The Female Ugly Ghost Has Five Handsome Husbands?
Chapter 1
In this animal-dominated world, with a beauty score of 800, Violeta wears an ugly mask daily to avoid unwanted attention. Due to the female-dominated nature of this world, only 10% of males ever find a mate, and a mere 1% bear children. Arrogant and domineering, most females treat males as property, beating them without protest from the submissive males.
One day, while enjoying the river, Violeta watches a procession of red lanterns. She has never seen such a big wedding before.
“A pity for those five handsome men. This isn’t a wedding; it’s a death sentence,” an old woman sighs beside her. Curious, Violeta learns from the old woman that to appease a supposed “ugly female ghost”, the five greatest families sacrifice their sons in a marriage ceremony. Violeta’s snack drops, and her smile disappears. She realizes she is the rumored ghost. She’s been living here for five years after a 20-meter fall from the 21st century. Through her “ISP system,” she gains coins by checking in. Also, when she stays nearby a handsome man, the different time will become a certain amount of tickets, which are used for the trade of modern supplies and rare resources. This habit has earned her a reputation for lust, yet she remains single to protect her dwindling 22% health bar, which she can use to exchange weapons for protection, but it only regenerates if a male truly loves her.
She teleports to the boat the five males are on. The five males’ heads are covered with red clothing. She holds her breath and uncovers the clothing of the first male. It’s a mermaid! Bright blue hair cascades over his shoulders, his icy blue eyes are captivating, exuding a pure and alluring charm. Violeta pretends to be calm and steps forward to uncover the second one. This one is different from the previous one, there is no fear in his eyes, only pure anger. A youngster from the wolf family, his short, silver-white wolf-tail hair is so stubborn that it is heartbreaking. She continues walking to the third male, and this time, she isn’t surprised; instead, she is startled. The male under the third cover has golden eyes. She recognizes immediately that he is from the dragon family. The dragon family is burly and strong, and they are royals who she can’t afford to offend. She moves to the fourth one as she removes the cover. What comes into view is a pitiful little thing, tears streaking his face, his cat ears are particularly striking, and a ruby-encrusted collar adorns his slender, white neck. The last one is from the fox family. His dark blue eyes are as deep as the sea, and his vibrant red lips paired with his alluring, seductive eyes exude a captivating charm that she simply can’t resist. She turns her head to the 5 bridegrooms.
“There are rules in the ghost town: only marry, no divorce,” Violeta says firmly. The five males drop their heads in agreement. She spends 1% of her health bar to use space transformation to switch to the island. Her sudden disappearance surprises everyone on the boat. Then, she exchanges a ticket for a boat, and after a moment, a fast-moving small ghost boat appears on the river.
“It’s the ghost! She is taking the bridegrooms!” one of the people on the riverbank side yells.
“Get on the boat,” Violeta orders all five of them. She ignores the cry of the crowd and controls the boat quickly to get back to her island. Violeta hastily arranges them in the thatched hut next door, and goes to her house without a second thought. She is worn out from this day, and she needs to rest.
Chapter 2
On the second day, Violeta realizes she has taken five unknown men to the island, yet she knows nothing about them. To protect herself, she decides not to show them her real face. Luckily, her tickets are increasing rapidly because of the five handsome males. She exchanges them for modern supplies, including her favorite chicken wing hamburgers and cola. After buying five breakfasts, she walks toward the bridegrooms’ room.
She tries to sound friendly as she hands the first meal to the trembling member of the cat family.
“What’s your name?”
“I’m… I’m Sterling, from the cat family,” he says, gulping hard.
“Cute name. Here, eat your breakfast.”
Sterling opens the bag, but his face stiffens. He has never seen such strange food before—a yellow bun holding a stretched-out chicken wing, and beside it, a container filled with dark liquid. It looks suspicious.
“I… I’m not hungry,” he says softly, finally gaining the courage to refuse.
Before Violeta can reply, a hand snatches the food. The young wolf devours the hamburger in seconds and stares at the remaining bag in her hand.
“Can I have another one?”
Though tall, he is painfully thin. Since intruders drove the wolf family into the desert, they have been starving.
“Here. What’s your name?” she asks, handing him another bag.
“I’m Alarika.” He wipes his mouth after finishing both the burger and cola.
Seeing that nothing happens to him, the others quickly take the remaining breakfasts. As she hands them out, they introduce themselves: the dragon is Aurelius, the mermaid Okeana, and the fox Lucien.
Violeta studies their unreadable expressions. To keep them in her control, she says calmly, “The dark liquid you drank is poisonous. It activates every seven days, and there is no antidote.” She adds a chilling laugh.
All five freeze.
Sterling suddenly grabs her arm. “Please let me go home, I don’t want to stay here anymore… Please.” Although he is younger than Violeta, he is much stronger than her, and he shakes her arm so hard that she grows dizzy.
