Agnes was actually Josephine Flammé.Now, thanks to Sylvie, the spells that had kept her classmates and mom safe were gone. This wasn’t just about Sylvie’s dreams and future anymore. It was bigger than all of that. Josephine Flammé was going to destroy her momandthe entire Golden Whisk competition.
What’s Creepier, Talking Dolls or Shrieking Sherbet?
“NOW WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?”GEORGIA CHEWEDon her nails like a nervous chipmunk. “Oh … this issoooobad!”
Georgia was right. It was bad and bound to get worse once Bass found out.I’m so stupid!Sylvie still couldn’t believe she’d made such an epic mess of things. All she’d wanted was a fair chance at getting her Blade. Now, she would’ve given anything, even her shot at a life full of magic, if she could just stop Flammé and save her mom.
Georgia started pacing but didn’t get far. Her bound arm lurched back toward Sylvie.
“We’re criminals,” moaned Georgia. “Thanks to us, everyone at the Golden Whisk is in danger. For sure, I’m getting expelled.”
“No, you aren’t. This is my fault.” Sylvie stuffed the cookbook into her bag and hoisted it onto her shoulders. “We both know you never would’ve been in this kitchen if it wasn’t for me.”
Georgia opened her mouth to object.
“Don’t argue. This is my mess. Just help me find Godard, fast.”
Georgia sucked in her lips and nodded.
Outside, the scent of caramelized sugar and fried dough hung in the air.
“Check out the flyer.” Georgia pointed to a twirling piece of paper caught by an invisible wind.
The wordsWELCOME TO THECOMMISCONTESTglistened like polished brass.
Sylvie snatched it up.
“Students’ booths have been placed throughout the school grounds. Staff will judge on concept and execution. But this year you’ll be judging, too! Let us know which spells you like best by leaving a chocolate coin in the booths’ boxes.”
Sylvie searched through the sea of faces. “If the staff is judging, Godard has to be here.”
“Maybe if we get some coins, we can pump the kids at the competition booths, find out if they’ve seen her,” suggested Georgia.
“But where do we get the coins?” asked Sylvie.
Droplets of brown ink slipped off the paper, pooling in Sylvie’s hand until a chocolate coin formed.
“Magic cooking really is the coolest.” Georgia dipped her finger into the ink. “Mmm … and the tastiest.”
Sylvie threw her a disapproving look.
“What? Chocolate helps me when I’m stressed,” said Georgia, glowering at the paper. “It’s that or chew on my nails.”
Sylvie tried to read the rest of the print before it melted, or Georgia ate it.
No more than one coin per booth. Failure to comply will cause all coins in the box to turn into a molten pool. Perpetrators will be expelled from the competition!
I’ll be watching.
Marie Godard
The last bits of chocolate melted off the page and morphed into coins. Sylvie checked the time on her watch. In a few hours, Golden Whisk All-Stars would begin. If she wanted to stop Bass and save her mom, she needed to act quickly.
“Come on.” Sylvie made her way through the crowd. “I think I know how to find Godard.”
“How?” asked Georgia.
“Why do you think she made those flyers? She’s talking directly to Belinda.I’ll be watching.I bet if we find her booth, we’ll find Godard.”
