Cyrus looked down, embarrassed. Sorry, man. I should have known better.

They had arrived at the Guild, and Cyrus led them to a room that was filled with all of Caras favorite foods that she had discovered since she had come to Arden. There were also a number of other Conjurors that Valerie recognized but didnt know well. She hadnt realized how many friends Cara had made during her short visit.

Dulcea will bring her any minute, Cyrus said to the collected group, and turned out the lights. Grab a pocketwork and be ready for when she steps through the door.

A pocketwork? Henry asked, picking up a little ball that glittered with silver flecks.

Youll see, Kanti grinned. Throw it in the air when she comes in.

The handle of the door turned, and Dulcea stepped in, followed by Cara.

Surprise! everyone yelled.

Valerie threw a ball in the air like everyone else. She heard a sound like popcorn in the microwave, and then fireworks exploded inside the room. They lit up everyones faces with a silvery glow. Cyrus threw his pocketwork last, and it rocketed across the room, leaving a light trail that spelled Farewell, Cara in its wake.

Caras eyes brimmed with tears, and she hugged her brother tightly.

I hope those are happy tears, Cyrus said, sounding a little worried.

They are. Thank you for everything.

Im really going to miss you, he said, sounding a little choked up.

We all are, Valerie added, giving Cyrus a second to pull himself together. She knew how much he hated anyone seeing him unravel.

I guess Ill have to come back often, in that case, Cara said with a smile.

Youre not going back to Messina? Kanti asked.

Not yet. Theres work to do here, she said, her eyes connecting with Cerus.

Whats the mystery? Henry asked.

Cara will be joining my people for a time. They have accepted her presence, but her work with them is a secret, Ceru explained.

Do Mom and Dad know? Cyrus asked.

Cara nodded. I didnt want them to think I was lost or hurt. But I didnt want to talk to them, so I sent a letter.

Chicken, Cyrus said, putting his arm around his sister and leading her to the food.

Dulcea hung back from the group, biting her lip thoughtfully.

Everything okay? Valerie asked her.

Its a shame Cara doesnt want to join our Guild. We could use her talents. Shed rise quickly to instructor level with the knowledge she has about science.

Is that whats bothering you?

Dulcea shifted uncomfortably. Not exactly.

Then what is it?

There was an aspect of my thesis that I wanted to talk to Rastelli about in private"to try to explain what my research is showing. I know he has this favorite place he calls his thinking spot not far from the Guild. I went there to find him, and I saw him talking to Zunya.

Valeries eyes widened. What would Rastelli have to say to Zunya?

I dont know, but nothing good. I snuck closer trying to overhear, but Zunya vanished. I dont know how he did it.

Valerie had a pretty good idea, but she kept her mouth shut. Do you think Rastelli is the spy?

Its hard for me to imagine. He can be stubborn and a little strange at times, but I cant imagine him doing anything that might hurt kids on Earth or the Globe, Dulcea said.

Valerie didnt get that vibe from Rastelli, either, but she didnt know him well. Still, it doesnt look good.

Dulcea nodded. Hes been acting strange lately, too. Hes never fully approved of my work, but hes always vaguely encouraged me to follow my own path. But lately, hes been distant and dismissive. Not just of me, but of many of us who are studying to become Masters.

Maybe hes threatened by you.

Dulcea shrugged. I never would have said that before but she trailed off as the rest of the group approached with plates of food.

Lets not worry the others"yet, Dulcea whispered quickly.

Valerie nodded, and a little weight settled on her heart. Another secret. They piled up so quickly.

After the party, Valerie walked toward home with Henry, Cyrus, and Kanti, her mind whirling. Rastelli, Kellen, Sanguinathere were too many suspects, and none of them completely added up. But she had a nauseated feeling in her belly that told her she had better find an answer quickly.

Henry interrupted her thoughts by clearing his throat loudly. I didnt want to steal Caras thunder, but now that shes on her way to her next adventure, I wanted to tell you guys something.

He had their attention. What is it? Valerie asked, a little alarmed.

I picked a guild, he said, turning a little pink. Im going to join Empathy.

Thats great! she said, giving him a hug.

Agreed! Nice going, Cyrus said, slapping him on the back. Henry hardly seemed to notice, because he was staring at Kanti.

Im glad you found the right place for you, Kanti said, her eyes beaming with her sincerity.

Youre not disappointed? I know we always talked about working together at the Society of Imaginary Friends, but I dont belong there.

No way. Ill miss you, but itll give us more to talk about. We can trade Guild secrets, Kanti said with a smile that could stop traffic.

Henry blushed. My apprentice ceremony is tomorrow night. I hope you can all come.

Wouldnt miss it, Valerie said, happy that her brother was settling into his life on the Globe.

At home, Midnight was reading by the fire, and Valerie invited her to visit Thai and Tan with her. Midnight broke into one of her rare smiles, and together they shut their eyes and let their minds project to Earth. Thai was sitting next to Tan on Henrys old bed, laughing. The black mark on Tans neck had faded to the point of being almost invisible. If she hadnt seen it when hed separated from Thai, shed wouldnt even notice the slight shadow.

Tan! Welcome to the world of the living! Valerie said happily. Tans smile vanished at the sight of her.

