I wonder why we found it now, Cyrus mused.

Valerie noticed that between the flowers, a set of stairs wound their way up to the top tier. Despite the urgency of her mission, she had to see where they led. She quickly ascended the steps, and the sight when she reached the top made the detour worth it. An enormous waterfall rushed down into a pool surrounded by trees with leaves in every color imaginable. The leaves were reflected in the pool, turning the water into a liquid mix of colors.

Valerie heard Cyrus shout, and then he came running past her and cannonballed into the water below. Seconds later, he bobbed to the surface, laughing. Its warm, like bathwater! You guys have to jump in!

You dont have to ask me twice! Dulcea said, following him into the water with a splash.

I guess youve found your inner child, Valerie laughed.

Come on, Val!

I cant swim, she said. But then she spotted a small dirt path that wound down the side of the waterfall to the bottom, and she hurried down it. When she was almost at the bottom, she saw that behind the rushing waterfall was a small cavern. Carefully, she inched closer, and slid past the waterfall without falling in, getting thoroughly drenched with spray in the process.

Inside, the cavern was dim, the only light coming through the pounding water that rushed past. At first, she thought it was empty, but then she noticed someone standing at the back. Her heart pounded.

Hi, Im Valerie. Sorry to bother you.

The person didnt move a muscle. She stepped closer and realized that it wasnt a person, but a statue of a female warrior, looking as if she was about to draw her sword from the sheath that hung at her side. Looking closer, Valerie noticed that the sheath was empty, and the womans hand was closing around air. Had the statues sword been stolen? The womans face had a fierce expression, her eyes narrowed and her body tense, ready to fight.

Valerie wondered why someone would put such an intricate statue behind a waterfall where no one would see it. She touched the statues hand, and a strange feeling ran through her, reminding her of when she had touched the face at Stonehenge and the Sphinxs paw. Did this statue guard a secret, too?

Valerie, where are you? Dulcea called, worry in her voice.

She hurried out from behind the waterfall. In the bright sunshine, she recalled her goal for the day, and was ashamed of being so distracted from her quest. Every day that went by was another chance for Sanguina to find Thai and tell Venu where he was. Or worse, Sanguina could create a charm of her own and she would never see Thai again.

Hey, guys, we should go find the caves. Didnt you say it could take days to find the right kind of crystal, Cyrus?

Yeah, Cyrus said, reluctantly getting out of the water and wringing out his clothes. But when we come back here, Im teaching you to swim.

It was only after they were tramping through the woods that Valerie thought of the statue behind the waterfall. But neither Cyrus nor Dulcea had heard anything about any statues or art in Babylon. Something about the woman tugged at her mind, and she promised herself that after this was all over, she would go back and discover what secrets the statue guarded.

When they reached the caves, tucked inside of a rocky hill, Cyrus and Dulcea explained what kind of crystal they needed to make the charm. It had to be at least the size of a walnut, and perfectly clear, without a single speck or deformity that could twist the spell to make it do something that it shouldnt.

Inside, the caves were dark and damp. Valerie had imagined that they would be beautiful, covered wall to wall with glittering crystals, but instead, they were eerie inside, the crystals sending light slanting in strange ways, sometimes blinding her. The work was tedious. They had to gently wipe away a layer of muck on top of each crystal to see if it looked promising. If it seemed to be clear from deformities, they gently pried it free with their fingers and took it outside to examine it more closely.

After hours of searching, they still hadnt found any perfect crystals, and they decided to split up, each taking a different cave. The caves were close enough that they could call to each other if they ran into trouble.

Valerie worked quickly and methodically in the mouth of the caves. The repet.i.tive nature of the task allowed her mind to finally relax for the first time since she had heard her prophecy from Pythia. Without realizing why, she wandered out of the cave into the woods. At first, she didnt think about where she was going, but after she had walked for several minutes, a part of her mind pestered her, questioning where she was going and insisting that she shouldnt leave without telling Dulcea and Cyrus.

She knew she had to turn back, but somehow she couldnt make her body obey her directions. It was as if someone had seized control of her mind and was forcing her to body to do things that she didnt want it to. Panic rose inside of her as she struggled to regain control of herself. Her breathing became rapid, and she started to shake. Something was very wrong.

