Posted June 12, 2022.

Previously on AUF…

"I can tell you are here for a request," Sibylla said, "and it involves the Wizards. Why have you called them into your protection?"

"Because they requested us," Tecna answered, "and there are few requests more sacred than that."

"True," Sibylla agreed. "And I believe no fairy should enter the path of vengeance, not even Queen Morgana. You have done the right thing." She nodded. "What is your request?"

"I want you to protect the Wizards." Tecna now knew what she was doing. "Keep them here until the Day of Justice. We will do our part and defeat Morgana and her Warrior Fairies, thereby granting a fair trial of the Wizards."

"I will do that." Sibylla nodded.

-o-o-o-

"You have defeated us in trial," Morgana said. "therefore, I have decided to grant one request of yours. What is it?"

"Stop your vengeance," Bloom said. "Allow a fair and impartial court to judge the Wizards. The only way to truly bring justice and peace is to cease the war and start a symbiotic relationship with the humans and fairies."

Morgana let out a sigh. "Very well. I will follow your words, for I now know of the wisdom you carry. On the Day of Justice, the Wizards will face a trial with all their rights."

-o-o-o-

Suddenly, iron shackles appeared around Roxy's wrists. She let out a cry, reverting back to her civilian form. She fell against the wall, defeated.

She saw Musa was tied up in iron, too – the knife had clattered at her feet. Merlin smiled, turning towards Krithi – or rather, his daughter. He nodded to her.

"Join me," he said. "Join me now, and we'll be together. My revenge is so close to complete." He picked up his blade, handing it over to Krithi.

Slowly, Krithi took Merlin's blade from his hands. She gazed at it slowly – a contemplative glance that filled Roxy's heart with horror. Then she looked at her father.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. And then she drove the blade into Merlin's arm.

-o-o-o-

Four men walked in. Musa froze, staring at their white tunics and tired, long faces. One of them was dragging a fifth man. There could be no doubt who they were.

It was the Wizards of the White Circle.

"What's going" – Mirta stared at the Wizards. "I thought they were dead!"

"We survived," Ogron answered grimly. "But we're in no position to hurt you." He pointed to the fifth man.

Musa stared at him. The fifth man was dressed in the same white tunic, but he appeared very weak – his entire body was drooping, and he looked like he had quite a few injuries. She immediately drew Excalibur, shouting, "You bring Merlin with you and then you say you're not going to hurt us?"

"How dare you come back here?" Roxy asked fiercely. "You have no right to, you horrible" –

"We're here to surrender," Merlin rasped. "We know what we did was wrong, and we're willing to abide by your judgment – in exchange for your protection."

"Protection from who?" Musa demanded.

"From the Earth fairies," Anagan answered. "You freed them – and now they want revenge against us!"

-o-o-o-

"I shall now present you with the gift," Áine said, "but it is very dangerous."

"Why?" Bloom breathed.

"Because it is the Black Gift." A black orb materialized in her hands. Musa stared at it, her eyes widening with alarm. Áine placed it in Musa's hands.

"You can only use it once," she said. "It is a spell that will resuscitate anyone on the brink of death. That is why no one likes to use it."

"What do you mean?" Bloom gasped.

"More than one person could be nearing death's doors," Áine answered, "but only one may you rescue. That is my prophecy, Winx." She disappeared into a black light.

"Wait!" Musa called, but Áine had already gone. She stared at the Winx, her eyes wide.

"That was a terrible prophecy." Stella was the first one to speak.

"Yes," Bloom answered, "and I'm afraid it may concern Merlin." She took in a deep breath. "Or one of us."


CHAPTER 38: MIDSUMMER'S EVE, PART I

The Tree of Justice

On the Matter of the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice, otherwise known as Midsummer or Litha, is the celebration of the sun. It is the day that the holly king conquers the oak king, that summer is at its height. The day is at its longest in the entire year, bringing light to the world.

For the fairies, the solstice is especially important. The summer solstice, after all, is one of the two days in the year when humans can cross into the world of the fay, and vice-versa. Enchantments are heightened during this time; more difficult enchantments can easily be enacted. From the evening of Midsummer's Eve to the end of Midsummer's Day, this holds true.

