But as she thought about in the church parking lot, on her knees before her Master, this was now the second time she was having to beg forgiveness. She was supposed to be subservient, supposed to help and support her Masters. Yet Genie had twisted Claire's wishes around to hurt her. And then paid the price. And she had, once upon a time, been a wicked wizard who sought power and might beyond the greatest wizards to have ever lived. And now paid the price.
"Master, Master, please, I beg of you . . . I know I have made mistakes. I will not make them again. I will give up magic. I will give up wickedness. I have learned my lesson, o great and powerful Master. Let me be free of my lamp."
"How can I be sure you don't speak with a forked tongue?"
"I . . . you cannot, Master." Genie said, bowing. She had nothing to offer nor bargain with Olivia. She was already bound to serve the woman and grant her three more wishes. She could not disobey her, nor give her anything else. Olivia already had total control over her. And Genie knew that she would say any lie to get free of her accursed lamp. "Master, please, if you mean not to free me, nor wish upon me, then let go my lamp and let me serve someone else."
Olivia narrowed her eyes. "So you might trick them into freeing you?"
"So I might help them, o Master."
"Tell me, Genie, what happens if someone does wish you free of the lamp? How might you be freed?"
