I swallowed hard, already fearing what was about to happen. Once the skull was placed on the edge of Greed’s desk, it magically came to life, speaking in a voice that raised the hairs along my body. Only this time the voice didn’t sound like my twin; it sounded like a true nightmare.
“Tick tock, goes the clock, counting down your dread. Unless you cede, you’ll watch more bleed. To pay you back, the next attack will be the highest head, dearest Prince of Greed.”
Greed settled his attention on Wrath again. “The monstrosity must have found out about our alliance. She no doubt believes I was acting on your behalf all along and, therefore, wanted to teach me a lesson for double-crossing her. This”—he jerked his chin at a second demon with a toad’s head, who quickly stepped forward, rolling a cart with a shroud over it—“is what’s left of my prized third.”
The toad demon yanked the shroud off the body, and the stench hit me at the exact time the horrid sight did. My hand flew to cover my mouth. There was hardly anything recognizable of the demon left. Chunks of bloodied meat, stringy sinew, some bones. Bones that appeared to have been gnawed on by great, serrated teeth. My stomach lurched.
“Goddess above.”
Each of the prince’s attention shifted to me, but I didn’t return any of their gazes. I refused to look away from the body. I was to be queen. And a queen, especially one hailing from House Wrath, didn’t shy away from the terrible parts of ruling. She welcomed them.
“What do you think attacked…” From what was left, I could not tell the sex of the victim.
“Vesta.” Greed moved to stand over the remains, his voice quiet. It was the first time I’d seen him act in any way human. Out of each of the princes I’d met, I always thought he didn’t care to play the role of anything other than a prince of Hell. “She was the commander of my army. Unique. Coveted by many.”
“Why was she coveted?” I asked.
Greed motioned for her to be taken away before answering me. “Because of her immense talent at strategy and battle.”
I didn’t say so aloud, but her immense fighting talent hadn’t saved her from her fate.
An unfamiliar demon slipped into the room as what was left of the body was rolled out. He slowly removed a bloodied pair gloves and tossed them into a garbage bin. His hair was a shade caught somewhere between silver and gold, as if it were too lazy to be bothered with choosing one color. I took in the shrewd eyes that were now studying me as closely, a blue so pale they could only be described as ice. He slowly turned his attention to the princes.
“It’s as we suspected.” His words came out in a quiet drawl. “Werewolf attack.”
“You’re certain?” Wrath asked, coming to stand beside me.
“It’s either that or a hellhound,” the blue-eyed demon returned. “Have you set yours loose in other circles lately?” Wrath’s only response was an impressive glare. “Didn’t think so. There are few other creatures with the strength and power to cause those marks in the bone. Given what we know of our main suspect and who she associates herself with, it’s the conclusion that makes the most sense. Especially combined with the rubies. Though I can’t rule out any other beast for certain. The lacerations were definitely made by claws, not a blade.”
“Father slay me,” Lust groaned. “Must you always speak as if you’re reciting a medical text?”
My interest shifted away from my own thoughts to regard the demons. The princes rarely spoke to other demons in such a derogatory manner, which meant this blue-eyed one was related to them. There was only one prince I hadn’t been formally introduced to, though I’d been curious after catching the briefest glimpse of him at House Gluttony during the Feast of the Wolf.
I studied the blue-eyed demon again.
“You’re the Prince of Sloth,” I said. He inclined his head but didn’t elaborate. “I thought you’d be—”
“Lazier?” Lust supplied. “He is, trust me. All he does is lounge about with his books. His House is one giant, messy library. Not an orgy or sinful tableau to be found in the whole of his circle. I can’t tell you the last time he engaged in debauchery. I bet he hasn’t even stroked his own cock in a decade. Fucking insulting to demons everywhere.”
Sloth gave his brother a slow smile that was anything but pleasant. “There are many texts in my collection that outline adventurous sexual positions. I probably know more ways to make a body shiver from pleasure than you do.”