Page 136 of As Above, So Below

The whole of Eldoterra could be between us and it wouldn’t be enough.

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Several hours and cold showers later, I sit across from Eve and her scrutinizing stare in the temple gardens. It’s another sunny day in Ollora and the late morning sun feels sinful on my skin. To take advantage, I’d rolled up the sleeves of my robes, wanting to soak up as much warmth as possible.

It’s not the same kind of warmth as Ryc’s skin against mine, but it’s close.

The garden, as expected, was packed with others who had the same idea. Tables filled with witches and acolytes enjoying the weather and lighthearted conversation. For a moment, I envied the simplicity of their lives. My life, by comparison, couldn’t be further from simple.

Having detailed the events of the last night to Eve—the vampire attack sans Ryc—she gives me a look that tells me she’s not impressed by my decisions. To be fair, neither am I. But not because I somehow managed to become the target of a pair of vampires.

“You have to be cursed. What have you done to earn such spite from the gods?” Eve says, breaking the small silence that had fallen between us. She shakes her head ruefully. “I’ve never met someone who has your kind of luck.”

Luck has nothing to do with me.

In fact, I’m pretty sure luck doesn’t glance twice at anyone with demonic blood in their veins. I laugh at the thought.

With a resigned hum, I say, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Sipping the tea Cora had prepared for us, I curl into its flavor and comforting warmth. Despite the heat of the summer morning, my teeth had been a few degrees away from chattering thanks to the ice cold water I showered in to clear my mind of my particularly heated thoughts.

Lifting my gaze, I catch sight of Artemise across the gardens, her silver and black robes swirling about her as she moves in our direction, and my shoulders sag. What now? I’m not sure I’mmentally capable of dealing with any more. Her brown eyes lock with mine as she crosses the garden, her lips pressed into a fine line, fueling my dread.

Eve nudges me with an elbow. “Did Artemise find out about this?” she asks in a low whisper.

Tearing my gaze away from the High Priestess to stare at my mug, I shake my head. “No. Did she find out about you and Cora?”

I pick at a small chip in the lip of my mug with a nail.

“No,” she answers in the same hushed tones, folding her hands on the table. “Artemise was nowhere to be found after prayer last night. She was likely communing with Celesta.”

Artemise slides into the bench across the table and immediately folds her hands in her lap. A few faces turn in our direction, curiosity getting the better of them. Well, here’s to hoping whatever she’s about to say she doesn’t mind others hearing.

“Good morn, Eve. Ves,” she greets in reserved tones.

“Good morn, Artemise,” Eve and I return in unison.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Her eyes volley between me and Eve.

We shake our heads.

“Good. Today I need your help,” she says, giving us a smile. “Today, you need to meet the Sovereign King.”

“What?” Both Eve and I breathe the word.

I continue, “I thought Celesta didn’t want me anywhere near the Sovereign King?”

“Is that a good idea, Artemise?” Eve echoes the sentiment.

“That little ring of yours will help in this,” Artemise says, her eyes scanning my face. “The temple council is calling a meeting with the Sovereign King and you need to be there. That little ring you have will serve you well today.”

My face pinches with my confusion. “You want me to wear a glamour to stand before the Sovereign King?”

“Yes,” her answer is swift, firm, and simple.

“Why?”

“Celesta has declared you as her chosen,” Artemise begins with a small nod and pursed lips, “and the ritual she wishes conducted the night of the eclipse requires the Sovereign King’s approval.You will have to stand before him and attest you are a willing participant in the ritual, that you have accepted the role Celesta has bestowed upon you.”