Friend? We were a little more than that, werent we? As of last summer? Sh.e.l.ley asked, sounding a little offended.

Yeah, um, of course. So what are you doing here, anyway? Cyrus said, obviously desperate to change the subject.

I work here, duh, she replied, pointing to her shirt, which was st.i.tched with the museums logo. The real question is, what are you doing here, since its obviously not to see me? Sh.e.l.ley pouted.

Cyrus relented and smiled. It is really good to see you. I miss everyone. Think your mom will ever let you visit me?

I wish. I bet you have such a rockin good time in Arden. Is that where youre from? Sh.e.l.ley asked Valerie.

But before she could reply, Cyrus jumped in, Yup, shes an Arden native. So, are there any good parties going on tonight? We could use some fun.

Yeah, theres one at the Where-o-well. Should be cool"Frankies got some new Earth music that he says is pretty good. So if you two are up for dancing, come! Sh.e.l.ley said, and then scooted off Cyruss knee.

Definitely. And hey, good to see you, really, Cyrus said before he and Valerie walked away to find Cara and Kanti.

After Sh.e.l.ley was out of earshot, Valerie said, Old girlfriend of yours, player?

What? No. Well, yes, kinda. But now were friends. What are you getting on my case for? Cyrus asked, fl.u.s.tered.

Whoa, relax. Sh.e.l.ley seemed cool. Im excited to go to my first Messinian party and meet your friends.

What party are we talking about? Kanti asked as she and Cara joined them. Cyrus filled them in, and they were both excited to go, Kanti for the music and dancing, Cara for a chance to hang out with the older crowd.

Gideon soon joined them, and the group left the museum. The rest of the day flew by as Cyrus and Cara took them around the city, pointing out the major sights, such as a set of giant, five-story statues of the Globes founders, including Azra, and an elaborate garden in the middle of the city where botanists from around the world came to study. Gideon insisted on scouting every location for signs of anything suspicious, but if he saw anything out of the ordinary, he didnt mention it.

Chapter 36.

For dinner, Valerie, Cyrus, Kanti, Gideon, and Cara went to a popular restaurant that served Earth food, and Valerie relished her hamburger and fries, which were at least as tasty as any that she had eaten on Earth. It was nice not to feel like such a newbie in Messina, like she did when they were in Arden where every new feat of magic astonished her but didnt make anyone else look twice.

After they finished their milkshakes, they headed back toward the car. Its a little early, but why dont we head over to the Where-o-well for the party? Its less than a mile away, Cyrus said, pointing.

Yes, I ran past it last night while scouting. Since its close, Ill run over, Gideon said. It will give me a chance to make sure the surrounding woods are safe. Ill meet you there in fifteen minutes.

With that, Gideon took off at a speed that Valerie would have sworn required magic, if she hadnt known that he didnt have a power. A twinge of worry pinched her as she watched Gideon race off. Something about having him near made her feel safe. But she forced herself to shake the feeling off as she and the rest of the group piled into the car.

Where-o-well is such a funny name. What is it? A park? Kanti asked.

Actually, its one of the most famous landmarks in Messina. Its the only magical place on the whole island, Cara said importantly. It looks like a normal stone well, but its filled with magic, not water. Eighteenth birthdays here are marked by a special ceremony. The birthday person jumps into the Where-o-well. Instead of hitting the bottom, the well spits the person out at a random location somewhere on the Globe. Then they have to find their way back to Messina with only what is in their pockets. Its kind of a rite of pa.s.sage to prove that youre an adult. By coming back, youre saying that you accept the rules of Messina and you want to live here. Of course, some people cant wait until they turn eighteen to jump in, Cara said, giving Cyrus a significant look.

What does she mean, Cy? Valerie asked.

It wasnt my fault! When I was six, I was visiting the Where-o-well on a fieldtrip. When the guards werent looking, I sneaked past them so I could peer down the well, because I was curious about what the magic in there looked like. Well, I leaned over the edge, and sort of fell in. I wound up in Arden. Luckily, Azra found me and delivered me to an aunt who lives there. But as soon as I saw Arden, I fell in love and never wanted to leave. My parents finally let me go to school there because I kept trying to run away after I came back.