Whats she doing here? he said with a face like hed tasted something sour. I thought I told you to leave us alone.

I cant have you talking to Valerie like that, Thai said. You promised.

Tan nodded grudgingly, but her joy had dissipated. Shed hoped that when they separated, Tan would return to his happy-go-lucky self.

Its good to see you both, Midnight said, filling the uncomfortable silence. I hope you both have had time to process the implications of the Excision since we met last.

At least youll be able to make it to the Globe before anything drastic happens, Valerie said.

The boys glanced at each other with a look Valerie couldnt interpret.

Chisisis team has found a safer way to return to the Globe, Midnight said. Since the Fractus have found the pool you and Henry came by, we dont want to risk another encounter.

How much time do we have? Thai asked. I want to explain things to my family in person. And have them meet Tan.

Midnight nodded. We need to secure Darling before we implement the Excision. He is so frequently between worlds that we dont want him caught on the wrong side.

Dont you know? Hes in a dungeon in the Black Castle, Valerie said, surprised that the Guild Master hadnt been notified by Kellen of what she and Henry had discovered.

Thai gave her a hard stare, and she realized guiltily that it was another thing she had avoided telling him when hed been going through his transition and recovery.

That information wasnt shared with me, Midnight said, her mouth pursed as if shed tasted something sour. All the more reason to find the guide to take us to the Black Castle. I dont think Darling could survive long in there, without light and love.

The worry that had been simmering at the back of Valeries mind came to the forefront. The Knights werent as close to finding the Black Castle as they thought they were. It seemed like they were running in circles, and she was worried that either Shade had been tricking her, or that Reaper had found out about his plan and was using him.

I guess Valerie has a lot to fill us in on, Thai said, and she heard the new coldness in his tone that made him seem like a different person.

Tan remained silent, but he had a smug smile on his face that made her want to shake him.

Ill let you three catch up, Midnight said, casting an uneasy glance at each of them. Ill keep you closely informed on everything thats happening so youll make it here in time.

Thank you, Thai said. Im glad that someone will be keeping me in the loop.

Valerie knew that her hurt must be written on her face. Thais expression softened and he started to say something. But he seemed to think better of it, and his new cold mask of reserve was back in place.

Ill be in touch soon, Midnight said, and vanished.

Why dont we catch up another time? Thai said to Valerie. Tan and I have some travel plans to get started on.

Sure, she said in a small voice. Where was the warm, tender Thai who had held her by the campfire when she almost died? It was like he never existed.

Her mind returned to the Globe, sitting by the fire. Midnight was waiting for her, but Valerie couldnt manage to force a smile. It had been a long time since she had been so alone and disconnected. Her sadness formed a ball in her throat. Tears would be a welcome relief, but in the past, they never came. She swallowed, trying to breathe around the ball of pain.

Im sorry, my dear, Midnight whispered. The separation of an amoebiate can be very traumatizing. Thai and Tan will settle into their new lives soon. Im here if you want to talk.

Midnights words reminded Valerie that she wasnt truly alone any more, and never would be. The tears came, and the ball in her throat dissolved.

Chapter 26.

Valerie decided to give Thai the space he obviously wanted. Saying goodbye to his family would be difficult, so shed make sure to be there when the time came. But in the meantime, he could bond with Tan and maybe distance would give him a little perspective on her motives.

Luckily, she had a distraction"it was the day of Henrys initiation to apprentice at the Empathy Collective. She hoped it would be a little less stressful than her own had been.

Im curious to see the inside of the Guild, Valerie said to Kanti as she watched her friend get dressed. It was strange to be back in her old room. Her bed had been stripped of sheets, but the wall was still green. She was surprised that she wasnt homesick. Somehow, her home with Henry and Midnight had more than made up for what shed lost, even if she did miss Kantis witty remarks.

For once Kanti was taking care with her appearance, putting on a fitted green dress and brushing her glossy hair. The ceremony isnt inside. The Empathy Collective always has a big party for each new apprentice in the middle of The Horseshoe. Everyone is invited"theyre big on not excluding anyone.

That sounds nice.

Kanti nodded. It is. The Empathy Collective has a reputation for being kind of strange, but I like most of the Empaths Ive met. Theyre into promoting peace at all costs. Usually theyre not too crazy about me, though.

Whys that? Valerie asked curiously.

Theyre all about cutting out negativity from your life, which means no sarcasm. I couldnt turn off my sarcasm even if I wanted to. Which I dont.

Yikes, you without sarcasm would be like Cyrus without his ego. Unimaginable.

Kanti grinned. Exactly.

His Guild Master saved my life when someone threw me out of my bubble when I met the Grand Masters in the Capitol building, so he must be a nice guy, Valerie said, remembering her fall with a shudder.

Dasan, the Grand Master, is a Feng, just so youre prepared.

Whats that?

Hes a giant bird, and when he dies, hes reborn again a few days later. With each life, hes a totally different person with no memories of his past lives.

This place never stops amazing me, Valerie said.

Me, either, and I was born here, Kanti agreed.

Ready? Valerie asked as her friend checked her appearance in the mirror.

Kanti twirled around. How do I look? Wait, dont answer that.

Youre hideous. Hows that?

Thank you, Kanti said. In that case, Im ready to go.