Page 128 of As Above, So Below

And that’s what tonight will be.

That’s what stepping into a fae court will be.

I may forget the world when I’m with Ryc but—

I reach for the rubber band on my wrist before I remember I removed it when getting dressed. I sigh and worry at my lower lip.

Eve notices.

“You’re nervous?” It was more of an observation than a question.

Shaking my head, I answer. “No. Not nervous.”

She stares at me, somehow knowing I’m not telling her the whole truth.

“I don’t want to do this,” I relent, drawing in a deep breath. “It’s too much like the things I did to please my father.”

Eve’s expression softens, her eyes seeking mine and I can’t bring myself to meet her stare. Bitter shame and stinging defeat roll over me without mercy.

“I know this isn’t the hells.” I stare at my reflection in the mirror across the room. “But, I—”

“Hey.” Eve’s face appears before me, her blue eyes piercing mine. She gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re allowed to say no. You can decline an invitation and not give a reason. If you don’t want to go, we don’t go.”

She makes it sound so easy, so simple.

“It’s an invitation, not an order,” she adds softly.

Nodding, I swallow hard against the dryness of my throat. With pursed lips, I move across the room, toward my bed, and snatch the dagger I’d thrown there earlier. Lifting my leg, I strap it to my thigh under the silk.

“Wait. You’re going to go?” Eve asks, the concern in her voice evident.

“No,” I answer, lowering my foot from its perch on the bed frame. “But I would like time to think, get some air. Get away from this place.”

I need to get away from Celesta, this temple, Ryc—all of it. I need to be able to think. To scream, to breathe, to figure all of this out.

Eve nods, and I could have hugged her for her understanding nature.

“Don’t go far and do be careful,” she advises softly.

“Of course.” I give her a small smile.

Snatching the invitation from the bed, I approach Eve.

“Take Cora,” I urge, lifting her hand and pressing the invite into her palm. “You’ve spent more time with me than you have your partner, and it’s beginning to make me feel guilty.”

“Ves, you don’t—”

“Take. Cora,” I insist and Eve gives me a blank stare as if I’d spoken Malbolge.

Perhaps I had.

My mind has been littered with too many things lately.

This time, I make sure to speak common tongue. “Enjoy the evening. You both deserve this.”

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The rain had stopped hours ago, leaving Ollora damp and gleaming under the magelights. The glow of the street lanterns reflects on the sheen of the cobblestone streets, creating bright highlights against the darkened stone. While the air is cooler than it had been during the day, humidity still clings to my skin.