CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Damon

I stare at Winter, almost unable to believe it. The spell worked!

She traveled to the underworld!

At least... I hope she did.

"Oh, god," I murmur. "I didn't kill her, did I?"

I lean closer to the table and inspect her. She's lying flat, the Golden Coin in her hand and the candles flickering around her. Her chest rises slightly with each inhale, like she's deeply asleep.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Good job, Winter," I whisper. "You can do this. Find Alec and bring him back home."

I pace the room, trying to find something to do. It's up to me to stay here and watch her body, and I have no intention of leaving. At the same time, though, I feel restless.

I still don't know how long I was in that pocket dimension for. From what Winter and Alec told me after we met, I gather that it was at least five years.

Is the world any different? Do my friends all think I'm dead?

I consider turning on my cell phone and calling one of them. Maybe they could help me and Winter out b