Then suddenly, cheers burst out from everyone at the pool, and from somewhere the sound of lively music filled the air. Now, we celebrate! Celebrate the life Leo lived, and the life we all have yet to experience, Sibyl shouted joyfully.

The weight of farewell and loss that hung heavy in the air lifted. Like magic, the atmosphere changed wildly, and Valeries feet were suddenly light, as if she could walk on air. Everyone began to dance around the pool, and she was pulled into the swirling ma.s.s of Conjurors. With Kanti holding one hand and Cyrus holding the other, she let herself go, joining in the dancing and singing.

Something about the dance was mesmerizing, and somehow, her feet seemed to remember the steps, and her voice knew the tune. The crowd moved as one, racing around the still pool. Valerie looked at Cyrus, and they both started laughing from sheer joy. She had never been so full of life.

The rest of the night was a whirlwind of spinning, singing, and feasting. When she finally collapsed inside the tent, she could still hear the music inside her head.

Chapter 24.

The next morning, Valerie was shaken awake by Kanti. Weve overslept! Come on, guys, get up.

Cyrus rubbed his eyes and sat up. Relax, were up.

Relax? How could I have forgotten about Henry like that last night? It was like I was drugged or something. I wonder if they used some fairy spell.

I dont think so. It was a celebration of life, Valerie said. She smiled at the memory. It was the first party she had ever gone to, and it made up for every birthday that she had never had the chance to celebrate.

Anyway, Putrefus sleeps in, remember? Cyrus added.

Im no better than my parents, forgetting whats important just to go to some party, Kanti muttered angrily, her bushy eyebrows drawn so closely together that they almost met in the middle. Then, louder, she said, Whatever, lets get going.

Whats with her? Cyrus whispered to Valerie as they hurriedly packed their gear. She shrugged. She was starting to get used to Kantis mood swings.

Outside, bright light beat down on the tent and rolled off the desert in waves. The Roaming City was full of movement. In the daylight, Valerie could see that all the robes worn by the members of the Oracle were different colors.

Cyrus noticed Valerie examining them and explained, The colors have to do with how experienced they are at prophesying. The white robes are for the newest apprentices, but other than that, I dont know what the colors mean.

Sibyl, wearing a silvery robe, fluttered over as they finished packing. Ill take you to Pythias Temple. Putrefus should be there by now. Maybe we can persuade him to deliver your prophesy with a little enticement. I brought you his favorite pastry. It might sweeten him up, she said with a twinkle in her eye, handing a fluffy m.u.f.fin to Valerie.

Thanks, Sibyl. Thats so thoughtful of you.

And can we hurry? Not to be rude, but its so important, Kanti said, apprehension written on her face.

Sibyl led them through the streets of the Roaming City. It was very different from Silva, where every building was unique. Instead, all of the tan huts were indistinguishable from each other until they came to the door of one brown building that was several times wider and taller than all of the other huts.

This is the temple of the founder of the Oracle, Pythia. She is one of the most ancient creatures on the Globe, born when Conjurors still lived on Earth. She established this city as soon as she moved here in order to train others who possess a gift for prophesying. She has instructed hundreds in her craft and in her code of honor. She taught us how to use our powers to give the worthy insight into the future, so Conjurors could shape their lives and this world in a positive way. She also created the code we live by, to help those in need and to resist using our powers for profit, Sibyl said. Of course, some of us revere the code more than others.

Valerie had a pretty good idea who Sibyl was referring to. She had a feeling that Putrefus didnt embrace the code with quite the same fervor that Sybil did.

Will we meet Pythia? Cyrus asked.

Thats very unlikely. She rarely leaves her bed, Sibyl replied, her eyes filled with grief. Pythia is coming to the end of her days.

Im so sorry, Valerie said, putting a gentle hand on Sibyls shoulder. Sibyl squeezed her hand and then led them into the temple.

