Guardians of the Boundary

Chapter 1

No matter how far or how long Valerie ran, she couldn’t outpace her tortured memories. Ever since she’d witnessed Midnight being torn apart cell by cell by Reaper, constant movement had been the only thing that had kept her from breaking down.

She sprinted through the winding streets of Silva, not realizing where she was headed until she was within sight of Midnight’s cottage, which had once been her own home, too. With no one in sight, Valerie collapsed on the doorstep, gasping for air and releasing the dry sob that had been in her throat all morning.

A light flicked on inside the dark house, and Valerie almost jumped in surprise. Midnight had no living family. Who could be in her house? She stormed inside and stopped short at the sight of Oleander, Midnight’s betrayer.

Without thinking, Valerie was flooded with magic. Instantly, she was across the room, slamming her fist into Oleander’s perfect little nose, breaking it. But Oleander was a Master in the Guardians of the Boundary Guild, and she wasn’t easily taken down.

A pulse of electricity zinged through Valerie’s body when Oleander gripped Valerie’s wrist, and she shook as if she’d been shocked by a Taser. When she was released, Valerie dropped to the ground. Oleander stared down at her with a satisfied smile. But the smile vanished when Valerie kicked the Master Guardian’s knees with enough force to topple her over.

Valerie straddled Oleander, pinning her wrists with one hand so that she couldn’t shock her again and slamming her other fist into Oleander’s face. She would have kept fighting, but two strong arms dragged her away.

You see? She’s a maniac! She ought to be locked up, Oleander said, holding her hand over her bloody nose. Even bruised, Oleander was beautiful, her long blonde hair shining as if she’d just come from filming a shampoo commercial instead of taking a savage beating.

Valerie, control yourself, Skye said sternly. Valerie recognized the centaur from her meetings with the Council, a powerful group of Grand Masters who were very influential in Arden’s government.

Do you know what she did? She helped Reaper kill Midnight! Valerie said, struggling to break free from his grasp.

Oleander rolled her eyes. Midnight and I were like sisters. I would never hurt her.

She’s lying! Valerie yelled, still straining against Skye’s grasp. She was surprised he was strong enough to hold her, flooded with magic as she was.

Skye’s eyes were troubled. There’s no proof that Midnight is dead. She’s missing. That’s why we’re here, looking for clues. We intend to stop at nothing to rescue her.

Valerie’s energy vanished as quickly as it came. She’s gone. I saw her die.

Skye paled, and his eyes pierced Oleander’s. I know this girl, and she has always been an honorable young woman.

Oleander shifted uncomfortably on her feet, but her voice remained strong. I won’t listen to this. This girl ought to be taken to the Justice Guild for what she’s done today.

Before Skye or Valerie could reply, Oleander stormed out of Midnight’s house, practically running away.

She left quickly for one who claims to be innocent of your charges, Skye said, releasing Valerie and folding his arms. And you strike me as being in charge of your wits, though I had my doubts with your foolish attack.

She deserved worse, Valerie said, a bit of her rage resurfacing.

Perhaps. That’s why I’m investigating her. I decided I could learn more if Oleander didn’t know of my suspicions. I thought we might find evidence here of whatever happened to Midnight.

You won’t. Reaper turned Midnight to dust before my eyes in her Guild office, Valerie said, forcing her eyes to remain dry for once.

But Skye’s eyes filled with tears that he quickly blinked away. I believe you. We have lost a good Conjuror and a friend. She will be avenged.

I hope so. But I think things are going to get worse before that happens, Valerie said, dull certainty like lead in her stomach.

Then I hope we have someone who can drive out the evil ones among us for good and lead us back to the way of light, Skye said, his tone loaded with meaning. He ducked his tall form under the low doorframe and before leaving, turned back to face Valerie. That person will have my unwavering support, should she require it.

