Page 156 of As Above, So Below

“I’m not asking you for anything, little demon.” One of his hands cups around mine as the other wraps around my waist, pressing me into his hips.

“I know this game, Ryc,” I say, shaking my head slowly.

“Is it a game?” he challenges me, one of his dark brows arching.

Heart thundering, I swallow against the dryness of my throat. Running a thumb over his lower lip, he presses a soft kiss against it, sending shivers of desire down my spine.

“It always is.” My gaze lingers on his lips longer than it should, and I force myself to meet his stare.

Ryc smiles, and my knees weaken, his arm tightening around me as his other hand falls onto my hip.

“No, not for me,” he says simply. “I’ve been waiting centuries for you, little demon,” he finishes in a whisper, his lips brushing against mine.

Something deep within me tells me I’ve been poised to lose myself to him from the start—whether that start be the night we met on the battlefield or my first night in the living realm, it doesn’t matter. The connection, the draw, the pull I’m feeling toward him, it doesn’t feel bright and new. It feels ancient, rediscovered, and it sighs in relief any time he’s near.

“This will never work, Ryc.” My voice is low, as my hands clutch the lapels of his black jacket.

“You didn’t strike me as the type to give up before trying,” He smirks, kissing the corner of my mouth.

The look on his face says there’s more he wants to say, but he releases me from his embrace, my hands dropping to my sides. Instant regret stems from the space now between us, the warmth of his body lost. He offers me a dizzying smile along with his arm.

My eyes fall to his arm before rising again to his face.

A choice.

He’s presenting me with a choice. Again.

Take the arm and walk with him into his world.

Refuse the arm and keep myself on the outside.

A slow, deep breath fills my lungs.

And whether because I’m a fool, or I’ll never be the demon I’m supposed to be, I rest my trembling hand in the crook of his elbow.

Ryc exhales slowly.

Relief, I realize.

We both have fears, and hopes, and dreams hidden in the darkest parts of ourselves. Impossible dreams we reach for anyway.

He places a hand over mine, offering his warmth and stability as he moves to stand beside me. Unable to hold the intensity of his gaze, my eyes wander and catch on our reflection in the tall mirror.

Together we resemble the vastness of the night sky.

He the darkness, and I the moon.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

The closed doorsat the end of the hall have to be symbolic of something—some message I’m meant to understand but don’t. Or maybe I’m doing my best to avoid its meaning.

This decision I’ve made, it doesn’t follow logic. It follows a longing, a yearning—and emotional decisions are the worst kind, this I already know. As the war between my heart and my mind worsens with each step, the pit in my stomach grows larger.

Heartbreak will come, and I’ll only have myself to blame.

As if Ryc could feel me warring with myself, he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. A warm, living reminder I’m not alone and I’ve chosen not to be. Lifting my face, he’s staring down at me, a small smile on his face.

Two royal guard, both fae, stand at the end of the hall.