– From the Book of Fay


Emerald Mound, Paradise

A feast lay ahead of them. A large, round table of food was right at the base of the Emerald Mound, shimmering with the power of fairy magic. Musa stared forward as the humans and fairies around her gazed at it in awe. High Queen Morgana was the first to speak.

"Welcome to Paradise," she said warmly. "As your hostess, I have put together a Midsummer's Eve feast. We shall all dine together as equals, before the trial of the Wizards of the White Circle." She gestured. "Please, sit at the table."

Immediately, people scrambled to take seats. Musa noticed, however, that the humans stayed on one side, and the fairies stayed on the other. They don't want to intermingle. The Winx sighed, gazing at each other.

"Let's sit with Morgana," Bloom finally said, leading them to the base of the Mound, where Roxy and Morgana were already standing. Musa sat at her chair, staring with wide eyes at the feast ahead.

There were platters of grilled vegetables and bowls of salad ahead of them. The salad was made from arugula, basil, olives, dried figs, mozzarella cheese, and liberal amounts of olive oil. Grilled chives, carrots, turnips, parsnips, and mushrooms were on the table. She ate large amounts of food, gasping at the delicious flavors that seasoned her tongue.

The fairy servants passed several platters around. Soon there was a main course of white breads, croissants, savory pastries, butter, cheeses, creams, and cheese puffs. Rosemary, dill, and lemon was infused in every dish, adding a bright summery flavor to everything. Then came platters of fruit – figs, grapes, dates, plums, and berries. All Earth fairies were vegetarian, and as they were eating foods native to Europe only, there was no potatoes or tomatoes to be seen anywhere. Musa ate her fill, savoring each dish with joy.

At last, the dessert came. The humans and fairies all gasped collectively as a massive strawberry cake was laid in front of them, decorated with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Platters of vanilla ice cream and honey were laid out on their plates, as well as various other seasonal cookies and cakes. Musa turned to Layla, who was eating a honeycake.

"This food is delicious," she whispered. "It reminds me of our Yule feast with Baston."

"They really went all out," Layla agreed. "But look at the humans. Don't they have a rather odd look on their faces?"

Musa turned around. The humans were barely touching their food, looking shocked and nervous. "They look scared," she realized. "They're scared to be here."

"They probably think the fairies are poisoning their food," Layla frowned. "Look at the fairies."

Many of the fairies were glaring at the humans for not eating; clearly, they were quite offended. Stella looked around nervously. "I hope there isn't going to be a table war" –

Exactly at that moment, Nebula stood up. "It's bad enough that you have to take away our forests and livelihoods. Now you humans are disrespecting us!"

"How do we know you're not poisoning our food?" a U.S. diplomat demanded.

"Enough!" Morgana shouted. "I assure you, we are not poisoning you. We are all eating the food ourselves; it is the same food we gave to you. As for you, Nebula, I told you not to cause any trouble."

Nebula sat down, glowering. The humans looked nervously at each other, still not eating. Musa and Layla looked at each other nervously, then Musa stabbed a piece of strawberry cake with her fork.

The rest of the meal was conducted in silence.


Soon the dinner fiasco was over, and the tables were magically cleared. A new set of chairs were transported from the castle, forming in neat rows. A fairy servant led each person to his or her assigned seat, so they could all view the trial together.

Roxy gazed at the Emerald Mound. Sibylla sat at the summit of the mound, as the justice of the court. The Tree of Justice, a tall elder tree, stood behind her. The six Winx flanked her, three on each side, acting as jurors in this case. Each Pixie sat on the shoulder of her bonded fairy. Roxy gazed around the makeshift courtroom, taking it all in at once.

On the left side of the mound, where she sat, were the fairies of the Paradise court. High Faerie Queen Morgana sat in the front row, with three Faerie Queens flanking her on either side. The Major Fairies and the Fairies of Paradise sat behind them, according to rank. Civilian fairies were there too, but in much more limited numbers. All of the fairies, including Roxy, were dressed in black. She turned her head towards the other side.

