Binti's visit back to Earth with her alien BFF Okwu takes a tragic turn when the Khoush, enemies of Okwu's people, decide to strike at Binti's family for sheltering him. This never ending war has found its way into Binti's backyard, and as a master harmonizer, Binti feels a responsibility to create peace between Okwu's people and the Khoush -- a duty that could create more tragedy before it's resolved.

The Night Masquerade further explores Binti's background, as she struggles to incorporate her many identities into her vision of herself, her destiny, and her responsibilities.

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“You want to know what I think?” He looked at me for a moment, clearly trying to decide if it were better to keep his words to himself.

“Go on,” I urged him. “I want to hear this.”

“You try too hard to be everything, please everyone. Himba, Meduse, Enyi Zinariya, Khoush ambassador. You can’t. You’re a harmonizer. We bring peace because we are stable, simple, clear. What have you brought since you came back to Earth, Binti?”

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