Page 64 of As Above, So Below

Instead, I find myself in a situation directly contrasting what my afternoon had consisted of. Once again in Artemise’s office with five sets of eyes staring at me, waiting for my answer on whether I’ll feign my pledge or actually pledge myself to my mother.

It’s a small office, much smaller than I’d expect her to have. And having six bodies in it feels crowded. Especially since the Priestesses stand against the wall behind me, and I stand before Artemise at her desk.

“Entering into her service will grant you protections against Netharis,” Artemise says, lowering herself into the seat.

It’s not an extravagant plush thing as Netharis’ had been. Instead, it’s a humble wooden chair with a high back and armrests. She folds her hands on the desk, braiding her fingers together.

“You’ll be protected outside of the temple,” she says, “It will notstop him from sending demons to hunt for you, but being claimed as one of Celesta’s own grants you other protections.”

“He can’t appear out of thin air and pull you to the hells,” Eve says rather flatly and I appreciate her candor. “Or at least, he can’t without upsetting the pantheon of gods. And he’s already dealing with Gaia.”

Turning to Eve as my brows crease, I ask, “What do you mean?”

“My associate,” with this she grins, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes, “informs me your escape has unearthed some long-standing problems between Gaia and Netharis.”

Zuriel must have made it back to the heavens.

“Netharis has his hands full dealing with Gaia for the time being,” Eve finishes, leaning against the wall, careful not to knock into one of the paintings hung close as she shoves her hands into her robe pockets.

“And if I join, what is to stop Celesta from using me as Netharis has?” I turn my cold stare to the High Priestess.

“Celesta will make what she needs from you known as she does for all of us,” Artemise answers, but her answer doesn’t fully address what I’d asked.

I sigh. “Is it a contractual agreement? Will I be compelled into obedience?”

Faces around the room grow concerned, brows creasing, brackets around lips appearing.

“No,” Artemise says gently, shaking her head. “Your dedication to Celesta is wholly voluntary. There is no obligation aside from what she may ask of you to serve her. And even then, should you so choose, you can leave her service at any time.”

And potentially earn the scorn of yet another god.

I draw a deep breath.

“None of you are bound to her?”

“No,” Artemise pauses. “Well, none other than myself.” She shifts in her seat to cross a leg over the other.

While it may take time for Netharis to deal with Gaia, I cannot spend my entire life within the walls of the temple. I don’twantto spend my life here. There’s so much to explore within Ollora and beyond. And if having Celesta’s protections enable that, I would bedaft to disregard it without proper consideration.

If there isn’t a contract, if Celesta cannot compel me… there is no reason to deny entering her service. It will be in namesake only, and I’m sure she will see that.

“And prayer?” I huff a sigh. “I’m expected to participate in prayer to my mother?”

“Joining prayer isn’t an expectation,” Cora answers this time and I glance over my shoulder, meeting her gaze. “Many of us prefer praying together, but it is not a requirement.”

“I’d suggest experiencing it for yourself at least once before you decide on that, Vestaris,” Artemise says, the warmth in her voice palpable. “But Cora is right, joining daily prayer is left to the discretion of the member.”

“Fine,” I give my answer reluctantly, “I’ll join.”

The smile that curls Artemise’s lips is almost sinister.

But I push the perception aside. I’d been wrong all day about Cora, about Eve. I’m likely wrong about Artemise, too. I may come to regret these decisions, but dealing with these repercussions will be easier than standing toe to toe with the god of death.

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

I’m a creature on display.

Along with eight others, I stand in the middle of a line staring at the hooded faces of Celesta’s devoted in the sanctum. Donning the white robes given to me with my hood drawn, I blend into the line of initiates with ease.