Valerie knew she should be galvanized that a Guild Grand Master as powerful and influential as Skye thought she might lead the Conjurors to defeat Reaper and the Fractus who followed him. Instead she felt as if the weight of the universe was on her shoulders, and she couldn’t help but bow under it.

At breakfast the next morning with her father and brother, Valerie decided not to share what had happened. Their meals were awkward enough as they all tried to get to know each other without adding her latest drama to the mix.

She picked at the pancakes that Oberon had cooked up, ignoring the rubbery texture and the faint flavor of fish. It had been a nice thought on her father’s part, and she tried not to think about the last person who had made her pancakes. Midnight had somehow gotten them just right.

What did you learn at the Empathy Guild yesterday, son? Oberon asked Henry.

Henry dropped his fork with a clatter and glared at Oberon.

"You don’t get to call me son, Henry said through gritted teeth. His expression softened a fraction as he turned to Valerie. I tried. But I can’t do this. I’m betraying my real dad. The one who raised me and loved me my entire life."

He threw down his napkin and left the table, and, a little later, Valerie heard the front door shut quietly, as if Henry was already trying to make up for his outburst.

He doesn’t mean it, Dad, Valerie said.

Oberon reached across the table and gripped her hand tightly. Having the chance to know you and Henry is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Any relationship Henry is willing to bestow, I am grateful for.

You have me, Dad, Valerie whispered, so her voice wouldn’t crack.

I am the luckiest of fathers.

After helping clean up breakfast, Valerie headed to the Knights of Light, the Guild she apprenticed to the year before, for personal training with her mentor, Gideon.

She walked beneath the arches at the entrance of the Guild and immediately spotted Gideon in the back corner of the courtyard. Some of the tension in her body eased.

He was practicing blocks, punches, and thrusts with an imaginary opponent, like a dancer without a partner. It was too early for anyone else to be out yet, so they had the space to themselves.

Valerie waited at a respectful distance until Gideon turned to her. He was tall and wiry, and every movement bespoke his strength. He had decided not to develop his magical potential, choosing instead to become one of the most powerful Conjurors on the Globe through intense mental and physical exercises.

Gideon’s eyes crinkled as he smiled at her. Are you ready to train?

I don’t know, Valerie replied. There was no point in lying to Gideon. Since Midnight’s death, there were still mornings she still had trouble getting out of bed, never mind training with her mentor.

It is better to start now, while your grief is fresh and your defenses are vulnerable. If you can train your mind to focus when it is at its weakest, you will be unstoppable when you are strong, Gideon said.

She’d always been weak when it came to mental attacks, and Gideon promised to help her guard her mind.

All right. How do we start?

Gideon pulled a crystal from his pocket and handed it to Valerie.

This is a prepotent crystal, he explained. It will allow me to use my will to command yours. It is a tool we frequently use when training Knights, though usually we wait until they are ready to become Masters in the Guild.

So it has the power to turn me into your puppet? Valerie asked dubiously.

Only if you let me, Gideon said. It is no different than when Sanguina manipulated your thoughts or Ani used her siren song to bend you to her will. Magic that attempts to control your mind finds your weaknesses and fears and uses them to distract you.

But what if my enemy’s magic is too strong?

Anyone can fend off an attack on their mind. Though I choose not to use my innate magic, my mind cannot easily be touched. Even a Grand Master like Kellen may kill my body, but my mind will always remain my own, Gideon said gravely.

She swallowed her nerves. Tell me what to do.

You need to find a locus for your thoughts. Something that you find unshakably strong and utterly peaceful. Hold that thought in your mind, and it will be the peaceful eye in the hurricane of magic. You can stay safe within it no matter what blows around you, Gideon explained.

Valerie’s mind was a blank. She tried to think of something in her life that was a constant for her, but everything seemed so fragile. Even her family could be ripped away by Reaper, who was determined to bring the Fractus to Earth and would kill anyone who tried to stop him.

What do you use as a locus? Valerie asked Gideon.

