Santiago Benjamin Huamán Pérez

Santiago never asked to be special. He’s spent his whole life being unlucky—the kind of unlucky that leads to paint buckets toppling onto his head, scarves getting caught in lockers, and a very unfortunate history with seagulls. But when he stumbles into a hidden world floating above his own, he discovers something far stranger: his bad luck might actually be magic.

Now, Santiago has been chosen as the Seer of Flamingo Springs, a role that places him at the center of a centuries-old mystery. The only problem? He has no idea how to do magic, no interest in being anyone’s mystical advisor, and a whole city that isn’t sure they want an “Underlander” in their ranks. But with powerful forces watching his every move, a dangerous secret hidden in the city’s past, and a countdown on his very existence in this world, Santiago has no choice but to figure things out—fast.

Birth

It was more than a babymoon—it was a celebration for the young Peruvian couple. Carolina had been awarded a fellowship for her research proposal to study local government in South America, Carlos had remodeled a small bus into a food truck, they’d bought a small townhouse, and had become U.S. citizens the previous month. Carlos suggested a spontaneous road trip to California to make the most of their remaining weeks before the baby arrived. Carolina wasn’t wild about spontaneity, but Carlos talked her into it, just as he always did.

The night of January 4 was chilly, especially for Carlos and Carolina who were used to the much warmer temperatures of Trujillo, Peru where they grew up. Carolina suggested going to bed early, but Carlos wanted to go stargazing on the beach like they’d done when they were dating. The idea sounded so peaceful and romantic that Carolina agreed to it after minimal coaxing.

They drove the short distance to Moonstone Beach, which was quiet. The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore soon lulled the young couple to sleep, cuddling together for warmth in the crisp January air. But Carlos soon felt a firm tap on his arm.

“Carlos, Carlos, despiertate!”

“Que pasa?”

“The baby—the baby’s coming!”

Carlos snapped awake. “He’s not due for two weeks!”

“You don’t say?” Carolina said, half amused, half exasperated. After all, if anyone knew that, she did.

Carlos fumbled to gather their things but Carolina stopped him.

“No hay tiempo,” she said, grunting.

A few minutes later, a piercing cry interrupted the sound of the ocean. Underneath the light of the full moon, Santiago Benjamin Huaman Perez was born to two surprised, but grateful parents.