      it’s surprising occurrences like this don’t happen as often as it does. when sacha had been a child, he’d seen specters darting in the corner of his eyes nearly every day. hell, some of the braver ones were like imaginary friends to him, playing hide and seek in the babichev manor with a young toddling sacha to keep him entertained when no living soul would. those who linger always have an attraction to the hades of children, whether positive or not. it’s someone to talk to, someone who sees them after what might be centuries of solitude. normally sacha is fine with playing along, but tonight as he hikes across campus trying to make his way back to the hades dorm, he really doesn’t want to deal with the sobbing spirit trailing after him. he spots his rescue up ahead.Â
      “ there’s a ghost behind you, ” he greets as he links arms with the other student, unprompted. each ghostly wail feels like strange fingertips down his spine. his nose wrinkles. “ how long do you think it takes to get over being murdered? surely three hundred years is enough. now it’s just dramatic. ” ( featuring; open )
