Page 75 of One Forbidden Moment

"It doesn't take people without purpose.It doesn't return them without intention," said Copper.

"But we left."Jillian swallowed."It was our choice to leave together."

Copper faced Moe."You were brought back because Moe was never meant to leave Everstill."

Moe's jaw tightened."I wasn't letting it take her."

"And the veil noticed," Copper said."It doesn't like being defied.It doesn't like losing what it chooses."

A chill crawled up Jillian's spine.They talked as if the veil was a breathing, living entity.Everything in her wanted to deny what she'd experienced.But it was true.She felt the shadow.It was alive.

"Why me?"She shook her head."I don't belong here."

"You're the door through the veil."Copper nodded once."It chose you the moment you came through the first time.And doors don't get to walk away."

"Shut up about the door and the keys."She groaned in frustration."None of that means anything unless you explain why it happens."

Moe pushed himself upright, ignoring the pain that flashed across his face."She's not staying here.We're getting out."

"You can try," Copper said quietly."But Everstill brought you both back for a reason.And it won't let you go until it gets what it wants."

Jillian's breath trembled."What does it want?"

Copper swung his gaze toward her."You," he said."It wants you."

Moe's hand tightened around hers, fierce and protective.

Copper stepped back, his voice dropping to a whisper."And it will do anything to keep you."

The kitchen fell silent.

Moe laced his fingers with hers, reminding her she wasn't alone.But Copper's words lingered in the air.

Chapter 29

Moe