"They have some way to find me" I told Wren as we followed him out of the stairwell and into another corridor. He handed me back my pack.

“I know. We're going to have to mess that up for them." Wren declared, only looking back for a second. Diggery looked miffed at me, growing silent and sour. He didn't know Wren like I did. Of course he'd be wary of trusting him but I didn't have time to make him understand.

"How are we going to do that?" I asked as we turned the corner. "We have to disrupt their pool." Wren said.

"Their what?" I asked with a furrowed brow. "The Looking Glass, It's called. A seeing eye of sorts. It really is just a big round mirror that takes on a water like quality when you lay it on the floor. Really weird." He wrinkled his nose.

Slowing our speed, Wren ducked into a corner. He surveyed the hall before we continued. "What we have to do is cut out a portion of it. Hold it up right and look into it, when you see another image of yourself appearing in the mirror cut it out with this." He said handing me a blade the colour of charcoal.

"Then turn it vertically and let Its water state fill it in. It will erase you from Its view and they won't be able to repair it." I stared at the blade slipping it in my bag.

"You've done this before." I echoed. "Ya for myself." He stated in an abrupt tone.

"You and Diggery will have to find it and complete it. I can't do it for you, it doesn't work like that." Wren remarked slowing.

"And where is this strange mirror?" Diggery asked with a tad of skepticism in his voice. "I don't know somewhere in this castle I'm sure. Augustine always keeps it close."

Ruffling through his bag he pulled out a ring, the bone of the owner’s finger still inside. I frowned, eyeing it, "And what will you be doing?"

"I'm the distraction." He announced confidently. A sly smirk across his face. I had a feeling he was making up for his fear.

"I would start with the rooms closest to the center room. The mirror is too big to hide so it should be easy enough to spot. Meet me in the back courtyard when you're done. When you get there set this off." He said, handing me a flare. "If I'm not there in five minutes leave without me."

"Good luck." Diggery muttered. "Thanks." Wren smiled, before he went into the rooms leaving me and Diggery alone.

"You sure about this?" Diggery asked again. "Yes." I said, meeting his eyes. I wanted him to understand that this was necessary. Diggery sighed, "Ok then, let's get this over with." He said giving in. I raised my eyebrows.

"I still don't trust that Wren fellow but I'll put up with him for you." I gave him a small smile, "Thank you." I said, peering down the hall to the rooms.

"Where first?" Diggery asked, his voice echoing down the hall. "Let's just pick the first room and see from there." I walked to the first door and quietly slipped inside.

Peeking my head inside, Diggery and I tiptoed in. Entering the room, we quietly searched the space. It was a small room with random furniture fixtures covered in white sheets. This place wasn't being lived in right now.

There was a window at the end wall opening out to the large room I was held in earlier. Shadows moving across it, my skin shivered. I sincerely hoped no one could see us in here.

Diggery tossed off some of the cloths, looking under them. "I don't think it's here." He looked up at me but I was too occupied by what was happening in the window.

I watched Wren strut in an angry look on his face as he faced a hunched over Augustine. Still gasping from Kleevy's weapon.

"I never thought I'd see your sorry face again." Augustine hissed. Hearing him surprised me. I realized that the window was open a crack.

"Phyn-" I cut off Diggery with a motion to be silent. I wanted to listen.

"Ya well I didn't expect to show it either." Wren put his hands in his pockets. Augustine forced himself to stand straighter, "What is it that you go by now? Something bird like, Robin or Jay or something?"

"Wren." Alexander Wren spat looking Augustine dead in the eye. "She gave you that name didn't she? That little floozy who turned you away from your birthright." He said as if thinking. I stepped closer to the window. Wren was more involved with them than he let on.

"What a shame really, you had so much raw talent. All you had to do was kill one man. But no, you had to let her fill your head thoughts. Suddenly you had to go grow a conscience."

Augustine smirked, "Although that didn't seem to stop you from slitting Whinnie's throat." Wren’s eyes light up in a fire, "That was different he-"

"Killed your little wench I know. Everything is justifiable when it's personal."

My mouth went dry, my head spinning. Wren had killed Freya's killer. She really must've really meant a lot to him. Augustine smiled knowing he had hurt him. Wren blinked back tears, scowling.

"As much as I would love to talk about the past, I'm not here for that." he redirected the conversation. Augustine got up, looking more himself. "Please enlighten me then." He said closing the space between them. "Is this about the Wanderer, I assume you've been helping her?"

