“The magic that naturally repels humans increases significantly until no one is able to approach without being turned away.”
Realization dawned on me. “That’s why you’re all in such a hurry to get these people out.”
He nodded.
“And Julian said you only help the humans escape during liftings... because they can’t get home once the veil closes?”
A single nod.
“So, I need to get my family out before then.”
He didn’t try to reassure me or make me feel better this time. He simply said, “Yes. You do.”
THE LAST DAY beforethe veil closed began, for me, at 9:57 a.m.
I hadn’t meant to sleep so late. I’d wanted to set my phone alarm, but with just 1 percent battery left, even if I’d tried to set it, it would’ve died before it could ever go off.
We’d stayed up until sometime around five in the morning. More human contracts continued to arrive throughout the night, keeping Soren and the others busy, though they started taking shifts to get some sleep. I tried to help where I could. But the second Gwen had taken the family with the kids and my bed opened up, I’d fallen into it. I’d slept in the gold dress, since I didn’t want to bother them with a request as basic as pajamas, but it hadn’t mattered. Exhaustion had dragged me under immediately.
Now Soren’s hand on my shoulder made me lurch awake.
He stepped away to grab a nearby chair, giving me a minute to pull myself out of dreamland. I turned on my phone and checked it.
Still no signal, but when I saw the time, my heart sank. Every minute here was precious. I shouldn’t have wasted so much of it sleeping.
Daylight streamed into the burrow through those tiny holes in the ceiling. I blinked bleary eyes at Soren and sat up.
Though he’d brushed his hair and dressed in fresh clothes, he looked weary as he set the chair beside the daybed. He’d slept even less than I had. Dropping into the seat with less grace than usual, he kept his gaze on his hands. “I have bad news.”
I pulled my knees up to wrap my arms around them. “How bad?”
“I’ve just returned from court, where I met with Caius about the final contracts we were unable to finish handling this morning due to signatures not being correct. When he asked for more time, I brought up your family’s names as a bargain...” Soren swallowed, still not meeting my eye. “He said no.”
I couldn’t breathe. “Did you ask to trade?” I choked out the words, knowing I was talking about three other people staying behind when they could’ve escaped. My conscience burned. But desperation made a person do and say wild things. I couldn’t bring myself to take it back. My mind raced. “Or maybe I could buy their contracts somehow?”With what money, Brynn?I chewed on my lip.
Soren surprised me by nodding. “I did ask.”