The inside of the temple was as una.s.suming as the outside. The walls were bare, and the only decoration was a spiral staircase at the back of the room that swept up to the second floor. The temple was filled with a quiet bustle as the Conjurors in their many-colored robes went about their tasks. In the middle of the room were three concentric circles. At the center was a three-legged stool. Valerie noticed that no one stepped inside the circles.

No one can enter the rings unless they are delivering or receiving a prophecy, Sybil explained. The s.p.a.ce inside the rings is holy.

There he is, Kanti said, nudging Valerie and distracting her from her examination of the room.

Putrefus, wearing a deep purple robe, stood by a window talking to a small group of Conjurors wearing blue. Putrefus said something, and then the group looked over at Valerie, Kanti, and Cyrus and didnt even try to hide their laughter.

Valerie took a deep breath. Lets do this. They walked over to Putrefus with Sibyl lingering behind them. Good morning, Putrefus. I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. Im Valerie. I heard that youre the most gifted member of the Oracle in the city.

You heard correctly, he said.

Valerie saw Kanti trying to stifle her laughter, and she nudged her hard in the ribs. I brought you breakfast. I heard this is your favorite, Valerie said with a smile, handing him the m.u.f.fin. I would be so honored if you would deliver my prophecy. The need is great, for, you see, theres a boy in trouble and I have to save him. May I count on your compa.s.sion?

I already ate, Putrefus said, tossing the m.u.f.fin to one of his friends. So if I help you, whats in it for me?

Valerie turned to Cyrus, confused. I thought we didnt need an offering.

You dont! Sibyl burst out indignantly. She had been hovering a few yards behind the group, but now she pushed herself forward so that she was standing inches away from Putrefus. It is our duty and privilege to help those in need.

Im very busy. Why dont you ask one of the lower level Oracles to deliver your prophecy? Putrefus said, turning away disdainfully.

Before Valerie could react to Putrefuss rejection, a sudden hush fell over the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and fell to one knee with their hands over their hearts. To her surprise, even Putrefus grudgingly knelt.

Valerie followed the gaze of everyone in the room and saw an ancient woman in a red robe at the top of the staircase. Slowly, she descended, stair by stair. She moved as if each step took great effort, but when she reached the bottom, she spoke in a voice so booming that Valerie couldnt fathom how it came out of her small frame.

Shes here! The woman announced, looking in Valeries direction. At last, I can deliver my final prophecy. She wound her way through the kneeling group and stopped in front of Valerie. Up close, Valerie could see that her darkly tanned face was covered in dozens of deep wrinkles. Her pure white hair hung to her waist. I have waited for you. Your need called to me across the universe, across the centuries. I was so afraid you would not make it to this place to hear your prophecy until after I was gone.

A murmur of astonishment rushed across the room. Valerie was mesmerized as she stared into the womans wide blue eyes, the widest she had ever seen. This couldnt be anyone other than Pythia.

Guess you werent too good to deliver Vals prophecy after all. Turns out she was too good for you, Kanti whispered to Putrefus. Putrefus grunted, but he didnt reply.

Pythia clasped Valeries hands in her own and pulled her gently into the circles in the middle of the room. Then she sat on the stool in the center, sighing with relief as she rested. Only then did she release Valeries hands.

Valerie knelt before Pythia and looked up into her face. Pythias eyes darted around the room, as if she was watching a scene unfold before her eyes, trying to absorb every detail. Then, all of the frailty that Valerie had seen in the old woman dropped away, and before her stood not an old woman, but a force of nature, the Oracle. She exuded power, and it hummed inside of Valerie more strongly than she had ever felt before, causing her entire body to tremble. Pythia now sat board-straight, and her voice echoed as she spoke.

Before your eyes, two destinies unfurl.

Both are full of adventure, love, and loss.

The path you choose will impact both of your worlds, But be forewarned, each choice has a cost.

The cry for help across the universe Is your own brothers frightened, desperate peal.

Answer his call to save a life thats cursed.

A family divided now can heal.

