Page 161 of As Above, So Below

Ryc shifts his weight beside me, leaning on his arm against the armrest, moving closer—a territorial display, I realize.

“You’re lucky I was here,” she offers with a smile. “I don’t think you would have survived waiting for Drunina’s arrival.”

“I am indebted to you. Thank you,” I return, attempting to sound genuine over the building anger in my chest.

“You should have let me die.”

“That will never be an option.”

My jaw clenches.

“You’ve thrust me into this political game without consideration of my wants.”

“Do you wantto die?”

No, I don’t want to die. But Netharis isn’t going to relent.

Glancing right, Ryc leans back, raising his glass of wine to his lips.

“You wanted protection, and I’m delivering, little demon.”

The way I could slap the smirk of his face—

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.

Tanila is dangerous. That much is easy to see.

The secret of what I am now sits in the center of this table, larger than the gold candelabra adorned with black tapered candles.

She’s more than dangerous, she’s a threat to the little life I’ve tried to establish here. She’s about to blow everything wide open—if she and her father haven’t already. The urge to send my shadows across the table to snap her neck and pierce her heart is one I struggle to rein in. Killing her and her father is an enticing option that buries itself into my chest where it festers.

Can I bear the damning consequences?

I glance at Ryc beside me.

Can I do that to him?

“I’d like to ask you a few questions,” Tanila says and Eve shoots me a concerned glance.

I swallow hard.

Ryc offers a gentle squeeze of my hand.

“Of course,” I reply, thankful my voice doesn’t waver.

My whole hidden existence sits on the edge of a blade poised to fall.

Gods damn Nektos, eight legs and all.

“Why have you come to Ollora? What business does a demigod have here?” she asks, reaching for her glass of wine.

As much as I want to, I can’t lie. She’s seen my blood.

Honesty doesn’t feel like the appropriate response, but what other choice do I have?

“To seek a simpler life,” I answer, giving her the truth.

She laughs with disbelief. “A simple life? And so you involve yourself with Alaryc?”