So well be standing here exposed until then? Thai asked.

Not exactly, Zaki said. Henry, Valerie, press your hands here. He pointed to an indentation in the wall, and they did as they were told.

A crack in the rock flashed blue, and they could see the outline of a door. Together they pushed, and the rock slid back to reveal a dark cave. She shuddered, dreading the walk through the close darkness.

Now this is a little more worthy of the kind of adventure taken by such brave souls as ourselves, Zaki said, making Valerie smile in spite of herself.

Zaki and Chisisi led the way, and they could dimly see in the dark cave from the light coming in at the opening. On the walls were elaborate patterns that reminded her of waves. It gave the cave the sensation of movement, as if they were sliding toward the darkness at the end of the tunnel.

Zaki stopped at a rough doorway. Beyond it, the light from the entrance didnt penetrate. He pulled a lighter out of his pocket along with a bottle of fluid. He poured the fluid into a groove in the wall, and then lit it.

Fire raced along the wall and then curved back, illuminating a circular room inside a ring of flames. When the ring was complete, the hum of power that had resonated at a low frequency inside her mind suddenly increased. The effect made her pleasantly lightheaded. The fire reflected off of a pool of water at the bottom, which had steam rising from it.

What is this place? she whispered, as if speaking too loud would shatter the incredible beauty of the spot.

Long ago, it was one of the portals to the Globe. But someone stole a disc that channels the magic of this place, and it hasnt worked since. Several years ago, I used my considerable wit and strength to recover it, Zaki said, pulling out a stone from his pouch with a flourish and handing it to her.

It was perfectly round and smooth, other than a deep depression in the center. The disc itself was humming with power, somehow synchronized with the humming in the room.

How can you be sure its the right disc? Thai asked. It doesnt look special to me.

Its not how it looks, its how it feels, Zaki replied.

She handed it to Thai, and she knew when he felt its power by his sharp gasp. It belongs here, he said.

This hot spring isnt very deep. I need to swim to the bottom of it and put the disc in place. Then Valerie and Henrys magic will reactivate it, and at sunset they should be able to travel to the Globe, Zaki explained.

Will it be like last time, where we steer a bubble with our minds? she asked.

No, this portal uses very different magic. No one has used it for hundreds of years, so I only know that you enter the water and emerge in a pool on the Globe. Azra knows where you will appear and will be waiting for you.

With that, Zaki pulled out a mask that would allow him to see underwater, struck a Superman pose, and dove into the pool. He came up for air several times.

Im searching the bottom for the right spot. I know where it should be, but underwater it is hard to tell, he explained.

When the disc was put in place, the hot spring lit up, glowing from beneath. The sight took Valeries breath away. The water was pure and clear, and if it werent for the light reflecting off the water, she might have thought that there was no water at all. She could see every rock, every groove at the bottom of the pool.

Henrys jaw hung open and Joe held his hand against his mouth. It was the first time that either of them had witnessed magic. It was one thing to learn about it through stories, but another thing to experience it.

This is really happening, Henry whispered. His father gripped him in a close hug.

I know this isnt really goodbye, son, but I will miss you all the same, Joe said. Then he hugged Valerie. I cant wait to know you better. Please take care of my boy.

She gripped him tightly. I swear Ill protect him with my life.

Well take care of each other, Henry said, with a trace of annoyance.

She laughed. Agreed. Though on the Globe, I could totally beat you in an arm wrestling match any day of the week.

Well see.

How sweet, Zunyas voice cut through the room.

Her heart rate immediately sped up, but she forced herself to swallow her fear. Youre too late, she said. Were going to leave.

My mistake. Is it sunset already?

The beating sound Valerie had noticed earlier was much louder now, and wind swept through the cave, kicking up dust and making her cough. Footsteps raced through the cave. It was definitely more than a couple of people.

Children, step back, Chisisi commanded.

Yes, children, hide like little mice, Zunya taunted.

Were here to help, she said, straightening her spine.

Val, do what Chisisi says, Cyrus said, appearing beside her. Trust me, he can handle himself.

Four figures dressed in black burst into the room. Valerie barely had time to register that one of them was the dark-haired woman who had attacked them on the highway before complete mayhem broke out. She barely managed to follow the fight, because Chisisi and Zaki moved so quickly that she couldnt believe they werent using magic. Expertly, they ducked and weaved away from blows from their attackers. Then, with quick jabs to certain pressure points, first one, then another, dropped to the ground, unconscious.

