Knights of Light

By Kristen Pham

Leading means taking mortal risks. Hiding is not an option.

With a tumultuous year behind her, Valerie is ready to start a life that doesn't include running from enemies and risking her life. Too bad someone wants her dead.

No matter how much she resists, Valerie is thrust into a position where it is up to her to lead the Conjurors against the power-hungry Fractus or suffer the consequences of two worlds ruled by those who wield magic as a weapon. But the clashes don't stop on the battlefield. As Valerie finds herself torn between her new love and her best friend, it will be up to her to figure out who she can't live without.

In the fast-paced second novel of The Conjurors Series, Valerie searches for the father she thought was long dead and begins to come to grips with the immensity of her new power.

The battle has begun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristen Pham
• Release date: Jan 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311881670

Kristen Pham

Kristen Pham is a YA science fiction and fantasy writer who lives for really great fudge, roller coasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her children and husband, where she eagerly waits for her kids to turn 11 and receive their invitations to Hogwarts.If you would like to hear about Kristen's new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter on her website (kristenpham.com). You can also reach her on Twitter (@KristenNPham) and Facebook.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The dreams were never exactly the same, but they usually began with Sanguina’s terrified eyes, life draining out of them the moment before Valerie saved her. Then the ecstatic burst of power that she released in a torrent she could barely control.

Finally, a sinking into darkness. The most frightening part was the emptiness inside her that was in stark contrast to the connection she had with all of life seconds before, when she had channeled her magic to save her enemy’s life. It was a familiar, abandoned loneliness that she had run from her entire life.

The next part of the dream was different every time. She had a choice—give in to the blackness or fight against it. Sometimes she let herself dissolve into the darkness until there was nothing left of her, and with that came a kind of peace, finality. Other times, she struggled back toward light and life. This choice required monumental effort, but it also led to the knowledge that she wasn’t really alone anymore.

Always, no matter what she chose, she knew that she had traded something incalculably precious for Sanguina’s life, but she didn’t know what it was—some of her magic, years of her life, a piece of her soul? Then came the pain, emotional and physical agonies that mirrored each other. Even though she knew it was coming, she couldn’t stop herself from moaning.

Come back, it’s okay, you’re safe now, Thai’s voice pulled her from the dream. Every time the nightmare had swept her away over the past four months, he was there, pushing her sweaty hair back from her forehead. His eyes were deep brown pools of sympathy.

Whatever she had given up, it was worth it for that moment.

Feels a lot like paradise, Valerie said, skimming her hand through the cool sand on the beach in Half Moon Bay, California. The chill in the air stung her cheeks, and she tipped her head back to soak in some of the warm April sunshine.

Agreed, Thai replied, and he gave her the little half smile like they shared a secret.

Even though for the past four months, Valerie and her twin brother, Henry, had technically been hiding from the evil Fractus, they were the best months of her life. They had been camping with their close friend, Thai, at a remote site, spending their days walking the beaches, learning about their powers, and plotting their next move to travel from Earth to the Globe, a world filled with magic.

I’d like to stay here forever, she admitted.

Thai’s eyes were warm when they met hers. Me, too. But you know how important it is for you to go back.

She shrugged. I’m fine. She was better than fine. She was happier than she’d ever been, which left her questioning if she really wanted to return to the Globe, a world that had been created in the center of a black hole for magical beings called Conjurors. A world she’d had to try to explain to her newfound twin. A world he, too, would soon have to call home.

She had tried to explain to Henry what her friend Cyrus had explained to her. Many centuries ago, magic had existed on Earth, but some chose to abuse their powers and enslave humans who didn’t have the gift. In order to protect those without powers, the rest of the Conjurors—the good ones—created the Globe and forced everyone with magic to leave Earth. Rules were put in place to prevent anyone born with magic in the future from using their powers.

The problem was, every now and then, someone—like Valerie—was born with too much magic. On Earth, that could make you very sick, and ultimately you could die. Such people had to be transported to the Globe where they could use their magic freely and live a full life. That was what had happened to Valerie six months ago. She’d traveled through a portal to the Globe, which was separated from Earth with a barrier so that no one with magic could ever return. But Valerie somehow broke that rule when she came back to Earth to save her brother’s life.

You may be okay now, but that might not last. Remember, I had to watch you almost die when your magic was too strong, Thai reminded her, his forehead creased with worry. Then, so low she almost didn’t catch it, he added, Worst three minutes of my life.