"I'm here to make you a deal." Wren stated dryly. Augustine paused.

"Phyn we should search for it in the next room." Diggery's voice interrupted the drama unfolding. "Just a minute." I whispered, staying by the window.

"There is one other thing that would draw out your enemy other than the Wanderer and I have it. It's yours freely if you leave her out of it." Wren casually said, his face twitching. "Well I don't need it if I have the Wanderer." Augustine retorted slyly.

"Yes but you'll want this either way." Wren remarked pulling the finger from his pocket. The light shining off the gold on the ring. Augustine dropped his smirk, staring at it.

"Don't you recognize it?" Wren said, eyes locked on Augustine. "Impossible." He breathed.

"Phyn you're wasting what little time we have." Diggery complained. I sighed, knowing he was right. I tore my eyes from the window, reluctantly leaving it.

"And I have the rest too, The complete skeleton..." Wrens words drifted off as I walked from the window. I wanted to hear the rest of it but I didn't have time to listen. I needed to find the mirror.

Leaving the first room we entered the next. Unfortunately the window in this one wasn't open and I couldn't hear their conversation.

This room was a lot similar to the other one. and I could see a pattern in Its design. The layout here was strange. One large circular room surrounded by smaller rooms. It reminded me of the group's crest. An odd coincidence of architecture.

"I don't think it's in this room either." Diggery complained, tossing another white sheet aside. "I have an idea." I said, putting the pattern to use. "Let's skip the next room and go straight for the one after that." I said, imagining the symbol in my head. The next room probably would be the top notch on the symbol, if I was remembering it correctly. I could imagine this group liked symbolism.

"Why?" Diggery asked, not knowing following my train of thought. "I don't have time to explain, just trust me. If I'm wrong we can go back." I urged him to head out of the room.

Diggery followed as we skidded past the next door and into the following one. This room was slightly different from the others. With a larger window, more light poured through. Some of the sheets already overturned and a few extra belongings. Someone's trunk sat open on one of the tables, Its contents tossed about.

My attention was focused though, on the large circle covered by a sheet against the wall. It was huge, almost double my arm span. It could certainly be what we were looking for. I pulled off the sheet, dust flying magically settling over the room.

It was perfectly smooth and clear, not a smudge on it. The most perfect mirror I had ever laid eyes on. The light bounced off it making the room suddenly brighter. Diggery and I were silent, in awe of it. I wanted to dip my fingers into it, it felt as if you could. This world and the mirror world seamlessly collided. My spellbound awe was broken by the sound of the door knob clicking. I looked at Diggery in horror. We didn't have time to hide.

The door swung open and Valerie staggered in. She looked visibly distraught, her hair less perfect than earlier, worry on her brow. She didn't react to our presence and seemingly was unaware of us. I motioned for Diggery to stay silent and he unhesitatingly obeyed.

We both stood there gawking at her. She limped across the room, walking out of the way of furniture as if she had perfect sight. It was unmistakably clear that she didn't know we were here.

Reaching the open case she shuffled through it tossing a shirt into the air. It flung towards Diggery and he quickly ducked, avoiding it, he shot me a wary look. I almost snorted at him, catching myself before the sound came out. I covered my mouth instead. We had to be careful. Valerie undid the band around her head and threw it in the case. Her eyes were lifeless, staring blankly at the wall. Icy blue irises, she looked right through me. Two large scars ran over her eyes and eyelids, old faded scars. Pulling out a dark vial, she opened it. She used the dropper, dark drops landing on her eyes. Blinking back the strange excilor, she put the vial back. Finding a new cloth she tied it on her forehead.

I frowned at Diggery, trying to figure out what we should do. He shrugged at me. Valerie slammed shut the case and stepped back walking straight for me. I tiptoed around the chair to avoid her, trying to be as quiet as possible. She was fast, I got out of her way in a hair's breadth. She stopped at the mirror, staring at it as if something was out of place. I was scared she'd discover us.

I carefully picked up a metal rod lying on the chair. I held it, ready to whack her over the head if need be. As much as I'd rather not hurt her I didn't want her alerting Augustine. One solid swing should do it, send her crumpling to the floor. I psyched myself up to do it, when a loud crash resounded from the middle room.

