Page 24 of Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes

She glared at it. “I’ve been wronged by you before,” she muttered.

“Who are you talking to, Shah?” asked Aiden.

“No one,” said Aru quickly.

Sonu tented its paws and exclaimed, “You’re the first customers to visit this shop! I planned and organized all the merchandise myself!”

“Our marketing person quit,” said Kanak.

Sonu’s smile looked a little brittle. “Anyway! There’s no need, of course, to buy anything—”

The enchanted merchandise, which Aru realized had formed a slightly predatory circle around them, inched closer.

“It would be nice, though,” said Sonu sadly.

The souvenirs bobbed up and down in agreement.

“And once you’ve purchased something, you’re free to wander through the arches and visit the human-gold-mine and alchemical roads—”

“What about the Otherworld-cities one?” asked Aru.

“Closed,” said Kanak. “No visitors.”

“I’m afraid that’s true,” said Sonu. “Too many security issues. The Otherworld-cities road is rather unpredictable.”

Kanak nodded. “It has eaten people—”

“But,”said Sonu with a pointed glance at Kanak, “should anything unexpected happen, we can close up shop and evacuate within minutes! So do not fear! But also, maybe, don’t get too close to the third archway.”

Aru’s mind started to race. Maybe the polite thing to dowouldbe to buy a souvenir. After that, they could cause a commotion and make a run for the third archway.

Aru was on the verge of making an excuse to the marmots when Kara cleared her throat. “Would you mind giving us a moment to discuss our purchases privately?”

“Of course, of course!” said the marmot. “So many exquisite things to choose from, I know.” After a nod and a smile and several bows, Sonu darted back to Kanak’s side. Then they scurried into a hole in the floor.

“You, too,” Aru said to the merchandise. The shelves and racks immediately withdrew a few feet.

Kara beamed at the group. “I think I have an idea! What if a couple of us purchased souvenirs and the others caused a distraction? Then we could make a run for the third archway.”

That wasmyidea!thought Aru.

“Gogo—that’s my wind mace—does like making tiny tornadoes,” said Brynne with a vicious smile as she touched her choker.

“I can block them with my scimitars until you get through,” said Aiden, showing Kara his wrists bands.

“I can blast them back with Dee Dee,” said Mini, lifting her Death Danda. “Gently, of course.”

“My trident’s pretty good at catching stuff,” said Kara. “Is that everything?”

Aru raised her hand. “Um…”

Kara looked embarrassed. “Oh, Aru! I’m sorry. Um, maybe you could buy the souvenirs? Maybe one of those personalized things for each of us?”

Aru’s face felt hot. Was she that forgettable? Just because Kara’s weapon was made of sunlight didn’t mean Aru’s was some used-up battery. Vajra sparked with anger on Aru’s wrist, and electricity clambered up and down her arm.

“I’ll go find the keychains for you?” tried Kara helpfully. “Aiden, could you help me?”

Aiden looked between Kara and Aru. “I—”