He flashed a rare smile, one that made him seem younger than the gray hair at his temples would suggest. A tree from my childhood. In my town, lovers carve their names on it for luck. Many times, angry young Conjurors have tried to burn it down after a terrible breakup, but somehow, the tree always survives. I myself once tried to cut it down, but it bent the blade of my axe. It still grows to this day.

Why’d you try to cut it down? Valerie asked.

The smile disappeared from Gideon’s face, replaced by the stern expression she recognized from his lessons to her as an apprentice over the past year. Focus, Valerie.

Without warning, a spasm of pain circled her head, and she knew that Gideon’s attack on her mind with the prepotent crystal had begun.

She frantically searched for a locus, but nothing came to mind. Flashes of horrible scenes from her foster homes; Jet’s last moments alive before she let him die; and finally, Midnight being tortured by Reaper all ripped through her mind. She was blinded by grief and fear as Gideon’s crystal exploited the cracks in her mind that had been formed by years of loneliness and grief.

The pressure on her head increased, and she forced herself to open her eyes. She was on her knees. Gideon was in complete control of her mind.

Think of something you trust, that makes you feel safe, and push back, Gideon commanded.

Stop, she moaned, and Gideon released his hold.

I was using only the mildest pulse of power from the crystal. What was your locus? he asked her.

I don’t have one, she admitted. Valerie gripped the hilt of Pathos for security, like she often did when she felt threatened. The touch of the metal against her skin let her regain a measure of peace, and it hit her that maybe she did have a locus after all. She met Gideon’s eyes.

Ready? he asked her.

Go, Valerie said, and braced herself for the onslaught of magic, an image of Pathos firmly in her mind.

Three hours later, Valerie was sweating and exhausted, and she had only fended off a few of Gideon’s attacks.

Again, she said, her voice hoarse. Gideon had been making her recite rhymes when he controlled her mind, and her throat was scratchy.

Enough for today, Gideon said.

Valerie couldn’t read his expression, but her gut told her that he was disappointed. I can handle more, she insisted.

Take a break and say hi to an old friend? a familiar voice cut through Valerie’s concentration.

For a split second, she thought she was seeing Thai, her first love, standing in front of her, and a rush of excitement made her want to tackle him with a hug, in spite of how he’d broken her heart. But the boy quirked an eyebrow, and she realized that it was Tan, Thai’s clone.

Tan, what are you doing here? Valerie asked with wary amazement. Tan hadn’t always been her biggest fan, and the last she heard, he was living on Earth with Thai.

I had to leave big bro behind and strike out on my own, Tan said, killing any hope Valerie had that Thai might be on the Globe as well.

Gideon gently patted Valerie’s shoulder, and she knew he was making his escape. I’ll leave you and your friend to catch up. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Gideon left without giving Valerie a chance to protest.

I’m hoping you can let bygones be bygones. I know I said some awful things to you on Earth, Tan said. But now that I’m here, I could really use a friend, and you’re the first person I thought of.

I’m excited you’re here, Valerie replied, trying to shrug off the prickling sensation in her mind that something wasn’t right. What does Thai think about all this?

He understands. It makes sense for me to be on this world, where my weird past won’t make me a total freak, Tan said. You promised once that you’d show me around if I ever came to the Globe. Does that offer still stand?

Valerie gave him a small smile. Of course. What do you want to see first?

Chapter 2

Several hours later, Valerie dropped Tan off at the dorm of the Society of Imaginary Friends, where the dorm matron and Valerie’s friend, Dulcea, said he could stay until he decided what guild he wanted to join.

Even though Tan had been pleasant and amusing as she’d shown him around, Valerie was exhausted. She wondered if that was how her best friends, Cyrus and Kanti, had felt after introducing her to life on the Globe when she’d arrived two years ago.

Her steps grew lighter as she approached her new home with her father and brother. She reached the garden and saw her father with his hands in the soil.

