"Alright. I’ll buy it for you, okay? Just wait for ."
Her voice was sweet but firm, full of quiet reassurance.
Julian looked at her, his eyes shining again but this ti not from sadness. It was the kind of look soone gives when they finally feel safe.
Ruby stood, gave his hand one last squeeze, and walked toward the door.
"I’ll be quick," she said, her voice low and loving. "You don’t have to worry about anything now."
When Ruby stepped out of the room, the three of them—Karl, Adrian, and Milo looked up imdiately.
Her face was calm, but her eyes were focused.
"Take care of him," she said firmly. "I’ll be back soon."
Karl tilted his head, confused. "Wait—what happened?"
Ruby didn’t hesitate. "He’s in heat. I’m going to buy him a canalwrap."
Silence dropped over the room like a stone.
All three of them froze.
Milo blinked, his mouth slightly open.
Adrian’s eyes flickered, but he said nothing.
And Karl? Karl’s face twisted in pure shock. "Y-You’re just gonna say it like that?! Out loud?!"
But Ruby was already walking out, her steps quick, her voice echoing back calmly, "Yes. Because it’s nothing to be ashad of."
The door closed behind her with a soft thud.
They were left in stunned silence.
"...She’s so bold," Milo whispered in awe.
Karl clutched his chest. "She just said heat like it was weather..."
Adrian glanced at the closed door and muttered under his breath, "Most witches don’t even talk about it."
It was true.
In this world, heat was considered shaful. Sothing whispered about. Hidden. Avoided. Witches and nobles acted like it didn’t exist..as if it were sothing disgusting or dirty.
But Ruby didn’t flinch. She spoke it openly. Like it was normal. Like it was natural.
Ruby walked quickly through the city market, her coat brushing her legs as the wind picked up around her. Shops lined the streets, signs and wooden boards hanging over their doors—spice shops, clothing stalls, food shops, Fast food shops...
But none of them had what she was looking for.
She didn’t know exactly where to find it, but her first thought was simple—a dical store. If canalwraps were for the body, that’s where they’d be... right?
She headed to the nearest one and walked inside, but after looking around the aisles filled with tonics, fever bags, and joint creams, she found nothing useful.
She asked the shopkeeper softly.
He blinked, looked flustered, and stamred, "We... don’t keep those here, ma’am."
Ruby sighed as she stepped back outside.
She tried another store.
And another.
Still nothing.
The sun was higher now, and the market had grown a little louder, busier. But all she could think about was Julian waiting back in the room, probably curled up on the bed, embarrassed, hurting, maybe still crying.
Her steps grew faster.
She turned the corner and saw a ghost arranging ribbons outside a tailoring shop. He looked older, graceful, his hair pinned up with silver combs. he seed calm... approachable.
Ruby didn’t hesitate.
"Excuse ," she said gently, walking closer. "Sorry to bother you, but... do you know where I can buy a canalwrap?"
The ghost’s hands froze mid-tie.
He turned slowly, eyes widening as if Ruby had shouted a curse word in public.
"C-Canalwrap?" he repeated in a whisper, clearly stunned. "You an—for... heat?"
Ruby nodded calmly. "Yes. My husband needs it."
The Ghost blinked a few tis, stunned by her bluntness.
But Ruby’s face was steady. There was no sha, no awkwardness. Just quiet urgency in her eyes.
The ghost cleared his throat, then finally gave a small nod. "There’s a private shop just past the candle stalls. You’ll see a red curtain hanging outside. They don’t put up signs... but they carry what you’re looking for."
Ruby gave him a small, thankful smile. "Thank you."
The Ghost hesitated, then softened. "You’re... brave to ask like that."
Ruby just nodded her head.
And with that, she turned and walked quickly in the direction the ghost had pointed, heart beating faster now..not from nerves, but from relief.
She was getting close. She’d find it because Julian was waiting.
Ruby followed the directions carefully, weaving past the candle stalls where sweet smoke filled the air, past fruit carts and silk shops. The market noise softened as she turned into a narrower lane—quieter, calr.
And then she saw it.
A small wooden shop front, old but clean, with a red curtain draped over the entrance instead of a door. There was no sign. No na. Just a quiet corner most people wouldn’t even notice unless they were looking for it.
She stepped inside.
The sll was soft—lavender, dried herbs, and sothing faintly dicinal. The lighting was warm but dim, the shelves lined with folded cloths, bottles, and neatly packed boxes. Everything was clean. Discreet.
A middle-aged ghost stood behind the counter, wearing a pale robe and round glasses. he looked up as Ruby entered, eyes calm but curious.
Ruby stepped forward quietly.
"I’m here to buy a canalwrap," she said softly.
He studied Ruby for a second, then gave a small respectful nod. "Of course."
He turned and opened a wooden cabinet behind him, carefully pulling out a slim box wrapped in soft blue paper.
"Do you need the standard size?" she asked gently. "Or—"
"For a young ghost in his first few years of cycle," Ruby replied, without hesitation.
The ghost nodded again, approving the way she spoke—no sha, no fear, just love.
He took out another box and placed it in front of Ruby. "These are thinner, easier to use, and more comfortable. They co with gentle herbs stitched in for cramping. And a wrap holder."
Ruby took the box with both hands and nodded. "Perfect."
The Ghost wrapped it again in paper and tied it neatly with a thin silver thread.
"I hope he finds rest soon," He said softly.
Ruby gave her a quiet smile. "He will."
She paid and tucked the bundle into her bag carefully like it was sothing precious and stepped back out into the sunlight.
—To be continued...🪄
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