Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked, #1)

by Kerri Maniscalco

A prince of Hell will never give their true name to their enemies. They can only be summoned through an object that belongs to them along with a powerful emotion. Their powers are tied to the sins they represent. Beware, for they are selfish beings who wish to use you for their gain.

“Dangerous word. I’d avoid speaking in absolutes if I were you. They have a tendency to never stick.”

“She made a bargain with my brother. I came to collect on it.”

Knowing the phrasing will also help me make sure others adhere to it. We have strict rules we’re governed by in the Seven Circles, and severe penalties if they’re broken.”

For a second, he didn’t appear to be breathing. He stared at me, his expression close to horror.

“You’d need to be the last creature in all the realms combined for me to want you, witch. Even then it might not be enough to tempt me. What I’m offering is a blood trade.”

Your… protection charm is different—that is, unfortunately, for eternity now.” He

They’d know they’d incur my wrath as punishment for interfering in House matters.”

“Repeat after me, I… whatever your full name is, willingly accept this blood trade with House Wrath for the term of six months.”

“Being bound to you prevents me from lying. It would be… discourteous to do so.”

“Whatever trouble you’ve been seeking ends tonight, Emilia. The moon is almost full and it’s no time to be playing with forces you have no hope of controlling. Capisce?”

“I’m not sure. He hasn’t talked to me about anything. He mostly locks himself in one of the empty chambers, and lights prayer candles until after midnight. I think he’s there now, actually. He always looks

Hes not praying

“Make sure you visit me while you’re there, too. I miss you. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but you’re only alone if you choose to be, Emilia. Please don’t forget that you’re still living and are loved. And, if you let me, I can help.”

I let the diary go. As I turned to leave, a shadow loomed above my friend and hissed, “He’s here.”

She’d been right—nothing was fine. And I was starting to think it might never be again.

“That’s usually my brother’s specialty, but fear not, we’ve all got bedroom talents.”

“Pig.” “Care to roll around in the dirt with me?”

Summoning does not equal owning. Containment isn’t forever.”

“Do not ever make the mistake of thinking you wield any power over me other than the spell that contains me here. And even that won’t last.”

“Which of your brothers bargained with my sister?” “Pride.” I closed my mouth.

“I was summoning the devil. An ancient book whispered its secrets to me, and I’ve decided to take him as my husband. I’d invite you to the wedding, but I’m pretty sure the ceremony takes place in Hell.” Blood and bones. Vittoria hadn’t been teasing.

“Benediximus.”

“Envy.”

Envy leaned forward, a hungry gleam in his strange eyes. I had the oddest impression that he suffered from those same feelings. That he envied his brothers in a way that almost drove him mad. I could never imagine feeling that way about my twin. It must be so lonely, so isolating.

I glanced down at my tattoo, startled to see snakes now twined around the crescent moons, forming a larger circle around them.

“No, but I imagine you’ll end up giving that to my brother one day.” His tone was flat. I wondered if Wrath knew how jealous he was, but said nothing.

“It’s been a great long while since I last saw a shadow witch. I

I’d heard a similar sound. Maybe fire and smoke had something to do with how demons traveled between realms.

“No,”

“I mean the curse.”

From that day forward the devil was trapped in Hell for eternity. His brothers could travel between realms within reason, typically the days before and after a full moon,

Supposedly he’d only retain his full powers if a witch sat on the throne beside him, wearing the Horn of Hades to keep the balance between realms.”

“It’s strange that no one recalls certain details. Everyone has a slightly different myth or legend, but no one knows the truth.”

AVARITIA.

He smiled. There was something off about it. Something not quite natural.

Either his powers were greatly diminished despite the greed pouring from his gambling den, or he’d tamped them down for this meeting.

A bold move, little mouse.”

I had no plans of becoming Queen of the Wicked, and would be damned if I gave him a reason to help put me on that dark throne.

“Tell me about the Horn of Hades.” If he was surprised by my choice, it didn’t show. “It’s a key that locks the gates of Hell.” “I heard it was part of a curse. That if a witch wears it she’ll have power over the devil.” “Witch legends are fascinating in their falsehoods.

“Sacrifice a bit of yourself.” “That’s not an honest answer.”

“Allow me to be blunt, Signorina di Carlo. Your sister gave me her amulet, knowing the importance of it. I need both hers and yours to work a spell. Give me your amulet, and I vow to protect your world.”

Viperidae

Greed’s story didn’t add up.

but it was a gamble I couldn’t risk taking.

cimaruta

key, dagger, owl, snake, and moon will send him straight to Hell.

I sighed and pricked my finger with a pin, letting a single drop splatter onto Vittoria’s diary.

There was no cataclysmic event or flash of lightning. One minute I couldn’t open it, and the next I could.

I dropped to my knees and started digging. I found it there, buried deep within the earth. I managed to understand one line before it descended into chaos.

There wasn’t any other passage about the mysterious “it” she’d found buried beneath the earth.