by Kristen Pham
“You’re a born leader. And now that you’re ready to accept it, I don’t think anything will stop you.”
Valerie couldn’t help flushing at her brother’s words. “I said we, bro. Not just me.”
Henry gave a bark of disbelieving laughter and changed the subject. “This battle might be over, but we’ve still got the Excision to worry about.”
“I haven’t forgotten about Joe. We’re gonna stop it,” she promised.
Henry nodded uncertainly. “I’ve got to tell him, anyway. If we fail, he’ll think something awful has happened to me.”
Gideon entered, interrupting their conversation. “Everyone’s excited to see you two.”
“They are?” Valerie asked, uncomprehending.
“You trusted your soldiers and gave them the freedom to alter the plan for surprises. It was a bold move, and a smart one. If you had been more rigid, we would have lost more Conjurors,” Gideon said.
“You really think that?”
He nodded once. “It was a wise chance you took—one that I’ve never had the courage to do. But your job as their leader isn’t over yet. They need to hear from you that this was a victory.”
Valerie and Henry stepped outside, and their little army stopped what they were doing and gathered around. Valerie saw that Sanguina’s arm was bandaged, and her prosthetic leg had been lost, so she was on makeshift crutches. Kanti and Cyrus had a few cuts and bruises as well. The rest of the Knights were worse for the wear. Alex had a broken leg, and Hoel had a bandage around his head. Summer was the only one who was unscathed—in fact, she practically glowed with new purpose.
The sight of her battered allies made Valerie’s heart swell with pride, despite her guilt and grief. She cleared her throat and let her words flow without over-analyzing them. “Even though I didn’t know him well, Galahad’s loss weighs on my heart, as I know it does yours.
“I can’t call this mission a true success in the face of such a tragedy, and I am so sorry that I couldn’t prevent his death—or bring him back. But our battle was a victory. We saved Darling’s life, and we proved that even a small group of us is a force that the Fractus can’t ignore. Thank you all for risking your lives and reputations on this mission, and for your faith in me.”
Kanti let out a little cheer, and Valerie was stunned when everyone joined in, even Gideon and Sanguina. Chrome sent her an image of a tattered flag blowing in the breeze—it was a hard won victory, but a victory all the same. Tears streamed down the faces of the Knights, but she didn’t see blame in their eyes, only grief. It eased the burden on her heart that had seemed to grow exponentially over the course of the mission.
Valerie let her tears fall for all of the lives lost, and she tried to follow her own advice to Henry and let go of a little of the burden she was carrying. Next to her, Henry reached out and squeezed her hand. He was crying, too. Somehow, knowing that they were shouldering the burden together made it more bearable.
“Let’s go home,” she said.
They decided not to risk returning by way of Plymouth. Instead, they followed Ceru to the People of the Woods. The return trip to Arden was simple, and before she knew it, Valerie was leaping off the ledge that sent her sailing down to Arden.
It was somehow more disorienting to be back home now than it had been after leaving Earth with Henry all those months ago. She was fundamentally changed from the girl she had been the last time they landed in the forest near The Horseshoe, like she had aged a hundred years.
“I’ll report the news of what’s happened to Azra,” Gideon said.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing my old friend again,” Summer said. She had decided to join them back in Arden after all, and the knowledge that at least one person had come out stronger from the battle was a little balm on Valerie’s battered heart.
“Before you go, there’s something I thought you could ask Azra about,” Valerie said, and then described the orb in the throne room of the Black Castle that had briefly lit up.
Gideon’s eyebrows drew together in thought. “I have never heard of such a thing.”
“Neither have I,” Sanguina added. “The Black Castle was built centuries ago. That orb must have been installed when the castle was first built, which was long before we were born.”
“But if Pathos was the key, it must be a force for good,” Gideon said with certainty. “I will see what Azra knows.”
Valerie nodded, and Gideon turned to his Knights. “You have all embodied the true spirit of our Guild, and I honor you. Your courage will not be forgotten.”
