“Ours was once a beautiful, healthy, vital world. Everywhere you looked there was energy and life to fill the soul with happiness. The air hummed constantly with musical sounds and every creature enjoyed a sense of harmony of being.” Larken paused again, composing himself.

Hopa came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders, kneading them lightly. “We apologize for our earlier distrust. There are many of SheZor’s followers who come from the other side of the mirrors. We cannot be too careful. There is not much left to lose. There are so few left to fight her.”

“How does SheZor steal powers? And why do the ingenga and other creatures under her control have red eyes?” Alex asked.

“It is said that SheZor stole a crystal from a powerful master and it somehow lets her control any who come into her presence. When she first arrived here with the crystal, nobody knew of what she was capable. We don’t even think she fully realized it herself. It seems those near her either lose their powers to her or become her slaves. The only ones who seem not to be affected are the children,” Hopa explained.

“So Willow’s safe?” Heather asked hopefully.

“Yes, but she is not old enough to defend even herself to any great degree yet.” Hopa’s hand went to her heart.

After a second, Logan spoke up. “If you have a power, you lose it to her but you don’t become her slave?”

“Yes. It seems whatever part of the brain or body that provides for the magical power in some creatures is the same as that which controls the free will of non-magical creatures,” Larken clarified.

“So, those who’ve been imprisoned wouldn’t be affected by her once their powers were removed,” Heather reasoned.

“Aha. Which is why she has them locked up. Although they don’t have any magic left, they’re still somewhat of a threat to her,” Logan nodded, starting to better understand the situation.