The woman studies my face, and for a split second, her eyes widen, as if she’s taken by surprise. “You look just like…”

Her reaction makes my insides wobble. Mostly in a bad way, but a little bit in a good way, too. Does she see my biological eomma or appa in me? Do I have any of their characteristics or traits? What kind of people were they? There are so many questions I want to ask.

But then I remember what they did, and the good feeling vanishes. I don’t care who they were. I already know who my real parents are.

The woman shakes her head and clears her throat. “What brings you here?”

“Untie us, and then we’ll talk,” I demand. “Who kidnaps innocent kids, anyway? No wonder you were disowned by your goddess.”

I have no idea where all this bravado is coming from, but thinking of what these cursed witches did to Emmett’s mom is enough to light a fire in my gut.

She scowls at me. “I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you that you’re the one who has trespassed on our property, and you’re the one being held prisoner. Are you sure you want to keep talking to me that way?”

“Riley,” Emmett warns, “be careful. You know what they’re capable of.”

I bite my lip. He’s right. We need their help to find the last fallen star, and we can’t do that if we’re dead.

“Let me ask you again,” the woman says. “Why have you come here?”

When I don’t answer immediately, the man rubs his wrists together until his gifted mark glows red. He holds his hands over the metal stars that adorn his leather jacket. With a flick of his wrists he sends the studs flying like tiny ninja weapons straight toward Emmett’s face. When they’re an arm’s length away, they stop and hover in midair, as if awaiting their final command.

Emmett blanches and I scream, “No!”

The thing is, this scene disturbs me for two reasons. The obvious one being that my best friend is yet again in peril because of me. The other is that this man does not have a Gi on his wrist.

“How are you doing that?” I ask, incredulous. Hasn’t the Mountain Tiger Goddess cursed them never again to wield magic? And what kind of magic is this?

The woman crouches in front of me and looks me square in the eye. “I will not ask you the same question three times. If you do not answer, I will have Austin complete the task he has started.” She looks to Emmett. “And that would be a shame for your poor friend, now, wouldn’t it?”

I nod frantically. “Yes, yes, of course. Please, just lower the blades.”