He quickly followed her, catching up just in time as a few villagers noticed them slipping toward the front. Whispers stirred among the crowd. Some of the ghosts frowned, clearly annoyed that two strangers were pushing forward when everyone else was quietly standing in line, waiting, listening.
"Who are they?"
"Why are outsiders so bold?"
"They don't even belong here…"
Ruby heard them but didn't stop. Her footsteps stayed calm and her posture straight. She wasn't trying to be rude—she just knew if she didn't act now, she might miss the chance to speak to someone important.
Julian gently tugged her sleeve. "Wife, people are staring…"
"I know," she murmured back. "But if I wait for everyone to agree, I'll never get anything done."
He sighed, then smiled slightly. "You're really brave, you know that?"
