Atara glared at Horvath with pure hatred. Before her was a man who kept the truth from her, well half of it at least. Atara watched Horvath closely in case he made a move.

"Tell me what you know," Atara said dangerously, anger bubbled in her.

Horvath smiled, "You feel it don't you?"

Atara frowned, "Feel what?"

"Don't try to hide it, the anger."

Atara felt herself go hot but she didn't let Horvath distract her.

"What else do you know?"

"Your always angry when you use your powers."

Atara ignored him, "You know something."

Horvath turned but Atara attacked with a fire orb and Horvath turned to block.

"Such anger don't you think?"

Atara threw everything she had at him now. All the attacks she could memorize, she used and Horvath blocked them all. Atara could feel pain increase in her gut but she ignored it. Energy faded from her but she pushed on. Horvath raised his cane and slammed it on the ground, sending a powerful shock through the room which knocked Atara easily off her feet. Atara tried to get up but the seizure stopped her. The pain was now intense almost unbearable. Atara got to her feet slowly but she felt an invisible force slam her back onto the ground.

"Like I said anger," Horvath said, "You have to control your emotions or else you will end up destroying yourself or others."

"Wouldn't you just love that," Atara gritted between her teeth.

Horvath ignored the comment and released the pressure off Atara who got to her feet ready to fight.

"You might want to save your energy for the big event Atara," Hovath said.

He walked past her, Atara wanted to attack him right there and then but something made her stop. Atara raised her hand to cast an spell but Horvath slammed his cane on the ground and Atara was thrown off her feet.

"As you see I have acquired some new jewelry," Horvath said as Atara got to her feet.

Atara saw a skull ring and a pentagram wrapped around the cane near the top underneath the jewel. She knew that Drake and Abigail couldn't have just handed over their casters. Then Atara remembered Drake lying on the floor barely alive.

"The parasite spell," Atara said.

Horvath smiled and then raised his cane. Atara felt a sudden invisible force push her forward. The glowing jewel about a half inch away from her face. She wondered what it would fee like, her powers being drained from her. The girl waited for Horvath to cast the spell and drain her powers but she felt herself drop to the ground and the jewel stopped glowing. Atara looked up at the man who towered over her.

"Your not strong enough," Horvath sneered, "You will never be strong enough."

He pushed his cane in her direction and Atara went flying back on the ground. She could feel glass, wood and paper slip and slide across her skin or bury deep into her flesh. Atara tried to get up but she could feel the gals in her back shift whenever she moved. Wet sticky liquid seeped into the ground and rolled down her back in droplets. Atara tried to get up but Horvath waved his hand over the girl and she slowly fell into a deep sleep. She turned and walked out the door.

Around the corner of the condo buildings, Balthazar lurked in the shadows, he waited until Horvath was completely gone before going in to save Atara. He ran to the top of the building and into the room to see the disaster. In the middle of the mess was Atara who laid on the ground unconscious.

"Atara," Balthazar whispered.

The girl didn't stir and Balthazar placed his hand over her forehead and chanted a few words. Atara's eyes flashed open and she sat up gasping. She turned to see Balthazar at her side and she flung her arms around her neck. The hug took the man by surprise but he returned it.

"He stole their powers Balthazar," Atara said, her voice was broken as she cried, " He just took them."

Balthazar didn't say anything, what could he say to a girl who's half-father stole powers from another sorcerer.

"Come on Atara," Balthazar said gently, "We need to go."

Atara wiped her eyes and allowed Balthazar to help her up. Together they walked out of the apartment and headed back home.

At the terminal Balthazar and Atara received a large surprise. The whole room was completely destroyed just like Drake's condo. Papers littered everywhere, objects were thrown around and the only thing that seemed to still be in tact was Dave's Tesla coils. Balthazar dashed from Atara's side to Dave who was lying face down in the wreckage like Atara was found.

"Dave?" Balthazar said, "Are you okay?"

The young man stirred and managed to sit up though it pained him deeply. Small cuts covered his arms and a large bruise was around his jaw line.

"What happened?" Balthazar asked although he knew who was here before Dave answered.

"Horvath," Dave said painfully.

"Where's the Grimhold?"

Dave looked at Balthazar apologetically.

"The ring? You still have it?"

Dave looked at the ground and Balthazar nodded in understandment. Atara came up and hugged Dave who wasn't much up to hugging back.

"Where's Becky?" Atara asked.

"At home."

Atara nodded thinkign that it was probably best. Balthazar suddenly got up and walked towards the entrance to the terminal. Atara helped Dave up.

"Where are you going?" Dave asked.

"To stop Horvath."

"I'm coming with you."

Balthazar turned around and said sharply, "No."

"But-."

"You don't have a ring Dave, you can't cast magic without it. Atara stay with him."

"What? No way I'm coming."

"No, call Becky or whatever but just stay put. Your both in bad condition to fight anyway."

Both sorcerers watched helplessly as Balthazar stalked off to his doom.