“This way,” Tilly told them, already turning toward the door behind her. “It’ll be faster than going around.” She ran into the cafe, where light reflected off the hundreds of crystals embedded in the walls and hanging from the ceiling. After racing between the tables, she barreled into the kitchen—and knocked right into Mrs. Plumleaf carrying a tray. Cupcakes flew into the air and froze before hitting the ground. “I’m so sorry!” Tilly gasped as she pushed past Mrs. Plumleaf. Reaching the door on the other side of the kitchen, she looked back for Yadira and Jayshu. They swerved to keep from running into her—just as bright sparks of magic flew over their heads.
They gasped and ducked down as Tilly’s gaze snapped across the kitchen. One of the men who’d been chasing them had reached the door
