23. Jasmine

"How is that possible?" I rushed into Boshun, wrapping my arms around him. He sounded shocked and completely devastated.

"I'm not sure." He held me, his chin on the top of my head. "I suspect this is the penalty for using my magic to help you. A genie's magic exists solely to grant the wishes."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have expected anything more."

"It's not your fault." He cupped my cheeks with his warm hands. "I adore you, and all I want is to make you happy."

My eyes filled with tears because I couldn't envision a happy ending for us. Once he'd granted my wishes, he'd return to the lamp, and I'd leave the palace. I doubted I still had a job, which was going to put me in a bind. How could I support my sister if I couldn't make money?

I also worried that Lana would continue to sicken, that she'd die.

"My life is in a downward spiral," I said, though I was sad for him more than myself.

I didn't want to wallow in grief. The healer was going to see my sister in the morning, and she might be able to give Lana a cure. I had this weekend with Boshun, and I needed to savor every bit of it.

And if I had my say, we were going to find a way to free him from the lamp forever.