He was staring into the surf with a familiar brooding expression on his face, and she decided to change the subject. It’s a stupid rule the Conjurors put in place in the first place. Why repress everyone’s magic on Earth?

Power corrupts, Thai said grimly. They were saving humans from being slaves to magical evil overlords.

There’s got to be a better way.

Maybe you’ll think of one and things can be different. But for now, we have to get you off the planet. Besides, admit it. You want to use your magic again.

I want to be able to defend myself, she said with a grin. Her power was her ability to fight, and it had been incredibly satisfying on the Globe to be able to protect herself and her friends in a way she was rarely able to on Earth. And I know Henry’s curious about how his psychic powers will work.

Thai threw a rock into the surf. She couldn’t stop sneaking peeks at his golden tan and deep brown eyes. He was the best-looking guy she’d ever seen. Even better, he could make her laugh till she could barely breathe, and he was the first person in her memory who had taken care of her. It wasn’t up to her to always be on guard for danger, because she had a partner who would help shoulder the burden.

As he leaned in to brush some sand off of her cheek with his thumb, she became a little breathless. She wondered if the thrilling energy that zinged through her every time they accidentally touched affected him as well. Suddenly, the sound of a loud motor interrupted her thoughts.

They turned toward the ocean in surprise as a girl with long, blonde hair zoomed through the choppy waves a hundred yards out on a jet ski.

It’s early in the year for that. It’s too wavy out there, and the water’s freezing, even with a wet suit, Thai said.

The words were barely out of his mouth when the engine abruptly cut out. They watched with horror as the girl was smacked from the jet ski by a huge wave.

Valerie started kicking off her shoes. But Thai stopped her. I’m the stronger swimmer.

He raced down the beach into the water. He expertly dove under the waves toward the girl, and she picked up his cell and called 911. After she made the call, a boy with dark hair streaked with silver came running toward her—Henry.

I could tell that something was wrong, he said. Valerie and Henry had always had an intense mental connection, even before they had met in person. Now that they had grown to be close as brother and sister, their bond was even stronger. As hard as they tried not to use their psychic link, since using magic on Earth made them both sick, sometimes it was impossible to stop the connection.

She quickly explained what happened, scanning the ocean the entire time for Thai. At first, she couldn’t spot him. He could die out there, she said, a vision of him being sucked out by one of the notorious rip tides along this stretch of beach making her heart pound.

He’s gonna be okay, her brother insisted, but he was chewing his thumbnail down to a nub.

She strained her eyes down the beach and was flooded with relief when she saw Thai bent over the girl, giving her CPR. By the time she and Henry reached them, the girl was coughing up a lungful of water.

Welcome back, Thai said, patting the girl gently on her slender back.

Thank you, she said, turning to him with big blue eyes brimming with tears. She was around Thai’s age, eighteen, and Valerie could see that even with tears streaking her face and her hair plastered against her forehead, she was strikingly beautiful.

You’re welcome. Can we help you get back somewhere, um…

Logan, the girl said. I’m Logan Sparks.

I’m Thai, and this is Valerie and Henry.

Loud sirens screeched from the top of the cliff, and two paramedics hurried down the stairs. They reached the group and began assessing Logan for injuries. She appeared to be okay, but they put her on a stretcher to take her to the hospital anyway.

We’ll come with you, Thai said, but Logan shook her head.

No, I’ve put you through enough trouble already. I’ll call my parents and they’ll meet me there.

The paramedics hefted Logan onto a stretcher, and she held out her hand. How can I find you again? After this is over? I’d like to thank you properly for saving my life.

She fluttered her eyelashes at Thai, and Valerie was dangerously close to rolling her eyes. Logan was laying on the damsel-in-distress act pretty thick. She looked over at Thai, to see if he was buying it, and she saw with relief that there was a spark of humor in his eyes.

We’re camping at the site on the top of this cliff. Stop by anytime to say hi to my friends and me.

Do you think it was safe to tell her where we’re camping? Henry asked as they made their way back to their campsite.

Thai raked his fingers through his wet hair, worried. You’re right. That was careless of me.

Let’s not overreact. Don’t turn back into Mr. Paranoid on me again, Valerie said with a grin.

The last time I was paranoid, it turned out to be a Fractus henchman trying to kill us all with frog poison! Thai exclaimed.

Venu, Henry said darkly.

I’m never gonna live that down, am I? she said, trying to lighten the mood, so that Henry didn’t start reliving the horrific kidnapping that had almost killed him.

