The buzz of excitement filled the air as we godborns made our way to dinner that evening. I strained mis ojos trying to search the crowd for any sign of the two new girls, but I found nothing. Brooks appeared by my side, as did Rosie. I spotted Hondo off in the distance talking to Marco.

"I saw Itzamna take the emo-looking girl aside to the library," Brooks said, apparently having noticed me looking around. "Ixchel and Claire are up there."

She pointed up to a platform we used as a sort-of stage, mostly for relaying announcements. It had been barely used in the short time we'd been at SHIHOM. Sure enough, Ixchel and Claire were just emerging onto the wooden platform. Claire was now dressed in the SHIHOM uniform, a stark contrast to the bright outfit she'd arrived in.

Ixchel clapped her hands for our attention. "Hola, godborns! We have a new godborn today. Her name is Claire Eadrich-"

She paused as someone—probably Hondo— started up a wave of applause as Claire waved to the crowd below her.

"She will be rooming with Maria," Ixchel continued, pointing to a curly-haired brunette, who waved up to Claire. Claire waved back.

"And as for her parentage," Ixchel said. "I have received a claim from her father. He is..."

A dramatic pause. Beside me, Brooks rolled her eyes.

"Kichigonai!"

Brooks blinked, like she'd been startled. To be fair, I was surprised, too. Kichigonai was the god of day and light, but according to Brooks and Quinn, no one had seen him for centuries. I'd never met him in person either.

As the crowd of godborns dispersed, Ixchel sent Claire ahead with Maria and her friends, including Ren, to cena.

"What about the other girl?" Brooks asked me over the rush.

I shrugged. "I don't know-"

"Brooks, Zane!" Ixchel called, and we both froze. Even Rosie, too.

"Yes?" Brooks asked.

"Has something happened?" I asked.

"Nothing," Ixchel said, a brooding look in her eyes. "And that's what concerning. Come with me."

Brooks and I shared a confused glance, then we followed Ixchel with Rosie. The goddess led us to the biblioteca, where one of the doors was propped open. We walked inside. Nothing look out of the ordinary. Itzamna and the other new godborn stood near a table. Ixchel walked over to them, and the three of us followed.

As soon as he noticed us, Itzamna turned, his eyes flashing in the dim light. "I still have no clue as to who her godly parent could be. And since we haven't received a claiming message..."

The girl threw her arms up exasperatedly. I noticed she wasn't wearing the SHIHOM uniform like Claire had been. "Then this is all a mistake. Let me go home."

"Hold on now," Ixchel said. "This can't be a mistake. You were brought here by the spirits because your parent is a god."

"Well whoever he or she is, clearly their deadbeat godly ass doesn't want me," the girl spat.

Brooks looked like she expected Ixchel or Itzamna to smite her on the spot for talking so disrespectfully. Instead, Itzamna just smiled kindly.

"I know it's... unpleasant, to have to wait," he said. "But we cannot let you go back. It is dangerous out there, without training."

"Wait, why hasn't her parent claimed her yet?" I asked. "I thought all the gods agreed-"

"Us gods can be fickle creatures, for lack of a better term in English," Ixchel said. "We cannot force a god to claim their child."

"Or," Itzamna added. "Her parent hasn't been in touch with us for a long time, like Ren's mother. They might not even know Siera exists."

"Siera," Brooks repeated, looking at the girl. "That's your name?"

"Mhm," she mumbled.

"Well, anyway, until we figure this out, you four can go ahead to dinner," Ixchel said. "Siera, you remember the way back to your treehouse, right?"

The girl wordlessly nodded.

"Good," Ixchel smiled, although even I could tell it was fake. "Itzamna and I will find you if we have any news."