On the right side of the mound were the four Wizards of the White Circle. The human world-leaders were seated behind them, gazing nervously at the land of Paradise. Though they were clearly fascinated by the place, they were also nervous, for this was far from their home-territories. All of them were wearing white.

"Someone's missing," a voice called out. Roxy stared as Nebula stood up, frowning at the side with the Wizards. "Where's Merlin?"

"He is too weak to stand trial," Sibylla answered. "He is currently in Queen Morgana's castle, receiving medical care."

"Well, that's convenient," Nebula muttered, sitting back down. Morgana shot her a look.

Roxy sighed, knowing that Nebula was right. But we can't do anything about it now. She frowned, remembering what had happened with Merlin, back when they were in Sibylla's Cave…

"His condition has taken a turn for the worse," the Rustic Fairies had said nervously, gazing over at him.

Roxy stared at Merlin, who was writhing and shaking. He kept on crying out nonsense words, and his whole body appeared feverish. Sibylla shook her head.

"He cannot stand trial," she said. "He will have to go another day."

For a moment, Roxy thought she saw a gleam in Ogron's eyes, but it vanished. He nodded at Sibylla.

"Very well," he said. Nabu stepped forward.

"We'll take all five of them and Krithi to Paradise," he said. "Morgana's court has some really good healers. They should be able to figure out what's going on with Merlin."

"Very well," Sibylla nodded. She gestured to her servants. "Get the chariot ready, please!"

"Already taken care of, Your Honor," a Rustic Fairy squeaked, pointing to the chariot.

The fairies had hooked up a black-and-white chariot to two horses – Aonbharr and Chai. Their wings flapped, and they looked fearless. Roxy climbed onto Aonbharr, and Krithi climbed onto Chai. For a moment, they gazed at each other; Roxy felt a blush come up on her face. Then the Winx piled into the chariot. Roxy gently nudged Aonbharr with her heels, and Krithi did the same to Chai.

The two pegasi leapt into the air, pulling the chariots with them. Then they were off, heading to Paradise.

And now Roxy gazed over at Krithi, who sat on the other side of the courtroom. Two Wizards flanked her on either side. She wore a knee-length white dress made of Ahimsa silk, which beautifully contrasted against her dark skin. Her hair was done in braids, falling down to her knees. A white headband was in her hair, popping out beautifully. Roxy let out a sigh, hoping Krithi would make it through judgment.

Then she chided herself. Why am I thinking about her? Right now, her focus had to be on the ceremony. She shook her head, gazing forward at the mound.

Wildflowers were shining beautifully on the mound. A large elder tree – the Tree of Justice – was right behind Sibylla, serving as her backrest as she gazed down at the court. Stones surrounded the perimeter of the tree, like a fairy ring. Sibylla stood up, nodding at the people seated underneath.

"Very well," she said. "Let the Ceremony of Justice begin."


Krithi gazed over at Roxy, who was seated on the left side of the makeshift courtroom. Her knee-length black dress glittered beautifully; she could tell it was made of fairy-spun material. Her pink hair was done up in a black scrunchie, falling in a long ponytail to her waist. Seated near High Faerie Queen Morgana, she looked absolutely beautiful.

Krithi knew she should be scared. After all, this wasn't just a judgment of the Wizards, but of all of fairy and humankind for their actions. And that included her. She, former servant to the Wizards, certainly was not innocent.

But somehow, she felt at peace. Right now was all she could ask for – a fair judgment of humans and fairies, all together on an island that housed both. It was certainly more than she deserved. She gazed upwards as Sibylla stood up.

"Let the Ceremony of Justice begin," she said. "First of all, I would like to start with the presentation of the Circle." She nodded at Musa and Ogron.

Both stood up – Musa from her chair, and Ogron from his spot. He walked up to the mound. Taking the Circle from Musa, he knelt before Sibylla.

"This is the White Circle," he said. "It contains all of our powers. I give it to you, renouncing my wrongdoings and accepting my fate." He handed it over to her, his head bowed as he spoke.


"He's getting worse," Mirta said anxiously.

