Luckily, the scholars were stopped before a full war broke out. But not before a bunch of innocent witches were killed, including the Gom elder at the time, who happened to be my best friend Emmett’s mom.

Anyway, as punishment for their actions, the Mountain Tiger Goddess disowned the Horangi clan and cursed them never to be able to wield her divine power again. And anyone seen colluding with the clan would be stripped of their own gift, too. As you can imagine, the council had no choice but to banish them from the community. The scholars’ lust for power had made them dangerous, and it ultimately led to their demise. Sad story, really.

“And on that rather somber note, I conclude today’s service,” Mr. Hong finishes. “May Mago be with you this coming week.”

“May Mago be with you,” the congregation echoes in prayer.

Soon the kids start to gather near the elevator to go to Saturday School, which is held in the building next door. Hattie runs to use the restroom, and I see Professor Ryu’s digital perm bobbing above the crowd of kids. My heart races. Our plan had better work.

“Riley, do you have a moment?”

I turn around to see Auntie Okja standing there in her beautiful golden hanbok. She looks as graceful and poised as ever.

“Of course, Auntie O.” I smile at her warmly. “What’s up?”

“I’m so sorry about your ceremony. I tried my best, but the council overruled me.” She tucks a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, and I melt at the tender gesture. “You know I’m always looking out for you, right? That even if it might not always seem like it, I only want the best for you?”

I nod and look at my feet. “I know, Auntie O.”

For a second, I want to spill the beans. I want to tell her our plans to steal Eomma’s spellbook and to cast the magic-sharing spell. Maybe she’d talk some sense into me. Or perhaps she’d offer to help us. Like she said, she only wants the best for me….

But the moment is broken when Mrs. Lee, the Tokki elder, comes and ushers Auntie Okja away for some urgent council business.

“By the way, I have some new plans for a diversity-and-inclusion campaign,” she says to me before leaving. “Can I run them past you later?”

“Of course,” I say. “Will look forward to it.”

“The only thing you’re gonna look forward to is getting half of my magic,” Hattie whispers, pulling me away to join the other students. “And yes, I know what you’re thinking. And no, we are not asking Auntie O for help.”

I look away, hoping I can hide the guilt written in Mago-size letters on my face. You’d think I was a book the way Hattie reads me.

“But maybe she would?” I try.