Page 130 of As Above, So Below

Senses on edge, I turn, slowly, scanning the nooks and crannies of shadow and darkness on either side of the bridge. I also search the ends of the street on both sides of the bridge, hoping to catch sight of silver armor.

Nothing.

I’m truly alone.

And if I shout, will someone respond?

Demons wouldn’t.

Judging by the intensity of the scent on the breeze, the vampire is close. Nudging my innate awake, it shimmers in response, ready to ferry me back to the temple. But I pause. The shadows swirling underfoot vanish in an instant.

If this vampire has seen me, if this vampire has scented me, it has more than enough evidence to raise suspicion and send more to hunt. Kassil could be here tomorrow night if I do not capture this vampire now.

How in the hells would I capture a vampire?

I’ve seen it done numerous times during the Abyssal.

Remove wings, talons and fangs—the pieces capable of doing real damage. Then bind. In a week or two they will be so weakened with hunger they’ll wither. But where do I keep a vampire for two weeks? Certainly not the Moon Temple.

I breathe deep as I begin to spin through potential solutions.

The Lioness is out of the question.

I’m not doing that to Camille and Nicholas.

Heaving a sigh, I lower the shadowed barrier over the window in my mind. As they vanish, I reach out to Ryc without hesitation.

“Do you have a prison or some kind of containment cell in the castle?”

Amused intrigue trickles through our channel as he answers.“A concerning question, but yes. There’s an entire stronghold below. Where are—”

“I’m going to need it.”Sorry, Ryc, I don’t have time for banter.

Retreating the way I’d come at a hurried pace, I glance over my shoulder. The scent stinging my nose and eyes, burning my throat.

Movement faster than my cursed fae eyes can register streaks across the bridge toward me. I whirl.

Too late.

Stars explode in my vision, the air forced from my lungs as the cobblestone street finds my back. Strings snap, followed by the sound of crystals skittering across the stone. The weight on my chest threatens to crush my ribs, and I cry out.

My vision returns and I’m greeted with blood-red eyes set in a face inches from mine. She peers down at me, studying me with furrowed brows. As her eyes flick over me, her lips part in a wide, knowing grin revealing her pristine, glinting fangs.

Largefangs.

The kind meant for tearing apart prey.

“It’s dangerous to be out at night alone, fae,” she says in a low, smooth voice.

She runs her nose along mine, her black, tight curls brush against my cheeks.

Good gods, she’s strong.

But not a vampire lord.

I can contain her.

My innate rebukes in an explosion of shadows, launching the vampire back. My lungs expand with the sudden relief and I pull myself upright, kicking off my heels.