“I’m not making a wish,” I snap. “We already discussed this when you said it is one of the golden rules of lamp magic. You cannot bring anyone back from the dead.”
He folds his arms and glares. “For someone so smart, you are so stupid.”
“You spew too many words for someone with nothing useful to say.”
The capons run out of Hart’s room, signaling he’s almost ready.
The genie lowers himself and swipes a hand down his face. “Just think, Nash Stirling. For once, think beyond everything you know and toward what you don’t.”
I shake my head. “Leave me in peace, Genie.”
“If you mess this up, this one opportunity, I will never forgive you.”
I raise a brow. “Genie, either speak plainly or leave.”
“I cannot speak plainly.”
“So leave.”
He poofs out.
Hart walks into the room, fresh from the shower with all evidence of his torment washed away. My gaze catches on his bruised knuckles. Well, not all the evidence.
“Did they deserve it?” I ask.
“Always.”
I snort. “Are you ready?”
“No.” He shifts his gaze to the darkening sky outside. “You think he’ll come back?”
I shrug. “If I had an animal to retreat into and stop this pain for even a moment, I would.”
He sighs. “Agreed.”
Malachi joins us with a glare at the damn sword. Tonight, he will need to stand beside his brother. This is the first time in history we have had one brother kill the dragon and another claim the sword. But that’s because it was our maiden who slew the beast. Hart can hold Excalibur for a short time so long as Malachi is near. We’ve tested it out a few times. It’s not comfortable for either of them, stating it’s like a force is pulling them apart.
“Let’s get this over with,” Malachi mutters with a huff.
“I’ll follow shortly,” I say.
Hart frowns at me, shakes his head, and pushes on Malachi’s back, both of them heading to the throne room. My head drops, and I try to center myself. I can’t lose control, not now, not ever. I was never a contender for the throne; that isn’t my lot in life. I was born for a much darker purpose. I never expected to find happiness, and I was content with my brothers finding theirs.
Then she happened, and it fucked everything up.
I rise, my muscles stiff and aching. How long have I been sitting here? I shift to the door leading to the balcony and step outside into the clear, chilly night, the stars shining brightly from their velvet blanket. My breath mists the air, and I spot a shadow sweeping across the sky, making the lights blink.
Hello, brother.
I fold my arms and will him to come back to us, even though I can’t fix his pain. I can’t even deal with my own. Maybe it’s best he stays locked inside his dragon. If I pleaded with him for a fiery ending, would he give it to me?
A star hums brighter than the others, like it’s watching me and witnessing the grief tearing apart my soul.
My hands drop to my sides, and I take a few steps to the edge of the balcony. My hands curve over the cool iron railing.
“Why, Daphne?” I murmur as my eyes fall closed. “Why did you die? Who gave you the right to decide? Can’t you see how it’s tearing us apart? You didn’t just condemn yourself that night; you took four hearts right along with you. We might breathe, we might walk, but we aren’t living. This isn’t living.”
A breeze brushes along my jaw, and my eyes snap open.