The little army drifted apart, Kanti leading Peach and Henry back to her room, and the Knights and Empaths returning home. Chrome had disappeared after they had returned to Arden and Ceru had remained with his family in the woods, so Sanguina, Cyrus, and Valerie were left alone.
“I need to talk to Midnight right away. The Excision is tomorrow, and even if I have to convince every last Grand Master tonight to change their mind, I will,” Valerie said. Sanguina didn’t reply, but she could read the doubt in her eyes.
“You’re probably going to need help. And it wouldn’t hurt if that help was charming and very good looking,” Cyrus said. “Given those requirements, I guess I’m forced to come with you.”
The three walked to the Guardians of the Boundary Guild. It was almost twilight, but the Guild was already dark inside, as if everyone had gone home for the day.
“Something isn’t right,” Sanguina said, and they increased their pace as much as they could, considering that Sanguina was on crutches.
Sanguina opened the tall, gothic doors, and inside it was silent. The door shut with a loud bang behind them, and they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Oleander appeared before them, coldly beautiful. “We thought you might not make it back,” she said, and sounding as if she had hoped that they wouldn’t return.
“We need to see Midnight right away,” Valerie said.
Oleander paused before she responded. “The Council has taken her to a cell in the Justice Guild until she performs the ritual tomorrow.”
“Why would they do that?”
“They said it was as much for her protection as it was to ensure that she didn’t back out of performing the Excision,” Oleander said.
Valerie turned to Sanguina and Cyrus. “We have to go there! There has to be a way to stop this.”
Sanguina slowly shook her head. “There’s no way into the Justice Guild past visiting hours.”
“Then we’ll track down the other Grand Masters,” Valerie persisted.
“Val, I hate to say this, but I don’t think knocking on doors without Midnight to back us is going to be very effective. We’ll have to wait until they release her tomorrow,” Cyrus said.
Valerie knew he was right, but she had to do something. “What time is the ritual tomorrow?” she asked Oleander.
“Sundown,” she replied. “All of the Council will be there to witness the event.”
“That’s your chance to convince them,” Cyrus said. “The Council has the power to decide to delay it for a second vote.”
“Are you sure?”
Sanguina nodded. “It’s rarely done, but it is possible.”
“You’ll have a better chance convincing the seven of them than you will all of the Grand Masters overnight,” Cyrus said. Then, in a softer tone, he added, “Besides, you have to rest. You’re still recovering from the battle.”
As much as Valerie wanted to deny his words, she knew he was right. She needed to be eloquent tomorrow, and a little rest in the meantime wouldn’t hurt.
“If that will be all, I really must insist you leave. It’s highly irregular to come barging in here in the first place,” Oleander said.
A dangerous glitter filled Sanguina’s eyes. “I am a member of this Guild, too, and these are my guests. They’ll leave when they’re ready.”
“It’s okay,” Valerie said, drawing Sanguina away. “Let’s save the fight for tomorrow.”
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Valerie returned to her room wishing she could crawl into bed and sleep. But she knew she had to some work to do first.
She picked the easy task first. She let her mind drift to Earth, searching for Chisisi the old-fashioned way, since she didn’t have a crystal to transport her to his side. She checked the usual spots, like his office and home, but everything was quiet and covered in a thin layer of dust. She tried the Great Pyramid and the underwater launch site she had Henry had traveled through earlier in the year.
Finally, she found him in in Egypt, next to Zaki’s grave. He was alone, staring at the stone marker with an intense expression on his face. Her heart throbbed in her chest, a painful reminder of yet another friend she had lost this year.
Chisisi smiled.
“I’m sorry, I interrupted you. We can talk another time,” Valerie said quickly.
He shook his head. “I am glad you found me. I have much to tell you. But first, tell me your news.”
She quickly filled him in on everything that had happened on the Globe, and his eyes were troubled.