Afraid they will discover she is powerless, Violeta pulls out a stun gun and presses it against him. He collapses from the shock, lying on the ground with tears streaming down his face.
The sight unsettles her. She crouches beside him, trying to coax him, but nothing happens. Then, she has an idea.
“Don’t you want to go home?”
He sits up instantly. “Can I? Let’s go right now. My grandma is blind. I have to take care of her.”
“Then why did you come here?” Violeta frowns.
“I didn’t choose to. The Midnight Court kidnapped me.”
Violeta falls silent. After a long pause, she sighs. “Fine. I’ll take you home. Anyone else?” She looks at the remaining four.
Realizing the opportunity to stay with Violeta, they quickly pledge their loyalty to her instead.
“For the next few days, build houses for yourselves on the island,” she instructs. Turning to Alarika, she adds, “Use the extra land to farm. Grow more food. Feel free.”
She hands him vegetable seeds. Then, without another word, she takes Sterling onto the ghost boat and leaves the island, the sea swallowing the distance between her and the four males left behind.
Chapter 3
Violeta rows Sterling across the lake and quickly reaches the opposite shore.
“Th-thank you for bringing me back,” Sterling says, bowing quickly before disappearing into the forest in a flash of white.
Worried, Violeta follows him from a distance, making sure he is safe.
Sterling takes several narrow shortcuts before finally reaching his home—and what Violeta sees makes her freeze. The area is a gray-brown wasteland of chaos. Garbage is everywhere: piles of soaked, overflowing trash bags, torn plastic, and rotting food forming small mountains in every corner. A sour, suffocating stench fills the air.
Before she can react, someone steps out of Sterling’s house.
He is Apex—from the Midnight Court.
“Why are you here? Where is my grandma?” Sterling demands, his voice shaking with rage.
“Oh, you mean the blind old woman?” Apex sneers. “She doesn’t deserve a house. Of course, I drove her out.”
Sterling steps forward and grabs his collar hard. “Where is my grandma?” he whispers, trembling with fury. His hand suddenly shifts, claws extending, and drives them into Apex’s shoulder.
Apex screams and calls for help. Figures emerge from the shadows behind him. Outnumbered, Sterling fights, but exhaustion quickly drags him down. He begins to falter.
From the corner, Violeta clenches her fists. She sacrifices two percent of her health bar, summoning a gun from her invisible storage space. She fires at the man, reaching to slash Sterling’s throat.
Gunshots crack through the air.
One by one, the men collapse stiffly onto the ground. Only Apex remains standing.
Sterling lets out a hysterical laugh. “Oh, thank you for kidnapping me and offering me to the ghost,” he says coldly. “And now you’re trying to kill the ghost’s husband. This is exactly what you deserve.”
He turns frantically, calling for his grandmother.
Violeta feels her heart ache. She despises the Midnight Court. They rely on numbers, bully the weak, commit crimes throughout the town, and blame everything on her. That is why her reputation is ruined.
Watching Sterling search desperately, she suddenly has an idea.
This district is drowning in poverty. But she has money—more than enough.
She steps into the middle of the street and pulls coins and candy from her invisible storage. The metallic clink echoes. Children stare, whining for sweets. Adults gasp at the sight of real money. Sterling watches her with swollen, red eyes.
“I’m looking for a blind grandmother,” Violeta announces. “Whoever finds her will receive one hundred coins. Anyone who brings her of his own grandma to me will also receive one coin.”
The street erupts.
Even one coin can buy a week’s worth of food here. People scatter in every direction. Soon, elderly women crowd around her. Violeta patiently hands each of them one coin, thanking them for coming.
Then, she sees an old man guiding a white-haired woman through the fog.
The woman stands quietly, her eyes clouded with a milky glaze. When Violeta calls softly, she turns her head toward the sound.
“Grandma!” Sterling cries, rushing forward.
The old man bows slightly. “I found her.”
“Thank you, sir,” Violeta says, placing one hundred coins into his hands.
Without another word, she leads Sterling and his grandmother back toward the house.
Chapter 4
“Don’t worry, Grandma. You’re safe now. I’ll deal with the others,” Violeta says gently.
Grandma’s milky gaze lights up.
“Thank you so much, young girl. Sterling, you’re lucky to have such a helpful wife.”
Sterling’s face turns red for a moment, clearly awkward. Grandma doesn’t notice, but Violeta does. Such a young boy—he could have been much happier than this.
She turns to leave, but Sterling calls after her.
“I…I’ll come with you. And thank you for finding my grandma.” He tries to steady his voice.
Violeta wants to protest, but she sighs.
“Fine. Follow me.”
She quickly approaches the Midnight Court’s main base, hidden deep in the heart of the forest. Two guards stand at the entrance. When they see her coming, they immediately form a defensive line.
Too lazy to waste words, Violeta pulls out her gun and fires.