Oberon was teaching Valerie how to garden. She didn’t have his natural gift, but she loved working in the sunshine with him.

Without a word, Valerie knelt beside him, and as they worked together, she let the heat from the earth and the smell of the blooms around her relax her mind. Their peace was interrupted by the sound of the garden gate slamming.

I thought you two might be in need of some sunshine to help those flowers grow, so here I am, Cyrus joked. He leaned down to hug Valerie even though she was covered in dirt and sweat.

She wiped a smudge from his cheek. Sorry. I must have lost track of time. Do we need to go?

Cyrus shrugged. You know the cool kids always come late.

He gave her a wink and then blushed. Ever since he’d kissed her a couple of months ago, things had been a little strained between them.

Valerie laughed, and she saw her father smile at the sound. Thanks, Cy. But for you, I’ll hurry up and get ready.

Go on then, Oberon said to her. I’ll keep Cyrus entertained.

Valerie hurried through her grooming ritual, hoping that jeans were okay for the Globe party that she and Cyrus were going to with their friends that night. Every year, the Illuminators Guild had an elaborate fireworks display, and it was one of the biggest parties of the year. Valerie had been on Earth for the past two shows, so she was excited to finally get a chance to witness it.

When she came back outside, her short hair still a little wet, she saw that Cyrus and her father had their heads bent together and were talking intently. When they saw her, they both straightened up.

What’s wrong? she asked, the tension returning to her muscles.

Cyrus sighed dramatically. Nothing bad. It’s a surprise. Now come on!

Valerie and Cyrus hurried toward The Horseshoe, where the view of the fireworks would be the best. Cyrus was grinning like a madman, and his good mood was contagious.

Let me guess. You finally had enough hair on your upper lip to justify shaving, Valerie teased him.

No one shaves on the Globe, little human, Cyrus said with mock offense. The Glamour Guild is happy to give you whatever facial hair you would like. I assure you that, if I wanted to, I could have a full and manly beard. I probably will, once I find a woman worthy of it.

Valerie laughed again, the second time in one day. Some of her grief receded, and she let herself enjoy it. The Horseshoe was crammed with picnic blankets and Conjurors of all shapes and sizes. She spotted Kanti and Henry snuggled next to a family of bears.

Break it up, Cyrus said sternly. This is a family-friendly event.

Kanti threw a pastry at Cyrus without detaching her mouth from Henry’s.

Ah, young love, Jack said, joining the group with Dulcea.

Now that Jack was out of Zunya’s clutches, he was happier than she’d ever seen him. He tried to hold Dulcea’s hand, without success.

Where’s Tan? Valerie asked.

It’s good to be missed! Tan said, popping up behind her.

Where have you been all day? Dulcea asked. I was planning on giving you a tour of the Society of Imaginary Friends.

Sorry, Dulcea, Tan said. This Master in the Glamour Guild was talking my ear off. Trust me, I’d have rather been with you.

Dulcea smiled back at Tan. We’re glad you’re here now.

It’s good to have the gang together for this, Cyrus said as the fireworks began. Now everyone shut up.

Cyrus’s words weren’t necessary. The fireworks made the Fourth of July seem like child’s play. The Illuminators’ display lit up the entire sky like a giant movie screen. Sparkling images of scenes from around the Globe were perfectly timed to the most ethereal music Valerie had ever heard.

The wild purple mountains of Dunsinane melted into the turrets of an ice castle in Elsinore, which Valerie was pretty sure was the home of Kanti’s parents and sisters. The sparkling lights seamlessly morphed into the imposing skyscrapers of Messina, and then to the deserts of Ephesus. The next display was an incredible light ballet of scenes from Arden.

But after that, the mood of the show changed. Threatening images filled the night sky—ominous shadows, guild buildings crumbling, and a gaping hole that seemed to suck up all the light.

Everyone watching was utterly silent as light was pulled slowly at first, and then faster and faster, into the black hole, until the entire sky was dark.

