Cyrus drew a small dagger from a belt at his side and concentrated, pulling light that shone from the stars that were now above them. His hands moved quickly, almost as if he were knitting. There was a flash, and he handed the blade to Leo.

Leo weighed the knife then threw it at a nearby tree, where it embedded itself all the way to the handle. The blade is sound. If anything, its lighter and faster than it was before. This will be an incredible advantage.

Cyrus beamed. Valerie shook her head in amazement. That was kinda brilliant, you know that?

A smile lit up Cyruss face, but then he was all business. Lets collect all the weapons and Ill get them ready for tomorrow.

While Cyrus worked on the weapons and Leo tested them, Henry pulled Valerie aside.

I want to see my dad tonightjust in case.

I swear I wont let anything happen to you tomorrow.

I know well all be fine. But things go wrong sometimes. The reason Im telling you this is that I think you should come with me.

She was a little surprised. Of course, but dont you want it to be private?

I think itll comfort him to know that youre here. Hes so worried about me.

Say no more, Valerie said, and they sent their minds to Joes home.

They wandered through his house, and she worried that he wasnt home. But then she peered out the window and saw him working in the tiny garden at the front of the house. They joined him.

Up close, Joes movements were jerky with anxiety, even doing such a relaxing task. But when he saw them, he smiled. I hoped youd stop by and tell me how everything was going, but I knew you might be busy.

Never too busy for you, pops! Henry said.

Joe smiled and the worry lines in his brow relaxed a little. I know you two can accomplish anything together. I only wish I were there to help.

We miss you, Valerie said softly.

Maybe well find a way to get you to the Globe, Dad, Henry said wistfully. Valeries heart ached for him, knowing that soon the possibility of any more travel or contact might be cut off forever.

I cant complain. Youre visiting here all the time. And I like when you bring your girl around, too. That Kanti has spirit, Joe said with a twinkle in his eye. As long as I can be a part of your life, it will always be worth living.

Valerie swallowed down a lump in her throat, and couldnt think of a thing to say.

Henry was pale. Ill come see you after our mission is over and tell you everything.

Be careful, children. Ill pray for you.

Love you, Henry said.

Valerie sent her mind back to the Globe and stared at Henry, who was fighting back tears.

You didnt tell him about the Excision, did you? she asked him.

Henry shook his head. I cant. I tried to tell myself that hell be okay, but sometimes I think itll kill him.

She pulled her brother into a tight hug, which, after a surprised second, he returned.

Maybe we can still find a way to stop it. After this is all over, there will still be time to get back to Arden before it happens. They have to see reason!

Henry seemed to have regained his composure. If we can beat back the Fractus, maybe the Grand Masters will be less afraid that theyll make it to Earth, and give us more time.

Well have to convince them, she said with a determination and confidence that she didnt really feel.

With a new pressure pressing on her heart to succeed, Valerie pulled Gideon and Sanguina aside to go over every last detail of her plan. At some point, Peach, Kanti, and Henry joined them as well.

Youll have to cut your hair if this plan is going to work, Val, Kanti said regretfully.

What a shame, Peach murmured, gripping her own shiny blonde locks as though someone might try to take her hair as well.

Valerie pulled her long, thick braid over her shoulder. It was silly, but the thought of cutting it tugged at her heart. It had been a constant through all her foster homes and all of the changes over the past year. It was also the only thing she thought was really beautiful about her appearance.

Its a tiny sacrifice for a big payoff, she said. And itll shave fifteen minutes off the time it takes me to get ready every day.

Everyone except Kanti was convinced, but even she knew that there wasnt another choice. She got a pair of scissors from the callbox. Ready?

Valerie closed her eyes. As Ill ever be. Lets get this over with.

Kanti worked quickly, and suddenly Valeries head was much lighter and a faint breeze tickled her neck.

After a few more snips, the scissors stopped. Done, Kanti said.

Valerie opened her eyes and saw the astonished faces of Peach, Gideon, Sanguina, and Henry.

What is it? she asked. Kanti walked her to the lake. She kneeled down and peered at her reflection. Kanti had done an incredible job of mimicking Henrys haircut, and the resemblance between them was striking. For those who didnt know them well, she could pass for her brother.

Now that her hair was cut short, the silver patch of hair near her neck was clearly visible. She touched it self-consciously. Maybe shed dye it dark brown, like Henry had.

Youll have to change your clothes, Kanti said.

And bind yourumchest, Cyrus said.

She whirled around, not realizing he was there. Self-consciously, she touched her shorn hair. What do you think?

Cyrus reached out and took her hand. I love it.

Peach eyed her closely. Shes a few inches shorter than Henry. And up close, her face is much more feminine.

And beautiful, Cyrus added. Valerie blushed. No offense, Henry.

None taken, Henry replied, and a small grin briefly replaced the worried expression on his face.

Its true, no one would mistake them for each other if they knew them well, Gideon said.

So you think it wont work after all? Valerie asked with trepidation. If this plan was a dud, she was out of ideas.

It will work, Gideon said. Sanguina nodded slowly as well.

Valerie relaxed and tried to summon up some confidence for the group that had now gathered around them. We will succeed tomorrow.

It wasnt Shakespeare, but her little army still cheered at her words.

Chapter 38.

