I thought you said"

He told me about Shade or Jack or whoever.

She rubbed her eyes and touched her hair, which was a tangled mess. It was a long night.

A long time coming, you mean, Henry said with a smile.

He wasnt just talking about her kiss with Cyrus. She hadnt seen her brother this happy before. So are you and Kanti official now?

He nodded. She said she was going to wait as long as it took"forever, even.

I guess you decided to shorten her sentence, Valerie said.

Im the luckiest guy in the world, Henry said, his expression reverent.

The universe, even, she teased.

Want me to visit your friend with you? Henry asked.

Valerie shook her head. He might want to see me alone. Hes been through a lot.

Okay. Let me know what happens though.

Henry left, walking toward the Empathy Collective with energy in his stride. It was one less worry to carry on her crowded heart.

This time when Valerie tested the doors of the Healers Guild, they opened easily. She made her way back to Shades ward and knocked quietly on the door. Nightingale answered, his gaze wary.

Im sorry. I know you needed your space to work last night, and I should have given it to you, she said immediately, not wanting to be thrown back out again.

Nightingale nodded. I am the authority in this Guild, and no one may undermine me.

That seemed a little extreme to her. Valerie was glad that the Knights were more democratic. But it wasnt the time to argue. May I see Shade?

I assume you mean Jack. Hes in the corner, Nightingale nodded toward a bed by a window. His body will heal, but the wounds to his mind are beyond what I can repair. I will consult with Dasan later today on this matter.

Without another word, Nightingale turned to attend to a patient, and Valerie made her way to Shade"Jack, she corrected herself.

Hi, Jack. Do you remember me?

Jacks eyes ertr unfocused, but he nodded. Valerie. I had to find you. But I cant remember why.

Its okay, she said gently. You found me because you knew Id keep you safe. Youre going to get better here.

Am I sick?

Not for long, I promise. Do you remember what happened?

His eyes went wild. You cant let him find me; hell kill me! My friends, theyre gone, as good as dead!

Nightingale was by his side in an instant, and he pressed his hand against Jacks pulse. There was a brief hum of magic, and Jack fell backward onto his pillows, unconscious.

I dont want to scatter his mind further. We must keep him calm. Your presence here clearly agitates him. You need to leave.

She bit back her protests. Can I come back to check on him?

Nightingale considered her request. Tomorrow, but no sooner. By then, Dasan will have seen the boy and there will be more news to tell you.

Valerie nodded and left. It was time to contact Gideon and Juniper to bring the Knights home, since the guide they were expecting was unconscious in a hospital. Her last hope that somehow they would find Jet before Reaper contacted her for the trade vanished. Saving Jets life"and possibly Darlings"depended entirely on her now.

Valerie decided to return home for a shower, before contacting Juniper and Gideon with her news. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didnt sense Sanguinas presence until it was too late.

Wait, Sanguina said, holding out her hand to stop her in her tracks.

Valerie recoiled from her touch. Get away from me. I have nothing to say to you.

You owe me nothing, I know. But I owe you a debt I can never repay. Do you understand that?

I dont want anything from you. Valerie tried to push past Sanguina, but the ex-vampyre held her ground.

You cant listen to Zunya about meeting with Reaper alone. Youre headed straight into a trap.

What do you mean? Valerie asked warily.

Whatever Zunyas promised you, it isnt worth it. Reaper will take what he wants, and hes too powerful for any one person to stop him.

Valerie shook her head. I dont expect you to understand, but I dont have a choice. I know that he could take my life, but if theres even a chance of saving Jet and Darling, I have to take it. Can you honestly tell me that he wont kill Jet if I refuse to meet him?

Sanguina didnt need to answer. She lowered her eyes. Why do you sacrifice your life so easily? It, too, has value. Do you think a warrior like Jet would thank you for ending it for his sake?

Stop trying to confuse me. Im doing the right thing.

Take someone with you.

Reaper would kill us both on sight. Ill risk my own life, but not someone elses, Valerie said.

Even me?

Even you.

Its unlikely hell kill me on sight, since he thinks Im still loyal to him. And if he does, its no big loss"to either of us, Sanguina reasoned.

Valerie searched Sanguinas face, perplexed. What changed you? You hated me. Now youd die for me?

You changed me. Back into a human. And theres something else. When I saw that you carried Pathos, I knew who you were. But thats not my story to tell you.

Then whose is it?

Your fathers.

Valeries mind reeled. You know him? You said you owed me"take me to him and were even!

Sanguina sighed. He doesnt want you to know. He thinks youll hate him.

Her eyes filled with tears. I wont. I swear.

I cant bring you to him"I made him a promise that I cant break. But I will tell him what you said. It may take me some time"he isnt easy to find when he doesnt want to be.

