The atmosphere was thick with tension; the ghosts around Alexander were visibly stunned.
"Do you really think I would let you off that easily?" Alexander said, his voice seething with contempt. "You miserable, wandering souls. If I were to release you, who knows how many people you might harm!"
"Remember this: from now on, I'm the boss here. You're all my underlings. Got it?"
The ghosts wailed, their voices quivering as they cried, "We understand!"
With a flourish of his wand, Alexander channeled his magic. In an instant, the multitude of ghosts transformed into wisps of blue smoke and were sucked into his wand.
Turning his attention away from the ghosts, Alexander looked at the four trembling young women huddled on the ground.
He approached one of them, gently lifting her chin and softly spoke, "My dear, there's no need to be afraid. Remove your mask, let me see your face."