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I looked around, trying to find my bearings, but there was only me and the fog. No grass or sky or plants or animals. No other humans or paranormals floated by and waved.

What was this place?

I always imagined death to bring a sort of peace. Maybe this had, but if I was cursed or blessed, depending on how you looked at it, to float here forever, I imagined I’d go mad with boredom.

The fog bucked and shivered, cool, pure magic sliding over my skin. Familiar magic, though I know I’d only experienced it once or twice.

What was it?

A soft wind picked up, blowing my hair in my face. I kicked, trying to turn in the opposite direction, but I was stuck, floating one way, unable to twist or turn or do much of anything except be.

Thunder rattled the space, a rolling boom of sound coming from nowhere and everywhere all at once. The first thread of real fear snaked down my spine, and oddly enough, I felt relief at being able to feel anything at all.

The fog rolled away as if afraid of the new presence.

Moira.

I went still, hope and fear warring for a place in my body.

I knew that soft, warbling voice.

Tess?

Yes. Would you like to come home?

A shudder racked my body.

I’m so tired, Tess.

I know.

She said nothing for a long moment. I am here on borrowed time and cannot stay long. You can stay if you wish. This is a temporary…way station if you will, a place to rest before the next leg of your journey.

Are you allowed to say where I’ll go next?

No, Tess said. But I couldn’t tell you anyway. Those decisions are barred to me. Someone far greater than me decides.

Probably nowhere good.

Tess sighed. If only you could see yourself like we see you, Moira. You don’t have to be perfect to be good. We are all flawed. Death sees our hearts. That gentle embrace you feel is only a prequel to the peace you will feel if you keep going.

My breath stuttered. I don’t know if I want to go back.

You don’t have to. I’m here to offer you the choice. There was true emotion in Tess’s voice, unlike anything I’d ever heard from her. She’d always been so steady, so unaffected by everything I could barely keep my surprise in check.

How’s Evie?

How do you think she is? Disapproval rang in her answer.

I winced. Yeah. I guess that’s a dumb question.

Tess sighed. Grief is the inevitable part of love. A pause. And Evie loves you very, very much.

I don’t want to keep fighting, I admitted.

Then don’t.

If my mother is still alive, she’ll never leave me in peace. Even if she finds someone else to help her reach whatever macabre goal she has, she’ll still find a way to get to me.