Page 30 of Find My Way Down to You

Cary says, flatly, “He is just a mortal.”

I bristle. What was I thinking a second ago? There’s nothing soft about Cary. If he had it his way, he probably would’ve let Cerby chew on me like a dog treat. No remorse.

He ignores my glare to say to Milos, “He is nothing to worry about.”

Milos looks less convinced. “How did he get here, then?”

“That’s a fun story!” Henri says with a smirk. “He saw Cary. In the mortal world. With a new shade.”

“Saw him?” Milos’s lips quirk. “Is that so?”

The edges of Cary’s mouth twist, but he doesn’t reply.

“August followed him here,” Henri answers for him.

“Incredible!” Milos’s eyes barely leave me as he turns to Cary. “Out of practice, sweet brother? After all this time, your powers are finally starting to fail you?”

Brother?

I suck down a gasp and look between them. The similarities are slight. Equally tall. Thick eyebrows and delicate cheekbones. Their unnerving beauty.

Cary clears his throat. “I have no issues.”

Milos lets out a small derisive laugh. “Of course not. The ferrier never fails.” He concentrates on me again. “Butheis not ‘just a mortal.’ ”

“I’m…not?”

I blink, still confused on what the hell they’re talking about.

Milos licks his lips. “No. You’re our guest!”

He takes my hand in his. Silky skin kisses my palm. With a smooth smile, Milos says, “Welcome to Aides, August. I am Milos. Prince of the Deathless.”

“And final judge of souls,” Henri adds, chest puffed.

Milos looks a mix of sheepish and irritated. He’s difficult to read. “That too,” he admits. “I am happy you are here.”

“You are?” I say slowly, cautious.

He nods.

“It is a shame he cannot stay longer” comes from somewhere else in the room.

Sighing, Milos releases my hand.

Heels click on the marble floor. Someone approaches from a far corner. Shafts of sunlight halo a girl who’s all perfectly drawn lines. She’s short, her hair as green as ivy and chopped into a pixie cut. She has creamy white skin, her red lips bolder than a freshly bloomed poinsettia.

She stops next to Milos. “The rules, my prince.”

He exhales with a flippant expression. “Thank you for the unnecessary reminder, Aminta.”

I glance around. “What rules?”

Once more, Henri swoops in with an answer: “Though it is rare, any mortal who successfully travels to Aides is only permitted to stay a short time.” His brow pinches. “Technically, not at all. But—”

“Youare welcome to visit anytime, August,” Milos chimes in. He brushes his thumb over my knuckles. “As often as you like.”

His grin lingers a second too long.