“What do you know about Pride’s consort? How was she murdered?”
“Interesting, if not an aggressive, subject change.” Anir put some cheese on a slice of crostini and topped it off with prosciutto. “My unsolicited advice? Take a subtler approach with information-gathering here. The royal Houses are ancient and antiquated in their ways. They won’t give you anything if you demand it or openly ask about it. It’s considered rude and uncouth. Plus, they do not believe in giving without gain. You ask for something, you better be prepared to pay a price.”
I worried my lower lip between my teeth, thinking. Anir offered truth and advice freely. If I had to gamble on any friendship here, perhaps I should bet on him, regardless of his close connection with Wrath. I set my glass down.
“I’m not sure how to bring that up in a more casual or innocuous way. If I’m being truthful, I’m a bit overwhelmed.”
“Understandable. A lot is changing and quickly. I imagine it’s hard… processing so many emotions.”
It was an odd turn of phrase. “You must have traveled through the Sin Corridor. I doubt you have to stretch your imagination very far to understand how it feels.”
“True enough.” He took a sip of his wine, gaze searching. “You’ll need to gain the princes’ trust, become their friend. Let them conspire with you, seek you out. If you play into their egos and the sins they represent, they’ll offer up bits of useful information. Always be prepared to give up a secret or make a bargain. Pick things you won’t mind sharing or having used against you. Define the terms before you agree, or else they’ll bend things to their advantage.”
I exhaled. “I was hoping for a faster solution.”
“You’re involved in something spanning decades and realms. There is no such thing as fast or easy. This goes beyond the bloodshed on your isle. But if you start there, perhaps you’ll learn more. Narrow your list. Concentrate on who you think has the answers you seek. What information do you need most? What will be the most beneficial to your overall goal?”
“I don’t have an agenda. I’m simply curious. If Pride’s wife was murdered, and each of his next potential brides were, too, I want to avoid that same fate.”
“If that was completely true, you wouldn’t have come here at all.”
“I’m here to ensure demons don’t slip through the gates. I’m here to protect my family.”
Anir didn’t respond. We both knew that was only partially true. If I wanted answers about Pride’s consort and details of her life and death, I needed to go to Pride. Except he was locked in a childish battle of male ego with Wrath and I needed an invitation.
I hadn’t gotten anywhere with Envy, and his role in my sister’s murder was still murky. Discovering who killed the first consort might be the most helpful route to take with solving my mystery. And I hadn’t fully lied; knowing what happened to her would help me. It sounded like Anir knew more, but the way he’d phrased his statement brooked no room for entertaining that line of questioning. At least it was a subtle clue.
“Why did you choose to become a member of House Wrath?”
Anir didn’t answer right away, and I immediately regretted asking something that was likely personal. He heaved a sigh.
“After my parents were murdered, anger and wrath were my biggest comforts. He sensed that, saw the path I was on, and offered me a productive outlet for that fury.”
We weren’t dissimilar. “How long have you been here?”
“Hmm. Time is peculiar here. A mortal hour might be a week. A month, a decade. All I know is it’s been a while.” Anir took a generous pull of his wine, eyes narrowed. “Your turn. What did you do to him?”
“I’m not sure I follow your meaning. What happened?”
“He went out and brought down an entire mountain on the western edge of the Undying Lands. We’ve got letters pouring in from House Lust and House Gluttony so far. They believe the end days are here and want to know if we’re preparing for war.”
“Why is it whenever a man throws a tantrum a woman is blamed for his poor behavior? If Wrath acted like an idiot, he accomplished that all on his own. I don’t see why his temper is so shocking. He is the living embodiment of wrath. I’m sure you’ve seen him angry.”
Anir smirked over his glass. “You’re certain he was mad?”
“What else would he be?”
“Pick another emotion.”
“Does being a prideful bastard count?”
“Your room, your rules. But I don’t think he was angry or prideful.” His dark eyes twinkled. “You know, in all the years I’ve known him, he’s never personally escorted anyone into the City of Ice.” Whatever question he saw in my face, he clarified, “It’s what House Wrath is known as within the Seven Circles. The more powerful the House, the colder the circle.”
Explained all the frosty glass and crystal décor in my bathing chamber.
“I wouldn’t read too much into his supposed good deed. He had to escort me because of the contract. He needed my soul to settle his debt.”
“That was accomplished the instant you crossed into the underworld. He could have left you alone in the Sin Corridor. He should have.” Anir abruptly stood and headed for the door in the antechamber. He tapped his fingers on its frame and glanced back at me. “He’s on the seventh-floor balcony now. In case you wanted to fight some more. I think it’s good for him. Being challenged. You certainly get under his skin.”
Like a poisoned splinter straight to the heart, no doubt. It was tempting, and I might have done just that, if I hadn’t noticed an object placed on the edge of the bed.
Something that didn’t belong and hadn’t been there a few moments before. I bid Anir good night and pressed myself against the closed door, silently counting the increased beats of my heart as I stared into the other room.
Fear. This realm thrived on it. And I would deprive it in every way I could.
I exhaled slowly, counted to ten.
Then I stood up straight, pulled my shoulders back, and marched over to the human skull.
SIX