I rise and stalk toward the woman I love, still kneeling on the floor. I offer her my hand, which she takes, and I haul her to her feet. “We aren’t going anywhere. You do what you need to do first, and we will be by your side.”
She nods and runs her mouth over my own in a sensual promise, and it takes everything I have not to demolish my words and steal her away. Instead, I guide her back to the sofa and settle her between Malachi and Gwyneth. Her sister drags in a breath, and Charming squeezes her shoulder. I can’t fault his dedication, even if his personality is abhorrent.
“Do you remember how the brothers, Jacob and Wilhem, were handing over the reins of the kingdom to us after wishing to retire due to the Idols’ behavior?”
Daphne nods. “I remember.”
Gwyneth twists her lips as she tries to find a way to summarize weeks of research into both the Grimm’s bloodline and the future implications. “We hold the power to change the course of the realm, but the magic that started the Hallows is now built around the original Idols and their continued insistence on the narratives playing out. It’s what keeps them alive. If people stray, the Idols grow weaker.”
“That’s why they’re so insistent,” Daphne says. “They aren’t content with the life they’ve been gifted; they want to steal more time by forcing people into unhappy lives.”
“So they punish those that stray or disobey,” Nash rumbles.
“Wow, this is quite fascinating. Eric, bring the popcorn,” Eron demands. “No, not the weird sweet and salty mix. Pick one so my mouth isn’t surprised by what is put inside.”
Is it weird that Daphne and Eron sound related?
Gwyneth licks her lips as she prepares to outline what we’ve been circling for weeks. “We want to end the reign of Idol worship.” The words cling to the air, and we wait to be struck down. I glance at the ceiling. Nope. All good here.
Daphne clasps her sister’s hand between hers. “I’m ready to write a new future, one where I keep my toes and eyes.”
What?
“I regret ever being a part of something so terrible,” Charming says, sounding genuine. It’s odd, and it makes me curl my lip.
I doubt he’s a reformed character; more like one who has fallen for a Stone sister with no hope of getting over her. That I can understand.
Daphne jerks her head. “What is Prince Poopfloof doing hanging around like he’s one of us?”
Gwyneth glances at him, then back at her sister. “It’s complicated.”
I’ll say. I could make it less complicated with a slip of my blade.
“It won’t be easy,” Nash says, returning to the topic of the Idols. “They will try to stop you.”
“Let them,” Daphne answers, squaring her shoulders. “The era of blind Idol worship is over. We need less Hallows and more chaos. It’s time for freedom, for us to live the life we want, not the one we’re born into.”
Gwyneth releases a long sigh. “I thought I’d be doing this alone,” she whispers. “I was terrified.”
“I’m here now and not going anywhere,” Daphne reassures her.
“Good. First thing tomorrow, we should head back to Hallows Castle and consult with the All Knowing.”
Malachi winces. “We kind of left the library in a state.”
“I saw,” Daphne says. “It wasn’t pretty. But good news, I gave the key librarian a new job and now he’s sorting it out.”
“You gave him a job? Just like that?” Malachi asks.
Daphne shrugs. “I thought he could get on with the cleanup while I came to get you guys. The All Knowing was most displeased with the mess.”
The broom shivers in response.
Daphne jumps to her feet and places her hands on her hips. “So what’s first in thislet’s rip up the rule book and write a new futureplan?”
Her stomach makes the longest, lowest growl I have ever heard.
Gwyneth arches a brow. “I believe?—”
