In the living world, Mrs. Rozelli fell to her knees, dazed and terrified. She wailed so loudly, it rang out as clearly in Everlost as in the living world.

“C’mon, kid!” cried Chainsaw, struggling to revive the boy, knowing he was dead, but not willing to stop, for he couldn’t face the woman’s anguish. And behind him the other poolman dug his nails into his scalp and tore himself apart, his mind shattered from the awful thing Milos had made him do.

But in Everlost, there was a sight that none of the living could see.

Allie turned to the pool, and saw Danny’s spirit! He was floating in midair just above the surface of the water. He was staring in wonder at something that Allie couldn’t see, and a bright, unearthly light painted his face. He reached out toward the source of that light.

“No, Danny!” screamed Allie.

“It’s so bright… .”

“Don’t go down the tunnel!” Allie shouted to him. “Don’t go to the light!”

“But it wants me to,” Danny said, confused. “I think I’m supposed to… .”

“No! You’re not! None of this is supposed to happen!”

Finally Chainsaw gave up trying to resuscitate the boy, and buried his face in his hands, sobbing. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry… .”

Allie summoned her most commanding voice.

“Danny, look at me!” she demanded. “Look at me NOW!”

Finally Danny’s spirit turned to her. “Allie?” And the moment he saw her, the light on his face vanished and he dropped into the pool.

Allie was close enough to grab him. She pulled him out, and into her arms. He looked at her with lazy eyes. “So that’s what you look like,” he said and yawned.

Behind them, above the cries of the living, came a voice far more pleased with this heart-rending moment than he should be.

“Well done!” said Milos, practically beaming. “Very well done, Allie!”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Squirrel, “I’ll bet she did that even better than Jackin’ Jill.”

“Congratulations,” Milos said. “You have just brought a new soul into Everlost. Whatever you did to Mary in the past, she will forgive you now.”

“I don’t want her forgiveness.”

“You may not want it, but you will need it,” Milos said, very seriously. “Otherwise she will destroy you, and I do not wish to see that.”

Danny’s eyes rolled as he looked at Allie. “I’m so tired,” Danny said.

Allie realized what would happen next. “Stay awake, Danny!”

“But I’m so sleepy. Just let me rest.”

“Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep!” Because she knew the moment he did, he would lapse into nine months of hibernation. If he fell asleep, he would become an Afterlight. But he wasn’t one yet—he had no afterglow—which meant he was not entirely gone from the living world… .