien was not one to surrender. Before fading into the shadows with his old, savage mafia instincts, he muttered:
"Run as far as you want, Serafina—whether it's the dark alleys of Paris or Arias's enchanted palace. You cannot escape my grasp. You will come to me. Today or tomorrow."
Breaking Away
Serafina finally severed herself from the suffocating atmosphere of the palace and the deadly drama between Arias and Damien. She was no longer the shy, frightened girl she once was. Her old Paris temperament had returned.
Crossing the forest, she arrived at an elite local club, where one of her old friends—someone deeply connected to the mafia world—was hanging out.
Serafina's New Form
Under the club's dim, flickering lights, everyone froze when they saw her. She wore the same black-and-red night dress, now clinging to her body in a way that radiated rebellion and danger. She sat down at a high table.
In her hand was an expensive glass of red wine. She sipped it slowly, fire blazing in her eyes.
A thick cigar rested between her fingers. With practiced elegance, she exhaled smoke, the swirling curls wrapping her face in mystery.
People at nearby tables stared in disbelief. Whispering began.
Bystander 1:
"Isn't that the girl Paris's mafia boss Damien has been hunting for?"
Bystander 2:
"Yes… but she doesn't look ordinary at all. The way she drinks and smokes—she looks like a godmother herself."
Serafina ignored them. She finished the wine in one gulp and flicked the ash from her cigar. Arias's false purity and Damien's dark games replayed in her mind—she rejected them both with hatred.
Suddenly, the club doors burst open. A blast of cold air swept inside. The music stopped. Silence fell.
Through the smoke, Serafina saw several broad-shouldered men standing at the entrance—wearing the unmistakable symbol of the mafia.
She smiled. A crooked, knowing smile. She knew her past would always find her. But this time, she wasn't running. She was ready to fight.
The Ghost Appears
As Serafina sat smiling behind the veil of smoke, the air inside the club suddenly turned unnaturally icy. The lights flickered violently.
A strange-looking girl pushed through the crowd. She appeared human, yet her footsteps made no sound, and her body seemed slightly translucent. One glance made it clear—she was not human, nor even a common cosmic being.
She was a terrifying ghost.
The ghost stopped in front of Serafina's table. Her eyes held no mercy—only primal hunger. She was a rape-carry spirit, a predatory entity that hunted beautiful women, draining their youth and souls.
Ghost (whispering so only Serafina could hear):
"Enough of mafia lords and sorcerer kings. Now I want your hot blood and beautiful body. Alcohol and smoke won't save you, Serafina."
The ghost stretched her long, clawed fingers toward Serafina's throat. Ordinary people screamed and ran as glasses and bottles began floating in the air. To them, it looked like Serafina was talking to no one.
Serafina's Response
Fear never touched her face.
She blew cigar smoke directly into the ghost's face and calmly drained the rest of her wine.
Serafina:
"What an entertaining night. First a mafia boss, then a magician king—and now a flesh-eating ghost? Did you really think Serafina was weak?"
She stubbed the burning cigar into the table and stood up. Her black-and-red dress seemed to ignite with inner fire. She realized this ghost hadn't been sent by Damien or Arias—her own awakened power had drawn it here.
The ghost lunged at her.
Instantly, Serafina felt something dormant awaken inside her. Bare-handed, she grabbed the ghost by the throat.
Serafina:
"If you're a ghost, remember this—I've returned from hell tonight. Touch me again, and you'll die a thousand times before you fade."
The club erupted into chaos. As people fled, they looked back in terror—watching one woman stand alone, fighting the darkness itself.
The ghost's long tongue grazed Serafina's neck, drawing a sharp pain—but no fear. Damien's memory fueled her defiance.
Calmly, Serafina lifted her wine glass toward the ghost.
Serafina:
"Drink this. My blood isn't cheap enough for you to bite whenever you want. Tell me your name—and why you're hunting me."
The ghost took the glass and drained it in one gulp.
Ghost:
"This isn't the place to talk. Too many ears. If you want the truth, come to the VIP room upstairs."
Serafina crushed the cigarette beneath her heel. She knew it could be a trap—but the hunger to know her past, and Damien's shadow, pushed her forward.
Serafina:
"Fine. But remember—try anything, and I'll burn your soul to ash."
People watched in stunned silence as Serafina walked upstairs, speaking to empty air. The ghost followed her like a shadow. The VIP room door slammed shut on its own.
The Truth Begins
Serafina:
"Now talk. Who are you really? And what's your connection to Damien?"
The ghost began revealing her true form—her translucence collapsing into a massive black shadow.
Ghost:
"Damien is only the beginning, Serafina. The real mystery starts in this room."
Inside the VIP room, the temperature dropped below freezing. Serafina leaned back on the sofa, wine bottle in hand, her expression dangerously carefree.
Serafina:
"Your name. Now."
The ghost slowly approached and knelt at Serafina's feet like a devoted servant.
Ghost:
"My name is Maya. I am no longer human. I'm a cursed soul—what people call a demon. But in truth, I am a fragment of your past."
Serafina frowned.
Serafina:
"My past?"
Maya:
"When you were the mafia empress of Paris, I was your most loyal companion. Because of one mistake by Damien, I was killed. My soul never found peace—my task wasn't finished."
She glanced at the bite mark on Serafina's neck.
Maya:
"I bit you to awaken the mafia fire in your blood. Damien wants you because your blood holds a key—one that can open the gates of hell. He'll tempt you with wealth and power, but he only wants to use you."
Serafina laughed softly, sadness laced in it. A massive chess game surrounded her—Arias the sorcerer, Damien the mafia lord, and now a dead soul.
Serafina:
"Then why are you here? To warn me—or to serve him?"
Maya grabbed Serafina's hand. Her touch was ice-cold.
Maya:
"I'm on your side. Damien is coming to this VIP room. He believes I've already subdued you. Be ready—tonight, you'll see the true face of Paris's real mafia boss."