Page 68 of As Above, So Below

I still hold a contract.

Escaping to the living realm simply puts his contract on hold. My death will reinstate the binding terms of the contract upon my soul. Nothing in the contract mentions its power or expectations upon me as a living creature—he never anticipated my escape.

I laugh, a bitter sound.

Even if I were to return to the hells this instant, I am forever changed. Ruined, in Netharis’ eyes. I’ll never be what he wants me to be, not after today. Not after this.

No, with careful planning and calculations, dozens of centuries will come to pass before I stand before him again. I’ll have lived a fulfilling life worthy of enduring the eternity of servitude that awaits me upon my return.

With a tear-streaked face, I laugh again, this time with disbelief, and sit back on my legs. My hands fall into my lap as I continue to stare, pondering the limitless choices lying before me.

“Are you hurt?” a deep male voice asks quietly.

Head swiveling to the left faster than light, the black-cloaked male I’d seen in the hallway stands several feet away, his hood now raised. His face hidden by the night and shadow, he takes a step closer but stops abruptly, as if he’s unsure of how to approach.He stands at the edge of the shadows cast by the canopy of the nearby tree, out of reach.

Perhaps a wiser decision than he realizes.

Judging by his build, he is no human man. He is fae. Not dressed in temple robes, he wears black—fine attire by the looks of it. Even in the dark, the amount of detail in his clothing is clear. A black button down shirt, adorned with silver stitching along the collar and cuff in a swirling ivy motif. The clasp holding his cloak in place is constructed of a filigreed silver.

Images of the fae on the stairs the night I met Celesta flash in my mind.

He was there.

Laughing with embarrassment, I wipe the tears from my face.

“No, not hurt. Thank you,” I return quietly. “I find myself admiring the night sky. I thought I was alone.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude, forgive me,” he responds, bowing his head. A sign of respect that catches me by surprise.

His voice sounds familiar, like one I’ve heard hundreds of times. But different—and I’m sure it has to do with these fae ears.

“Nothing to forgive.” I smile weakly. “I shouldn’t be crying like this anyway.”

As I begin to pull myself up, he closes the distance quickly, extending a hand. An offer of assistance.

I pause and stare. A generosity not commonly offered by my own kind.

Raising my eyes to his hooded face, I set my hand in his. The warmth of his skin races right toward my heart as his fingers clasp around my hand. Gently, he helps me to my feet.

His hand falls away as he steps back, reclaiming the distance between us, and immediately I’m left mourning the warmth.

Turning my face to the night sky once again, I ask, “Are you here to enjoy the celebration? Celesta has accepted a few new initiates.”

The fae chuckles. “I brought a friend here who wished to attend. I was leaving when I noticed you and wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Another kindness not often given by my own kind.

“I saw you earlier, in the hallway.” I smile, a surprisingly genuinesmile. “Your friend seemed particularly excited to be attending.”

“You’ll meet her soon enough,” he says, the smile on his face clear in his voice. “Enjoy your evening. Don’t lose yourself in the stars, little witch. Not yet.”

My eyes slide in his direction as he strides off into the dark, toward the sanctum end of the garden. Turning, I watch him until he vanishes through the doors.

As a slight breeze kicks up, the male’s scent reaches me, and on instinct I breathe deep. It’s a decadent smoky scent I can’t label, but it reminds me of a lived-in library in the middle of the night, the only light coming from the fireplace.

My chest tightens, and my hands fly to my neck. There’s a strange tug in my chest, as if I’m being beckoned to follow, to be close. It’s not a cold demand like the hunting instinct, but a gentle urge that buries itself into my being.

What kind of strange faerie magic is this?