Idiots, get up! Zunya hissed.

A sudden splash in the pool alerted Valerie to the fact that the dark-haired woman had jumped into the water. She swam straight to the bottom and pulled out the disc. The pool turned dark as the magic was extinguished.

Zaki dove in after her, and Valerie listened as they grappled in the water. It was difficult to see with only the ring of fire lighting the room. Suddenly, the woman leaped out of the water and began running down the hallway to the exit of the cave. Valerie and Thai chased after her, and Thai caught the edge of the womans shirt. She tripped, dropping the disc, but was quickly back up and running.

Outside on the ledge, Valerie saw what was causing the noise and wind"a helicopter hovered unsteadily in the canyon. The woman made an incredible leap off the ledge and into the helicopter, which immediately rose into the sky.

Its not over, Zunya said, but the immediate danger had passed.

You underestimated us"again, she said, and he vanished.

Guys? Henry called, his voice wavering with emotion. Thai and Valerie picked up the disc and ran back to the chamber. Chisisi was giving Zaki CPR, surrounded by the unconscious bodies of their attackers.

He has passed, Chisisi said, his voice trembling with grief. He rocked back on his heels, his hands hiding his face.

She killed him? That cant be. I dont believe it! Valerie said, and fell to her knees beside Zaki. She held her hands against his heart and tried to reach for her magic, the magic that saved Sanguinas life, but just like when she tried to help Ming, she couldnt touch it.

Someone has to help him! What about Darling? she cried.

Hes already gone, Val. No one can help him now, Cyrus said softly.

Chisisi made a choking sound as he tried to hold back a sob. Zaki was really gone.

Young ones, you must go, now. Its what Zaki would have wanted, Chisisi said, no longer trying to hide the tears that coursed down his cheeks.

We dont know who else might be coming. We cant lose any time, Thai added.

Chisisi took the disc and dove to the bottom of the hot spring. The water glowed again, but a dark stain of blood from a cut on Zakis head stained the pure water.

Valerie hugged Joe and Chisisi, and then turned to Thai while Henry said a final goodbye to his father.

Im going to be with you before you know it, Thai said. But Id be lying if I didnt say that life will be hell without you by my side.

He crushed her to his chest and kissed her. It was quick but sweet, and when she pulled back, she saw the determination in his eyes. He would come to her, no matter what it took.

I love you, she whispered, and he pulled her into his arms one last time.

Me, too"truly and forever.

Chapter 7.

Henry and Valerie held hands as they jumped into the glowing pool. The warm water enveloped her like an embrace. Beneath the surface, she opened her eyes and watched in astonishment as the water turned gold. Without thinking, she inhaled, but instead of water rushing into her lungs, a tingling warmth raced down her throat and circulated through her entire body.

The magic spread down her arms and legs and shot out of her fingers and toes. The terrifying thought entered her mind that she would disappear forever. She had barely formed the idea when the magic receded up her arms and back into her core. The water was no longer gold. In fact, it was much colder, and she realized that she was deep underwater.

She swam up, up, up, scared that she would never reach the top. Was this how Zaki had felt when he drowned in the pool? She kicked her legs in panic. Seconds later, she was gasping for air. She saw that Henry had already surfaced and was staring up.

Above them was a sky full of thousands of stars. It was a dazzling sight, but she couldnt appreciate it knowing the price that had been paid to get her here. It was a debt she could never repay, but she promised herself that shed never forget Zakis sacrifice.

Welcome, Henry. And welcome back, Valerie, Azras voice chimed softly in her mind. She was standing on the shore, her elegant silver horn glinting in the starlight.

Valerie registered that they were in the middle of a deep pool of water that looked black in the darkness. She and Henry swam to the edge, and she wrung out her hair. In the moonlight, the streak of silver at the back that she usually kept hidden in her ponytail shone brightly. It had appeared after she had saved Sanguinas life with her vivicus power, and every time she saw it, she was reminded of what she was capable of"and what she was giving up.

She gave Azra a hug and buried her face in her mane, which smelled like lilies. I missed you.

And I, you.

Its an honor to meet you in the flesh, Henry said formally. Valerie could see that he was a little dazzled to meet a real unicorn.

The feeling is mutual, she said with a kind twinkle in her eyes. There are towels and clothes in my pack. She pointed her nose toward a brown bag hanging over her snow white back. They quickly dried off and dressed.

Where are we? Valerie asked. And wheres Cyrus?

