Page 43 of As Above, So Below

Here, I’m trapped when I need to be searching for this nyraphim Netharis has locked away somewhere. Quickly, hopelessness begins to flood me—finding this creature that shouldn’t be in the hells is a monumental task.

And I’m running out of time.

Crossing the room, I fall into my bed and stare at the ceiling. My wings create a protective cradle around me, and I sigh. My mind whirls with thoughts. Sickening possibilities, dreadful choices, and slivers of hope.

Pulling the amulet from the pouch on my hip, I hold it above my face, letting it dangle freely. The moonstone glints even in the dim lighting of the hells as it spins. An array of colors shine on its surface, iridescent hues over the white mesmerize me.

As the pendant slows in its twisting and spinning, a small engraving on the backside of the pendant catches my attention. Stopping the pendant with my other hand, I turn it over. There’s an engraving here.

Dearest daughter,

Fall in love with life.

Celesta

With a bitter laugh, I throw the chain over my head and tuck the pendant under my robes. The long chain allows for the pendant to hide with ease, falling to rest between my breasts, over my still heart. A cooling sensation thrums where the silver meets my skin, reminding me of her touch.

Fall in love with life?

She has no idea who I am, what I’ve become. Does she know about the things I’ve done in Netharis’ name? The treachery and deceit, the disregard for others—all for myself. Is it possible for me to fall in love with anything?

The use ofdaughtertells me there has to be a pendant for Vaelyn. She wanted to see him that night. I can’t be sure why, but something in my bones tells me it’s because he’s the heir of the hells. What better way to strike at the god of death than to capture his most prized possession?

I doubt Vaelyn would ever consider leaving the hells. He’s never wanted anything more than what he’s been given. Why should he want more when he’s as untouchable as Netharis himself?

My mind continues to wander. To Sunshine, to Celesta. Both have said things that leave me plagued with questions.

“She thought it would be the male. I told her she was wrong.”Sunshine’s words fill my ears.

“Perhaps it is you after all. She was right.”Celesta’s quickly follow.

Right about what? And what is it they assumed?

Shaking the thoughts away, I sigh.

It doesn’t matter.

I need to focus on escaping. Which means finding this gods damned nyraphim.

One hurdle at a time, otherwise I’ll trip and fall.

And fail.

In a whirl of shadows in the center of my room, Ylara appears, her eyes wide. As I bolt upright, she says, “Kassil is appealing Netharis for clearance to this floor. You have to find somewhere else to stay.”

Shit.

Rushing toward me, Ylara takes my hand. “Pack your things, I have an idea.”

?????????????

This layer has sat empty for the last three centuries.

And it shows.

The cluttered room lies covered in a thick layer of dust that springs into the air under my footsteps. Ylara locks the door, and crooking her fingers, casts an old magic ward. Tiny blue-silver runes shimmer into existence, racing down each wall, over the windows, along the floor, ceiling, and door, creating a protective curtain.

“A sound and light guard,” she says quietly. “And only the three of us will be able to pass through the ward.”