Page 189 of As Above, So Below

Willing strength into my legs, into my feet, I run.

Through the barrier and up the temple stairs.

A sharp pull in my chest nearly brings me to my knees. Whirling to face the source,hisgold gaze meets mine from across the courtyard. The fear and anger he feels pours into me through our bond, but I don’t have time to process.

To apologize.

To explain.

A quick glance reveals the moon is now entirely red.

I only have time to act.

And even then, it may not be enough.

Knowing Ryc will give chase, my feet burst into a sprint, my shadows carrying me into the sanctum faster than I draw raggedbreath.

Sprinting up the dividing aisle between the silver and black crowd, Artemise awaits me at the foot of Celesta’s statue.

Reaching her, I begin to peel back my leather chest plate, throwing it to the ground. Artemise moves with purpose, grabbing a silver-bladed dagger from Opal and returning.

She offers it to me, her palms turned upward.

The blade rests in her hands, reflecting the dancing light of the magelights overhead.

There is no coming back from this.

“Once this is over, Celesta will bring the change you both want,” Artemise whispers, her eyes mournful.

Behind me, cool hands land upon my shoulders.

“We will make it right,” my mother’s flowing voice sings into the depths of my darkness.

With a backward glance, Celesta peers down at me.

Her cerulean blue eyes glimmering, her silver hair flowing with an otherworldly breeze. She’s as haunting as the first night I’d laid eyes on her. And just like that night, her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

“I don’t want it right. I want our contract broken. I want him dead,” I snarl, snatching the dagger from Artemise.

It sits heavy in my hand, heavier than it should be.

With a quick billow of darkness, my wings are whisked away once again. Allowing Celesta ease of reach behind me.

Artemise stands aside as Celesta wraps her hands over mine, my eyes catch on a rune tattooed into the skin of her left wrist.

A rune.

Neither Malbolge or Yggdrasil.

It’s one I’ve seen before—butwhere?

Pulling me against her in an embrace, the rune becomes hidden under her sleeve.

“I am not worthy of you, daughter. I am not worthy of this sacrifice.” Her words are warm, but they feel empty. “We are the servants of Chaos.”

The pounding sound of armored boots floods the sanctum and my eyes dart up. Celesta waves a hand and the silver-blue runes ofOld Magic shimmer into place around us and the congregation.

She’s created a ward, separating us from them.