Two loud bangs echo through the woods.
The shots draw everyone inside out—including Apex.
“It’s the ghost!” someone shouts.
“She killed five of us! We must take revenge!” another member yells furiously.
Violeta leans toward Sterling and quickly whispers, “Stay still and be careful. Better hide somewhere. Don’t move—you’ll get killed.”
Then she rushes into the battlefield.
The air vibrates with the unnatural hum of machinery. Violeta becomes a blur of gray against the emerald chaos. Her gun barks, and a hail of bullets tears through the charging soldiers.
A bear lunges toward her. She drops a mine at its feet. The explosion erupts, and it collapses to the ground without a sound.
Then a scream catches her attention.
A wolf has Sterling by the neck, lifting him as he struggles helplessly.
Violeta’s eyes narrow instantly. She throws another mine, which erupts in a wall of blinding light and deafening sound.
Sliding through the mud, she drags Sterling away and lifts him onto a thick, high branch.
The relentless attackers keep coming.
Her gun clicks empty—there are no bullets left. Only the sharp knife in her hand.
Sensing her exhaustion, the killers tighten their circle.
A leopard lunges. Violeta narrowly avoids the attack, but the sharp claws rip her mask to pieces.
The battlefield falls into a sudden, terrifying silence.
Violeta stands there, panting, her chest heaving. A thin trail of blood runs along her cheek—but even that cannot hide the beauty now revealed.
High above, Sterling’s breath catches. His tail stiffens with a tremor.
All his life, he has seen the world through survival and ugliness. Yet he never imagined that she—his wife, rumored to be ugly and lecherous—would actually be so beautiful.
The members of the Midnight Court stand stunned.
Realizing this is her chance to escape, Violeta swiftly lifts Sterling down from the branch and disappears into the woods in an instant.
Behind them, the killers remain frozen, staring at the direction where she vanished. At least I teach them a lesson, they won’t disturb me and Sterling again for a while, Violeta thought.
Chapter 5
Since returning to the island, Violeta rarely goes anywhere without Sterling following close behind. He watches over her constantly, making sure she’s cared for, which leaves everyone else wondering what really happened while they were away.
“Lettie, come have dinner!” Sterling calls, setting the table with Lucien, Okeana, Aurelius, and Alarika.
Violeta steps out of her house without hesitation.
“Try this. I added something new.” Sterling places a piece of chicken into her bowl.
“No, thanks. I’m not hungry.” She declines politely, though the dish clearly doesn’t appeal to her.
“You should eat more. You’re too thin,” Sterling insists.
The words fall heavily. The table goes silent.
Violeta still wears her mask, which makes her appear as an unattractive, overweight woman. Sterling’s comment contradicts everything they see. Across the table, Lucien notices the brief flicker of tension on Sterling’s face, and something clicks into place.
The fox family is known for its keen perception. After a moment’s thought, Lucien reaches a quiet conclusion: Violeta has been hiding her true face.
Embarrassed, Violeta abruptly rises and hurries away.
Later, after a shower, a knock sounds at the door. Without thinking, she opens the door—forgetting her mask.
She stumbles forward and freezes.
Lucien stands inches away, his features striking and impossibly composed. For a brief second, neither of them speaks.
He is also deeply surprised. The rumored “ugly ghost” is, in truth, a soft, delicate beauty.
“D-Do you want to come in?” Violeta asks, her voice cautious.
“Yeah… sure.” He hesitates, then steps inside. Don’t be swayed by appearances, he reminds himself.
“So, what do you want to know?” she asks.
“I just want to know what happened between you and Sterling.”
She frowns faintly. “Nothing important. I helped him find his grandmother.”
“And you got into trouble?” Lucien asks.
Violeta blinks, surprised. “How did you know?”
“Sterling came back covered in bruises. There was clearly a fight.” He pauses, then adds more gently, “You don’t have to carry everything alone. You can talk to me. I’m your husband—you can trust me.”
She hesitates.
For so long, she has lived in isolation, avoided and misunderstood. No one has ever tried to step closer.
“I ran into the Midnight Court,” she says quietly. “We fought.”
Lucien’s gaze sharpens. “The Midnight Court? Why would they target you?”
“We’ve never gotten along.” She tries to sound indifferent, but the anger in her eyes betrays her.
Understanding settles over him.
“You’ve been kind to all of us since we arrived,” he says slowly. “Behaving nothing like the rumors. So… they were the ones who ruined your reputation?”
Violeta exhales, the tension in her shoulders loosening. There is no point hiding anymore. She tells him everything, including how the Midnight Court committed crimes and left her to bear the blame.
“So everything people believe about you… it was them?”
“What choice did I have?” she says softly. “I have no family, no allies. Fighting them would only get me killed. Staying hidden was the only way to survive.”