The next morning, Valerie was shaken awake by Henry. She was surprised that she had slept at all, but her body seemed to sense that she needed to be fully charged for the battle that was coming.

Its not too late to change the plan, he said. She saw the circles under his eyes. Unlike her, he hadnt slept at all.

Yes it is, she replied. And its going to work.

Damn straight, Kanti agreed. Now lets get your costume on.

The girls walked behind a tree, and Valerie bound her chest and dressed in her brothers clothes.

Kanti looked her up and down and shook her head with a little grin. Youre even prettier than my boyfriend, she said with a smile.

Thanks. And may I say you are stunningly beautiful today, as usual, Valerie shot back.

Low blow, lady, low blow, Kanti said, raising her hands in mock surrender. Then she turned serious. You ready?

Valerie nodded, and surprisingly, it was the truth. As anxious as she usually was, she noticed that, in crisis mode, her fear and self-doubt seemed to take a back seat to her focus on accomplishing her mission. Her power tingled in her fingers, ready to be unleashed. For the first time, she could see why Gideon thought she had leadership potential.

Gideon was talking to the rest of the group, making sure they understood exactly where they were supposed to be. Everyone was nodding seriously.

Ready? Sanguina asked, appearing at her elbow.

Valerie nodded. I trust you.

Sanguinas breath caught in her throat. I never thought Id hear you say that. You honor me, and I wont disappoint you.

I know, she replied, glad that Sanguina couldnt see Henry glaring at his oldest enemy with pure revulsion in his eyes. She couldnt blame him, but she also couldnt help seeing the good in Sanguina that lived next to the evil.

Valerie turned to the group. This time shed thought about what to say, and she spoke carefully. Yesterday, we were a group of people with a shared mission. But today, we are a team with a plan that will work. Things may go wrong, but I have faith in all of you. If you think that the plan needs to be altered because of a complication, I trust you to do it without waiting for permission.

Gideon was thoughtful after her little speech, but he nodded at her with approval. Kanti gave her a subtle thumbs up as if she sensed that giving her a hug wouldnt help her friends commander image. Henry was clearly worried, as if he regretted agreeing to her plan.

Lets do this! Cyrus shouted, and everyone laughed. It was the perfect start to the mission.

Sanguina led a disguised Valerie to the Black Castle shackled in the magical ropes that had bound Sanguina when she was being taken to the Justice Guild. They no longer worked, but appeared convincing.

The castle looked different than Valerie remembered, because the structure was constantly changing, entire turrets and wings appearing and vanishing, like it couldnt decide what it really was. The effect was ghostly and chilling, which was probably intended. She dreaded returning to the almost complete darkness of that horrible place.

She wished that she could grip Pathos hilt for reassurance, but it was safely in a callbox where she could get it when she needed it, and it wouldnt be taken from her if she were searched.

The black drawbridge crashed down as they came closer. A hulking figure stood in the doorway beyond, and Valerie recognized the strange smell immediately"Venus poison.

Her heart beat in double-time. If they couldnt make it past the first line of defense, the rest of the plan would fall apart.

Sanguina had a snarl on her face. Let me by. I have a gift for Reaper.

What is it? Venu asked, sounding bored.

Valerie tried to shrink deeper into the shadow of Henrys hoodie as Sanguina stepped forward threateningly. Not that its any of your business, but I managed to finish the job you failed. Ive brought him Henry.

Venu wasnt able to hide his shock and choked on his words. He stepped closer, trying to stare at her, but Sanguina stood between them.

I was told you werent to be trusted anymore, Venu croaked.

Sanguina paused, then her arm shot forward, choking Venus throat. His hands scrabbled against her arm, covering it with poison, but she didnt even flinch.

Your poison cant touch me, or didnt they tell you? Now that Im human again Ive regained my power to repel attacks, and you arent even close to strong enough to overcome my magic. Perhaps theyre not telling you as much as you think they are, Sanguina said, her tone cold and commanding.

Venu wasnt the only one who was surprised. This was the first Valerie had heard of Sanguinas power.

He wrenched himself away from Sanguina and stepped back. Reaper isnt here. Valerie had to physically stop herself from sighing in profound relief. But Zunya is. Her heart dropped.

Sanguina nodded. I want Henry secure in a cell right away. Then Ill talk to Zunya about what to do with the little brat. We always work him over together.

Venu moved aside to let them past.

Come along, Sanguina snapped, pulling at Valeries bound hands.

They walked over the threshold, and the door slammed shut, leaving them temporarily blinded by the darkness. More than anything, Valerie wished she could call for Pathos for a little light, but it wasnt time yet.

Well take her to the isolation cell, Venu said.

The dungeon will be adequate, Sanguina replied.

Valeries eyes began to adjust. There were tiny lights that cast an eerie glow over Venu, and the other Fractus she could see were guarding the threshold.

No, Venu said with more confidence now that the rest of Reapers army safely surrounded him. There is no reason to object to extra caution, given how valuable the boy is to our master.

Very well, Sanguina said in clipped tones, and led Valerie roughly down the hall ahead of Venu.

Dont panic. I will return to release the lock once the guards are taken care of, Sanguina whispered urgently.

Where are you taking me? Valerie asked, unable to restrain the fear creeping into her voice and turning the Laurel Circle cold.