I suppress a shiver as I leave the bedroom and fling open the door to the next room. Tiny, luminescent creatures embedded in the walls create an eerie blue glow. The room is bare apart from a casket on a table in the center. I take three steps forward and lean over. Sure enough, there’s a very well-preserved older guy inside, with bushy white eyebrows. He wears a long gray robe and has his hands crossed over his chest, protecting a large black leather-bound book. He still has a little color in his cheeks.
“How dead do you think he is?” I wonder as I glance at the genie across from me.
“Do levels of deceased exist?”
“He looks like he’s sleeping. Unless he’s a peculiar Sleeping Beauty who got lost on her way to the spindle and ended up down here, he’s remarkably well-preserved.”
The genie shoves his head through the glass lid and into the guy’s chest. He waits for a tempo, then retreats.
“Definitely dead,” he decides.
I stalk around the edge of the table, looking for clues. I pause at the foot and stare at the silver nameplate.
“Merlin,” I mutter, a hint of recognition prickling my memory. “I wonder what role he plays?”
“I’m certain Merlin is part of the King Arthur legend, but I can’t recall his role.”
“Hopefully, the Stirlings know. If not, it’s another thing to add to Gwyneth’s list.” Phew, I would keep that girl busy. “Should we check out that book?”
“The one clutched in the dead guy’s hands?”
I roll my eyes. “Unless you can see any other books around?”
“You’ll have to break the glass. It lacks a clasp.”
“I’ve been here less than a diurnal. I believe that refraining from smashing the furniture is wise, at least until I know their stance on accidental damage.”
“However, this would not be an accident.”
“You are a bad influence, and if I stay in here for too long, I’m sure accidents will occur.”
Genie huffs. “Fine. No smash and grab—yet.”
I cast one last glance at the dead guy. “We can table him.”
“He’s already tabled.”
“You’re hilarious,” I mutter as I back out of the room. My shoulders sag as I reach the hallway without incident. See, I got this.Eat that, Idols.
“Oh, fair Daphne, where are you?” the mirror man hollers.
I race back into the bedroom. Granted, it’s a whole five steps, but I put everything I have into it. I skid to a halt in front of the mirror. Genie darts through the wall and settles beside me.
“I have found my counterpart. Prepare yourselves. I’m about to thrust into you.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t believe that’s what he meant,” Genie mutters.
The mirror man shimmers with silver.
“I’m ready. Thrust me,” I declare.
My heart thuds wildly in my chest. This is it. I’m about to be reunited with everyone I love and care for.
Chapter
Six
