I saw my wife and daughters die before my eyes. And I buried them with my own hands. There could be no mistake.

Silence engulfed them all. Somehow any words of regret seemed hollow in the face of such an immense loss. Instead, Valerie stepped into the water and hugged Leo. He seemed surprised at first, but then hugged her back.

Im sorry we wasted your time, man, Cyrus said, his voice sounding a little rough, like he was fighting back tears of his own.

Seeing you children is the best part of my year. This isnt a waste of time. I will ask the Akashic Records about who your father might be, but it may take years to find an answer. Time moves differently in Illyria.

Thank you, Leo. Even if its decades, Id like to know him, Valerie said softly.

He nodded. Im sure hed give anything to hold you again. I know I would if you were my little girl.

Suddenly his attention was drawn to the sword strapped to Valeries side, which glittered in the starlight.

Where did you get that? he asked, his voice suddenly sharp.

Have you seen it before? Its kind of a long story how I wound up with it, she said, confused at his interest.

I have time. Please start at the beginning, he said. So she told him about her trip from Earth to the Globe, and how she found it in the launch chamber inside the Great Pyramid before she was rocketed through space. She later learned that the sword belonged to a Master in the Guardians of the Boundary Guild named Adelita.

That part I know. I was the one who gave it to her, Leo said. But I cant imagine how it ended up on Earth, of all places.

She was stunned. You knew her? What can you tell me?

He sighed deeply, clearly about to wade into waters he would rather leave untouched. Before I joined the Illyrians, I was the Grand Master of the Weapons Guild. Your sword, Pathos, was passed down from Grand Master to Grand Master. It is very old, and has been studied by many in the Guild to see how so much power had been woven into a weapon. As Grand Master, the sword was mine to use"and give away if I saw fit.

Why would you ever give it away? Cyrus asked.

Adelita and I partnered to study which weapons would be most effective against the Fractus, maybe even creating a new one that could prevent them from mentally visiting Earth. The Fractus found out"I dont know how. They sent a group of men made of rock to attack me. They would have killed me if Adelita hadnt shown up and saved my life. After that, I decided that Pathos should belong to her.

Thats a pretty nice thank-you gift, Cyrus quipped. Valerie gave him a quick shake of her head so that hed tone it down, and he cleared his throat. Sorry, go on.

Maybe I should have kept it. Maybe if I had Pathos, I would have been able to protect my family when he swallowed, struggling to keep his emotions in check. When Zunya came with more of the rock men, I wasnt prepared. He robbed us all of our magic, and my wife and daughters were crushed by his men. They made me watch, but didnt kill me.

Why would they let you live? she said, her hands clenched in fists at her sides to contain her rage.

I only found out later. I was visited by a man who called himself Reaper. He said that if I would lend my skills to the Fractus, that he had a way to bring my family back from the grave. Claimed he knew of a vivicus who would soon be coming to the Globe who he would force to do the deed. But he needed my help to get to her first.

Valerie took a step backward. Cyrus gripped her hand. He must have meant you, he said, squeezing her fingers so tightly that they stung.

Leos eyes widened. Youre a vivicus? I thought your power was fighting.

She shifted uncomfortably. Yes, its true. But I cant bring people back from the dead, I dont think.

Itd probably kill her, Cyrus added. Just saving lives completely wipes her out.

Leo nodded. I had also never heard of a vivicus bringing someone back from the dead. But even if it were true, I knew my family would never want me to make a deal with such a man to save them. I have to believe that was the right decision, and wherever they are now, theyre happy. But there was no peace in his eyes. Valerie guessed that he questioned his decision every day.

Thats the deed that got you into Illyria, isnt it? Valerie asked quietly, and he nodded. That is a true sacrifice. Thank you, Leo. Its possible that if you helped him, Henry and I would both be in the Black Castle doing who knows what for him.

Though I am not your father, I feel a kinship with you both. I hope we can see each other again.

