Page 87 of As Above, So Below

Eve says something into his ear, and his blue eyes race straight to me. He flashes a grin, followed by a wink and my jaw sets. It’s then I realize Eve is putting Tarron on offer for consideration in myhunt. I scoff a laugh, shaking my head, and meet Eve’s stare. She slings an arm over his shoulders and together they vanish under the balcony, likely to join me here.

I’m not sure Tarron is the right choice for what I need. If he and Eve grew up together, and Cora said Eve is only a few hundred years old—will he be strong enough to stand against an archdemon?

No. I don’t think so.

But I’d only mentioned needing someone to leave Ollora, not fending off demons. Were I to contract this fae, I would be all but guaranteeing his death. And I’ve an inkling Eve would never forgive such a thing.

That doesn’t mean I don’t understand her perspective. If vanishing into Eldoterra were my only goal, her friend would be perfect. She mentioned him staying in Aeros for the time being.Andbeing with him would give Eve the means to keep in contact.

Glancing over the crowd, a figure in a black hood catches my eye. The male I’ve seen thrice before—my brows furrow as I search for a head of crimson hair. She’s not anywhere in the crowd that I can see, but that doesn’t mean she’s not here.

My lips work themselves into a fine line.

Save for the night I met Celesta, each time I’ve seen this male, he’s been with Lilith. Escorting her to the induction celebration, keeping watch while out shopping… It’s hard to believe she’s not here now.

But would a place like this—I scan the scene before me, filled with loud and rambunctiouspeople—draw the Sovereign Queen Emeritus?

I doubt it.

I watch the black-clad fae until he disappears from sight, heading in the direction of the bar. Instantly, my mind begins to turn. Approaching him in public will be easier than seeking him out afterward.

Eve and Tarron appear, startling me as they throw themselves into the empty chairs at the table. A barmaid follows, setting down a tankard of ale before the orange-haired fae before retreating.

“Ves, meet Tarron,” Eve says with a full smile on herface.

Tarron wipes the sweat and blood from his brow using the end of a black towel thrown over his shoulders. He offers me a genuine smile.

“Congratulations on your win, Tarron,” I greet, offering a small smile of my own.

His eyes gleam with pride. “Thank you, Ves,” he says, lifting his tankard. “I’m happy to see Eve could make it, and that she decided to bring a friend.”

Friend.

The word rattles around in my head.

Eve lifts her own tankard, finding it empty. She glances around the balcony for the barmaid. “I’ve no idea where Lorella went off to. She was just here,” she says with an exasperated sigh.

“I’ve got it.” I stand from my seat, taking her empty tankard and my empty glass.

Leveling a suspicious glance in my direction she says, “You sure? I don’t mind waiting for Lorella.”

“It’s fine,” I reply. “Give you guys some time to catch up. I shouldn’t be long.”

Eve nods, her smile returning. “Have Camille add it to the tab.”

Crossing the balcony and descending the stairs, I stop before the rope. Nicholas takes notice and removes the barrier, grinning.

“Amazing fight, girlie, wouldn’t you say?” he beams a smile, his lips parting his bushy, graying beard.

“It was.” The pleasant toned lie floats between us as I descend the last of the steps.

Maneuvering around him, I veer left.

Or at least try to.

The crowd has grown monumental around the bar.

I sigh.