Henry and Dulcea grabbed her as she headed over and both gave her hugs.

Told you that youd kill it, dummy, Henry said.

Congratulations, sweetie. I know Cyrus and Kanti will be so proud to hear about your success. Dulcea said.

Thank you. This is unreal.

Gideon raised a hand, and the crowd fell silent. Today we welcome sixteen new apprentices to the Knights. The crowd burst into applause and whistling. Gideon turned to the recruits. Do you pledge to follow the values of the Knights? To use your Power to protect, Courage in the face of danger, and Mercy to your greatest enemies? he asked them, stating the three tenets of the Guild.

We do, the new apprentices chorused.

Cannons stationed around the courtyard shot out glittering confetti. It flew through the air, sparkling, and when some landed on Valerie, she tasted a flash of sweetness in her mouth that made her whole body buzz with magic.

Augury cannons, Juniper breathed in awe.

Before she could ask him what that was, a scene flashed through her mind. She was kneeling next to Henry, who was lying on his back on soft, green grass. She knew he was talking to her, because his lips were moving, but she couldnt hear what he was saying. She squeezed his hand, and a low boom echoed in her ears. A wave of light burst from them both and made the ground ripple like still water that was hit by a pebble. They both gasped at the same time, and she fell to the ground beside her brother. All of her energy and magic were depleted. She had just enough strength to turn her head to the left to look at her brother. He stared back at her, smiling. Then his eyes closed, and she couldnt sense his presence in her mind, or anywhere. Somehow she knew he was gone forever.

The real world returned in a rush, and Valerie blinked, trying to get her bearings. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

Azra was by her side. You should have been warned about the augury cannons, but it is the way of this Guild to initiate you without telling you what will happen. I wont ask you what you saw, but know that the magic that touched you showed you what could be, not what must be.

Azra nudged her gently in the shoulder with her nose, and Valerie let her tears fall into her mane. Then she stood straighter.

Ill take it as a warning and make sure it never happens, she said. Her brother approached with curiosity in his eyes.

You okay? he asked.

Im fine. They hit us with some powerful magic that took me by surprise, thats all, she said. His mind touched hers, and she pushed him out, suddenly understanding how he had done the same thing to her in Ephesus and again when she had told him about her father.

Henry opened his mouth to argue, but before he could say anything, Midnight lightly gripped Valeries shoulder. I can see now that you were meant to be a Knight, though I would have counted our Guild lucky to have you as a Guardian.

Valerie saw that Midnights eyes were shining with pride, and she was surprised to see a less reserved side of the usually formal Grand Master.

I dreamed of being one of King Arthurs knights when I was little, but this is even better, Valerie said.

To pass the test, you only must offer to protect someone who you do not consider a friend. But you were willing to give your life. That is rare, Midnight said, blinking back tears.

How do you know that? Henry asked curiously.

Azra made a soft noise and stepped closer to Midnight.

I remember the last Knight recruit who passed the test by offering her own life to save one she considered an enemy. She was special, Midnight replied.

What happened? Valerie asked softly.

Aurora died shortly before she would have been named a Master Knight, Midnight said shortly, and passed a hand over her face so quickly that Valerie couldnt be sure whether or not she had seen a tear on her cheek. She would have been a great leader in this Guild. You remind me of her.

I have had the same thought. They are sisters in spirit. Azras words brought a wobbly smile to Midnights face, which then resumed its usual calm.

Valerie sensed that Midnight didnt want to delve into painful memories, so she turned the subject to one that had been blazing brightly in her mind. I found out from a prophecy that my father is alive. Hes a Conjuror on the Globe. Do you know who he could be? she asked Azra, unable to keep a thread of excitement out of her voice.

Azra released a startled snort. I never even suspected, or I would have told you, of course. I will do all I can to help you find him.

Henry wasnt listening. Their conversation was interrupted as loud music began to play. It sounded different from anything she had heard on Earth, powerful and deep. It pounded in her bones as well as her ears. It caught the crowd up in a kind of trance, and people began to dance.

Juniper grabbed her hands, and she joined the rest of the new apprentices who were bobbing to the beat. Joy rose up inside of her. She was a Knight of Light, just like King Arthur or Lancelot. Now she would protect the innocent, starting with her family.

Chapter 14.

