Page 85 of As Above, So Below

Behind them, the wall is lined with multiple shelves, each loaded with various bottles of spirits, displaying a rainbow of colors. A couple seem to glow—one bright green, another vivid purple. I’ve never seen such things in the hells.

Slipping through the crowd at a snail’s pace, the bar is lined with bodies, shoulder to shoulder. Without pausing, Eve walks up to the corner closest to the door and pushes herself between two fae males without hesitation. They glare in her direction before scooting aside, as much as they can. I’m not sure if I should be impressed or concerned.

She pulls me in beside her, and we’re forced to stand mashed against one another between the males. The male behind me shifts, pulling my hood down unintentionally, and my silver hair falls free over my shoulders.

“Sorry, miss,” he says, flashing a rather handsome smile down at me. “Busy one tonight.”

I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being seen by random mortals. Giving the male a close-lipped smile and a nod, he returns to his conversation with the male on the other side of him.

One of the barkeeps steps up to us, setting a pint of ale before the male who’d apologized. A full-figured fae female with pale blue hair framing a heart-shaped face adorned with dark blue eyes—she’s beautiful.

With a roguish grin, she greets Eve. “Haven’t seen you around for a bit,” she says, openly dragging her eyes over Eve. “Thought maybe you grew too good for the likes of us.”

Eve laughs, shaking her head. “Things have been… busy.”

The barkeep’s eyes dart to me. A dark brow arches as she slides her stare back to Eve. “What happened to the human girl? She wizen up and lose interest in you?”

Eve’s laughter grows. “No, Camille. I’m still with Cora. This is Ves. She’s our latest moon witch.”

Both her brows raise. “Ah. One of Celesta’s then.” She nods. “She looks an awful lot like the goddess, too.”

I purse my lips, keeping quiet.

“Coincidence,” the lie rolls smoothly from Eve as she shrugs. “Ves decided to come along to watch Tarron. She’s never watched him fight before.”

Camille hoists herself up onto her toes, peering over the lined crowd at the bar. “I believe the bookmaker is still taking bets if you’re into that kind of thing.”

Wagers.

One of the favored pastimes in the hells. More than once, I’ve watched House Patriarchs lose favored House vessels on poorly made wagers.

“I’m good,” Eve says, lifting a hand in a declining gesture.

Both of them look at me.

Eyes wide, I shake my head. “I’m not much of a gambler.”

The barkeep laughs, a deep, delighted sound. “What are you drinking tonight?”

“I’ll take an ale,” Eve says, leaning against the bar to flash her own stunning smile.

“Don’t you give me that,” Camille retorts, her hands falling to herhips. “I don’t see you for months and you waltz in here and expect me to just fawn over you?”

Eve’s smile transforms, becoming more sanguine and flirtatious. “Don’t give you what?” she asks, feigning innocence.

Leveling a flat, unamused stare at Eve, Camille’s smile returns as she turns to me. “You should keep better company than this demon of a fae,” she says and Eve bursts into laughter. Ignoring her, she asks, “What can I get you?”

“Just water, please.” I answer, unable to keep the smile from my face.

“You can’t come out to a fight and not drink, Ves.” Eve says in cajoling tones. “I’m not saying get sloppy, but you deserve to have at least one drink.”

Sighing, I purse my lips. “Alright. One.”

Camille gives a wicked, playful grin.

“Surprise me,” I relent with a shrug. “Just not ale.”

With a firm nod, Camille sets to work.