He had been sent by the Clan Leader to investigate her, but now, hearing her story, he feels an unexpected heaviness in his chest. She is just a girl. She should be surrounded by family and friends, not hiding away from danger and hatred.
“Lettie…” She looks up, startled by the name. “Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to contend with it alone. We’re on your side.”
Warmth slowly spreads through her chest, unfamiliar but real.
“Thank you, Lucien.”
“It’s late.” He rises and walks toward the door, pausing briefly. “Good night, Lettie.”
“Good night.”
Chapter 6
A pair of golden eyes flashes as Lucien steps out of Violeta’s room. Hidden in the darkness, Aurelius watches, catching sight of Lucien disappearing into her house. His goal is simple: kill Violeta. He has been waiting for an opportunity, but she always keeps her distance. Tonight, he’s decided, he will end it.
He discovers the bathroom window is unlocked. With fluid, explosive power, he vaults inside. Straightening with dangerous grace, he scans the room, his sharp gaze taking in every detail. His hand brushes against his sword, Wyrmsever, a blade possessed only by the dragon leader of each generation.
Taking a slow breath, he steps toward the door—
—and freezes.
A girl suddenly appears in his line of sight. Her chestnut hair falls in loose waves, framing bright amber eyes that crinkle at the corners. Violeta screams.
Aurelius does not move.
His gaze locks onto hers, cold and unyielding, as he takes a step forward. The tip of his sword hovers inches from her throat.
“Who are you? Why are you here?”
Yet even as he speaks, something shifts. Standing there, caught in her presence, Aurelius realizes that despite holding a dragon-slaying sword, he is the one who has been disarmed.
She is… too beautiful that he doesn’t even have the courage to kill her.
He cannot bring himself to strike.
Violeta stands frozen in shock. How did he get in here? she demands inwardly.
“Your bathroom window is unlocked,” ISP replies.
“I need an exchange for space transformation,” she says quickly.
Spending 500 tickets, she vanishes—reappearing outside the house and leaving Aurelius standing motionless, staring at the empty space where she stood just moments ago.
Phew… that was close.
Inside, Aurelius remains rooted to the spot. Everything happened in a flash.
Who is that girl? Why is she in Violeta’s house? Questions flood his mind. He glances over his shoulder, his expression a chaotic mix of disbelief and dazed wonder.
Another failed plan, he thinks. Better not let Violeta know I am here.
Outside, Violeta stands by the door, trembling. Fear creeps through her as she relives the moment—the cold edge of the sword against her neck.
Why did Aurelius sneak into her house at night? And right after Lucien left?
“Well… I just almost got killed,” she mutters under her breath.
She has survived alone in this world for five years. She is used to danger, but this feels different.
“Aurelius has left,” a voice suddenly speaks in her mind.
“You’d better report every suspicious move they make,” Violeta snaps. “If I die, you disappear, too.”
“Fine! I’ll notify you next time,” the system replies, clearly intimidated.
Satisfied, Violeta returns to her room. She throws herself onto the bed and quickly drifts off to sleep.
Chapter 7
When Violeta wakes on the second day, dizziness floods her mind. Everything from yesterday—Lucien’s probe, Aurelius’s kill—spins together like a storm she can’t escape. Her life has become a relentless rollercoaster. Just as she steadies herself, a shout pierces the air.
“Violeta! Lettie! Okeana’s gone!”
“What?” Her voice sharpens. “Where is he, ISP?”
“He went to save his family from the jail beneath Howlers Reef Island.”
Howlers Reef. The most dangerous island on the opposite side, infamous for its brutal jails and the prisoners housed there.
“Why would he go there?”
“I told you. His family was accused of murder.”
“Teleport me there. Now!” Violeta cuts in, her voice tight with urgency.
In a flash, she vanishes.
Moments later, she stands before the entrance of a building.
“ISP… what have you done? This is a gambling den.”
“As you know, the jail is hidden beneath it. No one would connect the two—that’s what makes it effective,” ISP explains calmly.
Disguising herself as an old woman, Violeta steps inside. The room hums with quiet tension—cards shuffling, chips clicking, low murmurs filling the stale air. Her eyes land on the sharply dressed boss.
“Sir,” Violeta says, lowering her voice, “I’m the new waiter. How may I help you?”
He eyes her briefly. “Bring me tea.”
Nausea rises in her throat, but she forces a calm nod. “Yes, sir.”
With a subtle spatial shift, she slips into the treasury. Stacks of gold surround her. If she destroys them, she’ll buy herself time.
With a whisper, she trades for fire.
Flames erupt, swallowing the room in seconds.
“Fire! There’s a fire!” Violeta cries as she rushes back. “Sir, the treasury is burning!”
“What?!” The man bolts upright and rushes out without a second glance.
“ISP, lead the way.”
She moves downstairs. Guards block the entrance, but a faint mist of sedatives drops them silently.
Perfect.
Inside, the air reeks of sweat and blood. She follows ISP—
—and stops.
