"Maybe that's for the best," Copper said slowly."If you have even the smallest desire to join her, you will die the moment you step into the shadow."
He gritted his teeth.His sole purpose was to make sure Kallie survived and got out of Everstill.If he had to die to make sure she was safe, then so be it.He had nothing here without her anyway.
"I'm going to have to try," he muttered.
"The rift won't let you go.You're tied to this place.Bound to it.If you try to cross with her, it will tear you apart."
The air thinned.Finn inhaled heavily through his nose."There has to be a way."
Copper's eyes softened."Trust me.There isn't."
Finn swallowed hard, his throat burning."How do you know?"
Copper looked down at his hands, flexing them slowly."Because I tried."
Finn froze.If he could learn from Copper, he had a chance to outsmart whatever controlled the veil's opening and closing.
"You're alive."Finn stepped closer."What happened?"
Copper lifted his gaze, meeting Finn's eyes with a haunted look."When the woman I met left, I tried to follow her.I didn't want to live here without her."His voice cracked."I didn't even get close to the rift, and the veil nearly killed me as a warning.I woke up three days later in the woods, half-dead, and she was gone."
Finn stared at him, horror creeping through his veins."But that was a long time ago.It might be easier—"
"Listen to me."Copper gripped Finn's shoulder."If you try to leave with Kallie, you won't make it.The glitch will drag you under.The rift will finish what it started."
"So what?"Finn's breath shook."I'm supposed to send her away alone?"
Copper nodded."Yes."
Finn's ribs squeezed in on him.He'd rather die than live without her.It was a chance he was willing to take.
Copper's voice softened."She'll be safe in her world.She'll live.She'll thrive.But if she stays here, Everstill will take her heart.And if you try to go with her, Everstill will take your life."
Finn closed his eyes.The truth settled over him like a shroud.He was going to lose her.
One way or another.
