Never mind that she mentally tortured a kid! Thai said indignantly.

Dont get me started.

I have an idea. Why dont you talk to Midnight and see what she thinks? Midnight was the Grand Master of the Guardians of the Boundary, and the Conjuror who had coached Thai through his adjustment to magic.

Dont you think it would be a little weird, showing up and asking her twenty questions?

Its a heck of a lot safer than talking to Sanguina. Whats the worst that could happen?

She could send me back to Earth, she joked.

And would that be so bad? he said, and his eyes locked on hers and turned her brain to mush.

No, she whispered softly. I think I could live with that. He touched the air next to her face, and she could swear she felt warmth on her cheek. She drew in a breath.

Night, he said, finally breaking his gaze.

She returned to the Globe, but her head was still in the clouds.

She decided to take Thais advice. The next day, she and Cyrus left the dorm to find Midnight.

Its good to be on another adventure with you, he said with a mischievous wiggle of his eyebrows.

This is serious! she insisted, but she couldnt help sharing his excitement.

They exchanged theories about who the spy could be as they walked to the sweeping building that housed the Guardians of the Boundary. Once they were there, she was struck again by the magnificent structure, which reached up to the sky like a white cathedral. Inside was just as she remembered it, with muted light through stained glass exuding peace.

Cyrus led her up an elegant, winding staircase to a dark wood door engraved with a crest of two crossed swords. He knocked in a strange rhythm"knock, knock, KNOCK, knock knock.

Its a code, he explained with a smile. Midnight always makes time to see the kids from the Society of Imaginary Friends who visit to tell her about Sightings of Fractus on Earth, but sometimes she doesnt answer for anyone else. She gave us the knock so shed know its important.

Midnight opened the door to an elegant office with a huge wooden desk, a blazing fire in a stone hearth, and a globe of Earth that was spinning slowly. Magic had made cloud patterns appear to be floating across Earth, like an image from space.

Midnight saw her staring and explained, Its a true reflection of Earth at this exact time. I can zoom in anywhere and view whats happening in a specific location.

That is so cool, she said, shaking her head.

Midnight smiled, and Valerie noticed that she had cut her purple hair short. It made her look younger, though her violet eyes still had the ageless quality to them that she remembered.

I hope youre here to join us as a recruit, Midnight said.

Valerie shook her head. Im sorry, but I apprenticed to the Guild of the Knights of Light. I love what you do here, but somehow I think thats where I belong.

Midnight nodded her head briskly and hid the disappointment that flashed through her eyes. So what brings you here?

Valerie was uncomfortable. Cyrus must have sensed her hesitation, because he jumped in. Were worried about Sanguina. Weve heard there might be a spy in one of the guilds, and theres every reason to think it could be her.

Midnight nodded thoughtfully and gestured to several elegant chairs by the fire that were upholstered in rich red velvet. They all sat down, and she said, I can understand your concern, given what she put you and your brother though.

Valerie was surprised that Midnight knew her history so well.

Azra explained the situation to me after you vanished from the Black Castle, she said. I had guessed as much already, because one of the few loopholes to return to Earth is for blood to call blood.

When blood calls blood, answer its thrumming callValerie knew the words of the prophecy she had received when she had first come to the Globe, but she had never considered that the Guardians might also know that a way existed for someone to return to Earth.

But you dont think Sanguinas the spy? Cyrus said impatiently.

I do not, but all of the Grand Masters are still very careful about what we reveal to her.

Did she know about Jets mission? Valerie asked.

Not as far as I know. No one in this guild informed her. Sanguina seems to be genuinely trying to piece her life back together. I once thought she would be my successor as the next Guardians Grand Master when I retire, but of course, that can no longer be. However, she has been helpful to me.

How so?

We are trying to find a way to create a second shield that would protect Earth from anyone on the Globe who tries to return in case the original seal is breached. It is a complicated puzzle, and she is helping us to find a solution. It is the only way to protect the humans from the threat that is coming.

