by Kristen Pham
Valerie began to tremble as she walked away. She was barely out of sight when she braced herself against a tree trunk. Pain radiated up her arm, but she had dealt with true physical agony, and this didn’t compare. Whatever was coursing through her was weakening her, making it difficult to focus or stand. She knew what the sensation reminded her of—facing off with Zunya. Whatever Reaper had done to her was stripping her of her magic. When it was done with her power, she knew it would take her life.
“You did not fail today, Daughter,” Oberon’s voice was gentler than she’d ever heard it. “And Oleander will not bother you again for a long time. I used a touch of electricity in her mind, and she will be confused for some time.”
Valerie managed to turn to face him and held up her palm, which was now turning black.
Oberon caught her before she slipped to the ground.
“I think Reaper was testing his new weapon today,” Valerie managed to whisper. “Get Cyrus.”
“I will. Then I will tear Reaper apart with my bare hands,” he said, and Valerie could see that he meant those words.
He rested her back against the tree and raced away. She was alone as the knowledge of her colossal failure settled into her bones.
Chapter 25
It could have been a minute or an hour that passed before Oberon returned with Gideon, Cyrus, and Leo. Valerie was still conscious, though every breath she expelled released more of her power. Some part of her mind also registered that Henry had sensed her distress and was coming, too.
Oberon cradled her in his arms on the ground, and Cyrus knelt beside them.
“Light,” she croaked, hoping Cyrus understood her meaning. They’d be testing their theory that light was the antidote to the Fractus’s weapon much sooner than they thought.
Leo leaned forward, his body tense. “We haven’t even begun to test the possibilities. We need to get you to a Healer who knows his craft.”
“The Healers’ Guild won’t admit her,” Gideon said. “And Azra is in Messina, talking to the leaders there.”
“Call for Darling,” Cyrus urged Valerie.
She shook her head, unable to speak. She wouldn’t put Darling’s power to the test against such powerful new magic. He could die trying to save her, pouring his power and himself into the healing until Reaper’s weapon fed on him as well.
“Do what you can,” Henry told Cyrus, sensing her thoughts, and Valerie was relieved that he had arrived. No matter what happened, her family was with her now.
Determination replaced fear on Cyrus’s face. He looked up at the light pouring through the trees and attracted so much to himself that he glowed bright enough to make everyone squint.
He didn’t seem entirely aware of what he was doing as he placed his hands on her chest. When Cyrus’s magic poured into Valerie, she knew. Reaper’s magic left only emptiness in her soul. Cyrus’s magic was like him—all warmth and joy.
It traveled into the core of her being and spread out to her arms, legs, hands, and even her fingers. She was lit from the inside out, and she wondered if that was how Cyrus felt every time he used his power. The thought struck her silent with amazement.
Finally, Cyrus sat back, and Valerie could see that he’d poured every bit of the magic he possessed into her. The bright glow surrounding him had dimmed, but he gave her a tired smile as she sat up on her own. She checked inside herself to see how much of her magic Reaper’s weapon had taken, and even though it was almost all drained away, like it was after she used her vivicus power, a spark remained, and she knew it would grow again. Thanks to Cyrus, her magic hadn’t been torn from her soul.
“You did it. You beat Reaper’s weapon,” she said, her voice shaky.
“Never doubt the mastery of a true hero at his craft,” Cyrus said.
Valerie pulled him into a hug and kissed him hard, for once not the slightest bit embarrassed.
“I hope you’re keeping track of how many times you save my life,” Valerie said. “I owe you big time.”
“You may have saved me, too, once or twice,” Cyrus whispered, blinking rapidly as if he were fighting back tears. “Thought I might lose you, and it would be all my fault.”
“Never,” she replied.
Cyrus pulled back and assumed his brightest smile. “Now we know that light is an effective antidote against the Fractus’s new weapon.”
But Leo’s mouth was set in a grim line.
