Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

I drifted closer to the roof’s edge, where a stone railing lined the perimeter. I hadn’t gotten close enough to really look at it last night and loved the detail that went into it. The posts were carved to look like dragons standing upright on their hindquarters, their wings extended to keep patrons from accidentally falling over the edge. It was dark and whimsical with a hint of danger. It reminded me of the prince’s throne. Dragon art graced many homes and businesses since Axton had a fondness for the creatures and hosted hunts regularly. Most denizens of the Underworld were influenced by what the seven Princes of Sin enjoyed, so our circle’s affinity for the legendary creatures wasn’t unusual. I ran a finger along the dragon’s wing, marveling at the sheer majesty of the design. The stone was cold, frost coated, not unlike the ice dragons they’d been modeled after. Real dragons were forbidden from flying over our circle without the prince’s permission, but their territory was close enough that occasionally you might spy one in the far distance, a smudge on the horizon. I looked beyond the rooftop, at the world glittering before me. Up here, the night district was breathtaking. Stone buildings looked quaint nestled together with the snow drifting down in lazy flurries. In fact, it appeared as if the sky had been brought to earth, the lights in the taverns and pubs twinkling like golden stars.