Part 10 (1/2)

Kanti laughed. Dulcea. When she was asking you all those questions, she was figuring out what kind of room you would like so that youd feel at home. Then when you were on your way up, she used magic to decorate this half of the room for you!

Valerie was touched by Dulceas kindness. It was the first time anyone had made a home with her preferences in mind. So is that her power? Decorating?

No, her power is in creating the best candy youll ever taste! Couldnt you tell from seeing her room? Kanti asked.

Valerie laughed. Of course, I should have guessed. But how did she create this room for me?

A couple of years ago, when she became the dorm matron here, she convinced her friend to use his magic to make the building read her mind. So now, just by thinking, she can decorate any room in the entire dorm. She redecorates all the time, so youll always find unexpected surprises around the dorm. And she filled your closet with clothes, too, Kanti added as she sat down on her own bed, which was made up entirely in black.

Valerie opened the closet and saw every skirt, s.h.i.+rt, and dress she had ever dreamed of owning. Her heart was warm and full, and she made a mental note to find a way to thank Dulcea for her wonderful gift. It was strange to think that, for the first time in her life, she had more possessions than would fit in a backpack”especially now that she had her own sword. She realized, looking down at Pathos, that she had forgotten that she was still carrying it. Gently, she slid it under her bed.

When she looked up, Kanti was looking at her with raised eyebrows. She looked like she was about to say something, but instead, she turned up the music she was playing. Hey, is that Tupac youre listening to? Valerie asked.

No way, you do not listen to Earth-music, too!

Thats the only thing I listen to.

Girl, fate made us roomies. I live for hip-hop. Im always watching that Earth channel”MTV. We are going to have such crazy good times, I know it.

Valerie had to smile at Kantis enthusiasm.

But Cys right, that pain in the b.u.t.t, you do look like you need sleep. Tomorrow well talk more.

Valerie barely remembered Kanti showing her the bathroom, where a green toothbrush was waiting for her. Minutes later, she put her head on what must be the softest pillow in the universe. Just as she was drifting out of consciousness, she saw the door crack open and Dulcea peek in, checking on her. This little attention made her feel like she belonged, and she fell asleep with a smile hovering on the corners of her lips.

Chapter 17.

Valerie and Kanti woke up early the next day to get ready. While Valerie showered and brushed her teeth, she couldnt help fantasizing about which of her new outfits she should wear for her first full day on her new home world. But when she finally opened her closet, she was overwhelmed by all the choices. In some ways, life was simpler when she was living out of her little suitcase.

Go with jeans, youll want to be comfortable since well be walking all over the place, Kanti advised. Valerie gave her a grateful smile and quickly changed. She brushed her long hair to get the knots out and swept it up into a ponytail. Minutes later, they glided up two floors to bang on Cyruss door.

Im up, dont rush me. Youd think the Fractus were attacking! Cyrus said, opening the door while still towel-drying his hair.

It was strange to be able to hang out with Cyrus for real. Valerie never had a lot of guy friends her own age before, and in the last two weeks, she now had two”which reminded her of something.

Will you teach me how to project myself to Earth today? I want to check on Chisisi and Thai.

No problem, Val. But first, lets go to The Horseshoe. I want to show you the lay of the land out here.

Count me in, too, Kanti added.

Before they left, they stopped by Dulceas room for some breakfast. She wasnt there, but she left a warm plate of fluffy, neon-colored pastries with a note saying that anyone who stopped by should help themselves. The weird appearance of the pastries made Valerie hesitant to eat one, but her stomach grumbled. She cautiously nibbled on a corner, and groaned in delight as the sugary sweetness melted on her tongue.

Dulceas pastries are made to adapt to your unique taste buds, Cyrus explained, wiping a crumb off of her face. Youre such a little kid sometimes, you know that? She shut her eyes and ignored him, her mouth still crammed with a neon green piece of heaven.

On Earth, she almost never had a chance to eat treats. In the hospital, they made sure the kids all ate healthy food, and in her foster homes, her parents had rarely spent money on such luxuries. She could definitely get used to eating such delicious food, for free, no less!

