I accepted Wrath’s help up onto my horse—the gown was beautiful but didn’t allow me to swing my legs up. A detail I’d speak to the dressmaker about for future garments.
Two ebony hell horses trotted over to Anir and Fauna, and once they were settled and Wrath climbed onto his hound, we slowly marched toward the Sin Corridor. When we reached the base of it and started up the sharp incline, I felt the not-so-subtle prodding of each sin.
The trek through the mountain, then up the snow-covered pass, went by surprisingly quickly, though trepidation wound through me with each step the horses and hound took. A lot depended on whether my sister showed up. I was nervous to see if my theory was correct. And if it was, how Greed would react to me revealing the role he’d played.
Wrath shot a look of concern my way a few times but would hopefully believe my nerves were solely for being crowned in front of his brothers. He had enough on his mind with any potential witch attacks, and I didn’t want to distract him from his own mission.
Hopefully, all would go according to plan.
Our procession reached the top of an incline, and I immediately recognized the goddess tree, though it had shifted locations as Envy had claimed it would. I sensed the Sisters Seven lingering nearby. Celestia also hadn’t come to collect her spell book yet, and I silently prayed she didn’t choose this moment to want it back. Things would be tense enough if my sister showed up and followed my instructions.
“My lady?” Wrath nudged his hound close to Tanzie, who snuffed the hell beast.
“I’m ready.”
Wrath eyed me speculatively but didn’t press. His suspicion flickered over me and I flashed him a look I hoped comforted him. The six princes were already in attendance, waiting stoically for our arrival. Wrath helped me dismount, and the moment my feet touched the ground, the princes lined up, three to each side, forming an aisle for us to walk through.
Someone had created a small dais just large enough for Wrath and me to stand on. Behind it, in the distance, were the gates of hell, towering like two pillars of fear. My attention roved over the snow-covered ground. Aside from our gathering, there were no fresh tracks. No signs that the witches or anyone else might be lurking. I took that as one positive sign.
I also didn’t see my—
A thunderous crack rent the air, followed by a snarl. I spun around, relief shooting through me. My twin stepped out from a portal, looking like a queen in her own right. Vittoria flashed an annoyed look at the werewolf entering the realm by her side. “Domenico, mind your manners. If you ruin my sister’s evening, my hand will find its way into your chest.”
Wrath slanted a look in my direction but didn’t say anything. Pride and Greed, however, both exploded. “What is she doing here?”
I expelled a breath. I wasn’t even crowned queen yet and I already had to crush an inter-court squabble. “She is the goddess of death, your soon-to-be queen’s sister. And the sole ruler of the newly reinstated House Vengeance.”
“She is a murderer,” Greed spat.
“A title we all share,” I tossed back at him.
Pride’s gaze raked over my twin. Hatred flared in those strange eyes, but I could have sworn I saw something else in them, too. Something that suspiciously looked like hurt. He held his hands up and stepped back. “Just keep her away from me.”
Greed had his House dagger out, blade angled in my sister’s direction. “Thank you for this gift, brother. As already decreed, I am within my rights to collect my blood retribution.”
“Greed,” Wrath warned. “Don’t move.”
I pushed my way through the princes and looked at Domenico. “Where is your sister?”
It had already been silent, but I swore all sound ceased. Even the wind. Domenico’s jaw locked. “I want an oath from your prince that she will walk out of here if she so chooses.”
I inclined my head and looked to Wrath. “Will you grant his request?”
My husband searched my face before turning his focus on the werewolf. Wrath was putting an enormous amount of trust in me. An action that would not go unnoticed by the other princes. “Your sister will not be taken by any House of Sin against her will.”
Vittoria reached for Domenico’s arm, and he allowed her to hold on. Pride didn’t miss the action. And neither did Greed. He stepped forward and pointed his House dagger at Wrath. “You granted me a blood retribution. I am well within my rights to attack.”
“You were granted a blood retribution for the murder of your commander,” I said, my voice cold. “A murder that never occurred. Therefore, you are owed nothing. Put your dagger away. Now.”