"Hold on to me," Nicholas thought urgently. No matter what happens. No matter how it feels. You hold on and you don't let go until I tell you to.
I don't want to let go at all, Lilith thought desperately.
I know, Nicholas thought. But you will. Because you're strong. Because you deserve to live. Because I'm asking you to.
The pull grew stronger.
Nicholas felt it like a rope around his chest, Victoria's death magic reaching into the Veil, grabbing both souls, beginning to drag them back toward life.
It felt wrong. Violent. Like being pulled against the current of a river made of death itself.
But Nicholas held onto Lilith.
Wrapped his arms around her translucent form and pulled her close.
I've got you, he thought. I won't let go. I promise.
The Veil fought back.
The entity that dwelled here, the thing that had claimed Lilith as payment, that fed on souls and consciousness, did not want to release her.
