Well, Chern blustered, she didnt see the urgency, but I insisted that she must know now. I couldnt rest without telling you.

Thank you, Chern. Its good to know you have our back, she said.

Of course, dear. Ill leave you then, he said, and vanished.

Cyrus burst into laughter. How could you thank that guy? Hes only worried about saving his own skin.

He cared enough to come to warn me. That should count for something.

Cyrus rolled his eyes. Whatever. We should get outta here before your brother has a heart attack.

Can you tell them everything is okay? I have to see Dr. Freeman before I go. I sort of owe him.

Okay, but make it quick. Otherwise Henrys gonna come in after you.

He popped out of sight, and she leaned over Ming one last time and gave her a kiss on her forehead. She wished that she could be here when she woke, and see the joy on her mothers face. She was like Santa, leaving before the presents had been opened. A wave of pure relief and joy carried her down the hall to Dr. Freemans office. Inside, he was bent over his laptop, concentrating.

Dr. Freeman, youre not going to believe it. Ming is cured!

His eyes were knowing and worried when they met hers. What makes you think that, Valerie?

I saw it for myself. You dont have to believe me. Go check her!

Of course I will. I cant imagine how upsetting it is for you to see her like that.

Yes, but now shes better. Trust me.

I really wish that were true. But tell me, how could that be possible? I want you to think, to really struggle against your disease. Forcing yourself to accept reality is an important part of combating schizophrenia.

Her mood fell. I see. I probably wouldnt believe me, either.

Lets get you checked in, at least for a day, Ms. Diaz. Ill give you a complete workup.

He had a determined bent to his mouth that she didnt like one bit. Dr. Freeman, thank you for everything youve done for me, but no.

Without saying anything more, she raced down the hall, ignoring his calls after her. Hed never believe it if she told him of her magic, even after he saw that Ming was cured.

As she burst out of the hospital into the sunshine, the exuberance of Mings recovery returned to her. After all, last year she had been alone with a death sentence hanging over her. Now, she had friends waiting for her and magic inside of her.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Valerie stayed awake, staring into the dying flames of their campfire and remembering her day. How had Darling known to come to her? Had he recovered yet from saving Ming?

Im back, Thai said, sitting beside her on the ground.

Tan had a good day, she told him.

Yeah, he did. But not as good as yours.

She smiled widely. It really was amazing. A weight has been taken off my heart. Once Im on the Globe, Ill visit Ming again and tell her everything. I know shell believe me.

Somehow I think its thanks to you that shes going to live.

No, I didnt do anything. I couldnt even touch my magic.

But you tried to save her, didnt you? Even though it could have killed you.

Thai, you cant be mad about that.

Im not mad. Im in awe. Even though it was Darlings magic that cured her, I think that the way you cared about her"more than your own life"was what called him across the universe. Thats what I love about you.

Her heart stopped beating when he said those words. Then it sped up to three times its normal pace when he leaned over, his lips millimeters from hers. He hesitated, and she leaned forward, closing the space. Shed imagined her first kiss a thousand times, and she thought shed be all sweaty palms and worrying about whether her lips were too wet or too dry.

But she didnt have time to think about anything other than what was happening. A coil of emotion unspooled inside of her, sending threads of light through her entire body. His hand reached up and cupped her face, and she wound her arms around his neck.

After a minute, he pulled back. Im sorry, I shouldnt"

Are you kidding? she said, and then pulled him back for another kiss. How could she ever have doubted that it would be this easy"this perfect"when it was with Thai? She could drown in this moment, and she didnt care if she never came up for air.

She knew it the second that Thai gave in, pulling her close and threading his fingers through her hair. But in the middle of her bliss, a blinding flash of panic seared her entire body.

Abruptly, she was pulled out of herself and into Henrys mind. He was terrified.

Chapter 4.

Get away from me! Henry shouted. His fear was so palpable that Valerie could swear it was her own. Without meaning to, he had pulled her into his mind, as he had done many times before when Sanguina had frightened him over the years. But now, she knew that this connection and the magic that sustained it were draining her life.

Henry, its okay. Let me go and Ill come find you, she tried to send her thoughts to him, but her words werent penetrating.

He ran blindly through the woods, and she saw the flickering light of the campfire through his eyes. But before he was close, he tripped over a tree root and landed on the ground. A shadow loomed over him.

Not again, please. You cant touch me, you cant hurt me, Henry chanted to himself.

In the light of the moon, she saw the face of the man near him and relief washed over her. It was Chisisi.

All you all right, young sir? Allow me to help you up.

Hes safe; hes a friend, she tried to communicate to her brother. Something of her relief or words must have come through, because abruptly his mind let hers go, and she was back in her own body.

Thai was cradling her, his eyes dilated with fear. Come back, please, come back!

Its okay, Im okay, she whispered. But it wasnt totally true. It was like shed been hit by a truck, and she wasnt even sure if she could stand.

Thank God, he said, hugging her close.

Henry and Chisisi stepped into the firelight. Behind them, a tall, dark stranger a few years older than Chisisi joined them as well. Henry raced to her side, panic-stricken. Im sorry! I didnt even know I did it until I calmed down. I could have killed you!

You didnt even come close. A little rest and Ill be fine.

Ah, young ones. I am sorry to bring trouble with us. We had hoped to relieve you of it, not add to it, Chisisi said.

Thai and Chisisi clasped hands. Can you help her? Thai asked.

I can, the strange man said. His eyes were serious, but Valerie saw the deep laugh lines in his cheeks and sensed that he was usually more lighthearted.

