The matron of the House of Hungry Ghosts is a woman in her fifties with sharp eyes and a sharper tongue. Robes of all white billow from her bone-thin body, eyes and lips painted cardinal red, skin slathered in paint. She looks like a ghost, even, wearing the color of death.

“You will call me Lady Yurei,” the matron says while Pregnant pours tea. Lady Yurei’s gaze sweeps over Natsu’s yet-flat belly. “How far along, then?”

“Ten weeks, ma’am.”

The matron reaches out, places a hand on Natsu’s stomach. Her unforgiving gaze softens. “It is a boy. You may stay.”