I cant wait till its my turn! Cara said excitedly. Youre supposed to make your mind completely blank, so that the Where-o-well sends you where fate says youre meant to be or something. But Im going to think of Arden, and hope it sends me there!

So you can control where it sends you? Kanti asked. I thought you said its random.

Its only a theory, but some people say that they concentrated on a certain spot, and they wound up there. But it doesnt always work. Its definitely not a reliable way to travel. No matter how hard you concentrate, you could always wind up in the middle of the desert. Cyrus explained.

I totally want to see this weird well, Kanti exclaimed.

Me, too, Valerie said. The idea of the Where-o-well intrigued her. If she made her mind blank, would fate send her to someone who could help her find Henry? Then she shook her head. Even Cyrus didnt know exactly how the Where-o-well worked, and the last thing Henry needed was for her to wander around a desert or some remote forest where she couldnt help him at all.

Cyrus pulled into a parking lot at the edge of a large park with an immense expanse of bright green gra.s.s bordered by a dark, dense forest. Valerie could see the Where-o-well in the distance, a cylinder of neatly packed stones about twice the width of her arm span. The park was mostly empty, except for three guards in grey uniforms. They were talking to a group of girls having a picnic while another group tossed around an oddly shaped ball nearby.

They all got out of the car and began walking into the park. Suddenly Valerie had that strange tingling in her stomach. Something wasnt right. The trees at the edge of the park were full of shadows. It would be easy for someone to hide in there. She hoped that Gideon would join them soon to tell them that there was nothing in there to fear.

Guys, I think" Valerie started to say, when light flared behind her eyes and her mind was pulled away from her body. She knew this feeling"Henry was pulling her into his reality. The urgency of his call seared through her body and she fell to her knees.

Who are you? Why are you doing this to me? Henry cried. Fear coursed through Valeries body"it was like there was no separation between her own mind and her brothers. They were inside a dark bedroom, and Valerie tried to absorb every detail, looking for a clue that would help her determine exactly where Henry lived.

Shut up or Ill make sure your daddy doesnt wake up tomorrow, a deep voice growled.

Dont you hurt him! Dad! Are you okay? Please be okay!

Valerie saw through Henrys eyes that a large man lay unmoving on the bed in the middle of the room. A sour smell filled her nostrils, and Valeries stomach twisted. Venu had found Henry. She was too late to save him.

Youll do exactly what I tell you, or Ill add one more drop of poison to his skin and h.e.l.l die, Venu said viciously, pulling a pair of black gloves over his slimy hands. Now get moving!

Henrys arm was yanked in the darkness, and he was dragged down a long, narrow hallway and through a door. Outside, cold hit them in the face like a stinging slap. Valerie tried to will Henry to look at street signs, landmarks, anything that could tell her where they were. But Henry stared up at Venu, watching his hulking shoulders as he yanked him down the street.

Please, I cant leave my dad like that. When he wakes up, h.e.l.l think I abandoned him. He wont know what to do without me, Henry pleaded.

Sanguina suddenly appeared next to Henry, her black eyes staring into his. Henry jumped backward, away from her. But Venus gloved hand was clenched tightly on his wrist, preventing him from going far.

Be glad hes waking up at all, Sanguina said coldly. Starting now, know this: your fathers life is in my hands. If you make one wrong move, hes dead. So youll do everything Venu and I say, without whining. Got it?

Valerie was distracted by a pull on her mind from the Globe. Her friends needed her. But she clung to Henrys reality, not wanting to leave without knowing where he was going. This could be her last chance to save him. Where could Venu and Sanguina be taking him?

Please, Henry, tell me where you are! Valerie thought, trying to will Henry to help her.

Where are you taking me? Henry asked, his voice trembling. Valerie wondered if he had heard her, somehow.

Shut your mouth, Sanguina said coldly, shooting Henry a look that made him tremble. Venu grinned at his obvious terror.

Ask them" Valerie started to think, and then light flashed behind her eyes again, and Henrys world disappeared.

Wake up! Val, look out! Cyrus shouted at her.