“It may be that the Fractus have already found a way to Earth. There have been rumors, and I will travel tomorrow to confirm them,” Chisisi said, and Valerie’s stomach ached with trepidation.
Somehow, Valerie already knew what Chisisi would discover. “If that’s true, it’s more important than ever that I stop the Excision. We’ll have to send Conjurors to Earth to track those Fractus and bring them back to the Globe.” she said.
“I know you can convince them, young one,” Chisisi said fondly, his expression warm before the lines of grief returned to his eyes.
“You said you had something to tell me, too,” Valerie reminded him.
For the first time that she could remember, Chisisi wouldn’t meet her eyes. “You know that Zaki and I belong to Earth’s Guardians, protecting the barrier between Earth and the Globe, and helping those with too much magic to travel across the universe.”
“I knew you belonged to some kind of group, but I didn’t know it was the Guardians,” Valerie said, surprised.
He nodded. “They have chosen me to lead in Zaki’s place. The decision was made final today.”
A small smile, her first in a long time, crossed her face. “They couldn’t have chosen better.”
Chisisi’s eyes were troubled. “I am not the man that my brother was.”
“Zaki was your brother? I never knew,” Valerie said, her heart squeezing painfully in her chest. Tears escaped before she could stop them. She knew loss, but she couldn’t imagine how she’d function if Henry died.
“I was happy being at his side, and never wished for the responsibilities of leadership. But it seems I cannot escape them,” Chisisi said.
“I understand. I keep hoping someone will come along who knows what they’re doing and relieve me of this terrible burden,” Valerie said.
“You are wise to already know that leadership is a burden. Many times the young mistake it for glamor and power. But, like you, I crave neither,” Chisisi said grimly.
“If it helps, I’m glad that we’ll be fighting the Fractus together.”
He nodded, and some of the tension seemed to leave his face. “It is an honor to fight this battle with you. I can think of no better leader for us all than you.”
Valerie blushed at his words, but forced herself not to contradict them.
Back on the Globe, Valerie allowed herself to grieve for Zaki and absorb the magnitude of Chisisi’s loss. But she couldn’t put off her next task forever.
She pulled Thai’s charm out of her pocket and gazed at his flickering image inside. She wondered if it would be the last time she used it. Maybe even the last time she ever saw him. The thought didn’t contain bitterness any more—just a universe of sadness. She braced herself and shut her eyes.
When she opened them, she was next to Thai in a beautiful library with shelves of books that went from the floor to the ceiling, row upon row. A book was in front of him, but he wasn’t reading. He had his head in his hands and he was disheveled, like hadn’t slept since she had seen him last.
“Thank God,” he whispered when he saw her.
“I’m sorry. I should have come sooner,” Valerie said. Whatever was currently between them, he had saved her from oblivion in the Black Castle.
Thai shook his head. “It’s okay. You don’t owe me anything anymore.”
She bit her cheek to keep the lump in her throat from rising at his words. “We’re still friends, right?”
A helpless look passed fleetingly over Thai’s face, and then he retreated behind the mask of coldness that had become familiar to her. “Of course, we’re buddies.”
“Buddies…” Valerie said, and then swallowed and decided to change the subject before she made an idiot of herself by crying in front of him. “I’m here because tomorrow at sundown the Excision might be completed. There’s still a chance that I can stop it, but if I’m wrong, you’ll never have the chance to come to the Globe.”
“I know. Midnight visited me, and I’ve talked with Chisisi. He arranged everything in case Tan or I wanted to go. But we’re not coming. We’re staying on Earth for good,” Thai said, not making eye contact with her.
Valerie thought she was ready to hear those words, but as soon as they left his mouth, she realized that she wasn’t. It was like someone had sucked all the air from her lungs, and she made a strangled little gasping sound that would have been embarrassing if she wasn’t too far gone to care.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, and his tone had never been more distant. “You might as well know everything. Maybe it will help you get past all this faster.”
She nodded, unable to speak.
