The Book of G

by Lily Archer

“A bargain of sorts. Your wickedness has known no bounds. You have not earned a quick death. But perhaps you can earn something more.”

“If you would recover what you’ve lost, you will travel to the Wood of Mist and find the Graven Phylactery before the end of the Fallen Moon. Fail in this task and you will live a long life, forever cursed with what you lack.”

‘If you would recover what you’ve lost, you will travel to the Wood of Mist and find the Graven Phylactery before the end of the Fallen Moon.’

“If you abandon him, G, I’ll curse you. I’ll curse you until you take your last breath, and then I’ll follow your soul all the way to hell to curse you again.”

My mouth falls open, my breath stilling in my chest. “Are those … Why does Charles have tits?”

“May the light of your king lead you to the safest roads and greenest vales.”

Damn, that sounds good. I can provide. She relies on me. I could beat my chest and whoop right now if it wouldn’t hurt so damn bad.

She flips to the first page full of text. No pictures at all. I frown.

“What’s the story about? Are there swordfights or something interesting?”

I’d definitely leave a bite mark on your round ass.

I’d offer to rub them for her, but I’m pretty sure she’d bite one of my fingers off if I tried it.

“I couldn’t play your game if I wanted to. Joke’s on you, asshole.”

“It made you cry.”

“I was thinking ‘morally gray’ but you’re more like a midnight abyss.” She mutters something under her breath, ending with the word ‘wicked.’

“By the time we’re through with this trip, you’ll understand there’s no amount of wickedness I wouldn’t do for you.”

“Just tell me what you want, Charlie. Tell me and I’ll burn down heaven and earth to give it to you.”

“Tell me more. You know what your insults do to me.”

but here I am wondering why Charlie refuses to pet me.

Her skin pebbles. “Focus, G.” “I am focused.” I stare at her. “On the beast.” “The one in my pant—Ow!”

“You smell like a several days’ old dead raccoon, so this is for the best.”

“You looked like you fell off a cart, beneath a horse, down a cliff, and into a grape press.”

“Behold, the real Beast of Gevaudon.” I waggle my brows.

“I love you. Don’t you know that? I don’t think I’ve ever loved anything other than myself. I don’t remember how I used to be, but somehow, I know that’s true. At least it was, until you. I feel like maybe I’d been empty, like whatever life I had before was only a buildup to this. To you and me. I can’t explain it, but I know this is real, this is where I’m meant to be, because it’s where you are. I’d follow you anywhere, Charlie. I’d do anything to keep you safe, to make you happy.”

I’m a caveman at heart.

can’t do anything except watch her, be with her, exist for her.

“You’re on the money, Charlie. Holy shit.”