Valerie saw a tunnel in the bottom of one corner of the pool, which must connect with the underground aquifers. The Council members trickled in, each nodding hello to each other. Midnight and Chern warmly welcomed Valerie and Henry.

Skye from the Relations Guild was a tall and imposing centaur who was all professionalism. An honor to meet you both, he said, shaking each of their hands in turn.

I like the male, she heard him murmur to Midnight, who was fighting a smile.

His name is Henry, Midnight replied.

Of course, the male, Henry. Seems robust, he said.

Al, from the Stewardship Guild, had a round belly and red hair. He was friendlier than Skye. Well arent you two cute as buttons, if you dont mind my saying so. Itll be nice to have some young faces around here to cheer us all up.

Thank you, sir, Valerie said.

Sir, now isnt that sweet as pie. But you can call me plain old Al. After all, someday hopefully youll be one of us! Henry, too, if he rises to the top of whatever guild he chooses.

As he no doubt will, Skye said, nodding approvingly. Skyes enthusiasm for Henry puzzled her. Her brother was grinning a little, clearly up to something. She opened her mind to him and saw that he was sending waves of happiness in Skyes direction whenever they made eye contact.

Trying a little operant conditioning, he muttered. Something they told me about at the Empathy Collective.

I dont know what that is but cut it out, she said. He shot her an annoyed look but stopped.

Calibro of the Justice Guild came last. She wasnt more than ten years old with long, curly golden hair and light brown eyes. Valerie couldnt hide her surprise.

She is a prodigy, the youngest Grand Master in the history of the Justice Guild. But dont underestimate her.

Welcome, Valerie and Henry, Calibro said in a high, sweet voice. She nodded at them coolly.

Before they could have any further discussion, Chern tripped and fell in the pool. He flailed around, trying to get out, but his long robes were weighing him down. Without a second thought, Valerie jumped in and helped him to the edge.

You are a special girl, indeed, he said, spluttering a little as he climbed out awkwardly. S-so sorry to get you wet.

Please dont worry about that. Are you okay?

Yes, please lets not dwell, he said, turning beet red.

Luckily Gabriel swam up. He seemed subdued compared to the last time Valerie had seen him, and he was rubbing his temples as he swam. But as soon as he surfaced, he was all business and confidence.

There isnt much to share with you, he said.

He always starts that way. Azra explained in her mind. Then, to the group as a whole, she continued. Can you tell us of one called Reaper?

Reaper has the ability to lead the Fractus to Earth before the year is done. That is clear, Gabriel said.

Valerie glanced around at the Council members, but all of their faces were equal masks of shock.

But it isnt too late to stop him, Midnight said, sounding shaken.

Only an extreme measure can stop him now. You know the step that must be taken. If it isnt, war will follow.

What else can you tell us? Do you have any clues as to who Reaper is? Or who his agent among the Guild Masters could be?

Yes, there is one thing" but before Gabriel could continue, he put his hand to his head and winced. He started to speak again and then grunted with effort. I am mistaken. There is no more to tell.

Henry gently probed Gabriels mind, trying to see what was blocking him from speaking. But it was like a sealed box, and even with their combined magic they could sense nothing.

Gabriels face relaxed, and he gave Henry a wry smile. That is a nice try, young man, but no one may see into the mind of an Illyrian. Even one as powerful as you.

You were about to say something important, Calibro said with a trace of impatience.

Yes, yes, about this Reaper fellow, Chern said eagerly. Spit flew from his mouth in his excitement.

I have no more to say, Gabriel said.

Hey, now, you must" Al began, but Gabriel vanished beneath the surface of the water without another word.

That was singularly unhelpful, Skye said with more than a touch of annoyance.

Not necessarily. I noticed that Gabriel referred to Reaper as a he. It is a beginning.

I think whats clear is that its time for the Excision, Midnight said.

Whats that? Valerie asked.

When we created the Globe and left the link to Earth, we always knew that a time might come when we had to shut down all movement between the worlds completely for the safety of the humans. If I activate the spell that is in place for this purpose, no one can cross between planets ever again"in either direction.

That is a drastic measure, and one we cannot take lightly.

What would happen to kids like me or Henry or Thai? I would have died if you hadnt brought me here.

Many more will die if we dont stop the Fractus now, before they make it to Earth. You heard Gabriel. Reaper already has the means, Midnights violet eyes flashed with her passion.

I agree with the Guardian, Skye said.

Are we calling for a vote? Al asked.

Not yet. We need to take a breath, consider, and reconvene.

Very well, Midnight agreed, cooling somewhat. But I see no other way. We must say goodbye to Earth at last.

Chapter 19.

Valerie was shaky as she and Henry walked out of the Capitol building with Midnight.

What if Thai and Tan dont make it to the Globe in time? she asked, almost hysterical. And beneath that was the guilty knowledge that the far more serious problem was the other children who would suffer or even die from their magic. But she could only focus on Thai.

We wont let that happen, Midnight promised, her violet eyes serious.

Valerie forced herself to calm down. Besides Thai, I know that it isnt right. Maybe someday we can find a way to make things more open between Earth and the Globe. But that can never happen with this Excision thing.

I always thought somehow, someway Id get to hug my dad again, Henry said.

Henry, Im more sorry than you can imagine, Midnight said. But given your past, if the Fractus make it to Earth, he could be a target. His life might be in danger.

Would Henry even be able to visit him after the Excision? Valerie asked, afraid of the answer. Midnight shook her head.

Hed be lost without me. That cant happen, Henry said, and confidence and certainty poured through their bond. She was never happier that she had her brother, her ally, at her side.

