Monte squinted hard at the trees, searching for Cameron. He turned to face his uncle. “Things happening? That really narrows it down.” It wasn’t like he was five years old. He hardly needed a babysitter to escort him up the driveway.
Uncle Jarus held his breath, as though trying to repress an explosive remark. “Fancy a walk then?” he asked. He pulled a glass orb the size of an orange from his jacket. He tapped it twice with his index finger, giving birth to a powerful white light. “Ooft. Too bright,” he muttered, tapping the orb again. The light dimmed. “That’s better.” He propped the orb in his uplifted palm. It rose from his hand and hovered in the air near his shoulder, pitching light onto the tarmac ahead of them.
“You just used magic,” Monte said, staring at the orb. “I thought—”
“