After the festivities were over, Valerie, Dulcea, and Henry walked home, still giddy from dancing and eating too many sugary desserts.

But as they walked, Dulceas smile slipped. Theres something I have to tell you. Rastelli, our Guilds Grand Master, made a new rule that only members or potential members of the Society of Imaginary Friends can live in our dorm.

And now that Im an official apprentice of the Knights of Light, Im out, Valerie said, her joy replaced by something harder. It wasnt the first time shed been homeless, but her room with Kanti had somehow seemed more permanent than anywhere else shed lived.

Dulcea impulsively pulled her into a fierce hug. Never. You will always have a home with us. Im only telling you because well have to be a little sneaky so Rastelli doesnt find out.

Valerie and Henry exchanged glances.

Couldnt that get you into a lot of trouble? Henry asked Dulcea.

Thats not something for either of you to worry about. I dont understand whats going on with Rastelli. He has always been the warmest person youd ever meet, but lately something seems off. Hell come to his senses about this and thank me for not sending you away, Dulcea said.

But Valerie knew that Dulcea was in the final weeks before she became a Guild Master, and she refused to jeopardize that.

Im sure the Knights have a dorm, too, Valerie said lightly. Ill sleep there, but Ill visit you all the time. The thought of being away from her friends, and especially her brother, hurt.

Dulcea bit her lip. The Knights of Light is one of the most popular guilds on the Globe. If you want housing, you have to apply years in advance.

Ill find somewhere to live, dont worry. Ill be out within the week, Valerie said with a practiced ease that she hadnt used since her days in foster care.

You dont have to do that. Your home is with us, Dulcea said, but Valerie could detect a note of relief in her voice, confirming her suspicions that Dulcea could get in serious trouble if Valerie stayed.

Their conversation was interrupted by the silhouette of a young girl standing in the middle of The Horseshoe. She was turning around in a circle, staring at the buildings with her mouth open.

They came closer to the girl, and Valerie saw her face. Cara? Is that you?

Valerie? This is Arden? Its amazing. Cyrus didnt do this place justice when he told me about it. Not that my parents would let him say much.

Youre Cyruss sister! The Where-o-Well sent you here! Dulcea exclaimed. Welcome! Im Dulcea, Master-in-training at the Society of Imaginary Friends.

Nice to meet you, Cara said. Valerie gave her a quick hug, which Cara returned awkwardly.

Now that youre here, well show you around properly, Dulcea said, already hovering over Cara like a mother hen. You can stay tonight with Valerie, since its too late for you to be going anywhere. Tomorrow Ill show you the guilds, starting with Cyruss and mine.

They began walking toward the dorm. When Cara stepped on the path that wound around the guilds, each flagstone glowed in a different color when it was stepped on. Cara stared, amazed. Did Cyrus really do that? He said something about it once, but I didnt understand.

He really did it, Valerie said, smiling. She wished he were there to see his sisters first impression.

Its beautiful. Who knew he had it in him? Cara said to herself.

The next day, Cara was up and showered by the time Valerie opened her eyes.

Its barely dawn, Valerie said sleepily. You okay?

Im so excited to see it all. I dont want to miss anything. This will be my one and only chance to see something of the world before I go back to Messina.

If you go back, she corrected.

Leave? Like Cyrus? I could never do that. There are rules, Cara insisted.

Dont let someone else decide your life for you. Make up your own mind.

Cara nodded uneasily and then hurried Valerie out of bed. She quickly got ready and showed Cara around the streets of Silva before breakfast. They met up with Dulcea and Henry in the cafeteria as Cara was stuffing herself full of the delicious food and groaning.

They dont have anything like this in Messina. Surely they can make an exception to the no-magic rule for these puff things, she said, her eyes closed as she devoured a little pink cake.

Dulcea laughed. The adventure is just beginning. Are you ready to tour the Society of Imaginary Friends?

Not without me, Cyrus said, joining the table and ruffling Caras hair. She threw her arms around him.

Youre here already!

I knew youd land here, so I came straight back. Its where you belong.

Im coming on the tour, too, Henry chimed in. Ive narrowed down the guilds Im considering to Imaginary Friends or the Empathy Collective.

Count me in, Valerie added. Ive been dying to see inside ever since I first laid eyes on the Guild waterslides.