It’s only a matter of time before the Fractus find us here. Chisisi can’t get us out of here soon enough, Thai said.

They hadn’t seen Chisisi, who helped protect them on Earth, since he had watched over them at the Mena House Hotel in Egypt where they had stayed before she had used the portal at the Great Pyramid to travel to the Globe. Without his help, she never would have made it there.

He’s right, Val, Henry agreed, and a wave of worry washed from his mind to hers.

How would they ever find us? No one other than Henry’s dad and a handful of our friends on the Globe knows where we are, Valerie reasoned.

But despite that fact, an uneasy tingle in the back of her mind warned her that the Fractus were coming. They had tormented Henry for years, and surely finding him again was a top priority.

Valerie squinted toward the tents where they were camping and saw the tell-tale shimmer of her best friends, Kanti and Cyrus, projecting from the Globe. She, Henry, and Thai began to jog toward their camp, and she noticed that Henry was smiling widely.

Valerie got there first and wished she could give her friends a hug, but they were mentally projecting themselves to Earth, so she had to settle for giving them both their signature air high-fives that they had invented as an alternative as long as they were half a universe apart.

Once everyone was gathered around the tents, Henry, Thai, Kanti, and Cyrus burst into a loud, off-key rendition of the Happy Birthday song. Henry threw back his head to laugh at the shocked expression on Valerie’s face. This made Valerie start giggling, too, half with surprise and half at the rare sound of her brother’s joy.

For the first time, she noticed a cake, presents, and even a few balloons set up next to the tents.

You did all this? Valerie gasped, clutching her brother in a tight hug.

Naturally, he had help from the best. We have a lot of birthdays to make up for, Cyrus said. He knew how lonely her childhood in the foster care system had been, because he had been her imaginary friend for many years.

Seeing her friends’ expectant faces, a rush of happiness that she had never known almost overwhelmed her. It was the first birthday party she had ever had, and it was perfect.

It’s your birthday, too, Valerie said to her brother. I can’t believe I forgot.

I’ll forgive you if you let me have the first piece of cake, he said with a grin.

Don’t forget the music for those of us who can’t stuff our faces, chimed in Kanti, and Thai pulled out a battery-powered radio and turned it on. The heavy beat of a Drake song had Kanti busting out some of her legendary dance moves. She was incredibly graceful when she danced, and it was easy to forget that she looked like an evil witch in a fairy tale, warts and all.

Henry laughed and tried to imitate her, but it was quickly clear that he had no rhythm. Cyrus joined in next, and he was even worse. Valerie was doubled over with laughter as Thai grabbed her hand and pulled her into the circle, and soon she was demonstrating her version of the moonwalk.

Not bad! Thai said, and then showed off with a windmill, where he got into a kind of handstand, bending his arms at the elbows and whirling his legs around in the air… like a windmill. After that, even Kanti’s mouth was hanging open.

Can I cut in? A low, threatening voice from Valerie’s nightmares wiped the smile off her face. She whirled around to see the squinty yellow eyes of Zunya glaring at her with smug triumph. And if Zunya was projecting from the Globe, his henchmen on Earth couldn’t be far.

As if on cue, Venu’s hulking form stepped out from behind her tent. Henry, Thai, step back, Valerie commanded.

Not on your life. We do this together, Thai said, but unexpectedly his face contorted and his eyes turned a soft gold. His younger alter ego, Tan, had taken over his body. Thai was an amoebiate, which meant that he was splitting into two people, making an exact copy of his genes, like an amoeba.

I’m gonna kill you, Tan cried, stepping toward Venu.

How did you survive dropping off the edge of Victoria Falls? Valerie asked Venu, shifting so that she stood a little in front of Tan, where she could protect him. She wished that she had her sword, Pathos, with her. But it was back on the Globe, and without her magic, she wasn’t sure how effective she would be with it anyway.

Val, he didn’t, Cyrus said, standing next to her. I heard that he went through some vortex and now he’s on the Globe. He’s just projecting. Neither of them can hurt you.

Yeah, it’s a scare tactic, Kanti said. She was kneeling next to Henry, who was breathing shallowly, his eyes dilated with fear. He had been terrorized for years by Zunya and Sanguina, who had manipulated his fear to force him to use his magic to give the Fractus new powers. Seeing one of his tormentors again was almost sending him into a panic attack.

You’ve made your point. Now get out of here, Valerie said with as much command as she could muster. She knew that Zunya fed on fear, and the more anxiety she showed, the longer he would stay.