Riven stared at Merlin, who was lying down on the stretcher, still raving madly and twisting and turning. Spasms appeared in his legs and arms. One of the Paradise fairies – a healer, clearly – shook his head as he gazed at Merlin.

"I can tell this is not a natural illness," he said. "He is still very, very weak. This is not something that can easily be cured." He let out a sigh.

"Let me try one last thing," he said. "A flower from the Tree of Justice. I picked it this spring – it is very, very powerful." He motioned to one of his servants. "The elder flower, if you will."

A servant brought forth the flower – a white, luminous flower that shined in its pot. The healer picked a petal, then placed it in Merlin's mouth. For a moment, it seemed as if nothing was happening; he appeared completely still.

"Guess it's not gonna work, then," Riven said sadly, fazing Merlin. To him, it seemed horrible to leave the Wizard to his death, but it didn't seem like they had any choice. "It might be kinder just to let him go" –

Suddenly, a brilliant white light shined over Merlin. Riven leapt back, shielding his eyes. When the light faded, he stared forward, completely taken aback.

Merlin stood next to the stretcher, completely healed. There wasn't even a scent of illness on him; he looked healthier than he'd ever been before. He smiled at the Specialists, who stared at him in shock.

"You healed!" Brandon was the first one to gasp. "We knew you could make it!"

Riven frowned, staring at Merlin. Something was very, very wrong. He could tell it by the smirk on his face; by the looks of it, the Specialists sensed it, too. Merlin let out a hard, cold laugh.

"I can't believe you fools fell for it," he laughed. "Your precious girlfriends have completely fallen for it, too. Soon, everything will follow the natural order, the way things are supposed to be."

"What are you talking about?" Sky gasped.

"Oh, I daresay you'll find out soon enough," Merlin smiled. Before anyone could stop him, he leapt in the air, flying straight out the window.

"After him!" Sky roared.

The Specialists vaulted onto their flying-saucers; Mirta and Nabu transformed into their Charmixes. Riven kept flying, determination in his eyes. We have to find them… Suddenly, it became clear to him what was going on.

"It's a trap!" he gasped. "Merlin – he's headed straight towards the Emerald Mound! We have to stop him!"

"Let's go!" Nabu shouted. The Specialists sped towards the Mound, hoping they'd be there on time.


Musa watched as Sibylla shrank the Circle to the size of a bracelet, placing it on her right hand. The Major Fairy of Justice nodded, gazing towards the court.

"Thank you for presenting it to me," she said. "It shall remain in my possession until I deliver your sentence." She held her hand out. "Now, we shall hear the opening statements from the plaintiffs" –

"Get that thing off your wrist!"

Musa whirled around. From across the lake, the Specialists were flying towards them, alarm in their eyes. They flew as fast as they possibly could, fear in their eyes.

"It's a trap!" Riven shouted, landing on the ground. "The Wizards are setting a trap! We have to stop them!"

"What?" Sibylla asked in confusion.

The next thing Musa knew, a white light erupted from the White Circle. Sibylla cried out and fell backwards, hitting her head on the Elder Tree. The Pixies screamed in terror. Chatta flew towards the Fairy of Justice, looking horrified.

"Sibylla!" she shouted urgently. "Please, wake up!"

"She's dead," a drawling voice sounded behind her. Gasping, Musa stared around.

Merlin was flying towards them, a sneer on his face. The rest of the Specialists were tailing him, fury in their eyes. Merlin let out a laugh, holding out his hands.

"Did you really think we'd surrender that easily?" he laughed. The White Circle flew to his hands, neatly fitting on his right wrist. "The Wizards of the White Circle don't know what surrender is! You'll realize that when you spend eternity in the abyss!" Pointing the White Circle directly at the lake, magic enveloped his body. A white ray of light hit the lake, creating a colossal explosion.

The next thing Musa knew, the lake had turned into a white funnel. A white vortex spun around it, winds picking up with strength she'd never known before. The Tree of Justice was the first thing to fall; the winds battered it down. It fell straight towards Musa, and she gasped in horror –

"I got you!" Layla shoved her out of the way, just before the tree fell.

