Pauline and George drew back, shocked.

Oh, Kanti, Ive been so blind. Im sorry, Pauline said, her hand fluttering to her heart.

I am as well, George said stiffly. He walked to his daughter and grasped her hand.

Thanks. Kantis voice wobbled a little, and she cleared her throat.

This family has made quite enough of a display of itself for one day, Isabelle said.

Thats enough, Isabelle, Pauline said, but without force.

We should get Ani to the carriage before she awakes, George said. Shell need to be tried and held in Elsinore.

Kanti started to protest. No way am I letting her out of my sight!

I must insist, George said. I wont give her the chance to hurt you again. Even Valerie was no match for her, and I understand that her fighting prowess is considerable.

Valerie flushed. It wasnt the first time that she had been mentally overpowered by an opponent. Sanguina had seized control of her mind in the past as well. Her physical strength seemed untouchable, but what good was it if she crumbled against enemies with psychic powers?

Promise you wont let Ani out of your sight, Kanti said.

I promise, Pauline said, her voice shaky. Your father and I will never let that woman near you again. I only hope you can forgive us for doubting you.

George walked over to Ani and hefted her over his shoulder with ease. Outside, a beautiful, sparkling carriage made of ice and drawn by pure white horses stood waiting.

Figures, Kanti said under her breath. They couldnt resist showing off.

Henry shushed her. It was nice to meet all of you, he said to Kantis family.

I do hope well be seeing more of you, George said a little stiffly. Kanti, your home will always be waiting for you, if you ever decide to return.

And we love you, darling, Pauline added, tears filling her beautiful eyes as she squeezed her daughters hand.

A smile escaped at the corner of Kantis mouth. Amaryllis threw her arms around her sister, and then Peach gave her a timid hug. Isabelle only huffed a little and went into the carriage.

Kanti, Henry, and Valerie watched them drive off until the carriage was a glittering speck in the distance.

I hope you dont blast me with rainbow powers or something, but I actually kinda liked them, Henry said cautiously.

Me, too, Valerie added. Except Ani, of course.

Even Isabelle? Bleh, Kanti said dismissively.

Shes jealous. Shell get over it, Henry said.

Kantis jaw dropped at his words. Isabelle, jealous of me? But shes always been the daughter with the most promise.

Until now, Valerie said. Itll be good for her to see that the Globe doesnt revolve around her.

Theres a new force to be reckoned with, and shes more than a pretty face, Henry said, giving Kanti a peck on her cheek.

That night, Valerie couldnt resist visiting Thai. Seeing the love between Kanti and Henry made Valeries heart ache for him. Before she could touch the charm that connected her to Thai, the mirror lying next to her bed was suddenly filled with Junipers face.

Did you get my message? she asked eagerly.

He nodded. We were running in circles, and your message was the confirmation. Were already back now. I guess were back to the drawing board on how to get to the Black Castle, unless you think Shade will be able to help us.

She shook her head. I dont think hell be able to help anyone for awhile. There has to be another way.

Juniper yawned. Lets figure it out tomorrow. Tonight I want to sleep in my own bed with no one snoring next to me.

His image disappeared, and she snuggled into her own bed. She squeezed the charm around her neck and shut her eyes.

When she opened them, she was in a room filled with bunk beds"probably a youth hostel, she guessed. Most of the bunks were empty, and she quickly spotted Thai and Tan. Even though they were identical, she immediately knew that Thai was resting on the bottom bunk. She recognized the way he slept, on his side with one hand tucked under his cheek.

Valerie, he breathed. Dont leave me.

At first she thought he was awake, but his eyes were closed. He was talking in his sleep. He had done it before"shed heard him when they were camping"but never anything that made sense. A tremendous weight left her shoulders. Worrying that she was losing her soul mate had haunted her for weeks, but now it was all going to be okay.

She waited for a long time to see if he would awaken on his own, but his sleep seemed to deepen, and she decided shed come again the next day.

I love you, she whispered into his ear.

Her mind returned to the Globe, and peace settled on her heart. It was almost like what Dasan had given to her, but better. But the feeling abruptly splintered. Something was very wrong.

She sat up and opened her eyes, but all she saw was darkness.

Henry! she shouted, but she heard nothing, not even the sound of her own voice. The silence was as thick as the darkness, and as impenetrable.

She might as well have been floating in a void of nothing. But then the emptiness was shaken by the low rumble of a deep well of magic. It quietly rattled her bones. It was the dialed down magic of an immensely powerful Conjuror.

The vibrating increased, making her teeth rattle. An intense pain radiated all over her skin, as if it were being burned. She was dissolving, she suddenly knew with certainty. This magic had the power to make her disappear into thin air, dust in the void. She tried to scream, but like in a nightmare, her voice made no sound. If it werent for the pain, she wouldnt even know if she existed.

This wasnt the magic of a Conjuror. This was the indomitable, dark power of the Fractus.

Chapter 30.

Valeries panic was total. Her magic was locked and buried inside of her, untouchable because of the depth of her fear. She couldnt fight this. Thai, Cyrus, Henry, Kanti"she would never see them again, never have the chance to say goodbye.

No.

The word was like a pinprick of light in the darkness. She wasnt going down without a fight. Whatever"or whoever"was doing this wouldnt stop with her. Everyone she loved would be next.

The dam holding back her magic burst, and it flooded her to her fingertips. It had been right there all along, held back by a wall of her own making. She reached out for Henrys mind. She shouted with all her power and was surprised by how close he was, as if he was standing next to her.