The three took a roundabout route to The Horseshoe, which was the heart of Silva, as well as the center of Arden. Kanti and Cyrus answered all of Valeries questions about the strange buildings that she saw. The giant aquarium skysc.r.a.per was a hotel for visiting guests from Illyria, the underwater city on Ardens southeastern border. That way, when the Illyrian mer-Conjurors sent representatives to Global meetings to discuss issues affecting the planet, they had a place to stay.

Kanti also pointed out Enchantz, a nightclub for underage Conjurors to cut loose and show off their dance moves.

If you ask me, that club is on its way out. Id skip it, Cyrus said.

Says the guy who has two left feet, Kanti retorted. Valerie, you have to see Cyrus try to dance. Its hilarious. Cyrus reddened, but Valerie pretended not to notice, staring at a building that looked like a giant mushroom.

When they reached The Horseshoe, Cyrus led the way to an empty gra.s.sy area in the middle. Then he cleared his throat. So you were wondering about my power. Prepare to be amazed, he joked.

Cyrus held out his hands, and a glow began to surround them. Valerie noticed that light seemed to be attracted to him, as if drawn to him like a magnet. He moved his hands so quickly that she couldnt see what he was doing, but it almost looked as if he were molding and shaping the light with his hands.

There was a bright flash, and then he held out his hand to her. He was holding a delicate flower that was made completely of light from the petals to the leaves. Valerie didnt even dare to exhale, afraid that her breath might blow it apart.

Take it, Val, its yours. Carefully, Valerie reached into the palm of his hand. The flower was infinitely soft, like the warm down of a baby animal. It wont break, ever. I made this flower to recharge itself, so it will always glow for you.

Oh, Cy, she said softly. Its the most amazing gift that anyone has ever given me. Cyrus beamed with pride. Valerie twisted it into her hair.

Very impressive, Romeo, Kanti said, wiggling her eyebrows dramatically. Bet the ladies love that trick. Cyrus glared back at her.

Valerie interrupted their sparring. Can you make anything out of light?

Small objects are the easiest. Right now, Im practicing how to give the light different textures. Making it hard, like metal, is really difficult. I can also make objects that already exist glow, like the stones on The Horseshoe path.

That is such an incredible power!

Cyrus tried to hide the grin tugging at the corners of his lips, but Valerie could tell that he was pleased that he had awed her. Its cool. And Im the only Conjuror on the Globe who uses this power. The last practicing lightweaver died over a century ago, he added.

How did you discover your power? I dont remember you having it when we knew each other back on Messina.

I think it runs in my family”Im just the only one who uses my magic. You remember, Val, that my parents are the keepers of the lighthouse on Messina. Its an important job when you live on a tiny island in the middle of that huge ocean. One night when I was really little, I couldnt sleep, so I went to the top of the lighthouse, which was my favorite place in the whole world. As I sat there, staring into the light, I was hypnotized. It was as if every time I breathed, the light was pouring down my throat. It was warm and tingly. I looked down, and my hands were glowing. Then, there was a bright flash, and I was holding a tiny s.h.i.+p made of light in my hands.

No way!

Cyruss face darkened. I looked up and saw my mom watching me, all worried. She told me that it was wrong for me to use my powers. She wasnt angry, but I didnt understand her reasoning. I still dont. She thinks magic is evil, and that Conjurors will abuse their powers and end up destroying the Globe. But magic does so much good, too, and I dont want to live the rest of my life hiding who I really am.

I never heard you talk about that before, Kanti said, looking at Cyrus with interest. I know what its like to have parents who wish you were different.

Valerie was a little irritated with them both. Didnt they know how lucky they were to have parents who cared about them? Maybe his parents werent perfect, but at least Cyrus was loved.

Do you know what kind of magic you have yet, Valerie? Kanti asked, interrupting her thoughts.

All I know is that a couple of times when I was threatened, I was suddenly able to fight a guy who was a lot bigger than me. Its weird, because Ive never taken lessons in martial arts or anything.

My roomie has fighting powers? I suddenly feel so safe, Kanti teased.