As they headed over, Valerie walked beside Henry. Whats the Empathy Collective, anyway?

Its sort of like counseling, but using magical tools to help people heal from trauma. A lot of people with psychic powers join the Empathy Collective. The Conjurors in it are really nice, but its kind of touchy-feely, so Im not sure if Ill fit in.

I had no idea you were researching all the guilds. Im impressed, she said.

What did you think I was doing while you were training with the Knights? he asked.

They stopped in front of the Society of Imaginary Friends. Caras eyes bugged out. Waterslides came out of a dozen windows and landed in the moat that surrounded the Guild. The tall front doors were painted to look like a tunnel. They approached, and Dulcea pressed her hand against the door. It shimmered and then disappeared.

Henry, Valerie, and Cara stared, trying to take in everything at once. Inside reminded Valerie of a crazier version of Alices Wonderland. Young Conjurors were running around shooting what looked like water guns. But instead of water, silvery threads of magic shot out. Valeries leg was hit, and the instant it touched her, a horrible taste filled her mouth. She began to spit, and Cyrus laughed.

Sorry, we brought you right in the middle of a magic fight. When youre shot, you taste the worst things. What did you get, broccoli?

Dirt, she said, wiping her tongue on her shirt. But she had to admit, it was a good idea.

Much worse than getting a little wet, Henry said with a grin, but then he was hit, too, and began to gag. Farts, I think.

The taste on Valeries tongue went away, and she was able to focus on the incredible, colorful space around her. Trampolines had been charmed so that jumping on them would take you to whatever floor you needed to access. In front of their eyes, they watched a young girl squeal with joy as she leaped up to the seventh floor and landed on a pad that was waiting to cushion her fall.

So you guys play all day? Cara asked, suddenly sounding very young.

Dulcea and Cyrus laughed.

I wish! Cyrus said. Its actually really hard work. We have to take intensive classes in child psychology and development, and learn basic Earth subjects so we can find creative ways to help kids study.

When youre younger, its the most fun time. Youre assigned a kid on Earth who needs help, and its your job to be their friend, Dulcea explained. But once you age out of that program, you develop the curriculum and help the new Conjurors with difficult problems. You have to specialize in a certain area.

Can you specialize in play? Valerie asked.

Actually, you can, Dulcea said. But its the most competitive program, as you can imagine. A lot of people are rejected and have to settle for their second choice.

What are you specializing in, Cy? Valerie asked.

I work in Guild relations, he explained. We need to interact with the other Guilds, like the Guardians, pretty often, and thats where I come in.

It must help that youre on Azras youth council as well, she said.

Cyrus grinned. What can I say, everyone loves me. Now lets go check out the good stuff.

The rest of the day was like being ten years old again. They tried out every single waterslide, including one that used magic so they could go upside down and another that shot them around the moat underwater in a bubble. Lunch was pure sugary goodness, followed by visiting a library with a huge living tree in the middle. It had been hollowed out using magic, and inside were rooms where Conjurors could curl up and read.

There was every toy imaginable from Earth, and even more that were inventions from the Globe, like a dollhouse with little people who came alive to enact whatever scene you could imagine, and a model solar system that, when you touched it, transported you through space to whiz around the galaxy as fast as you wanted. Valerie sped by the rings of Saturn and walked on one of the moons of Jupiter.

By the end of the day, they were completely exhausted. They crashed on the steps outside the Guild and watched the younger Conjurors splashing in the moat.

It would take a lifetime to show you everything in there, Dulcea said. We picked out the highlights.

I think Im in love with this place, Cara whispered.

Cyrus beamed. I knew you would be.

Thats what I love, Love, LOVE to hear! said a funny, nasal voice that was followed by a high giggle.

They turned around and saw a short man with a red face and spiky orange hair. He was wearing a tie-dyed shirt, pants, and shoes. Valerie saw Henry bite his lip to keep from laughing. But she frowned. There was something familiar about him. It hit her"he was one of the faces Chrome had shown her that he suspected could be the spy.

Valerie, Henry, and Cara, Id like you to meet Rastelli. Hes the Grand Master of this Guild, Dulcea said.

Its an honor, he said with an elaborate bow.

Valeries stomach clenched. He didnt seem like the type of person who would cast people out onto the streets. But she bit her lip and tried to keep her resentment in check.