Ruby stirred, her eyes barely cracking open as the sound pulled her from her deep slumber. She let out a groan, feeling groggy and a bit annoyed. She was a heavy sleeper who valued her naps, and this cloud-like bed made it even harder to wake up.
With a sigh, she rolled out of bed, her legs feeling like lead as she shuffled to the door. Her eyes were still half-closed as she turned the handle, but the moment she opened the door, her drowsiness vanished. Her eyes flew wide open, taking in the sight before her.
So many good-looking ghosts.
Ruby’s eyes widened as she took in the group gathered at her door. First, she noticed Julian, wearing a soft blue robe, his face radiating a gentle.
Beside him was Hugo, whom she’d met before. Her gaze dropped to the diary tucked into the belt of his robe, sending a slight shiver through her. His black hair and light green eyes were just as striking as she remembered, though his smile, more of a deathly grin, made her feel a bit uneasy.
Then, she saw Kenji standing nearby, with dark green eyes and black hair.
"Wife, you already know Kenji," Julian said happily, "but let me introduce you to the rest."
He pointed to Hugo. "This is Hugo. He’s very sweet, and he even writes poems..."
Ruby smiled awkwardly, feeling Hugo’s piercing gaze. "I can even write one for you..." he offered, his smile a bit too eager.
"No, no need," she replied, quickly shaking her head.
Julian continued, now motioning toward a shorter ghost with a playful grin. "And this is Leo," he said. Leo’s light blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and his blond hair gave him a youthful, almost cheeky look.
"Hi," Leo said with a big grin, looking delighted to meet her.
Moving along, Julian pointed to another ghost. "And this is Finn," he said, gesturing toward a friendly ghost with warm brown eyes and black hair, who was smiling kindly at her.
"He likes hugging a lot..." Julian added.
Finn’s to eyes lit up. "Can I hug you?" he asked, blinking expectantly.
Ruby backed up a little, shaking her head. "No, no thanks."
Julian shot Finn a quick warning look. "Finn! She’s my wife."
Finn bowed his head apologetically. "Sorry, Brother Julian."
Julian pointed to the next ghost, who was looking at her with an innocent expression. "This is Max," he said, nodding to the one with hazel eyes and slightly messy black hair. Max smiled shyly at her, clearly hoping she’d warm up to him.
"And finally, this is Jace." Julian gestured toward a tall ghost with golden eyes and sleek black hair, who smiled politely at her. His calm presence stood out among the group.
"And you already know Kenji." Julian turned back to Ruby with a proud smile. "These are my friends and husband’s of sister Angeline—they’re all very sweet."
The ghosts all nodded at her, smiling in unison.
"Oh, I almost forgot... it’s already late evening, wife. We have to do the second ritual!" Julian said hurriedly, glancing around as if realizing the time had slipped by. "Quickly, get ready. I’ll wait outside."
With that, he headed toward the living room, followed by the other ghosts, who followed out, each flashing her a smile as they left her alone to prepare.
Ruby sighed as she looked around her room. "Darn it... the inconvenience of not having a bathroom in the room," she muttered.
She reached for her robe, then paused, noticing there was nowhere to see her reflection. "Shoot! I forgot to buy a vanity table..." she muttered, rubbing her forehead in frustration.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the thought aside and stepped outside her room.
Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of her entire house, now transformed into something mystical.
Wild red flowers were scattered in every corner, filling the air with a sweet, earthy scent. Small candles glowed softly, their flames flickering gently in the dim light, casting shadows that danced on the walls.
The lights were off, leaving only the soft, warm golden glow of the candles to light the space.
"Wife..." a familiar voice called out gently.
Startled, Ruby turned and almost gasped when she saw Milo standing nearby, holding a lit candle that cast a warm light over his face. His expression was soft, with that same swee look.
"Yes, Milo..." she replied, smiling back, relief washing over her. It was her sweet Milo.
"Quickly freshn up evryone is waiting for u outside.." he said and quickly went outside.
Ruby nodded and went to the washroom. She brushed her teeth and washed her face with a facewash, specially made for ghosts. It didn’t bother her much, after all, a facewash is a facewash.
After freshening up, she realized her room didn’t have a comb. She walked into Julian’s room, which was open, and saw a comb and a broken mirror on his table. She quickly combed her hair, which had gotten a little tangled. She felt a lump form in her throat when she saw the hair on the comb.
She really was pitiful, she thought as she looked at her profile in the broken mirror. After a moment of self-reflection, she felt a little better and walked outside.
Ruby walked outside the door and immediately noticed that there were no candles lit outside, unlike the inside of the house. Instead, she saw the six husbands of Angeline gathered, talking with her own husbands. Angeline was standing with two other witches, and Ruby couldn’t help but notice a few other ghosts who is also standing here, who were probably her neighbors.
"Ru! You’re here!" Angeline called out, and instantly, everyone’s attention turned toward her.
Ruby smiled politely as Angeline introduced her to the two other witches. The first witch, with short, curly dark hair and brown eyes, was named Selene. The second witch, taller with long auburn hair and bright black eyes, was called Seraphina. Angeline explained they were her neighbors.
The other ghosts, Ruby realized, were all their husbands. Each of them gave her a polite smile, She nodded in acknowledgment.
"Let’s begin the Second rituals..."
—To be continued...🪄