Page 59 of As Above, So Below

It’s going to leave me a bloodied, tear-streaked mess on the floor.

I cannot wander around in persistent wonderment and awe, leaving logic upon a windowsill.

“Do you think she’d be a witch or an acolyte?” Eve says loud enough for me to hear as I turn and begin my return along the path I’d worn into the grass.

Cora hums as she tilts her head. “If I were to guess, I’d say witch.”

Ignoring them, I roll my eyes.

They can make all the commentary they want about which sect of Celesta’s service I’d fall into. It’s not going to change my mind. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to get me to open conversation on the subject, so they can plague me with their reasoning to join.

I’m not interested.

As they showed me around, they explained how the temple functions. Celesta houses two sects: moon witches and moon acolytes. Acolytes embrace and honor the known, guiding, nurturing aspects of the moon goddess—represented by the full moon. Whereas witches embrace and honor the unknown, transformative, and secretive aspects—represented by the new moon.

Sects participate in daily prayer separately. Acolytes at dawn, witches at sunset. On special occasions, such as inductions, eclipses, solstices, and commemoration of Celesta’s ascension, they celebrate together.

While they pray separately, they live together, functioning as a whole. Seeing black and silver robes walking side by side as they go about their day is common. According to Cora, there are one hundred and twelve current temple members. After tonight’s induction there will be one hundred twenty, possibly one hundred twenty-one.

“Can you sit?” Eve asks and I meet her stare. “You pacing is giving me anxiety.”

My lip curls back.

Another thing I’ll have to get used to, the audacity of mortals.

“You’re welcome to leave,” I reply in even tones as my feet continue.

Eve laughs, shaking her head. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a real joy to be around?”

Turning to tread the path again, my brows set into a deep scowl as I stare at Eve. Not bothering to use common tongue, I snarl, “Continue, mortal, and I’ll rip your tongue from your head.”

Eve sits up, unfurling her arm from around Cora. “I’d like to see you try,” she returns inperfectMalbolge.

I freeze, mouth falling agape as Eve begins to laugh.

Cora looks at Eve in surprise as well. “Well, that’s new.” She blinks.

My eyes narrow as I study the visible skin on Eve. The robes hide too much. Faster than lightning, tendrils of shadow streak forth, wrapping around Eve’s neck, yanking her to her feet.

“Which demon?” I demand in a snarl.

Around me screams rise from others in the garden as Cora scrambles to a stand.

“Vestaris, please!” she cries, hands flying to her mouth.

Eve’s eyes dance with sheer amusement as she simply allows my shadows to hold her. “She told me you were quick to anger,” she laughs, once again speaking Malbolge. “She also says she’s glad to see you haven’t changed.”

She?

“Give me her name,” I say in a low growl.

Artemise rushes through the garden, Opal and Aenwyn in her wake. Their robes swirl about their ankles as they move.

“Opal,” she says with a firm nod and Opal steps forward, her eyes fixed on me.

In the next instant, my fear, rage, and distrust vanish as if they’d never existed. My shadows, now left with nothing, dissipate, dropping Eve the short distance to her feet. I don’t feel anything, it’s as if—

“The loss is temporary,” Artemise assures as she draws closer. “Your emotions will return within the hour.”