I yelped and crashed down beside Ms. Clara, careful not to jostle her.

Mahmud squatted next to Raquel, holding a small silk pouch tied on a ribbon. He put a finger to his lips.

Raquel took a handful of herbs out of the pouch and sprinkled them over Ms. Clara, silently chanting. She pressed a hand to Ms. Clara's throat and a hand to her heart. "Her respiratory system needs to heal. I'm leaving her in this magic coma."

"The smoke inhalation?" Ari said. ...