Chapter 643: Visitors

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 it took to reach you? To cross?" She wrung her hands at me. "Grandmother is helping, but she won't be able to hold it forever. The power of the stronghold is fighting her. We have to go now."

"Meems." I hesitated. Maybe going with her was a good idea. We could sort out all the mess later, after I'd had time to think.

No. I couldn't abandon Gram. Even if that meant the Council managed to tie me to a stake and set me on fire.

"I have a plan," I said. Not much of one. But there was enough truth in what I said I was able to s