Page 197 of As Above, So Below

I keep my eyes lowered.

If I look into her eyes again, I will be reduced to tears. The last thing I want to do is break down in front of this goddess.

“Vaelyn informs me you’re not taking up the reins as the goddess of death,” she says, her voice soothing.

I nod.

“Not only is it your birthright, I don’t believe anyone would argue against you taking that power,” she continues. “You’ve more than proven yourself capable.”

“It’s yours if you want it, Ves,” Vaelyn encourages softly.

My eyes dart to him, his lips pressing into a fine line.

“The hells have been without a ruler for weeks, and things are starting to decay,” Vaelyn says, his gaze meeting mine. “Balance needs to be restored or we place the entire realm at risk.”

I release a long sigh. A habit I’d developed in the living realm I’ve yet to break.

“I don’t want it,” I whisper, staring at my brother as I shake my head. “I don’t want to be bound to the hells, Vaelyn.” My voice breaks.

Hurt flashes through his eyes, but his face remains unmoved.

He’s so much like Netharis in so many little ways.

Gaia nods. “Vestaris, once the decision has been made, it cannot be unmade,” she says softly.

Turning, I meet her gaze, even though it kills me to do so. “I know.”

She shifts her eyes—the ones that make me want to curl up into a ball on the floor—to look at my brother.

“Vaelyn, are you up to the task? Will you become the god of death?”

The question lingers in the air between the three of us.

I close my eyes.

I already know his answer.

It’s what he’s spent a thousand years preparing for—this impossible moment that would have never come to pass if our father had his way.

“I am, and I shall,” he answers firmly.

“Then so it shall be,” Gaia says and a small ripple runs down my spine, causing me to shiver. “It will take time for you to grow into your new role, Vaelyn. I advise you to devise a council to assist you until you feel confident enough.”

At this, I open my eyes and find both Vaelyn and Gaia staring at me.

“Will you join me?” she asks, gesturing to the seat beside her.

Her eyes glimmer with her soft smile.

Stammering, I nod. “Of course.”

I’d assumed we were finished.

The hells now have a new god of death to oversee its care and operation, and I can return to the library. What more could be needed?

Crossing the room to the upholstered chair, I seat myself beside her. She sits on the edge of the seat, accommodating her wings and I’m reminded of yet another loss.

My wings.