Her feet led her farther and farther away from her friends, and she worried that they would never find her now. Finally, her body slowed down, stopping at the entrance to a crystal cave much like the one she had left. Dread made her stomach sink, and she struggled with all of her mental might to stop herself from entering the cave. But it was a fight she lost, as her body entered the shadowy cave against her will. As she waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, she fell to her knees.

You were warned what would happen if you came here, Sanguina said, advancing closer and glaring down at Valerie, her face filled with contempt. You dared to suggest when we last met that I was afraid of you. But I could never fear someone so pathetic and weak. You cant even protect yourself, much less your friends.

Anger flared up in Valerie, giving her a burst of energy that enabled her to break free of the mental restraint that had stopped her from controlling her own body and stand before her tormentor. Youre wrong! she shouted, surprising Sanguina by hitting her squarely in the knees with a sweep kick, sending her crashing to the ground.

But Sanguina moved even faster than Gideon, and before Valerie could make another move, she attacked, her punches and kicks coming so rapidly that Valerie couldnt stop some of her blows from coming into painful contact with her neck, arm, and finally her stomach, knocking the wind out of her.

It was different from any fight that Valerie had ever had"even though she was using her power to its fullest, she was hopelessly out of her league. Sanguina was stronger and faster, and she couldnt even defend herself, much less go on the offense. No sooner had Valerie realized this than Sanguina grabbed hold of her mind and she was unable to control her body again. Sanguina forced her to fall to her knees.

Really? Thats all there is to your magic? Sanguina sneered. Now its time for you to feel the full force of my power. I will make you crawl, grovel, and beg for me to end your life. Sanguina smacked Valerie across the face so hard that her ears rang and blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth. She didnt even have enough power over her own body to wipe the blood away.

The horror that she experienced was beyond anything that she had ever known before. She was broken inside, completely at Sanguinas mercy. She had failed them all"Henry, Thai, Cyrus, Azra. She was no match for Sanguina. How could she have ever wanted to fight her? Somewhere deep inside, hadnt she known that defeat was inevitable? She was n.o.body, just a little girl that no one wanted, and for good reason. She brought nothing to those she loved except misery.

Never. Cross. Me. After each word, Sanguina hit Valerie across the face again and again. The last of Valeries mental defenses crumbled, and her hold on her consciousness started to slip. She looked forward to the oblivion that pa.s.sing out would bring.

But before she succ.u.mbed, the cave filled with a bright light that reflected off of all the crystals. Through her blurry eyes, Valerie saw Sanguinas shriveled lips open wide as she shrieked and retreated into the dark depths of the cave.

Val, are you okay? Cyrus asked, his voice seeming very far away.

Grab her and lets get out of here! Dulcea said, and Valerie was lifted into Cyruss arms before she gave in to the blackness tugging on her mind.

Chapter 29.

Is she awake yet? Valerie heard Cyrus ask.

Not yet, Dulcea said, sounding worried and exhausted. But I think shes stirring.

Not yet ready to face the waking world, Valerie reached for unconsciousness, hoping for the relief of oblivion for a little longer. But no such luck. With every pa.s.sing second, she became more and more awake as the pain radiating through her body refused to let her slip away. She struggled to open her eyes, which were swollen. Her entire face must be twice its normal size.

When she opened her eyes part way, the world looked hazy, as if everything was slightly out of focus. She was in a long room filled with beds, reminding her of the Oakland Childrens Hospital, but without the insistent beeping of machines. She had never been so tired and beaten down in her life. This was even worse than the many times she had awakened, weak and alone, after one of her fainting episodes back on Earth. Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered Dr. Freemans calm voice telling her that everything would be okay. A tear slipped free of her lashes.

Cyrus hurried to her side. Finally! You scared us. Youve been out for more than a day.

Dulcea bent down to briefly cup Valeries face, her wide eyes filled with worry. We were scared Sanguina put you under some kind of spell to make you sleep.

I knew you guys shouldnt have gone without me! Kantis said indignantly. Valerie a.s.sumed she was the blurry shape sitting on the end of the bed. I would have been on the lookout and none of this would have happened.

The weight that lay heavy on her heart lifted a little. It was nice to awaken from unconsciousness surrounded by friends instead of machines. She tried to tell them she was glad that they were there, but the insides of her mouth were so bruised and swollen that the effort made her wince. Hadnt they heard of pain medication on the Globe yet?