Valerie turned in a panic and bounded out of the room. Letting the door slam as she left. I let out a sigh of relief and put down the rod. "That was a close one." Diggery huffed, stepping closer to me. "Ya I was sure she'd find us." I sighed in relief.

We stood once more facing the mirror. Staring into the mirror I was surprised at what I saw. A redheaded young woman, with a fearless look in her eyes. She wore a leather tunic, with different colors of leathers wound in patterns. She looked so sure of herself, so heroic. I blinked a moment of shock realizing this person was supposed to be me. I snorted knowing the mess of a coward that I really was.The image stayed constant.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Diggery asked, his eyes bulging out.

"What do you see?" I looked over at him. "Some big burly blond guy."

I chuckled, turning back, "No, I think everyone sees something different. I see a redheaded woman." I stared back into her eyes, "When Wren said you see another image of yourself I wasn't expecting this."

I pulled out the knife that Wren gave me, "I guess I just cut it out?" I frowned, pondering the best method. Diggery nodded, "I guess so."

I didn't know what I was doing or how the blade would slice through the glass. I flipped it around anyway and thrust it into the mirror. The blade clashed against the glass, creating an array of sparks. I almost jumped back in surprise. I started at the woman’s head, the sparks continuing as I dragged the blade along my image. I carved out my outline, the heat growing on the handle. I dropped the knife, unable to hold the burning heat. The outline fell crumbling to a gray dust. I coughed, brushing it off I looked up to a wide eyed Diggery.

"That was so weird." He gawked at me. I stood up handing him the knife, "Your turn." He let out a nervous laugh, "Sure."

Diggery turned the knife and stabbed the mirror. I watched as the blade cut through it like fire, the sparks flying off. The edges glowed as Diggery struggled against the heat. He finished his outline, it crumbled to the floor. He let go of the blade as well, shaking his hand from the heat. "Wow that's hot." He hissed shocked. I nodded in agreement, still feeling the heat in my own hand.

Now the next part. I bit my lip and went to pick up the mirror, "Give me a hand with this." I said struggling with it. Diggery quickly jumped in to help. The dust still caught on his brow.

We set it down and the smooth mirror turned into a swirling pool. The water churned into a whirlpool, filling in the gaps we cut out.

I marveled at the water's edge. The gentle pool began to develop into a torrent. I felt something heavy tug on me, like a weight dragging me towards it. My head felt heavy, I realized I was dropping towards it but I couldn't stop myself. Diggery hurriedly lifted it up, a splash of water flying up as the mirror regained Its form. I watched in shock, taking a gasp of relief. My mind was still in a daze.

"We should put this back." Diggery looked for my help. I snapped out of the fog and helped him lift it up, resting it back on the wall. "I don't know what came over me." I frowned, stepping back. "Something off about that mirror." Diggery muttered, his eyes caught up in suspicion.

"We should get down to the courtyard." He started walking away.I bit my lip and followed, pushing down my burning curiosity.

An odd shriek interrupted our exit. A disturbing kind of shriek, a cry of real unexpected pain. I turned back and shuddered. I couldn't tell who was the source of the noise, but I feared it was Wren. I needed to see if he was alright.

"Phyn we've got to go, we don't have time to worry about that." Diggery said in a stern tone. I stared at him, his face gravely serious.

I reluctantly pulled myself away and left back through the door. I followed Diggery, almost jogging down the hall. We needed to get down to the courtyard. I hoped Wren would be there waiting.

Thundering down the hallway we almost made it out when Valerie suddenly turned the corner, a scowl hidden partly behind her band. Diggery and I skidded to a stop, freezing in shock.

"I know the two of you are there." She spoke in a melodious tone. Tracing her fingertips along the wall as she entered the hall.

"Right under my nose. You know it's rude not to say hello." she hissed, closing her fists. I looked over to Diggery in fear. Valerie looked fragile but I was willing to bet she was much more dangerous than she appeared.

My instincts kicked in, and I burst into a sprint. "Run." I yelled at Diggery, throwing Valerie aside as I passed. Looking back I saw him hop over her, running after me.

"Wanderer!" She called from the floor. "I wouldn't run if I were you!" She growled rising up. She dusted herself off.

My heart was pounding hard as we ran, we needed to be faster than this. I didn't know what she was going to do. She hissed something I couldn't understand. My stomach felt sick as I braced myself. A hallway column collapsed next to me just missing us as it crumbled so the ground. I cursed it silently and kept running, the walls cracking as I did. The columns began to fall in sequence chasing us as we ran.