Be a good little puppy and run back to Sanguina, Cyrus said, immediately understanding Valerie’s tactic.

Zunya’s face twisted with rage. I don’t answer to her. I never did.

She was calling the shots on the Globe, Valerie taunted, faking confidence.

Tan lunged at Venu, who released a croaking rumble of laughter as Tan’s fist went right through the air where he stood. It was lucky that Venu wasn’t there for real, because his hands and feet had poison in them that could kill a grown person with a single touch.

Still mad about how easily I crushed you at the falls? I’ll do it again if you ever cross my path on the Globe, Venu sneered, and Tan shook with anger.

Valerie thought she was going to have to restrain Tan when, to her relief, he shuddered and blinked, and Thai was back in control.

We’re wasting time, Zunya said to Venu. Reaper will want to know where they are immediately. Then he turned to Valerie, stepping so close that she could see the flecks of black in his yellow eyes. Her stomach churned with the old fear that always hit her at the sight of those eyes, but she refused to let him see anything but contempt on her face.

Go ahead and run, Zunya sneered. I like it better when there’s a chase.

Then Zunya and Venu vanished.

Chapter 2

Several hours later, Valerie entered Thai’s tent and collapsed on the floor next to him. Henry had finally relaxed enough to fall asleep, and Kanti was still there, watching over him. Valerie and Thai stared up through the open flap on the top of his tent at the tiny patch of stars that had become so familiar to them over the past few months in the hours they had spent talking every night.

Henry told me everything that happened to him, but I didn’t understand how messed up he is from it until tonight, she confided to Thai.

He’s getting stronger. I can see a difference in him every week.

I hope this doesn’t set him back. It seemed like he was finally starting to heal.

My biggest worry has always been his father, Thai said. From what Henry’s said, he seems really fragile, and I worry that he might get depressed again without Henry to take care of him. And if something happened to him, Henry would never forgive himself.

She shuddered. I don’t think he would recover if he lost his dad after everything that’s happened. He blames himself for everything the Fractus put his dad through. He says it never would have happened if they hadn’t been after him to begin with.

What did the Fractus do?

Henry says they convinced his dad that he killed his wife. Sanguina pretended to be her ghost, blaming him for what happened. He was so broken by his grief and guilt that he believed it.

He’s in a safe place now, away from us. We have to make sure that the Fractus can never find him again. It will be easier once Henry is on the Globe and can visit him all the time in person. I’m sure learning all this stuff about magic is pretty crazy for him.

It’s still nuts to me, and I’ve been living with it for half a year, Valerie said, only half kidding.

Their eyes met and they both smiled. The tension finally drained out of her. Together, she and Thai would plan their next move, and it would all be okay. He was sitting close enough that a piece of her long, dark hair rested on his arm. He picked it up and fiddled with the end, clearly trying to decide whether he should say something.

Finally, he sighed. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there when you needed me the most.

We were never in any real danger.

This time, true. But next time…I just wish you could count on me.

She sat up. I do count on you. More than you know. And Tan’s getting more mature. He can help in a crisis, too, she said, though she wasn’t certain if that was really true.

He is getting stronger. I think that we’re going to separate sooner than Midnight told me we would.

But that’s a good thing, right? Valerie asked.

It will be nice to have my body back. But he doesn’t seem ready to be on his own yet.

Tan’s reaction to Venu today was kinda weird. He seemed so angry—way more than you are.

I know. It all started when Venu touched him with his poison at the falls. Something’s wrong, but I have no idea how to fix it, or if I even can, Thai said, his face tense with worry.

Well, he shares your genes, so something tells me that he’ll work through what’s bothering him and come out of this stronger for it.

I hope you’re right.

I’m always right, Valerie joked. Thai smacked her legs with a pillow and she laughed. But then he turned serious.

So what’s next? Think we should run?

No. Zunya and whoever he’s working for are keeping tabs on us, I’m sure of it.

Sanguina?

She shrugged. Thinking of the woman she had almost killed, whose life she had ultimately saved with a power that still confounded her, left her with mixed feelings. Despite the fact that, logically, she knew Sanguina was likely still a threat, she didn’t have the alarm bells going off in her mind like she used to. Still, she hoped that Sanguina would never bother her again. She could never forgive her for the way she had forced Henry to use his magic for her own evil devices.

