Part 27 (1/2)

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 s.h.i.+vered 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.