Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes (Pandava Quartet #3) - Roshani Chokshi Page 0,219

lush and green. Thick curtains of fog and steam from the waterfall slowly parted to reveal what could only be called a paradise. Or rather, paradises, for there were several.

In the sky above, a cluster of flowering trees hung upside down next to a winged-lion statue holding a sign that read FOR THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON, TURN RIGHT. A few feet beyond that, the greenery gave way to a desert landscape with a palm-tree oasis and different instructions: FOR ZERZURA, TURN LEFT. Aru also saw a path of clover that wound its way to Tir na Nog, the Irish fairylands, and signs that pointed the way to vast world trees that could hold whole cities in their branches.

Directly in front of them, in the center of it all, was a small white sign:

FOR THE GROVE OF ARANYANI,

STAND PERFECTLY STILL.

Please Don’t Say You’re Inevitable

Everyone stayed put as thin glowing roots shot out from the earth, wrapped around their ankles like chains, and tugged them downward. Aru flinched, not knowing what to expect, but the next thing she knew they were standing in the middle of an enclosed grove the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Silvery rivulets of water streamed down the rock walls, and wisps of fog curled overhead, letting in a few rays of sunlight.

Before them towered trees unlike any Aru had ever imagined. They had gold and silver bark, silk leaves, and jewels instead of blossoms. Some trees were laden with musical notes like clusters of berries, and there were parchment oaks covered in fine print that grew book fruit beneath their inky branches. She even saw a tree that looked as if it were made of actual paint, with daubed apples and violet-smudged plums.

Aru stared around at the place, drinking in the smells, feeling the light warm her face. She nervously weighed the two beads inserted in her necklace. They were so close to completing their mission. So close to stopping the Sleeper from hurting their families and damaging their homes. When Aru closed her eyes, she pictured Boo staring up at a false wishing tree, hoping for freedom. The twins holding back tears and wishing to be back with their parents. The Otherworld she loved going up in flames…

And yet, there was still a hollowness inside her as she touched the necklace. Every piece they’d found told her that she’d been robbed of something she didn’t know how to miss, and it made her furious. Surely, Suyodhana hadn’t made it to this grove before he became the Sleeper. Because if he had, things would’ve been different.

Maybe Aru would never have had to grow up without a dad. Maybe they would’ve come to this little island of paradises not to stop the Otherworld from being ripped apart…but because they wanted to have a picnic.

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

It was a cruel chant at the back of her thoughts.

“The tree’s not here,” said Nikita.

That snapped Aru out of her thoughts. “What?”

“But we’re out of time! Today is Holi!” said Brynne. “If we don’t find the wish-granting tree, the whole Otherworld—”

“It’s not in this grove,” said Nikita, holding up her hand. “But I can sense it nearby, the way I can sense Sheela.”

“But I thought your gift from your soul dad was deactivated,” said Mini, pointing to the little green heart.

Nikita waved away her concern. “I don’t need that to know when my twin is nearby.”

“She’s here?” asked Mini, whirling around.

“Close…She’s hidden somehow,” said Nikita.

Aru’s pulse raced, and she found it hard to breathe. If Sheela was here, then that meant the Sleeper was close, too.

“So let’s search the place,” said Rudy. “How hard can that be?”

Aiden frowned, squinting into the distance. He released his scimitars and turned in a slow circle.

Small rocks came tumbling down the walls, spraying up dirt when they hit the ground. Aiden raised his scimitars only for something to hurl him backward, slamming him against a boulder.

“Aiden!” yelled Rudy, running over to him.

The Pandavas instantly fell into battle formation.

A huge rrrrip sounded right behind them.

They whirled around to see the earth tearing open as though someone were rending cloth. Roots, dirt, and rocks flew up from the hole as shadows poured out of the ground, blanketing the grass. Something was coming for them, and they were too out in the open.

“Head to the back wall!” yelled Brynne.

They sprinted to the designated spot as Rudy half carried, half dragged Aiden after them. The rip in the earth chased him, as though a huge worm were burrowing