Dont try to talk until youre healed, Cyrus said, bending close.

The smell of lilies filled the room, and Valerie heard the gentle clop of Azras hooves against the floor. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. But youll feel better soon; Im here to heal you. I couldnt do it until you were conscious again. Then she turned to a shadowy figure standing at the edge of the room. Oberon, you know what to do.

Oberon stepped forward, his eyes staring blankly at a spot above Valeries head. When shed first tripped over him on the street, she hadnt realized how tall he was. Now looming over her, his presence was overpowering, and she shrank away from him. Azra lowered her head, and Oberon touched her mane, feeling for her horn. When he found it, he said some words in a strange language. Azras horn vibrated, and the hum of magic filled the room. Then he grasped the horn and pulled it free from Azras forehead, leaving no mark behind. Valerie was horrified, and she wondered why none of the others moved to stop him. What was wrong with them?

Get away from her! Valerie said, her mouth filling with blood. She struggled to sit up, but Cyrus held her back.

Dont hurt yourself! Its okay, thats supposed to happen, Cyrus explained.

Dont be afraid. Im not hurt, Azra said, and her soothing voice in Valeries mind calmed her. My healing power is in my horn, but I need help to call it forth. Oberon has aided me many times. Hes a friend.

In Oberons hand, the horn looked like a cone-shaped cup, completely hollow inside. Valerie watched, mystified, as he held Azras horn in one hand and held his other hand open above the opening. The room hummed with magic, and condensation formed on his palm. The droplets of water increased in number, creating a pool of water that he channeled down his finger and into the empty horn.

Here, Oberon said gruffly, and held out the horn. Dulcea took it and gently put it to Valeries lips.

Its okay. Let us help you.

Valerie shut her eyes and sipped the warm, sweet liquid. Like when Darling had healed her after her fight with Shade and his gang, warmth spread through her body, and her pain eased, leaving only a dull ache behind. Dulcea gave the horn to Oberon, who gently placed it back on Azras forehead. A shudder pa.s.sed through Azras body, and she sighed softly as if it were a relief to be whole again.

Im sorry. I cant completely erase your pain the way Darling can. But I hope I have brought you some relief. Thank you, Oberon.

He nodded in acknowledgment. You know where I am if you need me, he said, and then left without another word.

I gotta ask"why do you trust that guy? Cyrus asked Azra. We know theres a spy in Arden, watching the Knights and who knows what else. What if its Oberon? It wouldnt be the first time that hes spied on us for the Fractus.

Azras gentle eyes became stern. Its true; his past is dark. But hes a changed man.

How do you know? Kanti asked.

Because I witnessed his change. He was never cruel or evil, only proud. And that pride made him believe that his immense powers ent.i.tled him to rule over others. But then, he fell in love with a woman, a Master of the Guardians, and she taught him to embrace justice. Shes gone now, but for her sake, I know that he would never betray her ideals.

Thats so sad, but beautiful, Dulcea said softly.

I hope youre right about him, Kanti added.

If he were going to betray us, he would have done it long ago, when the Fractus captured him and tortured him to discover what secrets he had learned from the Guardians. What he endured in order to protect those secrets is unspeakable. Even after they blinded him, he didnt give in.

Poor Oberon. Now hes free, but hes blind and alone, without his love to comfort him, Dulcea said with tears in her eyes.

Valeries heart softened toward him. Oberon had known what it was to be truly alone, just as she did. Even Kanti looked moved by his story.

But Cyrus shifted impatiently, bored. Enough about him, I want to tell Val what happened after she pa.s.sed out.

With that, Cyrus explained how Sanguina had retreated deep into the cave, and how he would have pursued her if it hadnt been for the fact that Valerie was so hurt. Instead, he had carried her to the Healers Guild, with Dulceas help.

What I realized last night is that my light can destroy her! Ill find her and defeat her myself, Cyrus said confidently.

But Azra shook her head. She wont expose herself by leaving her fortress again. And wherever she is hiding, I am certain there are spells to extinguish any light inside. As a vampyre, it is the first precaution she would take. Our only hope is to draw her out of her fortress again, where we may have a chance to talk with her, or, if we must, fight her.

