Page 55 of As Above, So Below

Artemise’s brows shoot high. “No, we have not been blessed with any son of Gaia.”

My lips tighten into a frown.

Where in the nine hells did he go?

Lacing up the last of my boots, I stand and catch sight of myself in a tall standing mirror in the corner of the room. My jaw falls. I looknothinglike the creature I am.

Was?

Used to be?

“Come, there are a few others I’d like you to meet.” Artemise’s voice pulls me out of my confused thoughts.

She approaches a door on the opposite side of the room and silently swings it open. Following her into the hall, I watch her movements with interest. Artemise moves with a grace I didn’t expect from a human. Her footsteps sound softly against the marble floor, but my own are silent. Either because I’m fae, or demon… perhaps both.

Lifting my eyes, the marble walls are barren, it feels empty and sterile as we continue along. Towering pillars, resembling celestial vines, reach toward the vaulted ceiling at least twenty feet above us. As we walk, alcoves adorned with offerings to Celestaline the hall. Decorated with subtle silver vases holding bundles of moonflowers—my lip curls with the reminder of Kassil—hanging, shimmering crystals emit a gentle glow, and wooden bowls sit filled with burning incense.

The fragrance of the incense fills the air, a blend of sandalwood and jasmine. I breathe deep, enjoying the scent. It’s musky, but it doesn’t smother me. It’s beyond pleasant to breathe deep and not be choked by the scent of smoke and sulfur.

“You’re welcome to explore the entirety of the temple,” Artemise begins, tossing me a glance over her shoulder, “but I do ask if you decide to venture into Ollora, into the city, that you take at least one other with you. It’s safer to travel in groups.”

Confusion crosses my face. “Is Ollora dangerous?”

Granted, over the course of a handful of visits throughout the centuries, Ollora had always been a peaceful city when I’d been here. And honestly, I don’t foresee many mortals being a serious threat.

Artemise laughs softly. “It’s no more dangerous than any other city in Erus,” she answers. “But you are bound to run into a fae or two who may be able to sense what you are.”

“That I am a Death Bringer?” My voice doesn’t hide my shock.

Her laughter grows louder. “No, Vestaris. Not a Death Bringer. Nopersonwill know that unless you tell them. Which I advise against.”

Person, not mortal. People don’t refer to others as mortals.

I am not people. Nor am I sure if I’m mortal. My list of things to learn continues to grow and I sigh. Artemise stops beside one of the offering altars to adjust a candle, pushing it away from the ledge it precariously stands near.

“Some fae will be able to sense the ancient blood in your veins,” she says, continuing down the hall.

Ah, she means winged fae.

Alright. Noted.

“Others will sense the power of your innate. Those given the innate of shadow are rare in Eldoterra. It used to be abundant in Erus, long ago. But not so much anymore.”

Artemise veers left into another hallway, approaching the firstset of doors on the right. She pushes the door open, and it gives way with ease. A swinging door, I realize.

Following her, we enter a large dining area filled with various round tables. One human woman and three fae females sit together at a table near the far end. They chatter quietly amongst themselves, all dressed in black robes, their hoods lowered.

The four who stood at the top of the stairs.

Artemise’s Priestesses.

The human woman takes notice first, and she gestures with her chin to the sable-skinned female beside her. The female shifts in her seat, swinging her arm over the back of the chair as she turns at the waist. The other two shortly follow suit.

Artemise leads me around to the other side of the table, pulling out two chairs. She gestures for me to sit as she seats herself. I listen and take the seat.

“Vestaris, meet Eve, Cora, Opal, and Aenwyn.” Artemise gestures with an open palm to each of them as she says their name. “These four are my Priestesses. They help me run the temple. You will be spending the majority of your time with them while here.”

I give a small bow of my head but remain silent. They’re all beautiful. Shining eyes, perfect hair, welcoming smiles. Perhaps I’m staring harder than I should. I lower my eyes to the table.