Page 62 of As Above, So Below

Cora is what I’d imagine innocence and naivety to look like. A youthful, warm, kind creature that stands beside a demon with a pleasant smile on her face. How such a human has come to pledge her life to the goddess of deceit is beyond me.

“What else should I know about this fae king?” I ask, pursing my lips. “How am I supposed to avoid a mortal I don’t know? That I’ve never seen?”

Cora’s cheeks turn a subtle shade of pink. “Well, he’s a private individual. Took the throne out of obligation, not because he wanted it. He’s quiet, and kind, and not at all the flashy sort of royalty—the Sovereign King of Sol comes to mind.”

As Cora continues, the crease between my brows deepens.

“He’s tall, dark hair, warm amber eyes—”

“Are you in love with this mortal?” I ask, my nose wrinkling with evident disgust. “Aren’t you mortals the pairing type? Or am I mistaken?”

Cora stammers, the color on her face becoming brighter. “Not in love, no. But admire, yes. And as for your other questions,peopleare varied. Some prefer pairs, others include more in their relationships. Traditionally speaking, most fae seek a single partner because of the mate bond.”

Huffing a quick ‘hmph’, I nod. Again withpeople.

“Do demons—”

“No,” I answer, not letting her finish.

“But you don’t even know what I was going to ask.”

“I don’t care to,” my reply is cold and swift.

Something flashes across Cora’s face—disappointment? Hurt, maybe? Either way, I’m not here to establishfriendshipswithout benefit. I cannot afford such a concept. Creating and maintaining a relationship with aninnateless humanas one of my first in the living realm would be foolish.

Working her lips into a fine line, she huffs a small resigned sigh. There’s something she wants to say, but she remains silent.

“Are you aware your partner is damned?” I shatter the silence with the blunt question.

Her eyes race to mine. “It’s not an arrangement I agree with, but it’s what she’s chosen and Celesta has given her blessing.”

Here’s to hoping not all mortals are as foolish as these appear to be.

Eve did not simply sign a contract with a demon. She’sbondedwith her. Eve made it clear by her display earlier that a channel has been opened between them, connecting their minds. A mortal signing a contract with a succubi is dangerous enough, but bonding with one?

The standard succubi contract terms include providing a mortal the use of hellfire within the living realm, and an enhanced ability to persuade, seduce, and intrigue nearly any listener. In exchange, the mortal offers seven years service or seven years off their expected life span.

Many mortals opt for the service, believing it to be the safer choice.

It is not.

The service does not begin at the time of signing nor is it continuous. It is the time when the succubus has control over the mortal’s body that counts toward contract fulfillment. Becoming a vessel for the demon to walk in the living realm, the mortal is forced to spectate from a darkened corner of their own mind.

They lose autonomy, completely.

Sometimes for seconds, others for years—the contract will sit unfulfilled for decades, centuries if the mortal is fae. Oft times, seconds is all it takes for a succubus to ruin a mortal’s life. Only to leave when most convenient and return later to do it again.

“I have to report to Sybille for today’s duties,” Cora says quietly, pulling me from my thoughts.

And I’ve been tasked with assisting her.

My ‘punishment’ for my earlier transgression.

The thought nearly causes me to laugh as we climb the stairs to return to the temple.

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

Because Cora is an innateless human, I followed her up four flights of stairs. During the climb, she talked. Rattled away on how she’d been assigned to her favorite tasks this last week, with the new week starting tomorrow in their rotation.