Austin’s POV

Ghosts were not new to me. In my world, the dead sometimes lingered longer than the living could stand. I’d met many spirits, some gentle, some angry, some lost in endless confusion. I’d learned to treat them with respect.

Sally was different, though. The way she hovered in the corners, the way she watched Ruby with sad, careful eyes, it was clear she had no malice. She just wanted to be seen. I found myself thinking about her long after Ruby had fainted and the house fell ...