Page 157 of As Above, So Below

They step forward, grabbing the large wooden doors, and swing them open. I don’t know what I’d expected, but it wasn’t the quaint scene they reveal with a total of six guests relaxing by the grand fireplace.

In the lounge space beside the fire, a few sit in the matching plush settee and chairs. Others stand next to the fireplace, engagedin conversations too low for me to hear. Lilith’s laughter rings out, followed by the laughter of the blond male I don’t recognize standing near her.

She’s seated on the couch end closest to the fireplace and he leans against the mantle, a glass of wine in hand. Eve sits next to Lilith and while she smiles along with Lilith and the blond, it’s not as heartfelt.

A mask, I quickly realize.

Before I allow guilt to consume me, I swing my attention away from her.

Across from them, on another couch, sit Tanila and a male fae with dark brown hair. The two possess many similar features, leading me to believe the male is none other than her father, Rowen Grayflame, the Sovereign King of Vis. It quickly comes to my attention that Tanila watches me with a level of scrutiny obvious of a female spurned.

This is going to be an uncomfortable exchange, I can tell already.

It’s the unknown male whose face shifts—the blond with Lilith—seeing Ryc and I first as we enter the room. His ocean blue eyes meet mine briefly before darting to Ryc as he straightens himself.

The others take notice, their heads turning in our direction as they rise from their seats. Lilith’s face beams with excitement as she watches us cross the room. She shoots me a wink, or at least, I think it was a wink? Each encounter I’ve had with Lilith has proven more strange than the last.

Eve, on the other hand, contrasts Lilith.

Her expression is more reserved, her ice blue eyes pin against Ryc beside me. She’s watching Ryc closely, and it’s then I remember Ryc is the reason Eve went into Celesta’s service. She folds her arms over her chest, her lack of temple robes becoming evident.

My brows furrow. She dons a set of black fighting leathers over black clothing, appearing more like a mercenary than one of Celesta’s devoted.

Where are her robes?

“Good evening,” Ryc greets, his tone warm. “Thank you for joining Ves and I tonight. While I understand the circumstances for this meeting are somewhat tense for more than a few of us, I hope you’ll enjoy the evening all the same.”

My first real glimpse of the kingly version of Ryc causes me to draw a deep breath. We all have roles to fill, it would be unfair to expect Ryc to be any different. Almost immediately, the blond fae male peels himself from the mantle of the fireplace to approach. The smile on his face is nothing short of dazzling.

Good gods, he is a mountain of a fae.

He towers over me by at least two and a half feet, Ryc by at least one.

There has to be demon blood in his family line somewhere.

Fae are tall, but notthistall.

“Ryc,” he greets, and his smile broadens, flashing his fanged canines. “I’m glad to see Ves has made a full recovery.” His attention turns to me, and I’ve never seen eyes so blue.

They remind me of the deep waters of Kevus Lake on a clear day.

He continues speaking, “You’ve made a mess of this male, he’s been damn near insufferable. The castle on lock down, increased guards, the healer needed to be searched before he was allowed to see you…”

“As if you wouldn’t do the same were our roles reversed,” Ryc laughs lightheartedly.

“Nah, friend, you’re mistaken,” the male counters playfully, his smile turning wicked. “I’d be worse.”

Both he and Ryc begin to laugh.

“Ves, this is Fenryn, Sovereign King of Sol,” Ryc says gesturing in the male’s direction, and Fenryn bows. A pleasantry I don’t return. “Fenryn and I have known one another for centuries.”

I may not have as impressive a memory as Ylara, but I believe Cora mentioned something about this Sovereign King. I just can’t remember what.

“What he fails to tell you is I’ve tolerated him for centuries.” Fenryn chuckles and sips heartily from his wine. “Broodiest damn fae I’ve ever met.”

Arching a brow, I can already tell I’m going to like Fenryn.

It’s strange to hear Ryc described asbroodingwhen all I’ve seen from him are smiles, laughter, and light.