Okeana. With another girl.
The mermaid’s scales shimmer from deep sea-foam green to pale silver, her dark hair drifting like silk in water. Her large eyes lock onto Okeana’s as she whispers urgently, clinging to him.
From the shadows, Violeta feels something sharp and cold twist inside her. She knows there’s no love between them—or at least, she tells herself that—but he is her husband. Loyalty should mean something to both of them.
She glides forward, her presence cutting through the darkness.
“What a touching display of charity,” Violeta drawls, her voice edged with ice. “I didn’t realize my husband had taken to rescuing stray minnows.”
The girl recoils, then tightens her grip on Okeana’s arm, defiant. “Your ‘title’ is just an old anchor,” she snaps. “He doesn’t belong to a throne or a contract. He belongs to me. He’s not going back to your cold, silent halls.”
Okeana pales at once. His eyes flick to Violeta, and fear flashes across his face. Without hesitation, he pulls away from the girl as if burned.
“I… this isn’t right, Marina,” he says quickly. “She is my wife. I should be loyal to her.”
Marina’s expression shatters. She shoots a look of pure hatred at Violeta before turning back, gripping Okeana’s hands desperately. “She doesn’t love you. She owns you. Break free. Come back to the open sea, where you can breathe.”
That’s enough, I can’t take this anymore.
“Are you seriously arguing about love,” Violeta snaps, her voice cutting through the tension, “while people are imprisoned and waiting to be saved?”
Without waiting for a response, she strides past them, unlocks the cage holding Okeana’s parents, and activates her spatial power.
In an instant, they vanish, reappearing outside the burning building, all of them feeling terrified of escaping from the dark jail.
Chapter 8
Violeta breathes heavily, her chest rising and falling with the effort. Pulling several people through space had drained nearly all her energy. Okeana slowly pushes himself up from the ground. He glances at Violeta, then looks quickly back at Marina, a shiver running down his spine. What if she kills me?
Marina lifts her head, her eyes glistening with tears. “Okeana… you really want to leave me and go with that ugly woman?”
“I…” His voice falters.
“Found you, little liar!” a furious voice roars from behind Violeta.
Violeta’s heart drops. Oh no. We have to escape. The gambling den’s boss is here. He must have found out the truth.
Gritting her teeth, she sacrifices five percent of her health bar and summons a Royce.
“Everyone, get in!” she shouts urgently. But as they rush forward, a problem becomes obvious. The car isn’t big enough. Someone has to stay behind.
Marina realizes it, too. Without hesitation, she shoves Violeta aside. “Then you can stay and deal with them,” she says coldly. “That’s the price for trying to separate Okeana and me.”
What? How could she do that?
Violeta stares at Okeana, disbelief flashing in her eyes. He hesitates, clearly torn. That’s the girl you like? How pathetic…
Before he can respond, the boss’s soldiers charge toward them, their footsteps growing louder by the second.
“Get in the car! Quick! No time to talk!” Violeta yells, rushing toward the driver’s seat. But Marina pushes her hard to the ground and climbs in first.
“You don’t deserve a seat!”
“Marina! This is Violeta’s car. She should be the one driving! She’s our only chance to escape!” Okeana shouts, his voice filled with urgency.
Marina freezes, her expression crumbling. “Okeana… you’re helping her?”
Oh my God…
The soldiers are almost upon them now. Violeta scrambles back to her feet and tries to squeeze into the car again. At the same time, Okeana grabs Marina and pulls her out, pushing her away.
“I’m sorry,” he says firmly. “But you can’t come.”
“What? Okeana, what are you saying?!”
He takes a breath, then speaks with finality. “She is my wife. They are my family. And… I don’t love you. Give up.”
Before Marina can react, Violeta leaps into the driver’s seat, slams the door shut, and hits the ignition. The engine roars to life. She presses the gas pedal hard, and the car surges forward, plowing through the incoming soldiers and sending them flying.
In the distance, the boss watches silently, his eyes locked on the speeding car. That girl… she’s far more powerful than I thought.
After driving for miles, Violeta gathers what little strength she has left. With a deep breath, she activates space transformation once more. In an instant, the car, and everyone inside of it, vanishes, reappearing safely on the island.
Chapter 9
Since Okeana returned with his family, the five husbands have been sticking unusually close together. They often gather to talk in low voices, occasionally glancing at Violeta as if secretly discussing something important. Although she has no idea what they are planning as she observes them from a distance, she never tries to interfere.
That day, after Violeta returned to her room, the five men once again gather quickly and sit around the table.The atmosphere feels heavier than usual, as if they have already reached some unspoken conclusion.
“Okeana, you said Violeta saved you and your family from danger?” Lucien begins.
“Yes… which is still strange,” Okeana replies, folding his arms.
“She saved me too, during the battle at the Midnight Court,” Sterling adds.