"Thanks," Musa panted.

"No problem," Layla answered. She looked up and gasped. "Oh no!"

Musa stared in horror; fairies and humans alike were being pulled into the void. She ran towards the bottom of the mound, calling for her friends.

"Quick!" she shouted. "We have to evacuate these people out of here!"

"Everyone, to the castle!" Queen Morgana ordered. "We must seek refuge there." She glared at the Winx, Pixies, and Specialists. "You must come with me into the castle!"

"Fools," Duman cackled. "Do you really think your precious castle will save you? Soon the entire island of Paradise will be destroyed!"

"No!" a voice cried out. "You can't do this!"

Musa spun around. Krithi was staring at her father, extreme distress on her face. Musa glared at her.

"What part of this did you orchestrate?" she demanded. "How could you allow this to happen?"

"I didn't!" Tears were streaming down Krithi's face. "I had no idea they were planning this!"

"We have to save the people of Paradise!" Sky launched himself towards the vortex. Musa followed, flapping her wings desperately as she tried to latch onto the air –

The next thing she knew, the wind was pulling her. She screamed as she was pulled towards the vortex, her energy leaving her. Looking around, she saw that the other Winx, Pixies, and the Specialists were being sucked in as well.

I have to stop this! She desperately tried to latch onto the air with her wings, but it was no use; the funnel was too powerful. She stared up desperately, tears in her eyes.

"No!"

Musa stared forward. Riven was gazing at her, a look of desperation in his eyes. Violet met brown; for a moment, Musa wanted nothing more than to be freed by him. But she knew it was impossible. Shaking her head, she let go of the tuft of grass she was holding.

"Goodbye, Riven," she whispered. And then she disappeared into the void.


"We have to stop them!" Riven cried.

Roxy stared bleakly as the funnel grew stronger and stronger, sucking the Winx, Pixies, and the other five Specialists into the void. Not Musa… Cherie… Tears came to her eyes as she thought of her friends, what had happened to them.

I can't think of that now. If they didn't move, they would soon be sucked in with everyone else. They would find a way to save the Winx, Pixies, and Specialists later. Riven drew his swords, shouting, "I'm going after them!"

"No!" Both Roxy and Krithi grabbed an arm each. Riven glared at them, fury in his eyes.

"We have to help them!" he shouted. "Our friends are in there!"

"You won't help them by getting sucked in yourself." Queen Morgana stood over them, frowning severely. "To the castle. Now."

"But Your Majesty," Nebula protested, "the Wizards have already defeated so many people. Now is the perfect time to strike" –

"That was an order, Nebula!" Queen Morgana glared at her. "Get into the castle!"

Nebula huffed, but did as she was told. Morgana turned to Roxy, Krithi, and Riven. "Go in," she commanded.

Roxy frowned, holding her left wrist to her chest. She stared at the funnel ahead of her, at the winds that threatened to tear them apart. All except – her. She stared at the winds grew stronger and stronger.

"We have to go now!" Morgana cried. The winds were on the brink of pulling her into the void; her wings seemed to be ready to collapse. Riven and Krithi were holding tightly onto each other, clinging to a nearby post.

Only Roxy stood undisturbed. A black haze gleamed around her, and she stared at her left wrist. The Black Circle. Realization came to her.

The Black Circle was the only artifact that was strong enough to close the White Circle's funnel. It's the only way. She turned towards Morgana.

"I'm going to close the vortex," she shouted. "Free all of the fairies and prevent it from opening. Then I'm going to defeat the Wizards." She transformed; leaping onto Aonbharr's back, she flew through the air.

"Roxy, no!" Morgana shouted, but Roxy was already flying. She held the Black Circle to her chest, staring down at the funnel.

The white funnel was stronger than ever. More and more civilians were being sucked into it. Screaming madly, they tried to hang on, but the winds were just too powerful.

But I can fix it. Holding the Black Circle above her head, she focused all of her energy on the vortex. A black haze appeared, shooting down into the white funnel. She winced, concentrating all of her energy on the vortex.

