Jayson’s eyes were hidden under the brim of his hat, the corners of his mouth turned sharply downward. Colleen clutched at her pendant, which had returned to its original dolphin shape. Ru’s head was spinning, but Randy’s enthusiasm was contagious. They had powers. They could fly. They had just met an alien, of all things. Was it real?

Blue light illuminated the hedges. The Blue Star and Ember were near. There were four bracelets in Ember’s hands. They swept closer and fastened one around Ru’s wrist. “What’s this?”