“That’s nothing like the rumors,” Aurelius says.
A brief silence follows.
“So what should we do now?” Alarika asks.
Lucien looks around. “How many of you know Violeta’s true appearance?”
Sterling raises his hand. Okeana, Alarika, and Aurelius exchange confused looks.
“What do you mean, ‘true appearance’?” Alarika asks.
“Chestnut-colored hair, amber eyes… she looks no older than twenty-two,” Lucien says calmly.
Okeana and Alarika shake their heads. But Aurelius’s thoughts drift back to the night when he had entered Violeta’s room.
It was her…
“Violeta seems younger than all of us except Sterling,” Lucien continues. “We should try to understand her—and protect her.”
“Protect her?” Aurelius interrupts.
“Don’t deny it, Aurelius. I know your family originally sent you here with a mission to kill her, but now you are her husband. That changes things—you have a responsibility now.”
Aurelius falls silent.
“It seems her bad reputation came from the Midnight Court,” Lucien adds. “As far as Violeta told me, they had conflicts.”
“So what do we do?” Alarika presses.
“I’ve pieced together a lot these past few days,” Lucien says. “Violeta has lived a difficult life—fighting against the Midnight Court, enduring hatred from the people… she’s taken on far too much alone.”
“Yes, we all know that,” Sterling snaps suddenly, his voice rising. “I’m asking for a solution.”
“Relax,” Okeana teases. “You look like you’re in love with her.”
“I am,” Sterling replies. “I’ve loved her since she saved my life.”
Silence falls again.
Lucien speaks next. “Violeta is our wife. We should love her.”
Yet, even as he said it, a sharp flicker of jealousy rises in his chest. He quickly looks away. It is hard for him to admit it—even to himself. Deep down, he envies Sterling, and the way he can stand there so openly and confess his love without hesitation.
“Wait! I have an idea!” Alarika suddenly says, dragging Lucien’s attention back. “We can call upon our families to unite, and we can destroy the Midnight Court together.”
“That’s a good plan, the Dragon family will help,” Aurelius agrees.
“The Mermaid family, too,” Okeana adds.
“The Wolf family will join,” Alarika says.
“And the Fox family,” Lucien nods.
“And me,” Sterling says firmly.
Aurelius sneers slightly. “Just yourself?”
“I don’t have a family,” Sterling says calmly, “but I can still help you—and help you all find peace with Violeta afterward.”
“Ohhh, how sweet,” Okeana laughs.
“Enough,” Lucien says. “Let’s begin preparations. And remember, Violeta must not find out.”
Alarika stands and leaves first. “I’ll leave tomorrow. We’ll take turns contacting our families.”
The others nod. As the door closes, the meeting ends—each man carrying his own thoughts, all centered on Violeta.
Chapter 10
“ISP, what are they doing?” Violeta asks, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her sleeve as she watches the others from afar.
“Let me give you some advice, Violeta,” ISP replies, its tone unusually serious. “They’ve already discovered your true appearance—and your conflict with the Midnight Court. You should stop pretending, hiding, and doing everything on your own. I think… they want to hear the truth from you.”
Violeta lowers her gaze. A faint breeze brushes past her, lifting a strand of her dark hair.
“But…”
“I believe you can trust them. They’ve already agreed to contact their families to help you.”
Really? Her heart tightens slightly. For a moment, she feels something unfamiliar—warmth, or perhaps it’s just hesitation.
Maybe… it’s time to stop carrying everything alone.
“Fine,” she murmurs. “I’ll think about it.”
The next day, Violeta notices that Alarika is gone.
“He went to find his family first,” ISP explains. “The five husbands are taking turns so you won’t grow suspicious or worried.”
Then I’d better play along, Violeta thinks, feeling oddly proud of them. I shouldn’t ruin their plan.
“Where is Alarika?” she asks, pretending to be confused.
“Uh… he had to attend a family event,” Sterling replies.
Violeta raises an eyebrow.
“Yes, Lettie, he has something to take care of. Don’t worry about him,” Lucien adds.
“Yes, Lettie, come eat breakfast! We made it for you in the morning!” Okeana quickly changes the subject.
Violeta follows him to the table and sits down.
“Lettie, drink some milk,” Aurelius says, his first words of the morning.
What’s wrong with them? And why is Aurelius calling me ‘Lettie’?
“Lettie, have some fruit.” Sterling reaches toward her.
“Back off! I asked her first!” Aurelius growls.
“Relax. Lettie, fruit is good for your health,” Sterling shoots back.
“She needs eggs to keep up her energy! She’s starving!” Okeana interrupts.
Who says I’m starving?
“How can she eat with you three arguing?” Lucien snaps, then turns gently to Violeta. “Ignore them. I caught a wild boar yesterday. Try some.”
“Violeta! Your health bar is recovering!” ISP exclaims.
“Wait, really?”