"What on earth is happening?!?" Diggery reacted to the destruction. Distracting me enough to miss the last columns in front of us crashing down above our heads. I shoved Diggery aside enough to avoid the full force of the column.

We tumbled to the ground in a frightful mess. I took a deep breath trying to stand up and climb over the rumble at the same time. I fell scraping my leg against it, I bit back the sting.

Valerie hummed as she strode down the hall, a mocking of our doom. I pulled on Diggery's shirt, he wasn't responding. I tried to snap him out of it.

"Don't be so quick to leave darling." She sang, a sick smile on her face.

"You can't keep me here." I huffed, trying again to climb.

I turned, pulling out Wrens dagger. I pointed it at her, trying to ward her away. She walked up, throwing it from my grasp.

Valerie grabbed me by my collar, pulling me off the rumble. I skidded across the floor, my arms fighting her.

"Yes I can." She giggled, throwing me down. "Sure it's a little harder to hold you than the average person, but It's far from impossible." I tried to crawl away, hitting the wall. She leaned down, grabbing my face with an angry hand. Through her fingers, I could see out the window. The courtyard, beyond the wall.

"Such a sad pathetic weasel of a girl. I don't know how you can't see that this is the best thing for you, the best thing for everyone." I threw her hand off and spat in her face. She flew back in surprise and disgust. "Of all the-'' she began.

"You can't keep me here." I repeated in a fury. I jumped up and scrambled over to Diggery. I grabbed hold of him and imagined the courtyard, the brownish red walls and the clear blue sky. The destruction disappeared and we landed into the courtyard. Caught up in Diggery's arms I wiggled free feeling my stomach wrench, my whole body shaking. I didn't have time to worry about me. I turned him around, making sure he was ok.

"Diggery." I called nervously, hoping he'd respond. He didn't, lying still. He seemed to be breathing but I was too shaky to be sure.

"Diggery! " I called once more, now frantic. His unresponsiveness brought me to action. I hesitated then swung my arm to slap him, hoping the shock would wake him. As I followed through he caught it, "Geez Phyn I'm fine." He said hurriedly sitting up.

"What!?!" I said confused at his quick revival. "I didn't think you'd try to whack me across the face." He admitted making my face hot. I frowned at him "I should still whack you over your head. I thought you were really hurt!" I scowled, crossing my arms. He shot me his best flirtatious grin, "By the way, I'm glad you care so much."

I whacked his arm getting up, "We don't have time for this. Let’s light the flare and let's get out of here" I huffed, handing it to him.

I stood a bit away, Diggery finding his feet. He pulled out the flare and a flint, and set it up. Lighting it he ran back, it erupting in a bright light. I watched it sail up in a pop.

I paused, waiting for Wren to show up. As the minutes passed, I grew more and more afraid that he wouldn't. He could be in real danger.

"I don't think he's going to make it." Diggery's voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked over at him hoping he was wrong. "Let's just wait a little longer." I pleaded, pacing nervously.

Diggery frowned, "And give that creepy witch lady another chance to come after us?"

"We can't just leave him." I started feeling desperate.

"He asked us to." He said, meeting my eyes. I frowned, running my hands through my hair, "I know but I can't." I stared at Diggery, begging him to understand. "I may not trust the guy but I don't want to leave him behind either." His eyes softened, "but we have to be realistic Phyn."

My heart fell, I knew he was right. As much as I wanted to save Wren I needed to protect Diggery too.

"Fine." I hung my head. "What?" Diggery responded with surprise. "Your right let's go." I muttered letting him win. He gave me a hesitated frown, staring into my eyes. I held out my hand to him, I waited for him to take it. He kept his frown, grabbing it.

I pictured our way back, ignoring his puzzled expression. Better puzzled than unsafe. I had to do this.

We burst out of the court yard, appearing beside my cabin back at the camp. My whole body ached, I still wasn't up for teleporting this much. "You okay?" He asked, looking at my pained expression. I nodded standing straighter "Ya, I'm fine." I muttered digging into my bag.

"Hold this for me." I said handing him Malachi's package. "If you can get this to Malachi I would appreciate it. I know he was anxious about it." I requested, gathering my strength.

"Ya sure but why can't you?" He asked, looking up from his furrowed brow.

I gave him a bittersweet smile, "I'm sorry." I said seeing the terror in his eyes, before the world around me disappeared.

