Billy's gone.
Ruby Buckley's world ended with him.
But Hawkins isn't done with her yet.
When strange deaths begin again, Ruby is pulled into the heart of the storm. Between shadowy nightmares, the town's newest outcast, and someone she was never s...
( songs for the chapter) pretty boy // the neighborhood africa // toto
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Ruby rolled her eyes, fighting a smile.
"Oh, shut it, Munson. Not everything in Hawkins High revolves around you."
She brushed past him toward the group, the Hellfire kids, buzzing with victory. Dustin spotted her first.
"Ruby!" he shouted, bounding forward like an overexcited puppy. "We won! We actually won!"
Before she could respond, he threw his arms around her. She laughed, holding him steady as he practically vibrated with pride.
"I knew you would," she said, smiling at him.
Mike and Erica joined in next, and Ruby barely had time to breathe before she was wrapped in another set of arms.
"You should've seen it, Ruby," Mike grinned, still breathless. "It was insane."
"I bet it was," she said, eyes gleaming. "You guys missed quite the show too. Lucas was incredible tonight. Scored the winning basket with only one second left. I swear the gym almost came down."
She turned to Erica, who crossed her arms with practiced coolness. "And I'm guessing this whole 'double victory' thing wasn't just coincidence."
Ruby bent slightly, smirking. "I'm sure you had something to do with Hellfire's win, Miss Sinclair. No way these boys pulled it off without a little help."
Erica smirked back. "Obviously. Someone had to save their sorry butts."
Ruby laughed, pulling her into a quick hug. "Lady Applejack, you continue to impress."
Eddie, who'd been lingering a few steps away, tilted his head. "How do you know her D&D name?"
Erica looked up at him with her usual no-nonsense expression. "Because, genius, she's the one who taught me how to play."
Ruby raised an eyebrow, amused by his surprise. "Don't look so shocked, Munson. Just because I wear lipgloss doesn't mean I don't know how to teach someone to cast a spell or two."
Eddie chuckled lowly. "Guess I'll have to step up my game, sweetheart. I knew you played. But I didn't realize I was dealing with a legacy player."
"Wouldn't want to bruise your ego," she said, flashing him a teasing grin before turning her attention back to the group. "Alright, my little legends, it's getting late. You guys have a way home? I don't want you biking through half of Hawkins at night."
Dustin waved her off. "Relax, Mom. My mom's picking us up."
Ruby laughed, shaking her head. "Good. Because I'd hate to have to hunt you down in the woods if you went missing."