Valerie turned and saw a boot coming at top speed toward her head. Her reaction was automatic. Magic rushed through her veins and she caught the boot with one hand and twisted. The Conjuror who was wearing the boot was almost entirely transparent, as if he were made of gla.s.s, and when his body smashed into the ground, with his leg twisted beneath him, she heard the sound of gla.s.s shattering. Her attacker screamed and clutched his leg, which was now shattered into a million tiny pieces.

Alarms started blaring, and Valerie realized that she must have set them off by using her power. She saw that her friends were grappling with two more of the semi-transparent attackers. All three guards lay unconscious but breathing near the Where-o-well, the first victims of these strange attackers. The loud noise of the alarm covered up her voice as she tried to yell advice to her friends. Theyre breakable! Try to shatter them!

What? Kanti shouted back.

Gideon! Jet! Chrome! Valerie called, searching the horizon for her guardians. Gideon was already emerging from the trees, racing toward her at top speed with Jet and Chrome at his heels.

A pair of steely hands grabbed her, pinning her arms against her sides. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldnt break free from his grasp. But she bent and threw her weight forward, flipping her attacker over her back and sending him crashing to the ground in front of her with a crunch.

The wolves leapt on the creatures that were attacking Kanti and Cyrus. Almost simultaneously, they tried to sink their fangs into the transparent Conjurors, but then they immediately let go, howling in pain. They fell to the ground, and blood gushed from their mouths, which were filled with dozens of cuts made by the sharp, gla.s.sy shards that formed their enemies flesh. The wolves a.s.sault gave Kanti and Cyrus the chance to break free, and their attackers fled back to the woods. Cyrus grabbed Cara, who was standing behind Gideon as he sparred with another transparent Conjuror.

Gideon grunted as he punched her attacker in the chest, and a crack appeared in his almost invisible torso from his heart to his stomach. He groaned and retreated, clutching his heart as he ran toward the woods. Get out of here, Gideon commanded. More are coming.

Valerie looked toward the woods and saw the shadows moving. Then her power weakened, like it had when Shade had turned the power-eater on her. Seconds later, Zunya stepped out of the trees, surrounded by more of the transparent Conjurors. His yellow eyes locked on hers, and he held out his hand toward her and smiled darkly. The last of her power instantly vanished. Her panic rose. She was defenseless against her old enemy. The Laurel Circle, which had been warmer as she had fought, suddenly became cold.

But even without her powers to defend her, she couldnt abandon Gideon. Hadnt she been training for this, learning to rely on only her own strength and wits? There is no way that Im leaving you here to deal with those guys on your own. Zunya is with them! I have to stay and fight.

Zunya can do nothing to me. I have no powers for him to steal. Now listen to me. That Where-o-well"jump in it. Theyre after you, Valerie. If you jump in, theyll follow. With luck, you wont all come out in the same place. Its the only solution. There are too many of them. If were forced to fight, well lose. Now go"thats an order.

Valerie desperately searched her mind for another solution, but as more transparent figures emerged in the distance, she realized she had to act"now. Kanti, Cyrus, Cara"run for the police. Ill distract these breakables.

No, youre not going alone! Cyrus said, taking a step toward Valerie. But Cara stood pale and trembling beside him, and his expression changed.

Protect her, Cy. She needs you more than I do, Valerie said, anxiously watching the attackers begin to break through Gideons and the wolves defenses.

Youre not going without me, Kanti said, and Valerie could see from her expression that she wasnt going to change her mind. She nodded, and they both took off at top speed for the Where-o-well.

Hang on to me and think about ice when we jump in"I have an idea, Kanti said, breathless.

They sped toward the Where-o-well, leaping over the unconscious guards and reaching the edge of the well just as the transparent Conjurors clashed with Gideon, Jet, and Chrome, trying to fight their way past them to get to Valerie.

On three? Kanti asked.

Forget that. Lets jump! Valerie said. Then she grabbed Kantis hand, squeezed her eyes shut, and leapt.

Chapter 37.

For one thrilling moment, Valerie hurtled down, down into the well in a complete free fall. Remembering what Kanti had said, Valerie forced herself to turn her thoughts toward ice, snow, anything cold. A strange sensation seized her entire frame. For a split second, warm bubbles tickled her and a sweet taste filled her mouth.