Cyrus reached over and held Valerie’s hand.

The sky exploded in a blaze of light that was dazzling, lighting up the whole city as if it were the middle of the day. And in the center of it all was the image of a girl with short hair holding a sword up toward the sky, her head thrown back. She was powerful and utterly beautiful.

The girl looked familiar, and Valerie gasped. The music reached a crescendo, and all of the light swirled around the girl and then faded, falling to the ground like petals.

That image at the end—it was mine, Cyrus whispered to Valerie.

She turned to him and saw his blue eyes staring earnestly into her own. Was that me? At the end?

It’s how I saw you when you saved us from all of the lightning thrown by the Fractus at the Black Castle. You were a hero, Cyrus said, sounding more serious than she’d ever heard him. That’s how I see you.

Before Valerie could respond, Henry was slapping Cyrus on the back. Way to go, man. You captured her exactly.

I gotta admit, that didn’t suck, Kanti agreed.

Beautiful, like Valerie, Dulcea added.

Valerie stared at all of her friends in surprise. You all knew about this?

Of course! Cy’s been working on it for weeks. The Illuminators Guild let him have the honor of creating the final image because of his power. I think they’re hoping he’ll switch guilds, Henry said.

Dulcea produced some cups and poured a golden liquid into them. Everyone took one.

To Cyrus, a true artistic genius, Dulcea said.

And to Valerie, a true inspiration, Cyrus added, never taking his eyes from Valerie’s.

After lots of dessert and Dulcea’s punch, Cyrus and Valerie started wandering back to her home.

Thank you, Valerie said, glad that it was dark and he couldn’t see her. I really needed someone to remind me that maybe I’m up for everything that’s coming.

Cyrus slipped his warm hand into hers. Consider it a belated birthday present, since you wouldn’t let us throw you a party this year.

You do have a knack for getting me the best presents, Valerie admitted.

I know, I’m kind of an all-star, Cyrus said with mock seriousness. Then he was quiet for a minute, and when he spoke again, his voice was serious. So give me something back this time.

Valerie’s heart started beating faster in her chest. What do you want? she asked. She didn’t know if she had much left to give right then.

For me to be yours and you to be mine, Cyrus said. He rushed through his next words as if he’d practiced them. I know that Thai broke your heart, and Zaki, Jet, and Midnight died, and you’re a little lost yourself right now, but I don’t care. If we wait for the perfect time, it might never come.

I don’t know if I can give you what you’re asking for, Valerie said. Her heart still felt like it was duct-taped together after Thai had broken it.

Give me a chance. A date, Cyrus said.

Valerie smiled. She couldn’t help it. Okay.

Okay? Cyrus said, his voice going up an octave.

She nodded, and Cyrus swept her up in a hug and spun her around in a circle. When he put her down, Valerie wondered if he’d kiss her again. But Cyrus was looking at something over her shoulder.

Valerie turned around and saw Oberon standing in the door of their house. She grinned and kissed Cyrus on the cheek before backing away. This must be what it was like to be a normal teenage girl.

That night Valerie pulled the crystal that she used to connect with Thai out of her drawer. She’d been dreading this visit, but after seeing Tan again tonight, a fresh wave of guilt had washed over her. She had to make sure that Thai really knew that Tan was okay. She wished that this thread of connection with Thai didn’t still burn inside her, as if somehow they were still linked, even though they were a universe apart and barely even friends.

Valerie gripped the crystal and found herself on Thai’s university campus, where he was striding across a green lawn. It was beautiful—probably another reason he’d never want to leave Earth.

At the sight of her, Thai let out a strangled sound and spilled his coffee all over his pants.

Sorry, Valerie said, trying to keep a straight face. She enjoyed seeing the usually unruffled Thai taken off his guard.

It’s fine. I didn’t think I’d see you again. What’s wrong? Thai asked, regaining his usual calm.

