Elliott straightened, then stared. The tone itself surprised him, and the words took several more to process. A slow smile began to stretch over his face, like a hard battle finally won.

"I will," he promised, heart easing. "Whatever happened in that life is already done. This world is the one I have to worry about, now."

He caught Mr. Fell's eyes and ducked his head again, though the man had exchanged his accusing look for gratitude.

"I don't think your camera made it, though."