“I’m close with my family, and if I come to the Globe after the Excision, I’ll never even get to see them again. And even if somehow I could still visit, I’d have to give up all my dreams. I’ve wanted to go to an American college as long as I can remember. Tan and I can be happy here. And there’s one other thing.”
“Logan,” Valerie said, her voice dull.
Thai turned away from her, stuffing books and papers into his backpack. “Yeah. I don’t want to hurt you, but by some crazy coincidence she goes to this college, too. It’s like fate. We belong together. She’s older than you and we completely get each other and—”
“I understand,” she said, interrupting him. And she did. But she couldn’t bear to hear another word about all of the reasons why Logan was a better choice for him. Beautiful, smart, probably sweet and fascinating as well. Not a needy little nobody who was, at best, a kid sister to Thai.
“I’m not saying it right,” he said, and there was desperation in his eyes.
“No, it’s okay. I’m sad for me, but happy for you. You deserve the world and I hope you get it. Goodbye, Thai. I love you.”
Valerie didn’t wait for him to reply before returning to the Globe. She couldn’t bear to hear him say he loved her too, as a friend, or to say nothing at all. It was better like this, to imagine that maybe the coldness would have melted from his voice and he would have said one kind thing that she could have held in her heart forever. Holding on to the possibility of those words would have to be enough.
Chapter 41
The next morning, urgent knocking on the front door awakened Valerie. She hurried to open it and found an agitated Dulcea, whose hair was a messy riot of curls.
“What’s wrong?” Valerie asked, her adrenaline spiking immediately.
Dulcea launched into her story without hesitation. “After you left, one of the apprentices who is an imaginary friend to a very rich little boy on Earth approached me. Her name is Amy, and I mentored her a couple of years ago. She was terrified. The boy’s family was trapped inside of their house by an intruder.”
“That’s terrible. I hope they’re all okay,” Henry said, joining them at the door and rubbing his eyes.
“That wasn’t the worst part. This boy’s father
is a senator, and they had guards and an extremely fancy security system. But everything was disabled at once. All of the electricity was drained from every single system in the house, including the alarms. The guards were all killed and had blackened holes in their chests, as if they had been electrocuted.”
“That sounds like the Fractus we fought,” Henry said. “But it couldn’t be.”
Valerie’s gut twisted. “They already had a way to return to Earth, with whatever magic they took from Darling.”
“I know it’s suspicious, but these bad guys could have used regular human weapons. Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Henry said.
“It was one man,” Dulcea said. “Tell me how one man could take out eleven guards and disable every electronic device in a one mile radius in minutes without using magic.”
Henry shook his head, her eyes filling with terror. “The attacker…did he kill the family, too?”
Dulcea shook her head. “No, they were released. But we have no idea what the senator gave the Fractus to save the lives of his family.”
“It’s all happening so fast,” Valerie said, her head in her hands.
“Faster than you can imagine,” Dulcea said. “Two other apprentices had similar stories. All imaginary friends to kids with powerful parents.”
“What does Rastelli say? Does he have any ideas about what can be done?” Valerie asked.
Dulcea’s face darkened. Valerie had never seen her truly enraged before. “That’s the worst part. Amy went straight to Rastelli along with the other apprentices whose friends had been attacked. And he told them to say nothing to anyone. That it was all a misunderstanding, not the Fractus at all. But that didn’t seem right to Amy, which is why she came to me.”
“What could make him say such a thing?” Henry asked, horrified.
“There’s only one reason that I can think of. He must be the spy,” Dulcea said. “Maybe he’s Reaper himself.”
Valerie’s gut said that wasn’t the case, though she didn’t have any concrete reasons why. The person who murdered Jet had been cut from a different cloth than Rastelli.
“It doesn’t matter. We have to get to Midnight. It’s too late for the Excision now. Magic and evil have already invaded Earth. If we shut down the connection now, the humans will be defenseless against the Fractus who are already there,” Valerie said, already pulling on her jeans.
