Chloe’s throat felt raw, as if the spirit’s words had burned their way down into her lungs. She hugged herself, shaking, her mind spinning with the echo of Selene’s laughter. The image of those glowing eyes and sharp teeth lingered even with the smoke gone, as though Selene’s presence still coiled in the air.

“I…” Chloe’s voice cracked. She tried again, but it came out as a whisper. “I don’t want to die again. Zoe, I can’t…”

Zoe was already there, pulling her into ...