It was a quiet walk back to Midnights"and now Valeries"house that night. When she saw Henry, she shook her head at the question in his eyes and went to their room. More than ever, she wished that Thai were by her side. But when she checked on him, he was resting. She was on her own to wrestle with her disappointment.

The next day, she decided to visit the Knights Guild to see if there was any news about the mission to rescue Jet and Kellen. When she arrived, the Guild was in an uproar.

Kellen was surrounded by Knights who wanted to welcome him back. He flushed as if he were pleased by the warm reception. She noticed Gideon across the courtyard and headed over to him.

You did it! I knew you didnt need me, she said. But then she noticed Chrome at Gideons side. His breathing was labored, and he flooded her mind with images. She saw their desperate search in Dunsinane, where they were attacked multiple times by the invisible men, Zunya and his team, and figures in hoods that wielded lightning. Four Knights were killed. But among all of the images he showed, there was no trace of Jet.

He wasnt with Kellen? she asked, reeling from the knowledge that so many Knights had given their lives. If she had been there, could even one have been saved?

Chrome showed her how they found Kellen, beaten, tied and gagged, behind a rock.

So he never even saw Jet?

Gideon shook his head. He has no memory of how he was taken. It is likely they used sleeping sand on him to keep him unconscious. It only works on fairies, and very few even know it exists. He doesnt know why he was taken.

An image flashed through her mind of Chrome examining Kellen, and the image was tinged with suspicion. She almost exclaimed out loud, but she sensed that Chrome wanted that to be something private that he shared only with her.

Were going to continue our search for Jet, now that Kellen has been escorted home, Gideon added.

This time, Im coming with you, she said.

It is time, Gideon agreed, and a pang of Chromes relief and gratitude washed through her.

But not as a leader, she quickly added. Ill just help the best I can.

Gideon nodded. Know that while you may not consider yourself leading the Knights, they may view you that way whether you wish it or not. You must prepare yourself.

Kellen had fluttered over to the group and caught their last words. I wont have you rushing off without a plan.

Chromes rage was instant, and an image of Jets broken body filled her mind, the image laced with his intense fear that any time lost could make that image a reality. But Kellens face was stone. We cant throw away the lives of more Knights on a wild goose chase. Well send another search party when we have a more solid lead. He must be in the Black Castle, and were not getting in without an escort.

Chrome raced away from them into the woods. She watched him leave, imagining how she would feel if Thai had been taken. Or Cyrus, Kanti, Henry, or Dulcea, for that matter.

I have an idea that might give us some direction, she offered tentatively.

Kellen eyed her sharply. Go on.

My brother has powerful psychic abilities, and I knew Jet. I thought if we joined our minds, we might be able to sense him somewhere. At least it would give us a hint of where he is.

Have you ever done that before? Kellen asked her.

She shook her head. Were only beginning to understand how his powers work. But hes willing to try.

It can only help, Gideon agreed.

Kellen nodded. Bring him to the Guild in a week. I need to get a few things in order, and I want to be present when you do this.

The next day, Valerie went to visit Azra to tell her that she would be helping with the search for Jet.

Perhaps thats best. Her voice in Valeries mind sounded weary. Soon we must decide what course of action to take about the Excision, but until we do, you will be safer outside the Capitol building. But dont travel alone"always have a friend with you.

I will, she said.

There is another piece of information I have wanted to tell you. You are beginning to understand the expectations that come with being a vivicus. But there is a responsibility that you dont know of, one that I had forgotten myself until I searched the Akashic Records.

Her heart speeded up with dread. What is it?

A vivicus cannot take a life without sacrificing her own.

She sighed with relief. I wouldnt want to kill anyone. Look what happened when I fought Sanguina.

For yourself, I know you that is true. But when defending your friends, you will do well to remember it. Henry would not thank you if you sacrificed your life to save his.

But I would, in a heartbeat.

Azras eyes were troubled, and she bent her head, hiding in her mane. You must learn that you are precious, too. Protect and love yourself as you would your friends.

