Sydney crossed her arms over her chest and stared obstinately out the passenger side window. “We don’t know how bad the damage would’ve been, and Ms. Terwilliger and I might have gotten off a spell at the last second. But this . . . this spirit walking with Nina! We do know the kind of damage it can do! You just said she’s in bad shape.”

“My helping her will prevent her from getting worse,” I retorted. “One time isn’t going to hurt me.”

Sydney turned back to me, incredulous. “No! Not one time. Not any time! You can’t do this! I can’t let you!”

Since when does she control you? demanded Aunt Tatiana, raging. Barely married a month, and she’s already dictating your life! You can’t stand for that. Tell her. Tell her that she can’t control you!

I was as worked up as the phantom in my head, and I opened my mouth, ready to snap something harsh back at Sydney. Then, glancing over, I caught sight of her face in the passing glow of another car’s headlights. The concern and love I saw in her features pierced my heart, and like that, the anger went out of me.

She’s deceiving you, insisted Aunt Tatiana.

No, I replied back. She just cares about me. She wants to help.

To Sydney, I said, “Okay. You’re right. It’s not a good idea. I won’t engage in the dream. I’ll just find . . . some way . . . to explain things to Nina.” I felt guilty going back on my word to Nina, but I had greater vows binding me to Sydney. When I saw the relief those words brought to her, I knew I’d made the right choice.

Nina isn’t going to like this, hissed Aunt Tatiana.

I’m not married to Nina, I retorted.

Sydney moved her hand over mine. “Thank you, Adrian. I know it’s not easy. I know you just want to help.”

“I do,” I admitted, still conflicted by the decision. The instinct to help Nina was so, so strong. “But there’s a cost to it. My sanity’s not worth it.” I squeezed Sydney’s hand back. “Our relationship’s not worth it.”

I told you, Nina isn’t going to like this, warned Aunt Tatiana again. You can pat yourself on the back for protecting your sanity, but hers is long gone. She’s not just going to let you walk out of your deal.

I’ll deal with Nina. For now, it’s worth it just to have some alone time with Sydney and not be fighting for a change.