For now, let’s wait for Chisisi to get here to guide us. If we leave, it will be hard to get back in touch, and right now, he’s our best bet for getting you and Henry back to the Globe, where you’ll be safer, Thai said.

He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. The contact left Valerie’s heart pounding. She thought she saw her longing reflected in Thai’s eyes, but he quickly let go of her hand. She knew that he’d never look at her like she looked at him. To him, she was a buddy, a kid. He’d probably had girls much prettier and more charming throwing themselves at him all the time before Tan had entered the picture. Somehow, that thought darkened her mood in a way that even Zunya and Venu hadn’t been able to.

That night, Valerie’s dreams were full of the Globe. She wandered the winding streets of Silva and walked around The Horseshoe, marveling at the elegant white guild buildings where Conjurors learned their trades.

Took you long enough. I thought you were never gonna fall asleep, Cyrus said, and she saw that he was walking next to her as if he had been there the whole time, like he always did as her imaginary friend years ago.

Why didn’t you visit me while I was awake instead?

All our best memories are here on the Globe. Besides, I have something fun in mind.

Cyrus pulled her down a narrow alley between two strange buildings—one that glittered as if the walls were studded with tiny diamonds, and one that was carved out of the giant trunk of a tree. But, before she could take the time to examine them, they burst through the alley to an open courtyard. It was empty and dark.

What are we here for?

Just wait and let me concentrate. I want to remember this right for you. Look up.

She stared into the night sky and gasped as a flood of multi-colored lights exploded above her head with a low bang, like fireworks. Beautiful designs were etched into the night sky, far more complex than anything she had seen on the Fourth of July on Earth.

A unicorn galloped across the sky, mane flowing behind her—clearly a tribute to the oldest Conjuror and a founder of the Globe, Azra. Scenes from the Globe’s history flashed in the darkness, blending seamlessly—babies born, castles built, and wars fought. It was a living, glowing tapestry.

At the end of the display, the night sky flashed with a hundred colors at once, and then the light seemed to fall to the ground like rain. When it hit her, it was soft, like dozens of petals against her skin.

Valerie was mesmerized, and she turned to Cyrus to see if his awe matched her own.

He grinned at the expression on her face. Pretty amazing, huh? That was the Illuminator Guild’s showcase this year. It’s one of the biggest holidays on the Globe, and I’ve been waiting for years to take you to it. I wish you’d been here to see it in person.

That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

Happy Birthday, Val.

Thank you, Cy. I really do miss this place. Even though I wasn’t here long, it was home.

It is your home. Everything’s waiting for you, just like you left it. I’m taking care of all your stuff for you.

She nodded. Thanks for keeping my sword safe.

You’ll be wearing it yourself soon enough.

She smiled, but she didn’t say anything. Her new desire to stay on Earth awhile longer were too complex to explain yet, even to her best friend. Her vision faded to black as her mind drifted into a deeper sleep.

The next morning, Valerie woke to the loud sounds of breakfast being made, and she knew that Tan must be up. He was the only one who ever got up before she did.

Eggs and toast! Tan said triumphantly when Valerie and Henry left their tents. My birthday present to you!

Tan, this is so thoughtful, thank you, she said, and gave him a squeeze.

We all gotta eat lots of protein and stay strong so we can kill Venu when we get to the Globe, Tan said cheerfully.

Valerie and Henry froze, staring at him. He whistled as he continued to cook, as if he hadn’t said anything strange at all.

Nobody’s killing anybody, she managed to choke out. That’s not the way we deal with our enemies.

Tan dropped the pan he was holding with a clatter and turned to face her. He was scowling, and his cheeks flushed an ugly red. He took a step toward her, and she could have sworn he was half ready to fight her. But before the thought could fully register, Tan started to shudder.

Not now! he said as Thai regained control.

I-I’m sorry, Thai said. Then he turned and jogged toward the beach.

She started to follow him, but Henry put his hand on her shoulder. Give him space and time to make sure that Tan’s really out of his system. Remember, you don’t have your magic to protect you if he goes nuts.

Tan would never hurt me.

No, Thai would never hurt you. Stay away from Tan.

He’s just emotional from everything that’s happened to him. He’ll come around with time.

Henry raised his eyebrows, but he didn’t say anything.

The queen of awkward timing has arrived! Kanti announced, popping into view next to Henry. It broke the tension.

Henry’s face softened into a smile. I thought you’d still be sleeping. If you’re here to check on me, I’m fine, you know. You gotta take care of yourself, too.