This is Zaki, your benefactor when you visited Mena House in Egypt. He is here to assist us, Chisisi said.

Zaki knelt beside her and pulled out a greenish powder from a pouch at his side. Put a bit on your tongue. Fair warning"it tastes like rotten eggs. I usually sprinkle it in Chisisis food when hes being naughty, but in this case, I think it will give you back your strength, he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Chisisi smiled at his friends joke, but it didnt reach his eyes. He patted Valeries hand. It warmed her heart to see how much he cared. He nodded encouragingly as Zaki poured a bit of powder in her hand, and she quickly tossed it in her mouth. It tasted awful, but adrenaline coursed through her body. Her limbs were under her control again, and she was able to sit up.

Is it magic? she asked.

No, just herbs, Zaki replied. If I had magic, you can bet itd taste a lot better.

It will help you regain your energy more quickly, but it is not a cure, Chisisi added.

She nodded. Her limbs were still heavy from the physical and mental toll that the magic had taken on her. It was both frustrating and frightening to be so weak and dependent.

Im so sorry, Henry said. I just went for a walk"I wanted to prove to myself that there was nothing to be afraid of out there anymore. But instead, I did just the opposite. I was stupid.

You werent stupid"that was brave. And you dont have to worry. Ill be fine after a good nights sleep.

I wish we could stay here longer for you to fully recover, but unfortunately time is of the essence. At dawn, we must depart, Chisisi said firmly.

Whats the rush? Thai asked.

Its rather exciting. We have some villains chasing us, Zaki said, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Usually this would make me feel like your American hero"James Bond"but in this case, it has been a bit inconvenient.

That is why it took so long for us to come to you. We had to be sure that we had escaped, Chisisi added. Things are changing here, young friends. The Fractus are marshaling their forces on Earth. They are trying to track down those who know the secrets of traveling between worlds, like Zaki. In order for the Fractus to travel freely back and forth between Earth and the Globe, many pieces must fall into place in both worlds.

Chisisi can be a worrywart, but I admit that it is rather important to make sure that the seal stays closed on our side, Zaki added, smacking Chisisi affectionately on the back. I am very lucky he is here to remind me not to get distracted.

We must use utmost caution in getting you back to the Globe, Chisisi said. When you leave, the seal will be vulnerable, and we must make sure no one takes advantage of that time.

Where are we going? she asked, hoping for another adventure. Rome? Paris? Back to the Great Pyramid?

Alas, the Great Pyramid portal is no longer functional. In fact, no portal is fully functional. But there is one I believe we can fix. And it is close, within this country.

Dont leave us hanging, where are we going? Thai asked impatiently.

Colorado.

The next day, Valerie was weaker than usual, but well enough to hide it. She could see from the way that Henry was watching her that he didnt buy it. She tried to keep the connection between them fully closed, but she knew that some of her exhaustion must be leaking through.

As much as she knew that she needed to return to the Globe to regain her strength, after kissing Thai, she wanted to stay on Earth more than ever. What if he needed her when it was time for him to split with Tan? Surely, once Henry was safely on the Globe, she would be okay to stay for another year or so.

How are you? Chisisi asked her softly, so that the others wouldnt hear.

Im a little weak, but Im fine, she said. He gave her a searching look.

I have heard of your powers. Much will be expected of you when you return to the Globe.

Thats a mistake. Its the mystery of my disappearance thats making everyone overthink things.

I do not think so. You must prepare yourself.

Thank you for coming, Chisisi, she said, changing the subject. I cant believe you and Zaki traveled so far for us.

It is an honor to help you, he said in his formal way, and she gave him a quick hug.

Will Henry and I have to pass some kind of test before we can travel to the Globe? Valerie asked. For her first trip, shed had to travel to Stonehenge in order to prove her worth before she was allowed to travel through the Great Pyramid portal.

Chisisi shook his head. This portal is much simpler. Henrys and your power will activate it and send you straight to the Globe.

Valerie hid her breath of relief. She wasnt sure she was up for much more adventure in her current state.

The fastest way to travel to Colorado would be by a magic wind tunnel, of course, Zaki said, his eyes dancing. But since there are none available, well have to settle for a plain old airplane.

I suggest we split up for safetys sake, Chisisi said. Valerie and Thai can travel with Zaki, and Henry will go with me. We can meet again at the airport after making sure that neither of us is followed.

Ill be with ya the whole time, too, Kanti said, appearing beside Henry with Cyrus at her side.

What the heck, Ill join you dorks, too, Cyrus added casually. But Valerie sensed that he and Kanti had talked beforehand about joining Henry together. It made her worried that Kanti clearly thought Henry needed a lot of support.

Take the car, since young miss needs to rest, Chisisi insisted. Henry and I will take the bus and train.

After all the gear was packed, Valerie climbed into the back of a black SUV with heavily tinted windows. Inside, the seats were smooth leather, and she rested with a quiet sigh of relief. Tan appeared beside her and grinned.

So you and the alter ego got a thing now, huh? he asked, nudging her.

She couldnt repress a smile. Im sure youd know better than I would.

I only know that he doesnt think hes good enough for you"mostly because of me, he said, his face suddenly darkening.

Of course he doesnt think that! she said, shocked.

He does. Hes wanted to kiss you forever, but he kept holding back, thinking that hes not stable or something.

She turned the idea over in her mind with amazement until Zaki got into the car.

Are you ready for an adventure? Zaki exclaimed, revving the engine playfully. Valerie let out a surprised laugh.