Page 120 of As Above, So Below

In a swift motion, I redress, and retrieve my mug of tea from the floor. Crossing the room, grabbing the blanket, I return it to my shoulders before settling onto the side of the bed. Staring at the weak, flickering flames in the fireplace, I worry at my lower lip.

Ryc’s marking would be identical.

The reality of my choices crashes upon me like storm-stirred waves on a shoreline. TheSovereign King of Erushas signed a demonic binding contract withme.

What in the hells have I done?

The door swings open, and Eve’s eyes immediately find me.

She shuts the door behind her, making sure it shuts quietly. In a few steps she seats herself beside me, studying me with a quiet scrutiny.

“You offered a gods damned contract to theSovereign King? And hesigned it?” she asks in a fierce whisper, leaning forward with eyes bulging. “Are you fucking insane, Ves?”

Her ice blue eyes are already on mine as I lift my wide-eyed gaze.

I open my mouth to speak, to argue, to lie, but she says, “I saw your mark in the hall.”

Clamping my jaw shut, I inhale sharply through my nose.

The quaint sounds of the fire fill the space between us for a time.

“Why?” she asks, genuine concern in her voice. “Did he threatenyou? Force you?”

“No, no,” I answer slowly. “He asked, and I wanted to.”

Her eyes widen with sheer surprise.

“I need him,” I say, softer. The truth of the words baring parts of me I’ve yet to acknowledge. “He’ll help me with Kassil, with Netharis.”

Nodding, Eve turns her stare to the fire. “And what did you offer him in return?”

To remain beside him for as long as I stand within this realm.

“It doesn’t matter,” I say, not letting my thoughts linger on the foolishness of my promise—on the runesIinked into that contract. “He signed, no contest.”

Eve’s face pinches with confusion as she turns to me. “He didn’t read the contract?”

“No.”

“Nektos’ nightgown, I’m not going to tell Artemise.” She straightens herself, folding a leg under her. “That’s on you.”

“I’m not telling her anything.” I stand from the bed and move to add more wood to the fire. “My business is my own, and she’s made it clear Celesta only wants to keep me around in an attempt to use me to break her contract with Netharis.”

Eve’s eyes light up with realization. “The ritual during the eclipse.” She heaves a hefty sigh. “What kind of mess has Nektos woven for you, Ves?”

The fire pops and crackles as I set a small split log on the embers. Sparks float upward, carried by the heat. Lowering myself to sit on the floor, I warm my hands.

“I don’t have an answer for you, Eve,” I say softly. “I’ve been told by two gods I’mFated, but I haven’t been told what my Fate entails aside from being able to alter the realms.”

“Alter the realms?” she repeats incredulously. “Who are you, Ves?”

A small smile curls my lips. “A broad question with many answers.” I use Ryc’s words from last night. “I’m still learning who I am, Eve. I’ve never been outside of Netharis’ control, I don’t know who I am yet.”

“Yet,” she repeats with a huff. “And his engagement ending? Youcan’t tell me it’s all coincidence,” Eve says and I peer over my shoulder at her.

“I can’t answer that either. But I made sure the contract includes a clause rendering him unable to use me to ascend the High Throne,” I answer, smiling. “He cannot force me to marry him or any other Sovereign King. Doing so will result in his death. If he wants the High Throne, he needs to find a different winged fae.”

“And how long does the contract remain in place?” Eve asks, crossing her arms over her chest.