Free The Emerald Mask by H. K. Varian

do I,” he said.
    â€œAnd me,” Mack added as he scrambled to his feet.
    â€œMe too,” Gabriella said, her cat’s eyes flashing. “Otherwise, what’s the point?”
    All eyes turned to her.
    â€œWe all have this—this—this ability ,” she said, struggling to find the right words. “I guess you could call it a gift, maybe. A challenge, definitely. But if we don’t use it for good . . . why should we have it at all?”
    The First Four exchanged a glance. Fiona could tell that they were discussing the matter silently among themselves, reaching a secret conclusion.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Sefu finally said. “It’s just too dangerous. You need to understand that these people who came after you—they’re not the bad guys in your comic books and your movies. They will kill you if given the chance. They will come after the people you love.”
    â€œI agree,” Ms. Therian said, nodding her head. “If Auden Ironbound realizes that you have The Compendium , you’re at even greater risk. And there’s no doubt in my mind that his henchmen would recognize Fiona and Darren after their encounter in the library. Right now, at this very moment, they are probably working on a plan to find you—and follow you straight to Circe’s Compass.”
    â€œWe should assemble an outside team made up of those the warlocks wouldn’t recognize,” Mr. Kimura suggested. “It will take a week or so, but I think that would be the safest option.”
    â€œA week ?” Fiona exclaimed. “But—”
    â€œYou needn’t worry about the compass,” Ms. Therian interrupted her. “We can take it from here.”

Chapter 7
The Secret Mission
    Their response hit Mack harder than he’d thought. Mack, Gabriella, Darren, and Fiona had saved the Changers once before, and they could do it again. He was sure of it.
    This isn’t over. Mack sent the thought to his friends. I’ll talk to Jiichan. Maybe he’ll be able to convince the others.
    But that was easier said than done.

    â€œThere’s nothing I can do,” Jiichan said as they pulled into the driveway at home. “The First Four put everything to a vote, and the vote was that you are not ready.”
    â€œBut we are!” Mack cried. “You have to know that.And besides, when we defeated Auden on the beach, we were definitely not ready, but we still did it!”
    â€œI understand that you are frustrated,” Jiichan said calmly. “But the First Four’s decision is final. Now, I am expecting company at any moment and will need your help to prepare.”
    â€œWho’s coming over?” Mack asked.
    â€œHis name is Miles Campagna,” Jiichan replied.
    Mack scrunched up his face. He’d never heard of Miles Campagna before—and Mack was pretty sure he knew all of Jiichan’s friends. “Who is—” he began.
    â€œI’m sorry, Makoto,” Jiichan interrupted him. “But I am really quite behind. Please tidy those papers on the table, make some tea for Miles, and keep him company in the kitchen. I will join you both as soon as I can.”
    â€œYes, Jiichan,” Mack said, stifling a sigh.
    After Mack filled the teakettle, he started to stack some papers and folders that Jiichan had left on the table. This is ridiculous, Mack thought in frustration. Circe’s Compass is out there—we know where it is!—but Jiichan wants me stuck in the house, getting ready for a tea party. Whyare we wasting time? We need to get the compass now !
    Suddenly, a label on one of the folders caught his eye. It read: MILES CAMPAGNA/AATXE.
    Mack’s fingers hovered over the folder; hesitated. He wasn’t a snoop. He wasn’t the kind of person who enjoyed going through somebody else’s stuff. And yet, that word—“ aatxe ”—caught Mack’s attention and wouldn’t