When sister and brother unite power, Though war may rage with those who seek to rule, The ones who wield fear will now cower, Though they try to use you as their tool.

When blood calls blood, answer its thrumming call.

Know that with one false step we all will fall.

As Valerie listened, her heart seemed to expand in her chest. Did this mean Henry was her brother? That she wasnt alone in the universe, as she had always thought? Terror and joy clashed inside of her as Valerie realized that she had one family member left after all, but he was in terrible danger.

But before she could process her emotions, she saw Pythia slump on her stool. She swayed, and Valerie leapt up and caught her before she crashed onto the floor. The hush in the temple disappeared in an uproar. The Conjurors rushed to the edge of the circle, but no one stepped inside the rings.

Help! Someone help her! Valerie cried in horror. Then she looked down at Pythias face and said softly, Im so sorry.

Do not fret, child, she replied weakly, putting her hand on Valeries face. Im content. I foresaw what would happen if you never heard those words, and it was terrible. But I lived long enough to tell you, and the future of the Globe is in your hands now. I know you have it in you to follow the path that will save us all.

Valerie realized that Cyrus and Kanti had ventured inside the circle and were now beside her. Kanti, like Valerie, was crying. Sibyl sped through the crowd, fluttering through the air at a speed that Valerie wouldnt have believed she was capable of. In seconds, Sibyl was by Pythias side.

Tell me what you need. Anything, and I will do it, Sibyl said, her voice trembling.

Valerie looked down at the woman in her arms. Her blue eyes looked peaceful, and she smiled softly. There is nothing to be done, my Sibyl. It was you who foresaw my end. Is this not how you pictured it?

Sibyl gently took Pythia out of Valeries arms. She cradled her close. This is how I saw it. With you in my arms, she said, and tears spilled out of her eyes. I cant bear for you to go.

Ill be waiting for you when your time comes, precious one.

I love you, Mother, Sibyl replied.

With a faint smile on her lips, Pythias eyes fluttered closed. Sibyl released a melancholy wail that echoed off the walls. It was heartbreaking. Pythia has departed us forever, she said to the room, and her cry of pain was echoed by dozens of other voices. The circle is broken. Enter and help me to prepare her for the beyond.

Chapter 25.

The city was in chaos for the rest of the day as the members of the Oracle prepared for Pythias funeral. Valerie and her friends would have left, but Sibyl asked them to stay, saying that it was what her mother would have wanted.

Guilt lay heavy on Valeries heart, and the tiny pocket of joy that she had found her brother only made her feel like a worse person. Her tongue was like lead, and she couldnt bring herself to talk about what had happened, even with her friends. So they stayed in their tent most of the day, saying little to each other.

As the sun began to set, the flap on their tent was pushed aside, and Azra looked inside. With a sob, Valerie rushed over and wrapped her arms around her neck, weeping into her mane. Its my fault. My prophecy killed her. I took too much from her, and I drove her away, like I eventually drive everyone in my life away.

No, no, child, that is not true. It is like the room inside the Great Pyramid that crumbled behind you when you were launched into s.p.a.ce. Pythia was waiting for you. If she hadnt needed to deliver your prophecy, she would have died long ago.

How do you know? Valerie said tearfully.

I knew Pythia well. I know how hard she struggled to hold on to life when death was calling to her for her next adventure. You cant take responsibility for nature taking its course. And though I will miss my friend, I am happy that she is at peace at last. And it was you who gave her that peace. The weight on her heart that Valerie thought would never disappear seemed to ease slightly, and her breathing calmed. Say goodbye to her tonight, and when you do, let go of your guilt as well.

How did you know to come here? Cyrus asked.

I sensed all of her power released into the universe. Chern bent s.p.a.ce and created a door for me so that I could be here tonight to say goodbye.

Chern? Kanti said with disbelief. I didnt even know he had a power.

Yes, he can bend the laws of physics, and was kind enough to use his power to allow me to say goodbye to an old friend.

