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.”

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.”

“Everything’s not about you,” he shoots over his shoulder. As much as I disagree with that statement—especially considering that I am me—I let it go

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

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.

“That’s it.” I lead Belinda, hoping she won’t give out right here. I need her to get to Finnraven Hill. “Good girl.” “Don’t patronize her,” Charlie says through chattering teeth. “Okay, bad girl. You’re doing terrible.” I shake my head.

“Your come-ons stink almost as bad as your armpits. Almost.”

Charlie jumps at the suddenness of my question. “On edge? I told you I could help with that.” “Shut it.” She rolls her shoulders as if they ache. 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.

“But you shouldn’t have risked it. Why would you do that? We could’ve just left.” I adjust my leg, wincing as I move. “It made you cry.” She turns her head sharply. “What?” “I wanted to kill it, so I did.” “Because it made me cry?” The word flabbergasted has never really occurred to me as one I could use, but as I look at her now, I know it must be the one that fits.

“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.”

“I thought we weren’t supposed to lie to each other.” I smooth back my hair and stow my mask. “White lies don’t count.” “Look who’s wicked now.”