“Yes, it’s already at 40%! Your husbands are falling in love with you!” ISP’s exciting voice sounds in Violeta’s head.
But I haven’t done anything…
Suddenly, with a mixture of delight and surprise in her heart, Violeta loses her appetite. She stands up.
“I’m not hungry. I still have things to do.”
“Wait, Lettie! Do you need help?” Sterling steps forward.
Aurelius shoves him aside. “If she needs anything, I’ll handle it. I’m strong enough to protect her.”
“She can protect herself,” Okeana says softly, moving closer. “Lettie, why don’t we play some games in your room?”
“She’s not in the mood,” Lucien cuts in.
Watching them argue over her, a strange, unfamiliar feeling stirs in Violeta’s chest, something tangled between discomfort and curiosity.
What’s gotten into them? ISP did say they’re in love with me…
“I’m fine. Lucien, come with me,” she says quickly, ending the argument.
The other three look disappointed, while Lucien follows her happily.
“Lettie, how can I help?”
Violeta removes her mask, her expression turning cold. “Since when did I give you permission to tell everyone my secrets?”
“I—I just wanted them to know the truth. I didn’t want you to be alone,” Lucien says, flustered.
Violeta sighs.
“I’ve already been alone for five years. You all support me every day. You don’t need to worry so much.”
“But—”
Before he can finish, Violeta leans forward and kisses his cheek.
Lucien freezes, his face turning bright red. Then he turns and runs out of the room.
“Health bar increased to 45%,” ISP reports after he leaves.
Maybe I should trust them more… after all, they are my husbands.
By the time Violeta finishes sorting through her thoughts—about the Midnight Court and her relationships with the five men—it’s already afternoon.
Looking out the window, she sees them gathered together again. Lucien looks far too thrilled, while Okeana and Sterling seem envious.
Never mind. I can talk to them later.
With that, Violeta drifts back to sleep.
Chapter 11
For the next few months, the five husbands continue to visit their families, trying to persuade them to help, while Violeta struggles to learn how to live with all of them. She has never felt anything like this before. For five years, she’d been alone, burying everything deep inside. Now, suddenly adding five husbands into her life feels overwhelming.
On this day, Lucien returns to the island with a girl. She has a narrow face, high, well-defined cheekbones, and a small, pointed chin. Rather than frightened, she looks excited, her eyes roaming the island with open curiosity.
Violeta looks up, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh? A secret lover, Lucien? I thought you were loyal to Violeta,” Sterling says sharply.
“I am. She’s my sister,” Lucien replies calmly.
“Hi, I’m Aurora, Lucien’s sister,” the girl greets them brightly.
“Why are you bringing her here?” Okeana asks. “I thought we were only asking our families to help Violeta.”
“It’s not Lucien’s fault. I insisted on coming,” Aurora says, nodding toward Violeta. “I wanted to see how his living with the ‘rumored ghost’ goes,” She tilts her head, studying Violeta. “So you must be the ghost. You’re prettier than I expected. No wonder Lucien wants to help you,” she smirks.
Violeta’s mouth twitches, unexpectedly warmed by the compliment.
“…Sis,” Lucien mutters, his cheeks turning pink as he tries to stop her.
“I hope my brother hasn’t been bothering you,” Aurora continues, glancing at him. “He’s not very talkative, and he has no idea what love is.”
“Oh—no, not at all,” Violeta replies, slightly caught off guard by the sudden apology. “Lucien is very capable. He’s helped me a lot.”
“Perfect!” Aurora claps lightly. “Can I look around? Your home is beautiful. Oh, that window is amazing!”
Without waiting for an answer, she dashes off to explore the island, leaving Lucien standing there in embarrassment.
“Well, what a surprise,” Alarika remarks.
“Your sister is nothing like you,” Aurelius adds.
“Yeah… she’s always been like that,” Lucien says with a small shrug. Then he looks at Violeta, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. “Lettie… do you mind?”
“Huh? No, not at all.” Violeta snaps out of her thoughts and reassures him.
“Are you tired?” Alarika asks gently, brushing a hand over her hair. “You seem distracted.”
Violeta yawns. “I’m fine. I just need more sleep.”
After saying goodbye, she returns to her house.
When Violeta wakes, night has already fallen. A knock sounds at the door, and Aurora slips inside as soon as it opens.
“Hey, talking with the boys is too boring,” she says, flopping onto the bed. “You’re the only other girl here, so we should talk.”
“Um… what do you want to know?” Violeta asks cautiously.
“The day Lucien came to me and begged me to persuade our father to help you, I was shocked,” Aurora begins. “He tried so hard to convince me you were nothing like the rumors.”
She pauses, her expression softening slightly.
“When I first heard he was going to leave and marry you, I was furious. I couldn’t understand why my father would allow his son to live with a ghost. But he just said, ‘She is the ghost. If we don’t appease her, there will be consequences.’”
