Marco had yelled as he watched Star being knocked out by one of Toffee's brutes. He watched in horror as she was carried from the room.

Toffee then turned back to him.

"Where are you taking her?" Marco demanded.

"Home," Toffee answered. "Don't worry Marco; she's quite safe. I made sure when she comes to her head won't pain her. You see, I am not unkind."

"Unkind? What's this then?" Marco yelled, punching the glass cage.

"That," said Toffee, looking at Marco down his nose, "is necessary."

"What's going to happen to Star?"

"Nothing. She will wake up safe and well in her bed at your house, and supposedly think the whole evening was a dream."

"But she'll realise it wasn't when I'm not there, stupid!" Marco laughed.

"Stupid, eh?" Toffee raised his eyebrows. "Not so stupid I didn't think ahead enough to place a recording in your bedroom to sound as though you're inside, asleep."

Marco did a double take.

"Yeah, okay, that's quite a good idea," he admitted. "But what about when she just goes into my room? She'll see I'm not there."

"Would she go into your room if she thought you were asleep?"

"Probably," sighed Marco.

"Let's see, shall we?" Toffee smiled. "Let's see if she comes to your rescue. Anyway, by the time she wakes, it'll be too late."

"Too late?" Marco said sharply, sounding worried. "Why?"

"Did you hear any of the conversation I just had with Star?" Toffee asked.

"Not much," Marco scowled. "I was a little busy trying to stop myself being squashed to a pulp."

"Sorry, not sorry," Toffee waved a claw. "Well, you see Marco, I'm afraid I can't allow you to live any longer."

"What?" Marco gasped.

"Yes," said Toffee. "You appear to have such a strong bond with Star that her magic now stems from you. So, if I destroy the source, you, I destroy her magic."

"No," Marco whispered.

"Yes," said Toffee again, inpatient. "And I don't plan on wasting any more time."

He pressed another button which opened a door in the glass cage, then clicked his fingers and a huge monster advanced on Marco, who backed away, his hands up.

"Stay back!" He shouted. "Don't come any closer!"
He liked shouting. It hid his fear.

"Take him to the dungeon," Toffee said in a bored voice.

The monster reached down with a huge arm and grabbed Marco around the waist. He gasped and spluttered for air like a fish out of water, feeling as though his ribs were splintering, pounding the monster's fist with his as he was lifted into the air and carried from the room.

"Goodbye, Marco Diaz," Toffee called. "Forever."