In the distance, Valerie heard the sound of bells that seemed to be moving closer. Come, it is time for the ceremony to begin.

They left the tent and saw Conjurors walking down the street in a long line. Most wore the long robes of the Oracle, but some, like Azra, were Conjurors from other cities who had sensed Pythias pa.s.sing and had come for the funeral.

At the front of the procession, six Oracles, each wearing a different color robe, carried a platform that held Pythias body. Sibyl fluttered above her mother, her face now calm. She saw Azra and nodded to her. Azra returned the greeting, and Valerie saw tears standing in her eyes. The procession reached the pool, where light from torches flickered on the water. The Oracles placed the platform on the pool, and Azra moved closer, her hooves making no sound. Valerie and her friends followed.

Azra made her way through the crowd, and as she did, her words filled the minds of everyone who had gathered to say goodbye to Pythia.

Pythia was my oldest friend. She was by my side when we first imagined this world. Her sense of honor and capacity to love have been my inspiration, and I often think of her when I make difficult choices. She was a powerful, wonderful person who valued integrity above all.

She accomplished so much in her life. But the memory that is closest to my heart has nothing to do with her power as an Oracle. When we first came to this world, my husband died. I lost the love of my life, and also became the last of my kind, with no chance of ever having a child of my own. Pythia stayed with me for many years as I worked through my grief. She helped me to see that devoting my life to shaping the Globe would give me purpose and be my legacy when I die. Without her love and guidance, I dont think I could have survived. I will carry the memory of her in my heart forever.

When Azra had finished, one of the Oracles who had held Pythias platform began to speak, telling a story about how Pythia had comforted her when she first came to the Roaming City as a novice. One after another, the Conjurors shared stories about Pythia, some profound, some funny, all showing what a loving and ethical person she was. It was many hours later when the last person shared her story. Then quiet fell over the group.

After a long pause, Sibyl spoke. My mother was ready to leave. She had taught us all she knew about prophesying, and she left us with her code of honor to guide us in our future. We honor her memory by keeping that code alive. Then she fluttered over to her mother and kissed her softly on the cheek. Farewell, dear Mother.

The crowd began to hum softly, and Valerie joined in. The platform holding Pythia began to rise higher and higher in the sky. When it reached the top of the pillars, it paused. The tears in Valeries eyes spilled over.

She looked up, and the twinkling stars seemed to welcome Pythia. She was leaving the Globe, but her journey wasnt over. And then, Valerie let her go. The platform vanished.

To her surprise, Valerie was able to sleep that night. She woke up the next morning feeling emotionally exhausted, but without the despair of the day before that had made her feel so hollow inside. She even let herself bask in the knowledge that after years of thinking she was completely on her own, now she had a brother.

Who was in trouble, she reminded herself, and her contentment vanished. She wanted to jump up right then and go rescue him, but shed have to find him first. Her determination steeled into resolve. She wouldnt let anything happen to him"ever.

Then a second realization hit her, and her excitement grew. How had she not thought of it before? She gently shook Kanti awake. Her friend cracked one eye, looking grumpy.

Im sorry to wake you. But I have to know. Henrys parents"my parents"what are they like?

Kanti sat up and put a hand on Valeries shoulder. Hesitantly, her eyes full of worry, she said, Val, Henrys adopted.

Valerie knew that had to be a possibility, but she was a little crushed. Her status as an orphan hadnt changed after all. But she forced herself to shake off the thought. She had a brother, family, where yesterday she had none.

Its okay, I just had to know. Go back to sleep, she said, and she left the tent before Kanti could say anything else. She refused to let her disappointment cloud the best revelation of her life.

Outside, Cyrus was watching the sunrise. She sat beside him.

You said yesterday to Azra that you drive everyone away. But thats not true. You never drove me away, and there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop being your friend. I thought you knew that.

But I did drive you away, by not believing in you. Even at the hospital, I thought you were imaginary and told you to leave me alone. Its my fault that we werent friends for all those years.