Page 81 of As Above, So Below

She shakes her head. “It’s hard to say. There are a number of rituals that can take place during an eclipse… but I don’t know of any that would require the council to meet over them.”

“You being Celesta’s chosen makes sense,” Opal adds. “Of course she would want to honor her daughter.”

“The point of staying here was to remain hidden,” I argue with a heavy sigh. “This is not staying hidden.”

Mind racing with thoughts, I begin to plunge into the darkness, panic and fear wrapping crooked fingers around my heart, my lungs. Inviting the whole of Ollora to celebrate during this eclipse presents a whole new set of problems.

The Sovereign King could be in attendance or some other demon-bound mortal. Perhaps even a vampire, or necromancer, or bloodmancer will stand among them—all of which are loyal to the god of death.

This ritual will essentially offer me on a silver platter to Netharis.

Pushing myself from the table, I storm toward the doors, ignoring the concerned calls of Eve and Cora. The swinging door gives way with ease, and I breeze into the empty hallway.

The rustle of robes rushes behind me. “I’m fine, Eve. I just need air,” I call and glancing over my shoulder, I stop.

“We do not have long before Artemise follows,” Lilith says, her face as serious as her tone. Sweeping in beside me, she links her arm through mine and continues walking, forcing me to move with her.

“I told you to stay away from me,” I snarl, attempting to pull my arm from hers, but her grip is iron-clad.

“And I have,” she counters firmly. “But this changes things.”

“What?” My voice is scathing.

She peers over her shoulder, between us, picking up her pace.

“Celesta’s decisions are relayed through Artemise. It isCelestawho has decided your Fate. But you have options. You haveallies, Vestaris. Youneedto meet with the Sovereign King.”

Irritation strikes through me like lightning. “No. I’m done being used by those in power. I’m not going to present myself to a mortal who wants nothing more than to use me for some stupid faerie throne.”

Lilith’s eyes widen as her jaw drops. She blinks a few times before huffing a laugh. “Use you?” she begins, “If he’d intended on using you, he would have ordered your capture upon your arrival. Instead, he’s given you the freedom you want. Does that not earnsomeof your trust?”

Ripping my arm from hers, I stop and she whirls on her heels to face me. As my innate roars, shadows begin to billow underfoot.

“No. It doesn’t,” I snarl, my fists clenching.

“You’re going to force him to intervene,” Lilith says, shaking her head in a rueful manner as she steps back. “He’s waited too long for this, and he’s not going to let the gods stand in the way again.”

“Approach me again and I will kill you,” I level the words with an icy tone worthy of a daughter of death.

Heaving a sigh, Lilith nods. “Fine,” she relents, stepping back. “But, at the very least, do yourself a favor and find a way out of the temple. Away from Celesta.Beforethe eclipse.”

She turns, beginning down the hall before vanishing in a puff of dark purple smoke. My eyes narrow. What kind of obscure innate does she possess?

“Vestaris,” Artemise’s voice rings behind me and I whirl.

She approaches swiftly, her face set in a pleasant smile. Thecontrast between Lilith’s greeting and Artemise’s is not lost on me.

Her smile transforms to concern. “Are you alright?” she asks as she reaches me, her eyes searching my face.

“Of course,” I lie with a cool indifference. “The news of being Celesta’s chosen has me so excited I needed air.”

The smile returns, deep creases forming at the corners of her eyes. “It will be a joyous celebration indeed. But let us return to dinner. The Priestesses wait for you.”

Shaking my head, I lie again. “I believe I’ve eaten too much. I’d like to return to my quarters.”

Artemise laughs, and it sounds genuine. “You have to learn how to better control your indulgences, Vestaris,” she chides in a motherly tone.

I paint a smile on my face in return.