Page 46 of As Above, So Below

“As a favor to me,” I interrupt him and his scowl softens.

“A favor?” he scoffs a laugh. “And if I want to collect upon it later?”

“Should it suit you, you’re welcome to. Though I’m not sure how I’d be able to return a favor if I’m either in the living realm or locked in obsidian.” I reply with a callous shrug.

Vaelyn smirks. “Done.” He reclaims his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. “What you need is a distraction. Something to get Netharis out of his study.”

My brows raise.

“That’s it? That’s all it takes? A promise of a favor, and you’re willing to help?” I stare rather incredulously at my brother.

“The promise of a favor from the demon responsible for nearly cleaving the hells in two? Yes. Yes, I will take that.” He nods firmly.

Ylara scoffs, rolling her eyes.

Ignoring her, Vaelyn says, “I can provide the distraction. You and Ylara can search his study. It’s a matter of when you want to do this.”

Excitement, panic, and fear braid themselves together in my chest, causing it to tighten. “There are a few things I need to collect before I’m ready. Things I can barter, sell. I’ll need funds for mortal commerce systems.”

“I can grab them for you,” Ylara says. “Tell me what you need.”

“In the library, there is a book.Fated Celestials.It was the one I was reading near the fireplace the night we went to Ollora. Also, the obsidian box—the carved one.”

Ylara nods.

“What is your plan when you emerge amongst the living?” Vaelyn asks, rubbing his chin. “Do you plan on trusting Celesta?”

A strange tingle works its way up my spine and my innate vibrates. A warning. The urge to lie strikes and I hesitate.

“No,” I answer with the truth. “I’ve no intention of drawing theattention of any god.” At least that isn’t a lie.

“Where will you go?”

The urge punches me again. But this time, I listen.

“With any luck, I’ll find myself in Lightvale or Elias.” The lie rolls too smoothly off my tongue.

Vaelyn’s brow arches. “Cities in human led countries? You realize we’re half fae, right?”

I nod. “But humans will be less likely to notice I don’t uphold fae traditions.”

“Smart.” Ylara gives an approving nod.

“And how well do you think you’ll acclimate as a creature of the hells?” Vaelyn asks, his tone pointed. “You are a demon, Ves. What makes you think you’ll be welcome among humans? What happens when you can no longer repress your demonic urges?”

His questions open up more hurdles for me to grapple.

“If you’re going to seriously follow this through, you need to consider these things, Ves,” he says, giving me a firm stare.

“One thing at a time, Vae,” I answer, my voice barely audible.

Gods damn Vaelyn and his doubt-inspiring logic.

I can’t trip and fall now.

CHAPTER TEN

As I pacethe length of the room, my last twenty-four hours of (relative) freedom begin to tick away. My path would be worn into the floor if it wasn’t solid polished obsidian I tread upon.