How horrible, Valerie said. It was still so strange to hear about her brothers life"so different from her own in many ways, but filled with the same loneliness and terror.

I still dont get it"what did Sanguina want from you? Thai asked.

It sounds so stupid, now, Henry said, embarra.s.sed. She told me that I had the ability to give other people magic powers. I guess that was a lie, too.

I dont know about that, Valerie said thoughtfully, and then explained how Conjurors like the not-so-invisible Blake had been appearing with powers that had never been heard of on the Globe before.

Hey, I did do that! Sanguina forced me to make a bunch of these guys appear invisible, and to make their magic untraceable by other Conjurors. Did it really work?

Before Valerie could reply, Cyrus popped into view. Henry jumped up in surprise.

Nice to meet ya, Cyrus said to Henry. I didnt want to visit until Val filled you in.

H-hi, Henry replied uncertainly.

Theres a bunch of people who are dying to say hi. Is it okay if they visit?

Yes! Send everyone! Valerie said, eager to see her friends.

Only Azra and Kanti walked through the door, obviously trying not to startle Henry by appearing out of thin air like Cyrus had done. Still, Henry gawked at the sight of a real unicorn approaching him.

We didnt want to overwhelm you, so I thought only Kanti and I would visit for now. The others will stop by later, Azra said with a concerned glance toward Henry. Valerie could see that Henry looked a little dazed by all of the information being heaped on him and by the fact that a unicorn was talking to him in his head. It is wonderful to meet you, Henry and Thai.

Its an honor, Thai said, nodding respectfully.

Valerie saw the same calm on Henrys awestruck face that Azra always brought to her. Glad to meet you, too. Valeries told me a lot about you, he said with an affectionate glance at his sister.

So what happened? How is it possible that Im on Earth? Valerie asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Midnight was with us when you disappeared from the Globe. No one knew what had become of you, but she explained to me later that there are exceptions to the rule that no one can return to Earth. Those exceptions are guarded secrets. One is that a blood relative on Earth can call back a family member in times of great need. This rule hasnt applied to anyone for decades, because no one has come to the Globe from Earth in a long time.

When blood calls blood, answer its thrumming call, Valerie quoted. Thats what the prophecy said.

So"I brought Valerie back to Earth? Henry asked.

Yes. There is powerful magic inside of you, Henry. Aside from the ability to grant powers to others across the universe, which is a feat in and of itself, you have many untapped psychic abilities. You and Valerie are two of the most gifted, powerful Conjurors I have encountered in centuries.

Then its true"there really is magic inside me, like Valerie, Henry said.

I always knew it, Kanti said, speaking up for the first time. Remember your old imaginary friend?

Henry looked at her closely, confused. But seconds later, recognition spread across his face. Kanti? Youre real?

Yep! she said with a grin, her reservation gone. Miss me as much as I missed you?

More, Henry replied. Then the two went to the other end of the room and began to chatter, rapidly catching up and sharing stories about the time they spent together when Kanti was Henrys imaginary friend.

So what happens now? Valerie asked Azra when Henry was out of earshot. Can Henry survive on Earth? And how long do I have before she trailed off. She knew that coming back to Earth to save Henry would kill her before long, but she didnt regret it for a second. Even if her return did kill her, at least now she could die loved, surrounded by her family.

Now, you will begin a new journey. Much has changed, but one thing remains true. Earth is no place for you, Valerie. Or for Henry.

How much time do they have? Thai asked, looking at Valerie protectively.

I believe that Valeries sickness was accelerated because Henrys magic was pulling on hers every time he reached out to her with his mind when he was afraid. The magic inside of her was trying to burst out in order to help him, but Earths rules stifled it. And when her magic was stifled, so was her life.

So shes gonna be okay now that Henry is free of Sanguina, right? Cyrus said, his blue eyes anxious.

Without Henrys magic pulling on yours, Valerie, you wont die as quickly. But neither you nor Henry will live to grow old here, either. That is why you must both come to the Globe to live. The magic inside of you is too great, and unless you are free to use it, that magic will wither and die, and you will perish with it.

But the Great Pyramid"it was destroyed! Valerie exclaimed. Azras eyes twinkled, and Valeries pulse quickened with hope.

There is another way. When youve had a chance to recover, Ill tell you all about it. Its not going to be easy, and it will definitely involve some traveling. But I have the feeling youre up for it, Azra said with a slight toss of her mane.

I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life! Valerie could have jumped for joy. Her adventure wasnt ending. It was beginning.

Epilogue.

Within the darkest room of the highest tower in the black castle of Dunsinane, Sanguina shivered on the bare, stone floor, waiting. The desolate chamber was icy cold and completely devoid of any comfort whatsoever. Only Reapers blood red throne cast an ominous glimmer in the darkness.

She wondered if it had always been so dim in there. Yesterday, with her super-sharp vampyre eyes, every crack in the walls was visible to her. But now, with her senses dulled by her human frailty, she realized how terrifyingly pitch black the castle really was. Gloom was everywhere, suffocating what was left of her soul. Soon that same blackness would invade her body. She would be dead, executed for her failure to obey Reapers order. But she accepted her fate, only regretting that shed never have the chance to bathe herself in light one last time, now that it could no longer destroy her.