Our best chance is to find Reaper and stop him, Midnight said with vehemence. If the Fractus can be defeated before making it to Earth, the Excision wont be necessary.

Her resolve to find the spy and end the Fractuss threat turned to steel, reminding her of how alike she and Henry could be. She turned to her brother. Did you sense anything about who the spy on the Council could be?

No. Theyve all been trained to keep their minds closed, I think. And they were all strong enough to keep me out.

Even Chern? Valerie asked with a little laugh.

Well, he slipped up a little. He was really agitated about falling into the pool in front of everyone. I was sorry for him.

Blocking your mind against Conjurors with psychic powers is a basic part of an apprenticeship at most guilds, Midnight explained. It doesnt surprise me that the members of the Council chose to block their thoughts. They must suspect that one among them is the spy.

If you and Azra cant figure out who cant be trusted, I dont know how Henry or I will, Valerie said, her earlier confidence slipping.

Weve known the Grand Masters for too long. And you both see things that others miss. Dont underestimate your powers of deduction, Midnight said, her hand briefly squeezing Valeries shoulder.

Valerie was surprised and comforted by the sudden contact. She noticed for the first time that they had walked to the outskirts of Silva, to a little house near the edge of the woods.

Is this your place? Henry asked Midnight.

Midnight nodded. The house might be cozy if it was lit up from the inside. But in the dark, it seemed lonely. No wonder Midnight was happy for the company.

Midnight unlocked the door. I want you both to treat this as your home. Explore any rooms you like, enjoy the food in the kitchen, and leave me a note if there is anything missing that you would like. I made up the bedroom down the hall for you.

Valerie stepped inside and the house immediately lit up, as if it recognized that someone was inside. The decorations were simple and homey, very different from the quiet dignity of Midnights office. She could imagine conversations by the fireplace and evenings reading in the window seat that looked out over the forest.

I love it, Valerie said quietly, and Midnight beamed. She had never seen such a happy expression cross the Grand Masters face before.

Im so glad, Midnight said.

Thank you, Henry said formally.

Midnights eyes were softer than Valerie ever imagined they could be. Welcome home.

Valerie and Henry slept in a quiet little room with two twin beds. There were delicate lace curtains on the windows, and the walls were painted in a mosaic of bright patterns. Who had lived in the room before her? She hoped that Midnight would share more about her past when she was ready. The Grand Masters eyes sometimes flickered with deep pain, and Valerie knew that sharing a burden like that with others could be harder than carrying it alone.

Henry and Valeries first night was uneventful, and Valerie found herself more at ease now that her brother was closer to her, where she could watch over him. It reminded her of when they had camped in neighboring tents on Earth.

The next morning, Midnight was gone, but she left a note telling where she would be for the day, along with a breakfast of pancakes.

Earth food, Henry groaned, digging into his stack.

Valerie agreed with a nod, her mouth full. She swallowed. I could get used to this.

We should stop by the dorm and let everyone know how were doing, Henry said.

Let Kanti know, you mean, Valerie said, but Henry didnt respond.

Within the hour, they left a note for Midnight and took off for the Imaginary Friends dorm. Cyrus was waiting for them, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation.

What is it? she asked when they reached the doors at the entrance.

I got a message from Leo. He wants to meet tonight!

The trickle of Henrys emotions that had been open all day suddenly slammed shut. Valerie gave Cyrus a nudge and then changed the subject. But throughout dinner, her excitement rose. Something extraordinary was about to happen. As of tonight she might have a dad.

He might not be your dad, you know. Dont get your hopes up too high, Henry said to her before she and Cyrus left for the Lake of Knowledge. She nodded and then gave him a quick hug before leaving. She didnt bother to ask him if he wanted to come.

It was a quiet walk as Valerie struggled to rein in her excitement. They reached the lake, which was at its most beautiful at night when the billions of stars above the Globe were reflected on the surface. Cyrus ran his fingers through the water, sending a little beam of light into the dark liquid.

A few bubbles rose, followed by Leo. He looked exactly the same as when she had seen him last time, except wetter. He had bushy gray eyebrows that matched his gray eyes. In them was the kindness she remembered.

I was so happy to receive your message, he said, shaking first Cyruss, then Valeries hands. I must confess, it is hard to be so disconnected from the rest of the world.

Dont they let you visit the surface, like Gabriel? she asked.

They try to keep you underwater as much as possible for the first few centuries. Its supposed to help you adjust. But I miss the sunlight. I am so grateful for your gift, he added, turning to Cyrus. He had brought the little lion made of light that Cyrus had created for him.

Let me recharge it for you while youre here, Cyrus said. He held it for a moment and it glowed brightly. You can also put it in the sun for a couple hours. But this should last you another year.

Thank you, son. But surely this isnt why you asked me here.

Cyrus turned to Valerie, clearly expecting her to take it from here. Well, you see, umrecently I went to Ephesus. I received this prophecyabout my father.

Leo nodded, urging her to continue.

Ive always thought he was dead, but an Oracle told me he was alive, she said in a rush. And that I know him already, and I thought, well, Cyrus thought, actually, that maybe"

Oh for goodness sake. Could you be Valeries dad? Do you have any missing kids that you dont know about? Cyrus interrupted bluntly. Valerie anxiously watched Leos reaction.

Leo passed a hand over his face. When he finally looked up at them, she saw the infinite grief in his eyes. If only that could be. But no, my children are both dead.

But how can you be sure? What if they lived, and its Valerie and her brother? Cyrus pushed.