indow, and stars burst behind her eyes. The car rolled a

against the dashboard.

le. Her vision was blurry, but she could make out Lil

r, her habit torn, but her chest mo

r hands shaking. "We need to get o

senger door, pushed it open with a creak, and helped Li

d, windshield shattered. Smoke curled fro

her face hidden in shadow. She was tall, standing proudly, but something w

m, her nails digging i

r than before. She knew wit

moke. "Aria Bennett," she said, her voice a whisper, li

t of Lila, her heart

ink you can stop me? I've waited a century. Y

et. It glowed with a soft, warm light, illu

gas

lips, eyes a startling shade of green. But something was w

ea

tands in a ballgown, tears on her face. A man-Ethan's ancestor-laughs, holding a

screams. The Veiled One rises from the water, her eyes glowing. "I curse you. All

ched. "Eleanor...

ive again. I want to feel again. And you... you're perfect. A Keeper, with power. With love." She looked past Ari

er. "No. I won't let you. You can't h

u have no choice. The veil is thin here. I can feel it. A

g sna

led One

a gun in his hand. His face was pale, but his e

raitor. I gave you power. I gave you purpose. I mad

d power. I wanted her. I want Aria. And I'll do anyt

fir

nto mist, laughing. "You can't kill what's already

he mist fading

leeding, but he was alive. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. For everything. Fo

h blood from her temple. "You came

. "I'll always choose you. I love you,

is is... we need to get Sister Agnes to a hospital. And us

ch was parked a few yards away and unscathed. "I know a place. A cabin in the mount

warm. The photo inside seemed t

pe flickering in her

whisper on the wind: "This isn't over. I will have your body. And whe

nd. "I'm here. I'm no

tears in her

time in months,