She nodded, but she wasnt sure that she agreed. It seemed wrong, selfish somehow. And she knew from experience that without friends and family, her life didnt have the same value.

That is not the only price that your vivicus power will exact from you. There is something else.

Something worse?

Azra flicked her tail uncomfortably. You are not the only vivicus on the Globe.

But I thought you said there hasnt been a new vivicus since the Globe was created.

That is true. But one came with us, and still lives. You know him well.

She was perplexed, but then it dawned on her. There was only one other creature who could bring someone from the brink of the grave. Darling, she breathed. But what could be bad about that?

Darling wasnt always the creature he is now. He was a wise and eloquent leader of our people for decades. But each time he used his power, he lost a piece of himself, his intellect. Now he is a creature acting purely with his heart, saving life after life with no concept of self. He is goodness incarnate, but he is no longer the friend I once cherished.

Valerie shook her head, refusing to absorb the meaning of what Azra was telling her.

Every time you save a life with your power, you trade a piece of yourself. Eventually nothing will be left except your power.

All Valeries breath left her body. She couldnt imagine her mind turning childlike, as Darlings had. Would she even recognize her friends, her family? And what about Thai? How could he ever love her romantically when there was nothing left of her other than her power?

Something was being ripped from me when I used my power, but I didnt understand what it was. But I wouldnt change the choices I made. How can I let someone die when I can save them?

The choice is yours. And know that it took many years for Darlings mind to dissolve away and leave only his beautiful beating heart.

As Valerie left the Capitol building, she tried to process what Azra had told her, but she couldnt wrap her mind around it. She was grateful to sense someone rushing after her, welcoming the distraction. She automatically assumed a defensive stance as she turned in case it was an enemy, but relaxed when she saw that it was only Chern.

Dear me, would you mind escorting me home? I was so afraid that I would have to go alone, but now that youre here, and with your fighting power, Im sure you wouldnt hesitate, that is Of course, Chern. Lead the way.

They left The Horseshoe and walked through the winding streets. Have you come to any conclusions about who the spy might be? he asked her abruptly after an awkward silence.

You know about that? she asked in surprise.

Of course, he said, with a sniff. Im on the Council. Not much escapes my notice.

Well then, who do you think it might be?

He leaned toward her conspiratorially. My moneys on the crazy Conjuror leading the Society of Imaginary Friends.

Rastelli? she said with a laugh. Hes so scattered. And hes not even a member of the Council.

But hes good friends with young Calibro"his daughter is her best friend. Who knows what he might have overheard?

She nodded thoughtfully, remembering Dulceas discomfort with the Grand Master. Thanks, Chern. Ill check it out. Do you know anything about what Sanguinas been up to these days?

He shuddered dramatically. I give her a wide berth. They say shes reformed but I doubt it. Im just waiting for her to find me alone in a dark alley. He was working himself up.

No, surely even if she isnt reformed, she has bigger fish to fry, she said soothingly. But anger flashed across his features before he could hide it. Not that youre not important! she added lamely.

N-no, Im sure youre right. Though youd be surprised how often I find signs that Im being followed. Its important work, keeping the Globes history.

Absolutely, she said, hoping her enthusiasm would soothe his wounded ego.

They arrived at an unassuming cottage with a small garden and a white picket fence. It was the American dream come to life.

Home sweet home, he announced cheerily. Come in for a cup of tea.

Im afraid I need to get home before my brother worries, she said.

His face hardened, and she feared she had offended him. Surely, you have a few minutes. You could make sure no one has been messing with my things.

A prickle of discomfort made her back away. Maybe another time.

He turned on his heel and walked away in a huff, without saying goodbye. Typical. Cyrus was right, there was something very self-serving about Chern.

Chapter 20.

The rest of the week went by quickly, as Valerie spent her time strategizing with Gideon and Chrome on their next move and putting renewed effort into her training.

Finally, the day rolled around when she brought Henry to her Guild so that they could use his psychic power to search for Jet.