“You mean we can understand it without knowing any of the words?” Jayson turned his bracelet over in his hands rather than wearing it.

“I have not spoken a word of English since we met.”

All four pairs of eyes snapped to the Star. “Wait, say something again,” Randy said slowly.

It was true. The words that whispered from the Star’s tranquil flames were unlike anything Ru had heard before, yet the meaning of the words stood out to her instantly. “You understand now. Return home. Come back to the stone at midnight.”

The Star winked out. Ember was gone with it.

“Like I need extra homework,” Randy said. “At least it’ll give us powers. Hey, how easy do you think these break? Who’s got a hammer?”

“This is why they gave you light powers. You guys know we gotta keep this a secret, right?” Ru said.

Randy rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom.”

“Dude, we all know you’d be the first one to call down your meteor if you were about to get in another fight with Joe,” Jayson said.