Chapter 3

4.

I fed the baby some formula I bought from the local general store.

Only then did I remember that my "sister" was also hungry.

I mixed some ash with rice and a drop of blood from my finger, placing it at the mouth of a small black urn.

This was Silas, the spirit my mother had picked up for me. She told me he was my future spouse.

I had been feeding him with my blood for eighteen years.

We were tied together by two red silk cords―one on my wrist, one on his urn.

My mom said we were betrothed.

But in eighteen years, I had never seen a ghost, let alone a husband.

Until that voice spoke this morning.

It felt strangely familiar. My heart finally began to settle. He was finally here.