Violeta remains silent.
“Lucien is brilliant. He’s the best heir our family has,” Aurora continues. “But like you, he keeps everything to himself. Still… I know that deep down, he doesn’t want to be trapped in that beautiful cage. He wants freedom. He wants to live his own life, not just become what he’s been trained to be.”
She turns to Violeta.
“But then he met you. And now… he trusts you completely. He tells you things he’s never told anyone before. Not even me.”
Violeta’s eyes lower slightly.
“Violeta,” Aurora says more softly, “my brother loves you. I think you can trust him… and maybe even love him too, if you can. You two fit together.”
“Aurora… why are you telling me this?”
“Because,” Aurora replies simply, her voice turning serious, “you’re the only one who can help him.”
Violeta smiles faintly. Then she stands, a new determination in her eyes. Aurora rises and follows her outside.
“All of you, come here!” Violeta calls.
The five men rush over.
“I know you’ve all been trying to help me,” she begins. “And I truly appreciate it. But I think… it’s time to bring this to an end with the Midnight Court.”
“Lettie, you have a plan?” Sterling asks eagerly.
Violeta smiles.
“Obviously.”
Chapter 12
Cloaked in a heavy, swirling shroud of fog, Violeta and her five husbands advance upon the Midnight Court Headquarters for what must be the final time. This is the end, Violeta whispers to her own racing heart, a silent vow against the oncoming storm.
According to design, Violeta steps into the clearing alone; her husbands and their respective clans remain dissolved in the surrounding shadows. She detonates a localized explosive—the sharp, deafening crack fracturing the quiet—and a torrential tide of soldiers pours from the monolith of the building. Finding only a solitary woman, the vanguards hesitate at first, eyes narrowing in deep suspicion. Yet, because Violeta has woven a seamless glamour of absolute silence over the hidden armies, the enemy senses nothing. Exchanging grim glances, the horde surges forward, a sea of steel converging on her lone position.
A confident, dangerous smile touches Violeta’s lips. With fluid grace, she carves through the front ranks, her magic and steel cutting down waves of men. But the enemy is a hydra; for every row she breaks, two more take its place. Though she is exceptionally gifted and armed to the teeth, sheer weight of soldiers begins to siphon her stamina. In the dark, her five husbands white-knuckle their weapons, violently suppressing the instinct to tear the battlefield apart to reach her.
Suddenly, Aurelius’s tactical counsel echoes through the chambers of her mind.
“Feign vulnerability,” Aurelius had urged on the eve of their departure. “Only then will the commanders and the marshal abandon the safety of their fortress.”
“Absolutely not. How can you demand she offer herself as bait?” Sterling’s furious protest rings backward through time.
“I take no pleasure in the risk,” Aurelius had replied, his expression clouded with reluctant gravity. But as the most decorated marshal of the Dragon lineage, his strategic genius was absolute. None could offer a better path to victory.
Brought back to the chaotic, blood-slicked present, Violeta braces herself. She deliberately slows her step, permitting a soldier’s blade to bite deep into her arm. Crimson spills across her skin. Seeing her falter, two massive shadows detach themselves from the headquarters, leaping into the fray. The commander and the marshal. Violeta smiles through the sharp tang of pain—Aurelius’s trap has sprung.
In the brush, the hidden families tense, coiled like springs, waiting only for her command. The commander and the marshal narrow their eyes into razor-sharp glares, radiating a consuming, ancient hatred as they close the distance. They do not flinch; they do not break gaze. But just as they arrive to deliver the killing blow, Violeta’s voice cuts through the din: “Lucien! Aurelius! Okeana! Alarika! Sterling!”
At the utterance of those names, the two leaders freeze. In that heartbeat of hesitation, the forest shadows erupt as a legion of elite warriors pours into the light.
“A ruse! Retreat!” the commander shrieks, spinning on his heel to flee back to the sanctuary of the keep.
But the exit is already sealed. Aurelius stands blocking the threshold, a magnificent, immovable barrier. In a single, breathtakingly fluid motion, the Dragon marshal positions himself between the two stunned tyrants, his blade raised in a flawless defensive guard. The high-stakes confrontation is neutralized in mere seconds.
Deprived of their command, the remaining soldiers dissolve into absolute panic, paralyzed between flight and futile combat. The five families show no mercy, sweeping through the fractured ranks and finishing them swiftly, requiring no further order from their queen Violeta.
Violeta surveys the smoking, ruined majesty of the fallen Midnight Court, a profound numbness settling over her. It feels surreal. The nemesis that haunted her steps for five agonizing years has vanished like mist, dismantled by the sheer force of her husbands’ devotion. She turns to them, her gaze shining with unspoken gratitude. Without their strength, the Midnight Court would still cast its shadow over her, and the world would still believe the dark lies of her reputation.
The old life has breathed its last. A new dawn begins.