“Explain,” Nash demands.
“The magic of the lamp is still registering Daphne as dead, which makes the wish binding null and void. So we can continue to act like you are…” He turns several shades paler and feigns passing out. Is he pretending to be dead?
“Dead?” I check. Always best to spell out the magic where the genie is concerned.
“Good plan. Do that,” Malachi says.
Genie props himself back up and returns to his normal pallor. “That has ramifications.”
“Like?” Nash asks.
“If Daphne and Gwyneth wield their birthright-given power, all magic will react, and then the deception will be over.”
“Making it a problem for later,” Hart points out.
Genie nods. “Yes, but?—”
“There’s always a but,” Malachi groans.
“I can’t guarantee the magic of the lamp won’t retaliate when it learns of our deception.”
That doesn’t sound good. We need to control what we can in this land of chaos. Look at me, murderous reformed resurrected maiden.
“Let’s not try to deceive the magic,” I decide. “We have enough happening without meddling with lies.”
Genie nods and snaps his fingers. A bolt of power hits my chest, and my breath huffs out in surprise.
“You okay?” Nash asks.
I rub my hand between my breasts and nod. That emptiness which has haunted me since my return is smaller. I feel more likeme, but I’m still missing something, and I don’t know what it is. Until I figure it out, it’s pointless bothering the knights with it. Dragon rescue first, then I can fill all my holes with knights. Oh, Idols, even I know that sounded bad.
“Great news—you still have two wishes left in the bank,” Genie declares with a rub of his hands. “When you are ready, holler.”
I raise a brow. “No wishes today. I think it’s wise to take a beat before introducing whatever chaos you’re trying to unleash.”
Genie pouts. “Spoilsport.”
“She does a good enough job on her own,” Hart points out. “No magical help required.”
Sir Sweeps-A-Lot bashes Genie on his head. Well, he attempts to. It goes through his body.
Genie bats him away with a sigh. “Rude. Take a genie out for dinner first before you stick your bristles in places best left unseen.”
I chuckle at their antics. Wait… “Are there girl genies?”
“Of course. It’s an equal society,” Genie replies.
“And is there a special genie in your lamp?”
Genie blinks. “Not recently. There was once a lady I fell for, but she left me for a carpet with better fringe.”
Hart blinks. “You’re joking.”
Genie sniffs. “She said he swept her off her feet. You know the worst part?”
I do not, but I’m fascinated to find out. “Tell us,” I coax.
He gestures at his wispy lower half. “We don’t even have feet.”