Listening, Valerie couldnt help letting her attention wander as the memory of her encounter with Sanguina overwhelmed her. Azra, seeing Valeries distress, gently sent her friends home. After many protestations, they finally left, promising to be back the next day. When they were alone, Valerie let herself fall back on her bed, giving in to her emotions with a sob.

How will I ever save my brother now? Sanguina crushed me; I never stood a chance against her. I was such an idiot to think I could fight her and win!

Tell me what happened.

Valerie told her story through her tears, and in telling Azra what she had endured, some of her despair lifted.

Sanguina is very powerful. To stand against her, as you did, and fight back, is an incredible feat of strength. Few can resist when a vampyre controls their mind. What you did, pushing her out of your head, shows how great your power truly is.

I feel like such a loser. I must have seemed so pathetic to her, like a fly that she could swat with a flick of her wrist.

That is the most terrible power that a vampyre can wield"robbing people of their hope. You cant give in to that. Fight it, like you fought Sanguinas control of your mind.

Its only a matter of time before she finds me again. And next time, sh.e.l.l finish what she started. But if I dont face her, sh.e.l.l keep torturing Henry! Valerie said. She was torn apart inside at the memory of his haunted face.

Well find a way to stop Sanguina, I promise. Ive been working with the leaders of the Guilds, and even if it means attacking her fortress ourselves, we will stop her. We believe that she lives in the mountains of Dunsinane to the south, and I dont think sh.e.l.l leave in the near future. She will try to find a way to have you brought to her, but we wont let that happen. Trust in me.

I do, Valerie said, slightly relieved. For now, she had to let Henrys fate rest in more capable hands than her own.

Now rest, because tomorrow you will need all of your strength.

Before Valerie allowed herself to sleep, she decided to check in on Thai. The healing seemed to have sucked her strength away, so it took a greater effort than usual to muster the concentration she needed to find him.

Finally, the world around her vanished, and she found herself standing in his tent. He leapt to his feet. Where have you been? Do you know how scared I was? You were supposed to come yesterday! What were you" he stopped short, examining her face. What happened? Who did this to you? Ill kill them, he said, his voice turning rough and his eyes glittering dangerously.

Seeing how protective he was made her smile a little for the first time since she had encountered Sanguina. Despite how hopeless her situation seemed, she couldnt help thinking how strange and wonderful it was to know that so many people cared about her.

Does it look that bad? she asked, self-consciously touching her face.

Dont leave me in suspense! he exclaimed, ignoring her question.

I met Sanguina, we fought, and she defeated me, Valerie said simply, not having the energy to go into detail again. I dont know how to save Henry now.

Thank G.o.d you escaped with your life, Thai said, his voice raw. He stepped closer, raising his hand to her face, and then dropped it, realizing that he couldnt touch her. Valerie was conscious of that familiar, warm feeling churning inside of her that always erupted when she stared into his eyes.

Feeling herself blush, she changed the subject. How is the woman Venu attacked?

Her name is Mrs. Leeds, and shes fine"at least, now she is. Some of Venus slime got in her lungs, and she starting coughing up all this blood mixed with poison. Luckily the paramedics listened to me and were able to save her. Shes resting comfortably now, and has no memory of what really happened. I think that Venu attacked her accidentally, or maybe to steal her money"shes a local schoolteacher.

Any luck finding Venu?

No, after leaving the hospital, I went back to the place where we found her, but there was no trace of him.

I guess its been lousy luck all around.

Ill find Henry. He cant be far, with Venu here.

She didnt know whether that was a comforting thought or not, knowing that Venu was so close to two people she cared so deeply about.

I wish there was a way for me to stop Sanguina and protect you both. But shes too powerful; sh.e.l.l crush me again, she said, her earlier despair returning.

Listen to me, Thai said earnestly. If theres one thing Ive learned about you, its that youre a fighter. Life has thrown a lot of obstacles in your path, but no matter what happens, youve always come out swinging, ready to meet the next challenge. I know youll beat Sanguina, like youve beaten everyone else whos tried to stop you from doing whats right. Were coming up to the final lap"hang in there.

Youre right. I know youre right, she said, feeling some of her energy return. With so many people on her side, she would find a way to save Henry"she had to.