As she fell, the sight of stone and dirt vanished and Valeries vision went blank. She was hovering alone in the middle of nothingness, suspended in time and s.p.a.ce. She didnt know if she was frozen there for a second or a millennium, but suddenly time sped up, and a cold blast of air hit her in the chest, knocking the wind out of her. Bright blue sky blinded her, and she fell several feet to the ground, tumbling into a tangled heap with Kanti.

Yes! It worked! Kanti exclaimed.

What worked? Valerie asked, rubbing a sore spot on her knee.

Were in Elsinore, in the woods right behind my house. We can hide out there while we try to figure out what to do next.

Its freezing here!

Dont worry, well be inside soon, Kanti said.

I wonder if Cyrus and the others are okay. Do you think the plan worked and those transparent guys jumped in after us? Valerie asked anxiously, wondering if she had made the right choice by running. She couldnt help but feel that her place was by Gideons side, fighting like a warrior.

Suddenly, the sky flashed above their heads, and one of the transparent Conjurors who had attacked them in Messina fell from midair and landed in a pile of snow that had fallen from a nearby tree. Instinctively, Valerie leapt into one of the defensive stances that Gideon had taught her, positioning herself between Kanti and their enemy and curling her hands into fists.

The breakable rolled over in the snow, groaning. Valerie tensed, ready to fight, but he yelled, Wait, please, dont hurt me! I dont want to fight.

Yeah, right! Kanti said, almost shouting.

Why should we trust you? You ambushed us! Valerie added.

I didnt have a choice! Zunyas punishment for disobedience is worse than death, he said, shuddering. He ordered us to capture you, and I had no other choice than to obey.

Valerie straightened from her crouch but didnt let her fists relax. Her mind raced. What happened to the others?

I dont know"Zunya told us to jump in the well after you, so I did. I think the others followed me, but I jumped in first, so I cant be sure.

If you are so against Zunya, why did you join him in the first place? Who are you? Valerie asked.

And why shouldnt Valerie kick your b.u.t.t right now? Kanti added.

Im Blake. I wish I never got into this whole mess. I wanted a power so badly, and Zunya said that he could take me to someone who could give me one. In return, Id work for him for a while. It was cool at first"I was given the power of invisibility. No one could track my magic and no one could see me. I thought Id be the perfect spy and become really famous.

Wait a sec, wonder boy, Kanti interrupted. Magic always leaves a trail, and we had experts following us 24/7. So cut the c.r.a.p.

Oh yeah? Well I guess youre not as smart as you thought you were because my friends and I followed you all the way from Arden to Messina, and you had no idea we were there"even those wolf trackers didnt have a clue! Blake grinned triumphantly until Kanti shot him a dangerous look and he shrank away from her.

Valerie ignored his comment, lost in her own thoughts. It seemed like his power defied the laws of magic, and even Azra and Gideon hadnt known about this. She wondered if she would ever be safe, since someone like Blake could slip past any defense and ambush her when she least expected it. Even the most skilled guardians on the Globe hadnt been able to stop them.

But as you can see, the power is wearing off, Blake continued, looking down woefully at his hand. It was true; Valerie could see that he already looked less transparent"more like a ghost than gla.s.s.

And thats not the worst part. The power had a side effect. Ive become breakable, he said, his eyes wide with horror. I have to be careful all the time, or Ill shatter. But Zunya keeps sending us out to fight, knowing what could happen to us, he finished, showing them a shattered finger that looked like a strong breeze would blow apart.

Who gave you your power? Valerie asked.

This crazy vampyre with red hair cast a spell. Someone was helping her, but I didnt get a good look at the guy. I wish my power was to turn back time, so I could avoid this whole mess!

Blake fell to his knees and started to sniffle, and Valerie couldnt help feeling a little sorry for him. She knew that she could disable him with little more than a kick, but she didnt have it in her heart to leave him crippled in the snow. Besides, he seemed more concerned with his broken finger than capturing Valerie now that Zunya wasnt there to give him orders.

All right, I guess I believe you. Go on your way, Valerie said.

But if you breathe one word to Zunya, well tell him that you revealed his secrets, Kanti warned.