I held her against me a moment before pushing my sister out to arm's length. "What are you doing here?"

"Syd." Meira clutched at me, face younger only because of her obvious fear. "We have to get you out of here." She tugged on me, pulling me with her, toward the wavering slice in the veil still gaping behind her.

I slipped free, shaking my head. "I can't go," I said. "Not until I know if Gram is okay."

Meira's lips trembled. "Do you have any idea how much power ...