The black hand didn’t feel like skin or bone. It felt cold and thick, like oil wrapping around Julian’s chest. As it hauled him back, the purple stars overhead spun out of control. The universe twisted into a wild whirlpool of light and shadow. Everything was going way too fast.
"Julian!" Maya screamed.
She lunged forward, stretching herself over empty air. Her fingers brushed the rough hospital fabric on his arm. She kicked off a floating chunk of rock, putting every ounce of strength into her reach. For one brief moment, their hands connected. Julian’s skin was freezing. His eyes were wide with fear, but he wore a strange, quiet sadness.
"Maya, let go!" Julian had to shout to be heard over the roar of the collapsing sky. "It’s not just taking me. It’s closing the doors! If you hold on
