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As one, the rips swiveled their focus toward her

Mother flew into the air as if jerked by an invisible string Once there she floated, parallel to the ground I would remember the look on her face for the rest of my life Tears of furious defeat, and eyes ith terror

That’s when I realized this possession was different

Because she was still in the veil Dune was holding the current steady

Her body absorbed the rips, and not just their faces Their bodies, too We watched as they consumed her Witnessed her skin melt away, heard her bones break, as she assule rip on the boat entered the veil, one by one, reshaping one, there was a flash of light and a terrible ripping sound One keening screa behind nothing but the steady sound of paddle wheels churning up the Mississippi

I stared at the e, but I was numb Dune put his hand onout

The consequences of one siistered a second before it could happen

"Stop!" I threw ainst the rail "Don’t touch et this necklace off"

How long would I have to worry about accidentally killing so to coet through it" Poe held up his hands "If you want, I can take care of that"

"Please" I voiced my other concern "When will the duroniu, especially with your ht back"

Dune reached for me In that second, I needed his, but the fear of what I could’ve done by touching hihed heavily

"Just me," he said "I’ll move the second Poe cohis waist Safe Solid My anchor

"I don’t think she’s co up at hireed "I’m sorry for my part in it I didn’t knoould happen, but I wasn’t expecting that I can’t stop thinking that it could’ve been you, Hallie It could’ve been you"

"I know" Myto take years to unpack, and trying to deal with it noas pointless I would focus on the present "Is everyone okay? Carl--"

"He was on his way to the hospital, and everyone else is fine"

Poe exited the cabin and conferred with one of the ship hands

When he turned toward us, Dune let o and took a step back

"We’re headed back to shore" Poe held up a tiny blowtorch "Ready?"

"I’ll check in with Michael," Dune said "Be right back"

"Stay where I can see you" I sounded like his irlfriend? The word seemed too simple

Dune nodded I should’ve known he’d understand

"I’m sorry, Hallie" Poe shoved his free hand in his jeans pocket "I don’t knohat else to say"

"How did you end up here?"

"Your dad asked for my help That’s why I was on the boat When you ht hoht I was on her side"

I couldn’t stop looking at the place she’d been standing when she disappeared "He was right to send you I’ll have to tell him she’s dead"