Austin whispers something to the other scholars, and when they nod in approval, he turns to me. “And it just so happens we have the perfect initiation task for you.”

I hold my breath. I suddenly picture myself having to learn how to write code and design an entire app within an afternoon. I cross my fingers behind my back. Please don’t let that be my task. My failure would be guaranteed.

“Once we insert the biochip into your wrist, you will help us take care of our pest problem,” Austin announces.

My jaw drops. “You want me to kill the inmyeonjo?!”

The adults widen their eyes, surprised. “Why would you think that?” Sora asks.

Confused, I look to Austin. “Didn’t you say you wanted me to take care of her?”

Austin laughs, and heat rises up my face. That is what he said….

“I should have been clearer with my words. My apologies,” he says. “What I should have said is that we are volunteering you for the inmyeonjo-taming exercise.”

“Why tame her?” Emmett asks. “Why not just frighten her away, or something?”

“We’ve tried that,” Austin answers. “But she keeps coming back. It seems our mirrored buildings have struck a nerve with her, and she’s taken it upon herself to destroy them all. We’ve managed to contain her for the time being, but we won’t be able to hold her for long. Taming her is our only solution.”

I swallow. “But I’ve never tamed anything before, let alone a cursed bird-woman. How will I know what to do?”

Sora pats my shoulder. “Others have volunteered for this task, so you’ll have a chance to watch them—and the inmyeonjo—in action. If they don’t succeed, it’ll be your turn. And if we deem your behavior appropriate, we will invite you into our clan.”

“Will I need to use magic? With the biochip?” I ask. I rub my wrist tentatively and let out a hiccup.

Sora smiles. “If you can, sure. But I understand that you won’t have had a chance to practice beforehand. So just do the best you can.”

If someone had asked me two days ago to put myself in front of a crazed humanoid bird creature and attempt to tame her, I would have quickly tiptoed away. But, as I clutch Hattie’s heart vial to my chest, I realize I’ve come a long way from being the frightened, hesitant girl I used to be. I may have made some foolish decisions, which got me into this mess, but I’m not going down without a fight.

I take a big breath. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Great,” Sora says. “In that case, when you’re ready, Austin will take you to get your biochip inserted.”

Austin motions for me to follow him, but Emmett stops me. “Just a sec before you go.”