Page 122 of As Above, So Below

Is no one honest?

About anything?

Is every living creature in this realm a varying shade of demonic? Do the behaviors of mortals and demons stem from the same selfish vein? I’m inclined to believe so.

Eve reaches, snatching the envelope from Lilith. She turns it over in her hands.

“Is this your handwriting?” she asks, laughing. “I should have figured you’d be all well-bred and have such perfect script.”

Lilith laughs. “You flatter me, Eve. But that’s Ryc’s writing.”

“Of fucking course it is,” Eve mutters as she passes the envelope to me.

Lilith closes the door behind the last of the exiting staff as I stare at the elegant handwriting on the front of the envelope. He’d written my name, my full name, in black ink. It’s foolish and stupid to get caught up in such detail, but my heart didn’t care about the concerns of my mind.

“It’s an invitation for you and Eve to attend tonight’s gathering,” Lilith speaks as I slip my finger underneath the wax seal, prising it open, but I do not unfold it. I’m not ready to read it yet. “It’s not a large affair. Ryc likes to keep things intimate.”

My mind travels to the female on horseback beside Ryc. What was her name? Will she be there? Will I be expected to simper and smile and cling to Ryc’s arm? Too many memories of the hells’ court surface and I suppress a shudder.

“Why did the engagement end?” I ask, meeting Lilith’s stare.

Clearing her throat, she blinks a few times. Processing my bluntness.

“Things have surfaced that even fae royal families cannot contest. Tanila has never held legitimate grounds to lay claim to Ryc.” Her answer skirts around the truth of the matter in a very fae-like manner. “Ryc is Fated to have his equal stand beside him. Tanila is not his equal.”

That’s her name.Tanila.

I understand the implication of her words.

“I am not Ryc’s equal,” I counter firmly and her smile grows.

“I never said you were, Ves,” her laughter tinkles like the light rain on the windows. “But I’ll make sure to let Ryc know your thoughts.”

I stammer, heat stinging my cheeks. “Lilith—”

“You’ll find everything you need for tonight there.” She stands from the bed and begins toward the door with an ambiguous gesture toward the packages. “Attire, shoes, jewelry—enough for both of you, as you’re both expected tonight. Ves cannot be without her guard after all. I can also send over Oraphia, your dedicated attendant.”

“Attendant?” Eve scoffs a laugh.

“No,” I insist. “All of this is unnecessary.”

Her brows raise. “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she returns. “You’re about to emerge into Erus society. All eyes will be on you.”

Before I’m able to argue, Lilith sweeps from the room, the crimson of her hair and green of her silk swirling behind her. The door closes and my heart lodges itself into my throat. It threatens to suffocate me, as I stare wide-eyed after her.

But it’s too late. She’s gone.

No. No.No.

I will absolutely not be emerging into Erus society.

Regret floods my chest as my lungs seize, launching the sensation of strangulation further. I gasp against it, a desperate attempt to try andbreathe—to feed myself air, as I realize my mistake. The terms of our contract do not require him to remain quiet about our connection.

I should have known better. I should have anticipated this.

And because I haven’t, it’s going to be the hells’ court all over again.

Before I crush the invitation in my hands and throw it into the fire, I unfold it. A tiny slip of parchment glides to the floor, landing face down on the marble near my feet. Swooping down to snatch the fallen piece, I hand the invitation to Eve.