An image of Zakis blood in the hot spring suddenly flashed through Valeries mind, and tears stung her eyes. The Fractus were capable of anything.

Midnight lay her hand on top of Valeries. We will protect the humans. I swear it, she said.

Thank you, Valerie said, unable to choke out anything more.

On the way down the stairs outside of the guild, she turned to Cyrus. I guess thats one person we can check off our list of suspects.

Sanguina.

Exactly.

No, I mean shes here, Cyrus said, and he stepped in front of her protectively.

But Valerie pushed past him. Without even registering a conscious thought, Pathos was in her hand. Sanguina caught sight of her and started to draw her own weapon from the sheath at her side, but then stopped and released it.

Sorry, she said. Old habits. Her voice didnt have the same screech to it that Valerie remembered from her nightmares. She even appeared different, a little older with fine wrinkles around her eyes, but the network of purple veins in her skin had faded. She didnt look like a monster anymore, but that didnt mean that she wasnt still one in every way that mattered.

Valerie marched past her, determined not to let her enemy see how shaken she was. But she was only a step away when Sanguinas hand touched her arm. Her magic surged up within her, and she grabbed Sanguinas wrist and hurtled her over her shoulder. She landed on her back, groaning.

Remind me never to sneak up on you. I should have known. Youre just like" she hesitated. Theres something Ive wanted to talk to you about for a long time now. Alone.

No way, Cyrus said, his usually warm blue eyes icy.

Theres nothing you cant say in front of Cyrus. Hes my best friend.

She nodded. You might want to sit down for this.

Id rather stand.

Sanguina shook her head in exasperation, but she had a little smile on her face. How could I have missed it? she said to herself. Then her face turned serious. Right before you saved my life, I realized"

Ahem, a little cough came from a nearby bush.

What the heck? Cyrus said. He looked behind the shrub and then dragged out Chern, who was beet red.

G-goodness me, so s-sorry.

Sanguina turned pale. We can continue this later, she said, and then disappeared through the silver doors of the Guardians Guild. Valerie shrugged, unsure if she wanted there to be a later.

Were you listening? Cyrus asked Chern indignantly.

He shifted his weight from foot to foot. I didnt mean to"I try to avoid that freak. Very dangerous. When I heard you talking to her, I didnt want to cross her path. His hands began to tremble.

Its okay, dont worry about it, Valerie said, seeing his obvious agitation.

Im glad I found you, he said. Something has been worrying me. I saw Darling a few days ago, and he seemed sick. I tried to help him, but he scampered away. I dont know how to find him, but Im afraid something might be wrong after visiting Earth. That was certainly strange.

Yes, it was, she said, unaccountably uncomfortable as she remembered that he had witnessed Darling healing Ming. What makes you think he isnt well?

It was just an impression. He wasnt his usual happy self.

Cyrus shrugged, and she could see that he thought it was probably just Cherns paranoia at work. But she owed so much to Darling; she had to follow up on the warning.

I have no idea how to find him, she said.

You reached out to him with your mind before, maybe you should try again, Chern suggested.

She concentrated, but he didnt appear. When he came, it was because I needed his help.

Theres a little Conjuror with a broken leg. Hes in the Healers Guild, but its a complicated fracture, and it will take some time for him to get better, Chern said.

How do you know that? Cyrus asked.

The Master Healer, Nightingale, is a close friend. He asked if I had heard of any techniques used in the past to help with this kind of injury.

A tingling in her mind suggested that something wasnt right. Maybe Chern was right, and Darling was in trouble. Now that she was focusing her mind on him, it seemed like her discomfort was increasing.

Lets go, she said.

Inside the Healers Guild, it was very quiet and peaceful. Low music played with a complicated, haunting melody from an instrument that she couldnt place. All of the Healer apprentices walked quietly and spoke softly. They were lucky that it was visiting hours when they arrived.

Were here to visit little Emin in the childrens ward, Chern said. Without questioning him, they were led to the bedside of a boy with dark skin that had a gold cast to it that reminded her of Elden. Was he one of the People of the Woods, and if so, why he was living in Silva?