Suddenly, Sanguina heard a crackling, as if the air was full of charged particles. Reaper was here. When he was angry, the air always crackled like that, and it p.r.i.c.kled her skin like little electric shocks. Despite being resigned to her death, fear filled Sanguina, choking her. When she was a vampyre, she couldnt feel fear herself"she could only feast on the fear of others. It had been a very long time since fear had made her heart thump rapidly and caused sweat to bead up on her forehead. Strangely, a tiny part of her heart relished her ability to actually feel something again.

Why? The agony in Reapers roar cut through Sanguina like a carving knife.

I wasnt strong enough, she replied, knowing she could never tell him the truth. And for that, I know I must forfeit my life.

Everyone I trusted had disappointed me in some way, until you. You were different. It wasnt only that you were strong and smart. You shared my vision.

I still do! Sanguina said automatically, but even as she said it, doubt crept into her mind. She didnt know what she wanted anymore.

This was the final test, and I never doubted you would pa.s.s it. You were so close to sharing my power. If you had killed the girl, you would have been my partner, my equal, maybe even more. Together we could have made my vision a reality, Reaper said wistfully.

Im sorry, Sanguina whispered. And she was sorry"sorry that she had disappointed the person who had made her what she was, who had trained her and taught her to use her powers when others would have abandoned her to her fate as a vampyre, shut away from the light and the rest of the world. She was sorry that now they would never explore the bond that was growing between them. She regretted many things, but she couldnt bring herself to be sorry that she had not killed Valerie.

Reapers voice hardened. Hearing those simpering words from you disgusts me. Enough with what could have been. You failed me. Now you will never be more than one of my henchmen, like the others.

His words humiliated and hurt Sanguina, but she also found a thread of hope forming inside her. Can it be that you will let me live?

Why should I? he asked, standing over her imperiously.

I wont beg, Sanguina replied, her voice cold. She had nothing, now, no friends and none of her vampyre power. All she had left was the last dregs of her pride, and she was willing to die for them. She rose from her knees and stared him directly in the eye. Go ahead. Kill me, she commanded.

Reaper laughed. It wasnt a cold laugh, but rather a chortle of true enjoyment. He had always despised weakness in others, and he punished it more severely than defiance. Good! At least you have some fight left in you. Maybe you can be of use to me yet.

I know I can still help you. I believe in your vision, Sanguina enticed, knowing that only her ability to help him would keep her alive.

Reaper eyed her critically. Your failure does present an opportunity. I have been watching the Grand Masters closely. They have knowledge that I need in order to take my next step, but they guard their secrets well. I require someone else I can trust to keep an eye on them with me and help me learn their secrets.

Reaper, I will obey any order you give, but I ask you"why would they ever trust me? I would undoubtedly arouse their suspicions.

Perhaps not. If you surrender and repent, I believe those feeble Conjurors, especially Azra, will forgive you out of their own guilt for how you were treated when you first turned into a vampyre. Use their guilt to your advantage.

Sanguina nodded thoughtfully. I accept the challenge.

Now, there is one more thing we need to discuss. Your payment.

I require no payment but the honor of serving you, she said, bowing deeply.

Ha! No, Sanguina, it is you who must pay me for what I have given you. Your life.

Fear flashed through her like lightning, making the hair on her arms stand on end. What payment do you demand?

You will pay with power, and with your own flesh.

Despite herself, Sanguina physically recoiled from his words. Only once had she seen Reaper exact such a price"from Zunya after he had turned her into a vampyre. Zunya used a glamour to hide his missing hand, but nothing could make Sanguina forget his pain. As if remembering him, Reaper summoned him to the room. Zunya entered, a cruel sneer on his face. Sanguina could see his undisguised joy at finally making her suffer for replacing him at Reapers side. He would relish sucking away her power, just as much as Reaper would revel in taking her flesh.

Kneel! Reaper commanded. Sanguina forced herself to fall to her knees. Disobedience was not an option. She knew, without a doubt, her life would be the forfeit. No one left the black castle unless Reaper permitted it. Remember, you brought this on yourself.

Then, Reaper tore apart her right leg cell by cell, dissolving it before her eyes, and Zunya sucked away all but the dregs of her magic from her soul. Sanguinas anguished screams filled the black castle, and their echo reverberated around the Globe. For a moment, Conjurors everywhere tasted her fear.

Afterword.

Thank you for reading The Society of Imaginary Friends. I appreciate feedback and welcome your reviews on the site where you purchased this book. If youd like to learn more about The Conjurors Series, please check out www.kristenpham.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter and be the first to hear about giveaways, contests, and new releases.

If you enjoyed this book, check out the next book in.

The Conjurors Series. Knights of Light is currently available on Amazon.

About the Author.

Kristen Pham lives for really great fudge, rollercoasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her son (Jake) and husband, where she eagerly waits for Jake to turn eleven and receive his invitation to Hogwarts. Her childhood memories of adventures with her imaginary friends inspired The Conjurors Series.

You can reach her on Twitter (www.twitter.com/theconjurors), Facebook, and her website (www.kristenpham.com).

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