She could see the funnel starting to power down, the winds beginning to die down as she pointed her Circle directly at the spinning vortex. The fairies and humans trapped inside were rising out of the earth. She pushed harder, until there was only a tiny sliver of light –

It hit her like stone. She screamed as a white energy hit her in the back, Aonbharr rearing in shock. She fell off his back, free-falling to the ground.

No… Terror coursed through her as she fell, the Black Circle falling out of her hands. The last thing she heard was Merlin's cackle as she fell into darkness.


Krithi stared in horror as Merlin shot a white laser-beam at Roxy's back. "No!" she cried, running forward. Ignoring Morgana's shouts of warning, she shot straight towards Roxy, holding out her arms.

I have to catch her! She held out her arms, ready to catch Roxy and bring her back to the castle –

Not even a second later, Ogron whizzed past her, snatching Roxy in his arms. "We've got her!" he shouted. "Now let's get out of here!"

"Bring her back!" Krithi cried. Merlin glared down on her.

"On second thought," he said, "You take the girl with you." He lifted his hands. "It's time I settled a score with this one!" He flew down towards her, his eyes brimming with rage.

She dived out of the way just in-time. Drawing her iron knife, she stared at Merlin, tears appearing in her eyes.

"How could you do this?" she cried. "You hit her in the back! You – you're nothing but a coward!"

"You are the coward," Merlin snarled back. "You betrayed us when it became convenient for you! What do you have to say about that?"

"Stop this right now!" Krithi demanded. "Let Roxy go, and close the vortex! I'm begging you – end this madness!"

"I'm afraid that won't be happening," Merlin jeered back. "And I'm sure you know it." He lifted a white sphere in his arms, holding it high above his head. He launched it directly at Krithi, ready to pin her down.

But she leapt out of the way. Leaping onto Chai's back, she shot towards Merlin, desperation in her eyes. "Please, Father," she begged. "Don't do this!"

"You're no daughter of mine," Merlin snarled back.

That was the final tipping-point. Krithi rose her knife, flying straight toward Merlin. The two of them encircled each other, rage in Krithi's eyes, glee in Merlin's.

"What're you gonna do?" he laughed. "Stab me again?"

"You're not giving me much of a choice," Krithi snarled back. She raised her weapon, ready to strike –

Suddenly, a huge boom sounded. Krithi whirled around, staring at what was going on. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at the ground.

Nebula was holding the Black Circle in her hands, pointing it straight towards the air. Fairies and humans were being pulled out of the void, staring around at each other in shock and amazement. A black haze came over Nebula's eyes and aura as the vortex closed. The winds died down, and Krithi stared in amazement, stunned by Nebula's strength –

She screamed aloud as she was shot in the back, free-falling off of Chai. Terror coursed through her as she fell, straight towards the island. She hit the ground with a thud, staring upwards.

Merlin was flying towards her, indescribable rage in his eyes. He pointed the White Circle directly at her.

"This was all a trick, wasn't it?" he snarled. "Distracting me so your sweet fairy friend could close the void? This is the end for you, girl." He lifted the White Circle in his hands.

Krithi stared in terror, immobilized with fear as Merlin pointed the White Circle directly towards her. A white haze overcame his eyes and aura. A white, cannon-like energy formed inside the White Circle, shooting directly towards Krithi.

Though the blast moved faster than lightning, time seemed to slow down. She tried to move, but found that she couldn't; her body was too stiff. The white blast came closer and closer, ready to obliterate her to the ground –

"No!" a voice shouted. A pink-haired man leapt in front of the blast, his cape billowing behind him. He fell to the ground slowly, Krithi staring at him in horror.

She could see his entire skeleton. His head lifted in agony, he fell in slow-motion, time seeming to stretch endlessly on. He let out a gasp of breath, crying out in incredible pain as he fell to the ground.