His power flowed into her. She breathed it in, and with every exhale, the darkness receded a little more. A dim light entered her vision, and she heard shouting, though it sounded like it was at a very great distance. She knew she was returning to life.

But before the void vanished altogether, she heard a voice that echoed inside her mind, as if someone was whispering in her ear.

Get rid of your friends and come to the edge of the forest. Keep me waiting, and theyll all die.

Reaper, she knew with certainty.

Her vision and hearing came back the rest of the way in a rush, and everything was chaos. She couldnt make sense of the colors and sounds at first. Then she recognized that Henry was sitting next to her, gripping her shoulders so tightly they ached.

Come back! Im here! he shouted at her.

Is she breathing? Midnight asked, her usually soothing voice high with fear.

Yes, but whats happening to her? Henry asked as he leaned down to examine his sister with terrified eyes.

Im okay, Valerie croaked. Im back.

Lets give her some room, Midnight commanded. Henry sat back, and Valerie struggled to sit up.

What happened to me? she asked.

Henry and I found you like this an hour ago. At first, it seemed like you were in a deep sleep, and nothing could wake you, Midnight explained.

And you screamed and screamed Henry broke off, his voice cracking.

Im sorry, Valerie said, Henrys palpable terror blasted through their mental connection.

I couldnt see anything in your mind but darkness, but I knew you were reaching for me, needing me. I thought I was going to lose you, Henry said softly.

Tell us who did this to you, Midnight said, her voice calm but with an undercurrent of rage. They will be punished.

Valerie wasnt even remotely tempted to tell them the truth. She knew that Reapers threat was one he was prepared to execute. Normally, lying was something that lay heavy on her conscience, but guilt didnt even enter the equation as she crafted her story.

Im so sorry for scaring you. It was only another of my nightmares.

The ones that are linked to your abilities as a vivicus? Henry asked. I thought those were gone. You helped Azra months ago.

I didnt want to worry you, she said. At least that was the truth. I need to clear my head"alone.

Henry nodded, and he gently tried to see inside her mind, but she kept it firmly locked against him. He seemed to respect her desire to keep him out, and the soft hum of magic from him stopped.

Out of sight of the house, Valerie broke into a flat-out run. She headed straight for the edge of the forest where she had met Zunya, unsure of how much time Reaper would consider keeping him waiting before someone died. Inside the tree line, she searched frantically for Reaper. The forest was still.

Hello? Im here! she called out, trying to keep the desperation from her voice. Was this the wrong spot after all? Why hadnt Reaper been more specific?

Something flickered at the edge of her vision and she spun to the left. She saw a tall man in a dark, heavy robe and a hood that entirely hid his face standing several yards from her. He held a weapon of some kind in one hand"a sickle. Her stomach turned. He was dressed like the grim reaper. She walked toward him, swallowing her fear. She had made it in time to save her friends, if not herself.

Do you know who I am? Reaper spread his arms, gesturing to his macabre costume.

Death, Valerie said, proud that her voice wasnt shaking as hard as her knees were.

More than death"justice. An impartial razing of the old to make way for the new. Do you understand?

It was twisted logic, and her heart and mind rejected it. But she said nothing. He was a madman, and trading verbal jabs with him wouldnt save Jets life.

Im here, as promised. Now wheres Jet?

Reaper didnt reply, but she didnt really expect him to. What were promises to such a man? She drew Pathos slowly from its sheath. At the sight of her sword, Reaper narrowed his eyes.

How did you come by your weapon? he asked.

Its yours for Jets life, she quickly offered.

He shook his head. There will be no more trading today. You came as I asked. A bony, pale hand emerged from the folds of the robe. He extended one long finger and drew a circle in the air. Inside she glimpsed Jet in his cell.

Come, Reaper commanded.

Jet wearily raised his head and trotted through the opening.

Jet! Valerie couldnt help shouting. Run, youre free! Get help!

But Jet didnt look at her. Instead he lay down at Reapers feet, like a dog obeying its master. He was alive, but he wasnt whole anymore. He had been broken, maybe past repair.

You want him? Come and get him, Reaper said, and he made a vicious sound in the back of his throat. He raised his hand, and she heard a hum of magic just like she had when shed been unconscious and hed contacted her.

Before she knew what was happening, Jet began to whine, and his whine turned into the most terrible scream she had ever heard. Before her eyes, a spot in the middle of Jets torso began to dissolve.

Stop, Valerie shrieked. She ran to Reaper, ready to kill him even if it meant sacrificing her magic"or her life. The world was better off without this monster.

Reaper dropped his hand, but it was too late. A hole the size of her hand was in Jets chest, and he bled profusely.

If you are all they say, then he isnt lost yet. Reapers tone was curious.

She suddenly knew why hed brought her here. He wanted to see her power in action. The thought gave her hope. Jet couldnt be past saving if Reaper wanted a display of her magic.

Her fear vanished; she knew exactly what to do. An immense amount of power rose in her, ready to rush forth into Jet. She barely registered that Reaper was beside her, gripping her shoulder.

Incredible, she thought she heard him murmur, but her mind was far away.

With all of her force, she unleashed her magic into Jet. It hit a brick wall. Mentally she hurled herself against it, increasing the flow of her magic impossibly higher, making the blood pound in her ears.

Yes, Reaper breathed.

With his last breath, Jet turned his head and his eyes connected with hers. An image of the last, dying flames of a fire being blown out by the wind swept through her mind. With it came the understanding that Jet was both the flickering fire and the wind"it was his choice to die now, with honor. To ignore his wish would leave him a slave to Reaper, and it could possibly kill her in the process. Her death would be a dishonor that he could never live with.