The room pulsed with a low hum, like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Zahir stood between Mrs. Hodgins and the lamp.
His body was tense, his eyes locked on hers, his breath slow and deliberate.
"You think you can stop me?" she said, her voice like silk soaked in venom. "You couldn't even protect your master."
Zahir didn't flinch.
"She's not just my master," he said quietly. "She's Anne."
Mrs. Hodgins smirked. "And what is Anne? A girl with a pendant and a bleeding heart?"
Zahir's fingers curled into fists. "She's more than you'll ever understand."
Mrs. Hodgins raised her hand.
The room responded.
Books flew from shelves. The fireplace roared. Shadows twisted into claws.
Zahir moved fast, dodging a blast of energy that shattered the floor beside him.
He lunged, striking with a burst of golden light from his palm.
She blocked it with ease.
"You're weak," she hissed.
Zahir gritted his teeth. "I'm loyal."
He summoned a shield, deflecting a wave of dark magic that cracked the ceiling.
They circled each other slowly, like dancers in a deadly waltz.
Zahir struck again—this time with a blade of light.
It grazed her shoulder.
She snarled.
"You'll regret that."
She raised both hands.
The lamp behind Zahir began to glow.
"No!" he shouted, turning—
But it was too late.
She touched it.
The room screamed.
Zahir collapsed.
His energy drained. His body broken.
Mrs. Hodgins stood over him, triumphant.
She kicked him once—hard.
Then again.
He didn't move.
She pushed him with her foot, rolling him onto his back like discarded cloth.
"You were never enough," she said.
Zahir stared at the ceiling.
Memories flooded in.
Anne laughing at the fair.
Anne reading by candlelight.
Anne whispering, "You're not just a genie. You're my friend."
He blinked slowly.
"I've served many," he whispered. "Kings. Thieves. Sorcerers."
"But Anne…"
He coughed, blood pooling at the corner of his mouth.
"She's different. She listens. She asks. She cares."
"She doesn't command. She invites."
Mrs. Hodgins paused.
Zahir smiled faintly.
"She's the only master who ever asked me what I wanted."
He closed his eyes.
"And I wanted to protect her."