Hi, Chern! Whore these guys? the boy chirped in a high, musical voice.

Theyre my friends, Valerie and Cyrus. They want to see if they can help you get better.

Valerie sat on the side of his bed. He smiled cheerfully, but when she came closer, she could see the shadows under his eyes. He hadnt been sleeping, and his face had the drawn look she recognized from the children in her hospital who were really sick.

Nightingale appeared at the doorway. He was green, with long ears and sharp teeth that could be a little frightening at first glance, but he had nursed her carefully when she had been badly beaten by Sanguina all those months ago. She was a little ashamed that she was so uncomfortable in his presence.

How are you, Emin? he asked. Is the pain lessening today?

A little, he said, wincing as Nightingale pulled back the bandage to examine the wound. It was red and puffy, as if it were infected. He put some ointment on it and rewrapped it.

Id call Azra for help with this one, but she is not in Arden, Nightingale said, to Valeries surprise. She knew that Azra was planning to visit leaders in other countries to talk to them about the threats that were arising, but she didnt know that she had left already.

A sudden stab of concern for Emin gripped her heart. He was really hurt. What if she couldnt call Darling? What if"

Before she finished her thought, Darling appeared on Emins bed and jumped in her lap. She sighed in relief.

Thank you, Darling, she said, and he gurgled a sweet little sound of joy as she hugged him.

Darling hopped from her lap into Emins, and Emin started to tickle him. His high-pitched giggle reminded her of a babys first laughter. As the two played, she saw Emins color return, and the pain that creased his forehead disappeared, without him even realizing it.

Chern and Nightingale were both watching closely, however, and noticed the change. They glanced at each other.

What a relief, Chern said, and reached out his hand to pet Darlings golden fur. In the process, his ring got caught on a strand of his fur and pulled it out.

Darling yelped in pain and leaped into Valeries arms. S-sorry, Chern stuttered.

But Darling gave him an injured look and vanished as quickly as hed come.

Feeling better, Emin? Valerie asked.

Oh boy, yeah! I better get home, he said.

Do you need me to take you somewhere? she asked.

Ill discharge him to his parents, Nightingale said, ushering her and Cyrus out the door. She had the impression that they were being dismissed.

Bye, kids! Chern added in an overly cheery, condescending tone. Run along home now before it gets dark. These parts have never been safe!

They went their separate ways, and once they were out of earshot, Valerie and Cyrus giggled at Cherns paranoia.

Something about that guy annoys the heck out of me, Cyrus said.

He helped Emin, so he isnt completely self-absorbed, Valerie countered.

Before Cyrus could reply, she suddenly was pulled from herself into Henrys mind. On the Globe she wasnt weakened by the connection, so she could completely concentrate on what she was experiencing through him.

Henrys heart was pounding. He was standing at the doorway to Kantis room"Valerie recognized it by the black walls that contrasted with a princess-y, four-poster bed. Lying on top of the covers was a shape that looked like a person sleeping inside of a white sleeping bag. Leaning over her was a woman with long hair streaked with silver.

Valeries heart sped up as she realized who it was"Ani, Kantis aunt. She had betrayed her and Kanti to Zunya when they had been in Elsinore. Whatever she was doing with Kanti, it couldnt be good. Valerie sent images of what had happened to Henry, and his hands clenched.

He tapped Ani on the shoulder. She turned, smiling sweetly. You MUST be Kantis boyfriend. I hear youre with her ALL the time. A little bit like a STALKER, if you ask me. And I told my sister and her husband so. You wont be staying LONG.

She nodded to a broad-shouldered bodyguard who appeared at the door. He pulled Henry roughly by the arm and hauled him to the lawn in front of Kantis familys magnificent ice castle.

Henrys blinding fear returned, but she was proud of him as he fought to drive it back. Ani could be doing anything in the room with Kanti, and it was up to him to stop her. He stared up, squinting at her window, which was three floors above ground level. Without hesitating, he began to climb.