I roll out of bed and stumble over to Hattie, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. Our reflections smile back at us in the dresser mirror, and for a moment, there is no ceremony, no spell, no magic. Just me and my sister.

“Thank you for doing this for me,” I say quietly. “And yes, yes, I know—you’re doing it as a matter of principle as much as you’re doing it for me. But still.” I suddenly remember what else today is. “Oh, and by the way, happy thirteenth birthday!”

She smiles, and her cheeks glow warm with love. Then just as quickly, her smile turns into a grimace. “Ew, morning breath much? And to think you threw shade at our mini Haetae for his breath. A bit rich, Rye. A bit rich.”

“Whatever do you mean, darling sister?” I say innocently as I exhale deeply into her face. “My breath smells like flowers. See?”

She shrieks and pushes me away. “OMG, you’re the worst. Go brush your teeth!”

I chuckle and run out of the room before Hattie can retaliate.

Today is going to be the best day of my life, and it’s already off to a roaring start.

Somehow, the morning passes in a flash, and before I know it, we’re back in the sanctuary at the temple. Unlike in a normal Saturday service, the Gi cauldron is surrounded by a circular altar full of food offerings to our patron goddess. Among them are plump persimmons, savory gimbap, and sweet rice cakes drizzled in honey. Generous bowls of rice wine are dotted like milky exclamation points among them, and I gape at the size of the bae. The juicy Korean pears, each almost as big as a bowling ball, are stacked in a pyramid. Everything looks delicious, except for the plates of raw garlic and mugwort leaves. The Cave Bear Goddess apparently loves those, but I could definitely pass on them.

My parents and I sit in the front row of the Gom pews, eagerly awaiting Hattie’s appearance. Hundreds of witches have gathered to watch her become a full-fledged healer, and looking around at all the expectant faces, I start to get cold feet about our plans to hijack the ceremony. I shove my right hand in my pocket and make sure the potion is still there and in one piece. I can’t believe we’re actually going to do this….