Noah Noh, a Miru protector, looks back over his shoulder as we walk up the stairs of the noraebang. “It’s true they’ve got protectors working on a hush-hush project there. Don’t know any of the deets, though.”

I shudder thinking about the havoc the Horangi clan has caused. If it weren’t for them, Emmett would still be part of the community. His mom married a saram (which makes Emmett half saram, half gifted), and she was one of the first champions for more inclusive policies in the clans. Eomma says Mrs. Harrison and my auntie Okja used to be best friends. Then, when Mrs. Harrison died, Auntie O took over as Gom elder.

“Anyway, my mom is never wrong, so you heard it here first,” Jennie says. “You can thank me later.” She tosses her hair back so forcefully, it whips me in the face. Which hurts more than you’d expect.

“Oh, come on!” I moan. “Haven’t you ever heard of personal space, Jennie?”

She puffs out her chest and stares me down. “Don’t you dare tell me what to do, you fake witch.”

I shrink at the insult, which only fires up Hattie. “Watch your words, Jennie! Only cowards are bullies.”

“I’m not a coward!”

“Then don’t be a bully!”

Jennie harrumphs and storms off ahead of us.

Like I said, the most obnoxious person in the three realms.

When we get to reception, two people are waiting for us. They look like they could be college students. The girl is fixing her makeup (which is already flawless), and the pink streaks in her hair turn silver as she murmurs an incantation under her breath. Definitely a Gumiho illusionist.

Unlike the Gom, who, despite being healers, can’t heal their own bodies, the Gumiho can glamour themselves. It has to do with their beautiful patron, the Nine-Tailed Fox Goddess. That’s why they’re so good-looking and why so many of them become K-pop and K-drama stars. In fact, all but one of the BTS members are Gumiho. Yup. True story.

The guy at reception is wearing a sleeveless blue T-shirt with an image of a dragon swimming in a river. The message P&P 4EVA is etched onto the dragon’s chest, and I have to admire the dude’s dedication. Their saram clientele would be none the wiser, but his top is a dead giveaway that he’s a Miru protector. Provide and Protect is their clan motto, and blue’s their color.

Professor Ryu rubs her wrists together and shows her green gifted mark to the witches. The Gumiho nods and signals to the Miru, who promptly disappears in a gust of wind. I have no idea where he goes, but in the blink of an eye, he’s back—this time holding up an envelope. Superhuman speed must be so useful in LA’s traffic.