Um, Henry, I hate to break it to you, but not everything’s about you, Kanti teased. Valerie loved how she was able to turn her brother’s insecurities around on him. No one was able to get him to let down his guard the way Kanti could. Maybe it was because she had been his imaginary friend as a child, but Valerie suspected it was more than that. The two seemed like kindred spirits.

Actually, I come bearing news for our girl Val here. Cy and I bumped into Azra, and Cy gave her your crystal so she can come visit you wherever you are. She needs to talk to you about something important.

Valerie hadn’t yet mentioned the crystals to Henry, as was evident by the confused expression on his face. So she quickly explained that, on the Globe, the crystals were special charms that allowed only the person holding one to immediately find the person it was linked to. Anyone else, like the Fractus, had to find them the old-fashioned way—by hunting them down like Zunya did. She told him that usually Cyrus kept hers and Kanti kept his. Thai’s crystal hung from a chain around Valerie’s neck, but on Earth it was cold and dead, without magic to power it.

Valerie finished her cold eggs and soggy toast. She could never let food go to waste, given how many times she hadn’t had enough of it. Thinking of her past reminded her of the friends she had left behind at the hospital when her adventure began.

What had become of Dr. Freeman, her personal physician, or sweet Ming who was struggling with cancer, or Jeremiah who she took under her wing at the hospital? What had become of them while she traveled to the center of a black hole and embraced her magic? She had the sudden, overpowering urge to see them one last time before she left Earth again, this time for good.

While she was lost in her thoughts, Henry and Kanti became absorbed in a discussion about what was more important to a great song, rhythm or lyrics.

I’m going for a walk, Valerie said.

Later, debater, Kanti and Henry said at the same time, and then they grinned at each other.

I made that up, originally, you know, Kanti announced.

No way! Henry protested.

Valerie shook her head, listening to their fading voices as she headed toward the beach in the opposite direction that Thai had taken.

As she walked, she twisted the ring on her thumb, bringing to mind her mentor on the Globe, Gideon, who had given it to her. He’d called it the Laurel Circle. Like Thai’s crystal, on Earth it had no power, but it was still beautiful and reminded her to overcome her fear and trust herself and her instincts.

What her instincts were screaming right now was that it was impossible to imagine leaving Earth without Thai, but she knew he and Tan couldn’t come to the Globe until they separated. What would Henry say if she told him that she was going to wait for Thai? What would Cyrus think?

I had almost forgotten how beautiful a true dawn on Earth is, Azra’s musical voice entered Valerie’s mind, reminding her of bells. The beautiful unicorn gracefully trotted beside her, her iridescent mane rippling in the breeze as if she was really next to her on the beach.

Valerie’s worries receded in her mind. Azra always exuded peace, even when she was projecting from the Globe.

It’s good to see you again, Valerie said. Is everything okay? Kanti said you needed to see me about something.

Azra turned her dark eyes to Valerie’s, and they stopped walking. Our allies on Earth will be with you soon, and I wanted to speak with you before you returned to the Globe. Things have changed here since you left. We had hoped after you changed Sanguina that the attacks of the Fractus on the Globe and their appearances on Earth would slow. But the opposite has happened.

Sanguina’s still attacking people, even now?

I don’t think it’s Sanguina, Azra said, and Valerie could sense her worry. I have always thought she was a lost soul, not capable of organizing a true attack against the Conjurors. It is someone else, and I fear that person is getting ready to start a war.

But why? To return to Earth?

Azra nodded grimly. There is more, Valerie. The Conjurors on the Globe are very scared, and they need a leader. News of your power, and how you saved Sanguina, has amazed everyone. A new vivicus has not been seen since Conjurors roamed Earth. They expect you to guide them.

Me? I’m just a kid!

You are special, Valerie. But I do agree that this responsibility is too heavy for your young shoulders. Gideon and I, along with several others, are committed to developing your inner leader when you return to the Globe.

Maybe I should wait to come back, then, Valerie blurted. An extra year, and all this will die down.

That only you can decide, Azra said, but she didn’t seem surprised. How long had Azra suspected that she was considering staying on Earth with Thai? Remember, you will grow increasingly weaker on Earth. Staying too long could be fatal. But when you are ready, your magic and your life on the Globe will be waiting for you.

And so would her responsibilities, Valerie knew, and an invisible weight settled on her shoulders.

Chapter 3

After waiting a few days for Chisisi to arrive, Henry began to unravel.

"What could be taking him so long? Do