Time seemed to stretch on in slow-motion. Riven fell over in pain, remembering everything from his life. He closed his eyes, remembering everything from his past…

He saw himself with his mother, who was always drinking. He remembered the times when his father had taught him how to wield a sword, helping him get into Red Fountain. And then there was his Red Fountain life…

He saw himself being a jerk to the other Specialists, throughout much of his freshman year. He saw himself leaving Musa behind to be with Darcy, only leaving when they locked him up in Cloud Tower. He saw his cruelty towards the Winx after Mandragora spelled him, how terribly he'd treated them. And then there was the whole zuìjiû incident, which he was sure Pixie Village would never forgive him for.

But then he also remembered the good things, too. Helping the Specialists on so many different missions, defeating all their memories, all the fun times they'd had together at Red Fountain. And most importantly, all the great times he'd spent with Musa. How we went on all those missions together…

Now he knew what he was fighting for. Not just for the others to trust him again, not just for the fairies – not even just for Musa. He was fighting for his honor. And now, he knew that it was fully redeemed.

I've done my part now… Letting out a breath, he allowed himself to collapse to the ground, all memories going from his mind.


Musa cried out as the void sucked her inside, nearly obliterating her. The blinding, bright white space around her was agonizing, filling her with pain and terror. She could barely keep her eyes open; the pain was chanting at her, lulling her to sleep.

Come, it seemed to say. Come into stasis; allow the light to sweep you away. The darkness coursed through her, filling her with incredible pain –

Then, just like that, darkness set on the white land. She stared in confusion, watching as the white fog cleared. She stared around, letting out a gasp.

The other Winx were standing near her, confused and dazed looks on their faces. The humans and fairies were staring at each other, gasping in terror. And that wasn't all.

The chasm was beginning to close up.

"Quick!" Musa shouted, grabbing arms with her friends. "We have to eject everyone out of the chasm and escape before it closes on us!"

"But how are we going to do it?" Flora stared in alarm.

"I think it's convergence time." Stella linked her arm with the others'. "Winx Convergence!"

Musa focused all of her energy, watching as a pink haze overcame her. It linked with the colors of the other Winx's magic, ejecting a multicolored stream at the ground. The other fairies and humans gasped as they were pushed out of the chasm, up to the ground.

"Now!" Bloom shouted.

Each of the Winx grabbed onto one of her partners' arms; Bloom dragged Lockette and Sky upwards, Stella dragged Amore and Brandon, and so on. Musa flew herself up to the chasm with Tune and Cherie on her shoulder, landing neatly on the ground. She stared around.

The rest of the fairies and humans had landed on the ground, gasping for air. The funnel had completely drained them of energy, and their clothes were completely disheveled. She stared ahead at the castle, where Morgana stood.

But something wasn't right. Musa watched as a white light burst out of Merlin's White Circle, straight towards Krithi. But then someone pushed her out of the way – a pink-haired someone.

"Riven!" she cried out.

Riven fell to the ground, his eyes closed. She could see Krithi staring at him in shock, looking horrified. Merlin let out a cackle.

"No!" Musa cried, running up to Riven and shoving Krithi out of the way. Placing her hands on his chest, she saw that he was breathing – but only just. Riven lay unconscious, struggling to breathe.

"Riven!" she cried, breaking into sobs. "Riven – you can't be gone!"

"I'll never be gone," Riven whispered. "I know I was a terrible boyfriend, Musa, but I just want you to know – I'm so sorry. I'll always be in your heart." His eyes closed.

"No!" Musa cried, staring at his broken body, how he refused to move. She began to cry.

"The Black Gift!" Tune's eyes widened in realization. "Musa, you have to use it before it's too late!"

Musa gasped in amazement. "You're right," she breathed. Holding her hands up, she whispered quietly to herself, incanting the spell.

A black orb materialized, floating down towards her. She reached her hand out, willing herself to grab the orb. It was just about to touch her hand –

A white hand swept her aside. Stunned, she stared upwards, seeing that Merlin had the Black Gift. He smiled at her, shaking his head.

"Give that back to me," Musa snarled, her expression livid.

In response, Merlin dropped the Gift. "Oh, how careless of me," he whispered as the Gift hit the stump of the Tree of Justice. Musa stared as the stump disappeared; a new sapling appeared in its place.

"No," she whispered. Her voice grew louder and anguished, the tears falling uncontrollably. "No!" Her breath came in short gasps, and she sobbed.