“The amount of power that was required to eradicate the poison from Valerie’s system was immense,” Leo said. “You may be the only Conjuror on the Globe who can do that. If Reaper uses his weapon against many Conjurors at once, who will save them all?”
The smile fell from Cyrus’s face.
“Does this mean that light-infused weapons won’t work in battle against the Fractus’s weapon?” Valerie asked. She didn’t think she could take any more bad news today.
Leo thought for a moment before he replied. “If we can use the weapons of the People of the Woods, we may have a chance. The magic in them will amplify the light, and may be a kind of shield against minor injuries.”
“The People of the Woods have begun the voting process on their course of action,” Gideon said.
“Then we need to get Valerie there to talk to them,” Henry said. He turned to her. “Are you up for another speech, sis?”
After her failure to convince those in her own Guild, Valerie dreaded the prospect, but she forced herself to nod. She couldn’t back down now from the role she’d accepted. Not when things were at their worst.
“The voting is closed to anyone not born of the People of the Woods,” Gideon interjected. “Even I am banned from participating.”
It seemed cruel to Valerie that Gideon was still an outsider to his own people simply because he didn’t share their bloodline, but she kept her mouth shut.
“I wish Valerie could rest and recover, but now is the time to rally our forces,” Oberon said, speaking for the first time. Valerie was surprised that he wasn’t already herding her to bed, but she was also proud of him that he was thinking about what was best for the humans and Conjurors who needed them.
“Do you think Reaper will strike now?” she asked him.
“Soon. Regardless of the outcome of the People of the Woods’ vote, he will attack. If they mean to destroy the Byway, he will attack them to recover it. If they keep it, he will try to take it before they can hide it,” Oberon said.
Valerie considered his words. “That must be why Reaper let Henry and me escape with the Byway. It’s the perfect excuse to his followers why the Fractus must attack. They are rescuing the only means of returning to Earth. He can start his war.”
“Knowing Elden, he must know that’s what’s coming,” Henry said.
“The People of the Woods are ready for battle,” Gideon said. “Elden told me that they had a foretelling that nothing could prevent the Fractus from attacking.”
“Then we need to get to Arbor Aurum right away,” Valerie said.
“No one, even the Fractus, can penetrate the city when it has been sealed for voting. For now, they are safe,” Gideon said.
“Dad’s right; we’ll need to use this time to get everyone ready. Once the city is unsealed, the attack could come at any time,” Valerie said.
Valerie began organizing everyone. She charged Oberon with creating a signal that they could use to let their allies know when it was time to gather at the Lake of Knowledge, where they would then trek to locations in the woods that led to the cities in the trees.
Cyrus would find Kanti, Dulcea, and Jack, and ask them to leverage their guild relationships to let sympathetic Conjurors in Arden and the Oracles know the signal and what it meant. Gideon would work with Juniper to ready the Knights who supported Valerie. The Knights would keep everyone organized and assign tasks when they gathered for battle.
Leo and Cyrus would continue experimenting with the weapons they had until they could get word to Elden after the voting.
Va
lerie and Henry would go to the Relations Guild to speak to Skye. He and Calibro would make sure the Grand Masters were on hand as well. The visit would also allow Henry to check on the progress of the search for his dad.
Once everyone had scattered, Valerie and Henry made their way to Skye’s Guild.
“Chrome’s close to finding him,” Henry said, chewing on his thumbnail. “He’ll need help to overtake Zunya and whoever he has with him.”
“Now that we know Conjurors can safely return to Earth, we’ll send reinforcements. You know that means working with Sanguina,” Valerie said.
“I’ll find her and beg her myself if it will help my dad,” Henry said. All of his rage against the ex-vampyre seemed to have disappeared.
“Skye already has ideas of who to send, including two Grand Masters,” Valerie said.
“I need to be the one to go,” Henry insisted.
Valerie nearly stumbled at his words. The idea of facing an army of Fractus without her brother was terrifying. Their united power was a formidable thing, but on her own, Valerie had her doubts about how effective her magic would be, even if it weren’t drained away. As a vivicus, she could only save one life at a time, and her fighting ability would only get her so far, especially since she couldn’t kill anyone without dying herself.