I hated to do that to him but I couldn't leave Wren behind either. I wasn't going to let another friend die for me, I wouldn't allow it.

Back in the courtyard, I collapsed. Heaving over I threw up, my body fighting violently against my gifting. This would wreak havoc on me. I'd fight through this though just to see the shock on Augustine's face.

I stumbled back into the manor, dragging myself along. I kept my resolve. It occurred to me that maybe I should try to be more stealthy. I didn't have the energy to make the attempt. My body on fire, I gritted my teeth and pushed through it.

Back in the hall I jumped over the rumble Valerie created. Everything sat where it was, a chaotic mess. It was quiet now, a dull sort of silence. It would be eerie if I wasn't so focused on the pounding headache that threatened to have me throw up again.

I was just going to grab Wren and get out of here, I was done with the psychotic sorcerer's club. I approached the door of the middle room. I stood in front of it, no plan and no weapon. This should terrify me but it didn't. I felt nothing as I turned the door handle and squeaked it open. Walking in, I surveyed the room, fighting the chills that this place brought.

Wren was in the center of the room, strung up by his arms, his head slouched over.

"I'll be taking him now." I called out, assuming my presence was already known. I got silence from my surroundings. I waited a second just in case and ran towards him. I had to make sure he was okay.

"Phyn." He managed, blinking his eyes open. "What are you doing? I told you-" He said his voice trailed off. His face had a nice fresh gash across it. "I'm here to rescue you," I said with a dull grin, inspecting his chains.

"I told you to leave without me." He stated in a harsher tone. I frowned, confused.

"I couldn't do that." I stated, staring at him trying to discern his sudden coldness. "You got a problem kid with this trying to save everyone-thing." He muttered in a disappointed tone. I scowled, opening my mouth to argue.

"Now I can see where you get your poor manners from." Augustine announced from behind. My hands shook as I steadied my nerves. "Can you just leave this alone." I hissed losing my patience.

"Oh I am, You can leave at any time you like. Your friend here has made a deal on your behalf, I don't need you anymore." He responded dryly. "Wait what?" I said, stunned.

"Why did you send that psycho witch after us if I'm allowed to leave." I questioned, forgetting how intimidating the man I was talking to was. "Valerie acted rashly in the hall. I had yet to fill her in on the change of plan."

He turned away, ignoring my presence. I gawked at him frustrated, "I'm not leaving without him." I asserted, standing my ground. "Then you'll be waiting quite awhile. I need to confirm his offer is genuine before he can go." He said walking up to us. Wren growled as he cleared his throat, "Or before you toss my body to the dogs."

"Ya or that." Augustine snickered. He shook his head. "Go home girl, fortune has smiled on you. Forget this tired eccentric goose of a man." I stared at him distraught.

"No I don't care! I'm not abandoning him."

"Phyn go." Wrens voice cut through my emotional plea. "This is between me and Augustine now." I blinked back tears feeling overwhelmed. "No." I protested again with less energy. Wren looked over to me and then to Augustine.

"Believe it or not kid I know what I'm doing. I appreciate your courage and you've got more of it in your pinky finger than most do in their whole body, but this is our best option." He assured me.

"You should listen to your friend before I change my mind." Augustine threatened from the side. I stepped back stunned, almost tripping back. I couldn't rationalize it in my mind. Wren didn't want me to save him? They both seemed content with this resolution, despite Wren being strung up like a prisoner. I tried to think of another way, a way to take Wren with me and still appease Augustine, but I couldn't. I slowly stumbled back gawking at them.

"Get out of here Phyn!" Wren yelled, growling his words. Augustine stood beside emotionless. I shut my eyes and turned, running out the door.

What had I left him to? I had asked him for help and swung him right into Augustine's clutches. I had done it again, hurt people by trying to play the hero. I bit back tears as I slowed my pace. I just needed to go home and forget enough of this to live with myself. I stopped, preparing myself to teleport again, anticipating the violent lurch. I closed my eyes, abandoning the room around me. I reappeared back beside my cabin under the tree.

The light falling now, the cool breeze hit me. If I had anything to throw up I would've. My legs faltered for a second and I gasped failing to catch myself. I felt feverish, my whole body shaking. I sat on the ground gathering myself. I just needed to breathe. My head felt heavy and I laid it down, overwhelmed with exhaustion. I would just close my eyes for one second.