Page 28 of Henrikk’s Secret

If you don’t do it, I will, the copy threatened, setting the compass down with delicate precision.

Henrikk did not agree, but he did not protest, either.

“It’s not a portal, is it?” Asher asked.

“No,” both Henrikks—Henrikk, and the copy, thank you please—said at the same time.

Which one of us stays? Henrikk asked, dreading that he already knew the answer.

But his copy surprised him. I will stay.

Henrikk’s eyes widened as their eyes met.

The copy shrugged. It’s clear I’m the one made of sterner stuff.

We’re identical.

Not anymore, said the copy. Not since half an hour ago, when you left this study to go downstairs and save Asher. Our lives began to diverge.

That’s less than half an hour ago! Henrikk protested.

I made good use of my time, the copy said. Improving myself. He yawned and stretched as if to demonstrate this.

Henrikk scoffed. Perfection can hardly be improved upon.

True. And yet, I’m the more intelligent of the two of us. Book smart, as you can see. He carelessly pushed a pile of books onto the floor.

They were attracting confused glances from Asher. “You both…all right?”

“I’m enchanted by you,” Henrikk said quickly, speaking the first lie that jumped into his head—which turned out to be the truth. Asher’s handsome features rippled in the water’s reflected light. He was absolutely stunning. Radiant, in fact. “I'm positively mesmerised.”

Scowling, the copy slid a desk drawer open and pretended to throw up into it, but Henrikk knew he was enchanted too.

Asher almost smiled, but remained suspicious. “Care to explain why you have the illusion of an ocean floor in your study?”

Do it, the copy said.

I can’t.

Distract him, then.

Henrikk moved closer to Asher, so they were shoulder-to-shoulder. “It’s not an illusion,” he said, bending down to scoop up a handful of water. “See? Touch it.”

Asher’s mouth dropped open, but he remained wary and did not reach down to touch the water.

It’s not working, Henrikk worried.

Do better, snapped the copy, rising silently from the desk. Give him what he wants. Or I’ll change my mind on whether you deserve him.

Neither of us deserves him.

You know what I mean.

Henrikk did know, and that was why he was so hesitant to go through with this half-formed plan of theirs.

But as he crouched by the trapdoor, his gaze shifting up to look at Asher, he was struck by the vampire’s ethereal beauty. His features were radiant in the sun kissed water’s glow, and Henrikk’s insides lightened.

Asher returned his stare, his features impassive.