He glances around, and Gwyneth frowns as she folds her arms. My magic broom hovers over the opening before shrinking away. “No, the lightest will provide less resistance.”
“We could test it with a feather and a stone,” Hart says.
I roll my eyes. “In the absence of feathers, I say we grab the diurnal by the big hairy?—”
“Oh my Idols, I will pay you not to finish that sentence,” Gwyneth grumbles.
I shrug as I step forward, and Malachi reaches out to stop me. I wink and leap after the rabbit.
“I can’t believe she did that,” Nash mutters. “You are building up your punishment, Daphne.”
I chuckle as I drop faster. “Promises, promises,” I call out.
There’s movement above me, and the light blocks out. Who jumped after me? And how long is this damn hole? Roots and dirt brush against my arms. The genie pops up next to me, holding Sir Sweeps-A-Lot. There’s some kind of light attached to his forehead, illuminating the otherwise gloomy fall.
He shudders. “There are definitely spiders down here.”
“You’ve got this. Face your fears, Genie. I won’t leave your side.”
He chuckles. “You’re falling, Daphne.”
“With style.”
“I knew I should have gone first,” Theo grumbles. “Stop grabbing my arm.”
“I can’t help it,” Malachi snaps. “Your colossal body is falling faster than mine.”
“We are going to squash Daphne,” Hart calls out.Oops.We did not think that through.
“I’ll drop and roll,” I call out.
“Which direction?” Nash demands.
“Umm, to the side?” What an odd question.
“She doesn’t know her left from right,” Gwyneth says. That’s true.
Genie floats calmly beside me as the hole widens. A teacup appears in his free hand. “What are you doing?”
“Distracting myself from the creepy crawlies. Also, following you is thirsty work.”
“When will this end?” Malachi grumbles.
“At least we’re all going down together,” I point out. Wait... that sounded wrong.
“Don’t forget to roll,” Nash reminds me.
Right—drop and roll. I’ve got this.
“Almost there,” the genie says as he moves his head. “I can see the light.”
“Don’t go into it,” Theo calls out.
Genie tilts his head like he’s trying to understand. My back hits the floor, and my breath bursts from my lungs.
“Roll,” Nash shouts.
I blink, and Malachi lands on top of me. His arms wrap around my waist and he rolls us to the side, narrowly avoiding the rest of the gang. Gwyneth is last, and she almost floats onto the ground. Nash grabs her hips and sets her to the side.
