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April 29 - May 3, 2025
Lake of Fire.”
Biblical
“From this day forward, a curse will sweep through this land. You will forget all but your hate. Love, kindness, every good thing in your world will cease. One day that will change. When you know true happiness, I vow to take whatever you love, too.”
especially if he ever hoped to regain what was stolen.
“Your pride didn’t appear in that bone circle the night you spilled blood and summoned me. It was your wrath. Your fury.”
“You choose the devil?” “Yes.”
if you’re so certain about the devil, swear a blood oath. If pride truly is your sin of choice, I imagine you won’t say no.”
“I, Emilia Maria di Carlo, freely choose the devil.”
Something ignited in the depths of his eyes, but he turned away before I could read what it was.
He is the devil
“Be cautious when making blood bargains with a prince of Hell. And under no circumstances should you ever make one involving the devil. What’s his is his. Only a fool would fight or challenge him.”
sensed my growing fury.
Wrath is her primary sin
“I thought it would be warmer,” I admitted, earning an amused look from the demon. “Fire and brimstone—the works.”
“It is a way for newcomers to form alliances with others who share their dominant sin.”
“Not exactly scandalized, but close. Mortals align themselves with political parties and causes. It’s not unlike that here, but we deal in vice.”
You are more susceptible to falling under the influence of a particular sin when showing early attributes of it. That is my final warning and all the help I will give.
simmering rage started to burn through me as we
“Count your blessings. My liking you would be a dangerous thing.” I snorted. “Why? Would you ruin me for all other demon princes?” “Something close.”
He stood rigidly, as if forcing himself to become an immoveable block of ice. Apparently, the idea of touching me that way was revolting.
No he just wants it to be her choice
wanted him to claim me, almost as much as I wanted him to be mine. The instant that thought came, he stopped breathing steadily.
I wanted to be the one he took to his bed. I wanted him to desire me in that way. And only me. It was a primal, ancient feeling.
“Tell me,” he whispered, his voice sliding like silk over my flushed skin. “What?” My own voice came out breathless. “I am your favorite sin.”
“One thing I can promise,” his voice was deep and sensual in the dark, “is you won’t ever doubt it’s real when I touch you.”
The first licks of anger bubbled up,
“We’ll see about that.”
“Love and hate are both rooted in passion.”
“Have I ever told you your anger is like my own personal aphrodisiac?”
“My future husband cannot see me like this.”
“Do you think I’ll like him?” Wrath’s steps never faltered, but he held me a little tighter. “Time will tell.”
“Take care of me. You said you wouldn’t…”
From somewhere far away, I could have sworn he whispered, “I lied.”
Statues and flowers. Fire. Hearts in jars, a wall of skulls.
“sometimes I think I want to be your friend. Despite the past. Maybe aligning ourselves, our separate Houses, is something to consider.”
He spoke in whispers and hushed tones. Smoothed hair from my face with his big, tattooed hand. It felt like he was sharing a secret—something vital. Important in a way that would forever change my reality.
Little flowers and stars and snakes were carved into its doors. Crescent moons formed the handles.
Their tattoo
“If you enter his territory without his consent, it’s taken as a threat? Even if you’re doing his bidding?”
Its a rouse
“Sex isn’t viewed as shameful or sinful here, Emilia. Attraction and desire are part of the natural order of life. Mortals put restrictions on such things. Princes of Hell do not.”
“If you are interested in sex but fear passion or intimacy, you may experience a higher rate of sexual desire until you work through your personal issues regarding it. Which one intimidates you?”
I was woefully inexperienced in certain areas. I hadn’t thought about bedding Pride, or considered any other wifely duties I might be required to complete.
I didn’t notice while the demon held it across the room, but the flowers embroidered on it matched our tattoos.
Despite the broken magic, they kept growing like seeds that had been planted and tended.
“Acta non verba.”
Actions, not words.
They believe the end days are here and want to know if we’re preparing for war.”
“You know, in all the years I’ve known him, he’s never personally escorted anyone into the City of Ice.”
The more powerful the House, the colder the circle.”
He is the devil
Then I stood up straight, pulled my shoulders back, and marched over to the human skull.
“Angelus mortis lives,”
“Fury. Almost free. Maiden, Mother, Crone. Past, present, future, find.”
I replayed the message in my mind. The angel of death lives. Fury. Almost free. Maiden, Mother, Crone. Past, present, future, find.
She’d said something about a cunning thief stealing the stars and drinking them dry. That he was coming and going. That it should have been impossible…
Wrath, Envy, Greed, and Lust. One of them had to be the angel of death.
