Page 34 of Dreaming of His Omega
“Gods, he looks like me.”
I nodded. “Not as handsome.” I tried to make it light, but found my voice cracking at the end.
“And he… wrote about us in a book?”
“Yes. And when he wished to become you, it happened. That’s how we appeared here, the wish brought us to life.”
“And as long as he’s asleep, I’m here?”
I nodded again. “But he’s… you.” I turned and looked into his eyes, searching for… I don’t know what. “When he wakes up, he’ll remember all of this.”
Traviel turned his attention away from me and back to the man in the bed. “I wish I could talk to him.”
Travis stirred, rolled, and then his eyes blinked open and he started to sit up. I tightened my grip on Traviel’s hand. Ready to feel it slip from mine as he vanished.
But he didn’t.
“What’s going on?” Travis asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes. “Who is… Traviel?!”
Sure enough, Traviel was still by my side.
“I thought I was supposed to disappear when he wakes up!”
“That’s what I thought! You…” I sucked in a sharp breath. “Youwishedto talk to him!”
Our heads snapped back toward the living room. The genie crossed one leg over the other and shrugged a shoulder. “Careful what you wish for.”
Travis had heard enough to figure out what was going on. He hurried over to us, shaking off the last of sleep from his legs. “Wait, how… did he use up the last wish?!”
“No, no, you still have one,” the genie said calmly. “Sometimes the magic has a mind of its own.”
“DoIhave three wishes too?” Traviel demanded.
“I didn’t bestow any upon you,” said the genie, looking amused. “As I said, sometimes the magic just… works on its own, I suppose. I am but a humble vessel.”
Traviel turned as Travis joined us. They could easily have passed for twins. The biggest difference was Traviel was obviously an elf and Travis a human. Even then, if I couldn’t see the tell-tale points of his ears, Travis could have claimed elven blood.
Almost as one, they held out their hands to each other, then shook.
“It’s nice, odd, but nice to finally meet you,” Travis said.
“It is a… strange honor to meet you,” said Traviel. “And a great relief to have answers and know that this may all finally be over. Thank you, truly, for allowing me a say in the matter.”
“I don’t think I could do it without you,” Travis said.
“Come.” Traviel extended a hand toward the door. “Let us go into the garden to talk.” He kissed my cheek. “We won’t be long.”
I watched them leave nervously. I was starting to feel sore from standing, so I made my way back into the living room to sit down.
“This has been hard on you,” the genie observed.
“Yeah.”
“I’m sorry. Sometimes the magic…” He sounded genuinely sad. “All I can do is warn people to be cautious.”
“That must be hard too,” I said. I wondered if he felt responsible when wishes went awry.
“Of course, I have my own powers.” As he spoke, a purple mist began to swirl around me.
