Vera

The veil’s energy rippled like a storm frozen in time, golden threads of light intertwined with deep shadows that writhed and hissed like living things. Vanessa hovered at the center, glowing brighter than ever, but her small hands trembled. Every pulse of light threatened to tear her from me, from Nicolas, from the life we had fought so desperately to protect.

“Hold on, baby,” I whispered, forcing my fear into a sharp blade of determination. “I’ve got you. ...