Our bubble was attacked before I spoke, wasnt it? Valerie asked.

Azra nodded. The assault came from all around us, both sucking away my magic and attacking it at the same time. The power required to do such a thing is immense, greater than my own. If the bubble had not been reinforced, we would no longer be with this world.

Valeries earlier courage eroded a little at Azras words. Who hates me so much?

She was startled by the sudden appearance of Azras husband, Odysseus. Then his low voice filled her mind. Im afraid, for you, it is only the beginning. Those who would lead by example are always attacked by those who would lead by force.

Odysseuss words followed Valerie home that night. She couldnt imagine a life constantly on the run from people who wanted to hurt her. She fantasized about living on an island with no one but Thai by her side. Surely, in a world so full of magic, her dream was achievable. But she thought of her brother, Cyrus, Kanti, Azra, Gideonshe now had ties to people all over the Globe that she wouldnt sever. It was hard to believe that only a year ago her closest friend was her doctor.

When she entered her room, she saw the hand mirror that Juniper had left her glowing on her bed. She picked it up and saw a fuzzy image of his face.

Have you found Shade? she asked excitedly.

No, but were close, he said, his voice coming through like a bad cell phone connection. Chrome can sense his trail. Hes taking a really weird route"he must be trying to avoid being followed.

Be careful; it could be a trick, Valerie said.

She thought she saw Juniper grin. Its killing you not to be here, isnt it?

A little, she admitted.

There was a noise in the background, and Juniper glanced over his shoulder. I gotta go. Tell you more tomorrow.

Chapter 24.

Restless after her unsettling encounter with Thai and her failure with the Grand Masters, Valerie quietly avoided her friends for the rest of the day, instead deciding to wander around Silva alone to plan her next move.

She had left the edges of the city and was heading into the forest when Zunya stepped out from behind a tree. Her first instinct was to run, but he had already locked eyes on her. Even from a few yards away, he could take her power if he wanted to.

No need to run, little rabbit, he jeered. Im only projecting.

Like on Earth? she asked, surprised. I didnt think you could do that on the Globe.

The rules binding the Globe are weakening, thanks to a little ingenuity by the Fractus. You might want to reconsider which side youre on, he said, his smile growing wider.

It was a disturbing sight, and she looked away. What do you want?

To show you something.

Im not going anywhere with you.

He laughed. Afraid the big bad wolf will eat you up? Dont you know if thats what I was after, youd be dead already?

The Laurel Circle turned cold on her thumb, a reminder to herself to reach down and find her little shred of anger and confidence. Is that so? It didnt seem like that at the Capitol when you attacked me and I escaped"twice.

Only because Oberon was there to protect you. Youre all by your lonesome this time, he said, but she could hear the simmering rage underneath his words.

I dont want to hear anything you have to say.

Youll want to hear this. If you ever want to see Jet alive again.

What about Darling? she asked, the worry she had been repressing for the little creature bubbling up uncontrollably.

Zunya quickly masked his surprise at her knowledge. Nothing will happen to the little rat. Hes being treated like a guest.

In your dungeon? I hardly think so.

Is it that little brat, Shade, who told you all this? I knew that sniveling good-for-nothing would turn on us.

My brother and I sensed Jets mind and saw what you did to him, she said quickly, not wanting to bring Zunyas wrath down on Shade.

His face cleared a little at her explanation, and he almost sounded impressed. Ah, brother and sister, joining forces. How sweet. Reaper knew that together youd be a powerful tool.

Not for you! Valerie spat.

So you say, but we certainly appreciated your words at the Capitol today, even if the vote didnt swing in our favor. Maybe we have more in common than you think, Zunya said.

Ive known you for most of my life, and I know that we dont have anything in common.

He grinned at her. Maybe youre right. But we do have something you want. Come now. This offer wont be repeated.

He stepped into the woods, and after a second of hesitation, Valerie followed. She chased him through the trees, but she didnt have to run far. He stopped in a clearing. Next to him was a portal like the one Chern created to take them to Ephesus, a window to another part of the Globe. Through the patch, she could see a wavy vision of the cell Jet lay in.

The wolf was white, as she remembered. He was skin and bones, but he lapped at some water in a bowl on the floor.

Alive, Zunya said. He thought youd want to see proof.

Who? Valerie asked, barely able to process her enemys words while staring at the shell of the wolf that had once been so strong.

Reaper. Hed like to propose a trade.

Jetfor what?

Nothing much, really. He wants to meet you. In person, Zunya said, his yellow eyes narrowing as he examined her reaction.

I see. And Im guessing my chances of surviving this meeting are pretty minimal, given his attacks on me lately, Valerie said, struggling to keep her calm mask from slipping.

Its true that Reaper wanted you dead before today. But now he thinks maybe your interests are aligned. He only wants to talk to you"your life will not be taken in this meeting.

I see. And if I refuse?

Jet dies, of course. And well see about little Darling.

She shuddered. There had only been one answer to Zunyas request, but she didnt want him to know how ready she was to hand herself over if that was Reapers demand for Jets life. She was glad she had kept her mouth shut.