But Valerie didn’t voice any of these thoughts. Instead, she said, “If that’s where you need to be, then we’ll send you. We need powerful Conjurors on Earth, and you weren’t getting sick while you were there. Maybe your magic is somewhat compatible with Earth’s rules.”
“Thank you,” Henry said, and his voice trembled a little. He couldn’t meet Valerie’s eyes. “I know I should be here with you. That’s probably what Joe would want, too. But I can’t.”
“I know,” Valerie said. Through her mental connection with her brother, she could see that for Henry, it wasn’t really a choice.
Henry and Valerie arrived at the Relations Guild at the same time as Sanguina, who moved to give Henry space from her.
Henry took a deep breath and turned to Sanguina. “I think I can forgive you. After all you’ve done, and all you’re going to do to save my dad, I believe with enough time I can let go of the past.”
Color infused Sanguina’s cheeks, and she involuntarily put her hand briefly to her heart.
“It is far more than I deserve,” she said. “I have nightmares of what I did to your father as a vampyre and awaken screaming.”
Valerie was taken aback by Sanguina’s stark words, and Henry seemed equally stunned.
“So do I,” he finally mumbled. “But he survived, and he’s finding a way to be happy again.”
The three entered the Guild and followed the carpet to Skye’s office. Sanguina immediately went inside, but not before Valerie saw her quickly wipe tears from her eyes.
“Will you mentally project to Earth when Sanguina sends me?” Henry asked before they followed Sanguina. “I know you have a thousand things to do, but…”
“Yes. I’ll be by your side the whole time,” Valerie said, not for the first time feeling much older than her brother. She wondered who had been born first. She’d have to ask Oberon when this was all over.
Skye greeted them when they entered his office. Valerie brought him up-to-date on their plans, and then they turned to the task at hand.
“Have you discussed who else to send to Earth to help the Guardians fight Zunya?” Valerie asked.
Skye flicked his tail. “We weren’t aware we needed to run every decision by you.”
Valerie reddened. “You don’t. I told you to act as you saw fit.”
“Good, because we have. Sanguina has sent the Grand Master from the Flora Guild, two Guardians on the Globe who opposed Oleander, and several Knights recommended by Gideon,” Skye said.
“You did all that since yesterday?” Valerie asked. Her eyes traveled to Sanguina, and now that she looked closely she saw her exhaustion. Sending all of these Conjurors to Earth had taken its toll on her.
“Yes. But this will be Sanguina’s last send off for quite some time,” Skye said.
Valerie and Henry stared at Skye, their confusion obvious.
“I’m sending myself this time,” Sanguina answered the question in their eyes. “I know Zunya’s tricks and weaknesses better than anyone.”
“Not before you send me,” Henry said, his face hardening.
“That’s what Zunya and Reaper are hoping for,” Sanguina said. “If you and Valerie will not support the Fractus, then they want to separate you so you cannot unite your power against them.”
“Aside from that, your magic is not compatible with Earth’s rules,” Skye added.
“What are you talking about? I was never sick,” Henry argued.
“The effect of the rules is different depending on the Conjuror,” Sanguina explained. “Some suffer slowly, like Valerie, and for others, if their power exceeds a certain threshold, they are killed instantly. If you were to fight Zunya to save your father, I have no doubt you’d exceed those limits.” Sanguina could see the frustration on Henry’s face. “Trust me, these rules were drilled into me when I was a Guardian apprentice.”
“I don’t care,” Henry said. “You have to send me. If I stay here and he dies, my life is worthless, anyway. I promise I’ll be careful on Earth. It’s better for you to remain on the Globe, in case we need to send anyone else.”
“In a few days, we’ll have a more reliable means of sending Conjurors to Earth,” Skye said, but he didn’t elaborate on his meaning.
