As always, Hattie’s words lift the weight from my shoulders. She’s right. Eomma and Appa have always been supportive. And once I have my magic, they will be happy for me, too. I grab her and hug her tight, saying a thank-you prayer to Mago Halmi for my sister.

As we rush out of the clinic, excitement and nerves bubble up inside me like a shaken soda can.

One more day, and I will be a healer.

One more day, and I will be able to wield the power of the divine.

One more day, and my community will see me as an equal. They will accept me and embrace me as one of their own.

And then, perhaps, I’ll finally belong.

5: Time to Get Initiated, Witches

I WAKE TO THE FEELING OF something wet and sticky on my face. I jolt up in bed to find Mong sitting on my stomach, slobbering all over me.

“Ew, Mong, get off! Your breath stinks.” I push him away and then do a double take. “Wait, are you wearing clothes?”

I hear Hattie chuckling from somewhere on the other side of the room. “It’s an outfit, Emmett says. For the special occasion today.”

I rub my eyes and follow Hattie’s voice.

She’s already up, sitting at her dressing table, brushing her long hair. The morning sun is shining through the gap in the curtains, pooling over her head and shoulders like a halo. “I don’t know when he did it, but when I woke up this morning, I found Mong dressed like this with a little note on his collar.”

She throws me the note. It reads:

For the special occasion today, I designed a celebratory outfit for Mong. Guess who he is! Yeah, I know. I’m amazing. Also, for the love of all things baked, don’t do anything stupid today. Well, not any more than what you’ve already got planned…I better see your faces after the ceremony. OR ELSE.—Em

I study Mong’s outfit. Black “scales” cover his body, making his big puppy-dog eyes stand out even more than usual. There is a single blunt horn on his forehead, framed by a great lion’s mane, and around his neck is a small round bell. He looks part dog and part lion, with a tiny unicorn horn.

“Ha! He’s the Haetae!” I squeal in delight.

Hattie giggles. “Pretty spot-on, right?”

The Haetae is a uni-horned lion beast, and one of the most-well-loved creatures in our culture. He’s Mago Halmi’s guardian pet, known for two things: his incredible loyalty, and his ability to manipulate time.

“Emmett really outdid himself,” I say. “I wish he and Mong could come to the ceremony today.”

“I know. Me too.”