Page 104 of As Above, So Below

As my breathing becomes ragged, I burst through the other end of the alley, earning myself even more incredulous stares and cries. Hurling myself right, I cross the street into yet another alley.

I could go to The Lioness.

Camille seems trustworthy enough. But it’s a risk.

At this point, I’ve no other options.

I can’t go back to the temple. Not yet.

I have to lose this guard first.

Willing strength into my legs, I press harder. As the end of the alley comes into view, it becomes clear a dense crowd has filled the street—one I won’t be able to weave through without losing the traction I’ve gained. Near the end of the alley, on the right, a series of large crates line against the wall—creating a makeshift staircase. Pitching myself toward them, I leap and let my shadows take me.

Falling to my hands and knees, gasping for breath, I glance around.

A flat rooftop, surrounded by a stone parapet.

Perfect, hidden from view.

Judging by the proximity of the shouts, I’m not far from the alley I’d been racing through. Perhaps a couple streets over. My innate vibrates contentedly, as if it knows it did a good job. With a weak laugh, I collapse onto my back. I stare at the sky, chest heaving.

This isnothow I’d intended for today to go.

Today truly needs to end.

The gods damned Sovereign King being the male I met centuries ago, the one who haunts my dreams, isn’t what I’d expected either.

Fuck.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

Gods damn Nektos and all eight of her legs. I’m inclined to break a couple of them should I ever meet her.

My hands find my brow, pushing my hair out of my face, bracing my head as I release a long, long breath. I can’t wander the streets now, too many people—too many witnesses. My arms fall to the roof in exasperation and I sigh again.

I never want to do this again.

Slipping a hand into my pocket, the ring of glamouring slips onto my little finger, and the cool sensation of old magic washes over me. Reaching with my other hand, I pull a few tendrils of my hair down to inspect.

Jet black.

I laugh, a short punctuated sound, almost maniacal.

Find me now, Sovereign King.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Hours later, afterweaving my way on foot through the South Ward to the Iron Docks district, taking special care to avoid both city and royal guard, I push open the door to The Lioness. Relief washes over me as I find Camille behind the counter.

Washing glasses, her gaze rises with the chime of the door.

To my eternal gratitude, the tavern is near empty. Three patrons sit at the bar, spaced too far apart to assume they’d come together. A handful of others sit at a table engaged in quiet conversations.

A few eyes dart in my direction as I enter, approaching the empty corner of the bar. Pulling myself onto a barstool, Camille strides up to me, her typical flirtatious smile on her face.

“Welcome in, stranger.” Her greeting is warm. “What can I get you?”

Settling into my seat I say, “Are you able to get a message to Eve at the temple? I need her to get something.”