Pearl glanced at the book’s title. History of Dragons by Dr. Emerald Woo. “Where’d you get that?” Pearl asked with a gasp. She’d seen a copy of the book before, but it was owned by Metalmouth, the dragon who lived on the hospital’s roof. How had Victoria found it?

“Ever since I saw that dragon, I’ve wanted to learn more about them,” Victoria explained. “So I went to the bookstore, and Ms. Nod special-ordered this for me. I didn’t know Dr. Woo was a writer.”

It was true that Victoria had seen Metalmouth. But Pearl and Ben would never admit to knowing a dragon. Or a sasquatch. Or any of the other creatures they’d met over the summer. They’d each signed a contract of secrecy for Dr. Woo, and they would never break it. “You’re still talking to me,” Pearl said snidely.

“I saw it,” Victoria said, spit flying off her blue braces. “I’m going to learn all about dragons, and then I’ll know exactly how to find it. And when I do, I’m going to take a picture and send it to the Buttonville Gazette.” She tucked the book under her arm. “What’s that sound?”

High-pitched buzzing began to stream from Pearl’s clutched hands. It was as if a tiny storm had been unleashed inside the saltshaker, as the fairy continued to fly round and round. Pearl shrugged.

“Whatcha got behind your back?” Victoria tried to dart around Pearl, but Pearl was quicker on her toes. “What’s in that saltshaker?”

“I caught a…” Pearl glanced across the street, at the cinema’s marquee. “A killer bee.”

Victoria recoiled. “Oooh! I’m allergic to bees.”

That was the best news Pearl had heard all day. “It’s a big queen killer bee,” she announced. “I’m thinking of setting it free.” With a squeal, Victoria hurried away. “Nice talking to ya,” Pearl called.

Pearl checked the status of her captive. The fairy had stopped flying. She stood on the floor of the saltshaker, folded her arms, and glared at Pearl. “Sorry,” Pearl said, “but I can’t let you go. Not yet.” Then she remembered her mission—to find Ben and share her amazing discovery. She turned up Olive Street, then took a left on Cedar, and spotted him right away.

“Ben!”