“That’s great, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to help my dad,” Henry said, his mouth set in a stubborn line.
Sanguina met Valerie’s eyes, and Valerie could see that they both knew nothing would change Henry’s mind.
“Do it now,” Henry said, his eyes burning with determination.
Sanguina paused for a long moment, and then nodded. She lay the scrying map on the floor and clutched the two crystals—one that would anchor Henry to Earth, and the other that would send him to Thai’s side.
The room hummed and then trembled. Valerie saw Henry lean forward to touch the map, but the instant before his hand reached it, Sanguina slammed her own fist down on the map and vanished.
“No!” Henry howled.
Henry rocked back on his heels, and his face went blank as he mentally projected to Earth. Valerie followed him to the electronics shop.
“Why?” Henry was already screaming at Sanguina, who staggered as she stood up in the crowded room.
Henry didn’t seem to notice any of the other people in the room. “I will never forgive you for this! Never!”
“I know,” Sanguina said quietly. “And your and Valerie’s forgiveness is all I dream of, so that I can be at peace. But I couldn’t let you die.”
Henry trembled, and Valerie wished she could hold him. But before she could say anything to comfort him, his face turned steely.
“Henry, we’ve got help now,” Thai said, separating himself from the rest of the group. “We’re going to save your dad.”
“I’ll die fighting Zunya if I have to,” Sanguina swore, but Henry ignored her.
“Has Chrome found him?” Henry asked Thai.
“They’ve identified the building. He’s searching floor by floor,” Thai said. “The rest of us are on our way over now.”
“Then go!” Henry said, and the crowd in the room began to disperse. Then, in a more controlled voice he added, “And thank you.”
Valerie and Henry projected to the hotel and helped Chrome with the search, peeking into each room, since doors couldn’t stop them. Valerie was about to suggest they split up to cover more ground faster when they entered a dark room that appeared neat and empty at first glance.
“He isn’t here.” Reaper’s voice echoed in Valerie’s ears and sent waves of panic through her body.
She saw him standing next to the window. Even though she knew that he was only projecting, Valerie couldn’t stop her physical
reaction to his presence, and her hands shook.
If Reaper was surprised to see her, he hid it well. Valerie suspected that he had intended to confront Henry alone this time, and that his earlier attack on her had been to ensure that she wouldn’t be there to disrupt his plan.
“I’ll do what you want,” Henry said, his voice sounding dead.
“I gave you more chances than I’ve ever given anyone,” Reaper said, assuming a sorrowful expression. Valerie could see that even Reaper didn’t know how false he was. “In a way, I am impressed that mere threats were not enough to convince you to change your path.”
“What are you saying? I’m agreeing to help you!” Henry said, and panic began to creep into his voice.
“For now, you mean those words,” Reaper said. “But until you see that I will do whatever it takes to create a better world, you will not believe that I will follow through on my promises.”
“I do believe you, I swear it,” Henry replied.
Valerie knew that Reaper’s decision had already been made.
“Tell us where Joe is,” she commanded. “You wanted Henry to see him die, didn’t you?”
Reaper’s eyes narrowed at her words, but all he did was point to a window in the hotel next door. “Room 895.”
Valerie projected to Chrome and Thai, telling them where to go, though she knew it had to be too late, or Reaper would never have given them the location.
By the time she projected to the room herself, Henry was sobbing. Joe was on his knees, his eyes locked on his son’s, and Zunya had his hand against his chest. Logan had Joe’s arms pinned behind his back, but if he had been fighting before, he wasn’t now.
“I’m sorry,” Henry said, the words wrenched from his throat.
“I love you,” Joe managed to reply, though his breathing came in little gasps. Valerie knew what it was like to be touched by Zunya. The pain was excruciating. Seeing how well Joe hid that truth from Henry was a testament to his courage.
The light left Joe’s eyes, and his head fell forward. Zunya removed his hand, and his yellow eyes burned into Henry’s.
“Reaper always keeps his promises,” he said.