Page 71 of As Above, So Below

Like many of the others I’ve danced with this evening, she’s dressed in silver robes. And while each partner I’ve danced with featured beauty in their own unique ways, this fae is unnecessarily gorgeous. Her hair a shade of crimson I’ve rarely seen, her skin a pale shade that reminds me of ivory.

“May her shadow reveal your path, Vestaris. I’m Lilith.” Her voice lilts, musical and intriguing.

Unable to stop myself from staring, there’s something about the color of her hair that draws all of my attention. It’s so vibrant, a shade not commonly seen among fae. It reminds me of the forest fae, but their lines withered centuries ago.

“Are you enjoying the celebration?” she asks, winded. She’s nearly as breathless as I am, but it doesn’t dampen her excitement.

I laugh, shoving my suspicions and concerns aside. “I’m not usually comfortable with celebrations like this, but I have enjoyed this evening.”

She meets my stare, her hazel eyes twinkling under the mage lights. “I remember my Weaving. I woke up sore from all the dancing,” she muses, flashing a dazzling smile. “You’re lucky, you’re almost finished.”

Her smile prompts me to smile in return. “I must admit, this isn’t the type of dancing I’d expected.”

“Wait until solstice celebrations,” Lilith drawls in amusement. “You won’t catch me dancing at those. Too formal. You’ll find me here, in the gardens, with copious amounts of wine.”

She shoots me a grin and a wink, leaving me confused as the music winds down and we slow to a stop. Glancing around, I find the crowd has thinned to where roughly twenty people remain. Lilith releases me from her embrace as she glances around, almost as if she were searching for someone.

“Thank you for the dance,” she offers in genuine tones.

With a broad smile she pulls me in for a hug, and I freeze, unsure how to respond. She presses her cheek against mine and whispers, “Trust neither Celesta nor Artemise. You have allies in Ollora.”

My eyes shoot wide.

What in the nine hells does that mean?

Her words kick my tired brain awake and it responds with half a dozen questions. Lilith pulls away, a tight-lipped smile on her face.

“I hope to see you around, Vestaris,” she says in audible tones, not needing those words hidden.

Stunned silent, I stand motionless as she leaves, watching her disappear into the sanctum. Chasing after her with questions would only draw attention. My questions will have to wait until we meet again.

Eve snakes an arm through mine, pulling my attention to her. Her stare is fixed on the sanctum doors.

“So much for keeping you away from the royal family,” she says, her voice low.

“What do you mean?”

“You just met Lilith, the Sovereign Queen Emeritus,” she answers, shifting to meet my stare.

“Themotherof the Sovereign King?” I nearly choke on the words.

Eve bursts into laughter. “No.” She shakes her head. “She’s the widow of the last Sovereign King. Lilith sits on the Moon Temple council and typically attends our events.”

“Is she someone I have to worry about?” I ask.

“I want to say no, but…” her voice trails off. “Yes. Yes, she is.”

A pit begins to form in my stomach.

Day one in the living realm and my list of mortals to avoid continues to grow.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Reaching into anest box where a very floofy hen sits, my hand slips under her in an attempt to collect any eggs she’s hiding. A guttural growling sound comes from her, clearly expressing her displeasure at my audacity. She pulls her head in tight, her feathers expanding.

It’s supposed to be a warning or perhaps a threat. But in reality, she succeeds in turning herself into a ball of feathers.

Trust me, chicken, this isn’t ideal for either of us.