Why doesnt he want to be found?

He says hes broken, and he wants to put the pieces back together before he meets you and Henry.

Ill find him without you, Valerie said bitterly, pushing past Sanguina roughly.

Promise me you wont go to Reaper alone! Sanguina called after her. Valerie didnt reply.

Chapter 28.

Midnight and Henry were both gone when Valerie came home. She quickly checked her mirror to see if Juniper was there, but she saw only her reflection. She remembered that she could leave him a message for the next time he checked it. Quickly she explained about Shade/Jacks return.

After leaving the message, Valerie was at loose ends. She wished she could knock on Cyruss door for some advice or lighthearted distraction, but thinking about seeing him again made her stomach hurt. Instead, she decided to visit Kanti, bursting into the room without knocking like she always did. Kanti was singing in the shower. She had never heard Kanti so much as hum, and it made her smile, in spite of everything. At least there was one piece of happiness amidst all the pain.

Valerie heard a knock on the door and opened it without thinking that this was no longer her room, or her place to answer the door.

Valerie, darling, wonderful to see you! Pauline, Kantis mother, was a vision in lavender. Valerie blinked, realizing that a strikingly handsome older man, who must be Kantis father, was by her side. Behind them were three stunningly beautiful girls who were a few years older than Kanti.

What are you doing here? Kantis voice sounded emotionless. She stood in her black bathrobe, her hair dripping.

Thats no way to greet your family, Kanti, her father said sternly. A young lady is always a gracious hostess.

Even in a hovel like this, the sister with auburn hair said with disdain.

Thanks, Isabella. Missed you all so much, Kanti said sarcastically.

Oooo I missed you, too! another sister, this one with chestnut hair, said, oblivious to the tension. She gave Kanti a big hug.

Kanti gave an exasperated sigh but hugged her back. Valerie, this is Amaryllis. And my other sister is Peach.

Peach waved shyly.

Im George, Kantis father said, shaking her hand aggressively.

Valeries the friend I told you about. The powerful one, Pauline said with a significant look at her husband. Kantis mothers power was to sense how much magic other Conjurors possessed, and she had been impressed when she first met Valerie in Elsinore.

Indeed? Then it is a pleasure to meet you, young lady. I do hope youll be a good influence on our Kanti here, George replied.

Its nice to meet all of you, Valerie said.

Again, what are you doing here? Kanti asked, crossing her arms protectively in front of herself.

We wanted to see where youve been hiding yourself, dear, Pauline said.

Why now? Youve never come before.

You belong at home. Weve come to bring you back, George said.

That isnt happening, Kanti insisted.

We shall SEE, Ani said, stepping from a shadowy part of the hallway. Valerie tried to slam the door against her, but she put her hand out. WHAT could be the problem?

You tried to kill me! Kanti said. She turned to her mother. How could you let her near me?

Pauline shifted uncomfortably. Now, dear, shes your aunt. Of course shed never hurt you.

Your little friend Henry lied, Isabella said. Duh.

Kantis face darkened, and Pauline jumped in. Im sure he was mistaken. Im sure he was trying to impress"er"protect you. Very noble, of course. But Ani assures me Get out, Kanti said, humming with magic. Valerie had never sensed so much power from her before.

Thats no tone to take with your parents, George said, but he took a step backward.

NOW! Kanti said, and Valerie watched in astonishment as the creepers that were part of the wallpaper in the hallway began to peel off, coming to life as real, winding vines. They wrapped themselves around the feet and wrists of her family.

Enough! Well leave for now and talk about this with you when youre more reasonable, George said. Were staying at The Palace Hotel.

The vines continued to wind around her familys limbs. Kanti wasnt listening to her fathers words. Her face was stormy. Amaryllis whimpered as a vine tightened around her wrist. Ow! Kanti!

Her sisters words snapped Kanti out of her trance, and the vines slackened. Sorry, she said to her sister, absently rubbing Amarylliss wrist.

Its okay. Make it up to me by taking me to a fabulous party tonight! she said, the incident already forgotten.

Come, George said, leading the rest of his family away. He shot his youngest daughter a last, stunned glance before he turned the corner. Kanti slammed the door shut after them.

Theyre your family, your blood. You cant avoid them forever, Valerie said.

Dont defend them. I was an embarrassment to all of them until I was cursed with this beauty and magic.

Its not a curse, Valerie replied. Its who you truly are. All your years before were to teach you to value yourself for more than power and beauty. Now you have both. Think how much good you could do in the world.

Kantis shoulders slumped. Youre right. I know Im being a brat about this. But I cant forgive them yet for all those years when I might as well have been a piece of furniture for how much attention they gave me. Its time for them to get a little taste of how that feels.

Having a family is a gift. Dont waste it, Valerie said, but then let the subject drop.