I had to come alone. The reason that this portal to the Globe was closed was because the entrance here is in the heart of Dunsinane, which is crawling with Fractus. I suspect their Black Castle is nearby.

Isnt Sanguina gone from here now?

Yes, but we know that she didnt act alone. At the very least, Zunya is still here, and we have reason to believe an even more powerful enemy considers it home.

Why doesnt an army of Conjurors go and take over the castle? Henry asked.

It cannot be found unless someone is invited. Now, we must quickly travel to a nearby wood on the border of Dunsinane. I have a friend there who will help us get back to Arden.

I have to tell our friends we made it safely, Valerie said. Azra nodded, and Valerie gripped the crystal around her neck. With the Globes magic to power the charm, she saw a little image of Thai inside, smiling at her. She gripped it tightly, and was by his side, on the ledge outside of the cave where they had been only minutes earlier, but which was now a universe away.

Youre safe! he said when he saw her. I had hoped you were, but you both just vanished and the light went out, and we were worried you had drowned"

Were fine, she gently interrupted him. She yearned to touch his hand, and even though he had held her less than an hour ago, already it was almost physically painful to be separated from him.

Thank goodness, Joe said.

Chisisi nodded in relief, but his face was drained of color. He was almost swaying on his feet.

I cant stay"we entered into an area thats a little dangerous, so we have to move quickly. Ill visit you as soon as I can.

She was suddenly jolted, and her mind came back to the Globe. Henry was shaking her. Zunya was only a few yards away from them.

You should have stayed on Earth. You would have lived longer, he said, his yellow eyes connecting with hers.

The Laurel Circle was very cold on her thumb. Zunya could take her magic, leaving her defenseless. He raised his hand in the air, and her power began to drain away. She clutched her chest, and next to her, Henry did the same thing.

But then Azra stepped in front of them both, and Valeries magic returned in a flood. It was a sweet relief, like she had a gasp of air after being underwater for too long. But if Azra was shielding her, then she must be in incredible pain.

Azra, no! Its okay, Ill go peacefully. Dont let him near you, Valerie said.

His void cannot touch me. Leave this place, Zunya, she commanded with a toss of her mane.

Dont test me. My powers have grown since we last met, he said, and his yellow eyes glittered dangerously.

But Azra calmly stepped forward, aiming her horn at his heart. Her pure white coat began to dim as she walked closer, but she continued to approach him. Zunya held out his hand, and he began to pant with effort. He was focusing all of his attention on Azra, and Valerie saw an opportunity.

Grateful to have her full strength and energy back now that she was on the Globe, she stepped back into the shadows, and then quietly circled behind him. With a swift spin kick, she knocked her heel against his temple, and he dropped to the ground.

Before she could give him the final blow that would render him unconscious, he was back on his feet faster than she would have thought possible. Valerie launched a punch on his jaw, but instead of fighting back, he retreated into the darkness.

Guess hes not immune to a good, old-fashioned punch in the face, Henry said with satisfaction, and brother and sister prepared to go after him.

But Azra dropped to her foreleg, and her head touched the ground. Henry and Valerie hurried to her side. Azras usually iridescent mane was streaked with dull gray. There were white spots on her eyes, as though she was blind.

Children, I am sorry, she said, and then stumbled, falling completely to the ground.

No, Valerie said, but instead of panic, she was filled only with determination. On the Globe, she was her own mistress, and no more of her friends would be lost. Somehow she knew what to do without thinking. Gently, she cupped Azras face and threaded her fingers through her mane.

Valerie? Whats happening? Henry asked, stepping toward her. She opened her mind to him, and he gasped.

Her magic pounded in her veins like a heartbeat. It threatened to flood her, devour her, but she channeled it out of herself and into Azra. Electricity crackled in the air, and Azra lit up in a blinding flash. With effort, Valerie tried to release her grip on her magic before it consumed her, but it was as if a dam had burst inside her. It was like she was being pulled to the bottom of a vast ocean by an inescapable undertow. She had gone too far, and she wasnt coming back.

Before she was lost, her resolve suddenly strengthened as her brothers mind joined hers. Together, they pushed back the flood of magic, and to her relief, it receded. She registered the shock on Henrys face and Azras cool breath against her cheek before her mind went dark.

The dream was back, but this time instead of Sanguinas eyes, she saw Azras. They were filled with resignation. She had traded a part of herself that she could never have back, and with that trade came a choice"give into the oblivion or fight her way to the light.