That’s when Valerie noticed that he had a huge, yellowing bruise on one cheekbone, and a series of blue and purple bruises on his throat. He’d obviously been in a fight.

The blood drained from her face. What happened to you? Who did this?

Thai reached up to touch the bruise on his cheek and winced. It’s nothing for you to worry about. Chisisi and I are on it.

If you had to talk to Chisisi, then those aren’t from a normal fight. Start talking, she commanded.

A grin crossed Thai’s face, but he hid it quickly. You sound different. Like you’re getting used to being in charge.

Valerie fought the blush rising to her cheeks. Don’t change the subject.

Thai resumed walking, not making eye contact with her. I found someone trying to break into my bedroom two nights ago. The person reminded me of Venu—and I was sure I could smell that poison Venu had on his hands. We fought, and I got some punches in. But before I could tie the person up, he bounded off. I’ve never seen anyone move so fast.

Whoever that person was had to be with the Fractus, Valerie said, and Thai nodded.

They’re getting bolder. Chisisi has been hearing about weird attacks around the world.

What did that attacker want from you? she asked.

No idea, he said. Maybe they think I know something I don’t. They don’t realize that I don’t have friends on the Globe anymore who would tell me anything important.

Valerie forced herself not to flinch at the coldness in Thai’s tone. She didn’t owe it to him to keep him up-to-date on Globe politics anymore. But it reminded her why she was visiting in the first place. What about Tan? Maybe they think he’s giving you information.

Thai’s head jerked up. You’ve seen him?

Of course. I gave him a place to stay and have been showing him around, like I promised I would. He’s doing well, Valerie said, softening her voice.

Thai didn’t reply right away. Finally, he said, I’m glad. He left me a note saying he was going to the Globe, but I had no idea what his plans were, and he hasn’t shown his face since he left. I’m really glad to hear he’s okay. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.

I think he wants to figure out who he is, apart from you, Valerie said.

I know I don’t have the right to ask you any favors, Thai began, meeting her eye for the first time. But will you watch out for him? He’s still like a kid in some ways. We separated too soon. I’m scared someone will take advantage of him.

Of course. I would have done that even if you didn’t ask, Valerie said, hating how much she enjoyed catching a glimpse of his smile.

You always do the right thing. I know that even though Tan’s hurt you, you’ll still take care of him. It’s one of the things I love best about you, Thai said, almost to himself.

Valerie stared at him, unable to form words. If he really saw her that way, why did he leave her? Instead of being touched, she was angry. Was he messing with her mind?

They had reached Thai’s dorm, and they walked down the hall to his room. Valerie was about to say her goodbyes when she saw that his door was ajar.

Wait! she said, pointing to his room.

He slowly crept up to the door and gently pushed it open a little wider. When they peeked through the crack, Valerie saw the back of a familiar blonde head. Logan, Thai’s girlfriend, was typing rapidly on his computer.

The sight of the girl who got to be close to Thai when she couldn’t nauseated Valerie. She turned to go without another word, but Thai’s reaction surprised her.

He opened the door wider. What the hell are you doing? he asked, crossing the room in three swift strides.

Logan jumped out of his chair like she’d been bitten. I thought I’d check my email. I was stopping by to say hi.

How did you get in? Thai asked, stepping toward her and slamming his laptop closed.

Logan dropped the sweetness from her voice and her face flushed an ugly red. Be civil. No one talks to me like that.

Valerie sucked in a breath, and Logan’s eyes flicked to her.

I see your pathetic little puppy ex-girlfriend can’t take a hint, Logan added.

The comment stung, but Valerie held her tongue.

I told you to stay away from me, Thai said, and he was clenching his fists. After what you did, I never want to see you.

Valerie shamelessly stared, her mouth open. She shouldn’t be here, and she definitely shouldn’t be enjoying the fact that Thai and Logan didn’t work out. But before she could gather her dignity