Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

to let it dissolve.

361/395

?Don?t be afraid, we only walked along the edge of it, we never

crossed the river and went in. Not even the best Healers can go all

the way in and make it out alive,? Jason said reassuringly. He met

Helen?s eyes as if to ask her to help him explain.

?The place you went is just beyond the place you go when you?re

sleeping. It?s not something you should be afraid of,? Helen said,

putting her hand on Claire?s back and trying to comfort her. ?Just

think of it as an intense dream if that makes it easier, because

that?s what it feels like.?

?Nightmare is more like it,? Claire said as she pulled her face

away from Jason and got a hold of herself.

?Well, you almost died,? Helen said with a shrug. ?That shouldn?t

be fun.?

?Helen?? Daphne asked, comprehension dawning on her face.

?How many times have you been to this place you?re talking

about??

?I?ve lost count,? Helen said softly, shaking her head.

Daphne stared at her daughter with a hard look on her face.

There was a knock on the door. Matt poked his head in sheepishly.

?Sorry to interrupt,? Matt said with a slight grimace. ?Hey, Claire.

You okay??

?Come in,? Claire responded as she tried to sit up a little straighter.

She reached out to Helen, who helped brace her. ?I?m glad

you?re in one piece,? she said gratefully.

?Yeah, so am I,? Matt said with relief. ?But there?s still a big problem

that we need to fix. I noticed some people staring at us when

we . . . uh . . .?

?Hit Luke with your car?? Jason finished for him with a humorous