Riven was lying, unmoving, on the ground. No trace of life could be found; cold and stoic he was, collapsed to the ground. Merlin smiled.

"The life of a strong hero in-place of an old tree," he sneered. "Such a waste. Oh well."

Nabu launched himself at Merlin, but it was too late; Merlin had already disappeared into a white shadow. That left Musa to sob over Riven's body. She stared at him once, and then her eyes hardened.

"Goodbye, Riven," she whispered. "This is my last tear; these eyes will never cry again." She brushed his head with her finger, staring down at his unmoving face.

"Musa" – Krithi walked up to her. "I'm so, so sorry" –

"Sorry for what?" Musa snarled. "That Riven took the fall for you? A mere human?"

Krithi stepped backwards as if she'd been slapped. Layla stared around the court, gasping, "Where's Roxy?"

"Don't change the subject!" Musa snarled, glaring at Krithi. "It's because of humanity that this happened! If you had never locked the Earth fairies away in the first place, none of this would've ever happened!"

"You know that's not true, Musa." Flora walked up to her. "Please, don't let this" –

"She's right, you know."

Musa spun around. Faerie Lady Nebula was walking towards them, holding the Black Circle in her hands. She aimed it straight at Krithi.

"This human needs to go," she snarled. "It's because of scum like her that this happened!" She pointed her Black Circle. "Ready to" –

"No, Nebula!" Morgana shouted. Nebula turned around, her eyes narrowed as Queen Morgana stormed towards them, rage in her eyes. She glared at Nebula.

' "Give me the Black Circle," she commanded. Nebula smirked at her.

"You know," she said, "it's funny that you want me to give up this object, especially when I was the one who defeated the White Circle. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't be standing on solid ground!"

"How dare you speak to me in this way?" Morgana thundered. "The Black Circle traditionally belongs to the High Faerie Queen of Paradise." She glared at Nebula. "Give it to me right" –

"No," Musa finally spoke. Her eyes grew with rage as she glared at Morgana. "I won't let you do this." Walking up to Nebula, she knelt down.

"I pledge myself to vengeance," she heard herself say. "For Riven. I will not rest until those Wizards are destroyed!"

"Musa!" Tune's distraught voice called. "Don't do this!"

"Nonsense!" Nebula boomed. "Forgiveness is for fools. It is what got us last time. But I won't be quite so foolish again."

"Musa, please listen to us," Layla whispered. "Riven wouldn't have wanted this."

"Revenge is never the right path to take," Krithi murmured.

That was it. Musa glared at the Winx, Pixies, and Specialists, fury in her eyes.

"Then we have nothing to say to each other!" she snarled. Following Nebula, she stormed past the mound, tears dripping down until they formed a hole in her heart.


For a moment, everything seemed fuzzy and confused. Her head felt as if it'd been pounded into a million bits, her entire body broken. All around her was complete darkness. Then the world came into being, and she stared around.

She was inside a castle. The walls arched high into the air, and the ceiling had a golden chandelier. A red carpet extended down the room, all the way to a throne – a golden throne, with red upholstery and white pearls. The colors of humanity. After all, this was Camelot – one of the greatest kingdoms in the human world.

I'm in Tintagel Castle. But unlike the last time she'd seen it, there were no ruins – instead, the castle was voluminous and bright. The awakening of the fairies, Roxy realized, had brought back this ancient location. She stared down, gazing at herself.

She was chained to a wall – iron chains, she realized. They bound her completely and utterly, refusing to let her go. She let out a growl of frustration as she lay listlessly, feeling weaker and weaker by the moment.

"What's the matter, Roxanne?" a voice called out to her. Squinting her eyes, she stared forward at the man who spoke.

Merlin stepped forward, holding the White Circle in his hands. A sneering expression was on his face as he gazed at Roxy, nothing but glee in his eyes.

"We have you at last," he said, his voice echoing around the throne room. "And this time, for good."


Next chapter:

The Winx desperately search for Roxy.

Musa helps Nebula enact her revenge.

Merlin tortures Roxy with the intent to end her life.