Fine, Ill meet him, Valerie agreed. When and where?

All in good time. Reaper wants to make sure youre alone, so we wont be giving you time to prepare. For now, its enough that you accept and you keep your mouth shut. Ill be in touch soon, Zunya replied.

The sound of footsteps crunching against the leaves on the forest floor startled Valerie. Midnight appeared, and when her eyes settled on Zunya her power pulsed powerfully.

Hes not really here, Valerie said.

Taking her to the woods to slaughter her? Not this time. Get away from her, Midnight snarled, not listening. Valerie had never seen her so enraged. Lets finish whats between us today.

The hum of power that emanated from Midnight took Valeries breath away. Zunyas lips formed a thin line, as if even at a distance the power of her hatred intimidated him a little. But he quickly regained his usual confidence.

Still havent forgiven me for killing Aurora? Im heartbroken, he said, but his usual heartless sarcasm had a note of something that Valerie would have thought was regret in anyone else.

Ill kill you for that, Midnight said, her voice quiet and far more frightening than when she had shouted a moment earlier.

Valerie could have sworn she saw Zunya flinch at the words. Thats not how this will end.

Zunya vanished, and the portal showing Jet collapsed. Valerie was left with Midnight, whose fists were clenched.

I was alerted to someone illegally projecting in Arden and came right away. What did he want from you? Midnight asked. The Guardian Grand Master seemed to sag, empty of the power that had lit her up when she confronted Zunya.

Valerie didnt trust Zunyas promise of her safety. But she did trust the repercussions if she didnt meet Reaper, or if she told anyone what he planned. He was obviously done with Jet, whatever he had tried to use him for. It was the last chance to save his life. She couldnt ruin it by telling Midnight the truth.

He was trying to scare me into abandoning the search for Jet, she replied, settling for a half-truth.

But you never will, Midnight said with a wry smile. You never abandon you ideals. It is why you remind me so much of my daughter.

Aurora? Valerie asked, but she already knew the answer. She could see the raw, beating pain of a loss that even Valerie couldnt completely fathom.

She tried to reform Zunya, convinced that he would turn on the Fractus and help the Knights to end their threat forever, Midnight said, her voice sounding faraway. I think she really came close to finding a shred of humanity in him. He had many chances to kill her, but it was years before he finally stripped her of her power, and then her life. He left her dead body on my doorstep.

Valeries stomach churned. Hes a monster.

Midnights face was rigid. Yes. Alive, he is a reminder to me of the importance of the work we do to keep the Fractus away from Earth. But I would still prefer him dead.

Valerie swallowed, letting a dark hatred burn through her. Id prefer him that way, too.

Midnight and Valerie left the forest and their painful conversation behind, though Valerie couldnt leave the knowledge of who was coming for her behind with it.

Chapter 25.

Keeping her encounter with Zunya from her friends was easier than Valerie thought it would be. She had spent the majority of her life fending for herself, and slipping back into her old habits was oddly comfortable. She still had the benefit of their company without worrying that she was dragging them into more danger. Knowing that she had a promise to keep to Reaper freed her to do what she would prefer to do anyway"keep her friends as far from danger as possible.

Waiting for Reapers summons, on the other hand, was torture. She didnt know if hed contact her in an hour or a month.

Val! Glad I found ya, Cyrus said, surprising her on her way home to Midnight and Henry. She was so startled, she jumped a foot in the air.

You scared me!

Cyrus laughed at her. Since when are you this jumpy?

She punched him lightly on the shoulder and changed the subject. Whats up?

The smile fell from his face. Its Caras last day. Shes leaving tomorrow morning at dawn.

Back to Messina?

I dont know. Shes being very mysterious about it all. I guess shes on her own now. But I want to send her off in style, so I thought we could all surprise her with a little party.

Absolutely. How can I help?

Everythings taken care of. Its at my Guild. I came to pick you up.

Youre lucky I didnt have plans!

You mean you wouldnt break them for your bestest friend in the universe? he teased. I didnt know she was leaving until this morning. Seriously, you dont have plans, do you?

None I wouldnt break for you, Cy, she said, bumping his shoulder with her own. His responding smile was dazzling.

They collected Henry and then met up with Kanti and Ceru at the entrance of the Society of Imaginary Friends.

Whats Cara been up to, anyway? Kanti asked.

Shes been working with Dulcea. Some kid on Earth needed help with science, and were really lucky she was here because its not a subject were strong in. You forget how much work everything is when you dont have magic.

Im surprised she agreed to do anything that involved magic, Valerie said.

Shes coming around to see the good that can be wrought with magic, Ceru said softly.

You two have been spending time together, huh? Cyrus said, narrowing his eyes. Youre 174 years old. Dont you think youre a little old for her?

Thats like, seventeen years old for his people, and you know it! Kanti jumped in.

Seventeen is too old! Shes a kid, Cyrus said, getting red in the face.

Ceru rested a hand on the top of Cyruss head. Dont worry, my friend. Cara is a child, as you say. I helped her to embrace magic for your sake as much as hers. I knew what losing her would mean to you.