Lady Segrith of Sloth,Rune murmured, his tone wary.Our Seer.
Segrith opened her palms as she got closer, revealing eyes that glowed like vivid white. When they looked at Alora, it felt like being observed by something ancient and endless.
Her heart pounded wildly, her breath quickening as the Dominions approached, their glowing eyes intently studying the white tendrils beneath her skin.
Relax…Rune murmured in her mind as his fingers circled her racing pulse fluttering in her neck in reassuring strokes. He glanced at her dragon bracelet.Your scent is more potent when you’re afraid. The last thing my queen should ever show them is fear.
Exhaling a low breath, Alora forced her heartbeat to calm down and schooled her expression. His gaze stayed on their guests, but his mouth quirked in subtle smile.
Good girl.
Her cheeks warmed at the praise.They are…
The Fallen Dominions who rule the seven factions of demons within my court, and each represents one of the seven deadly sins. Pride. Greed. Lust. Envy. Gluttony. Wrath. And Sloth.
But Alora only counted six Dominions.
Who is the seventh?
Rune’s red eyes gleamed like coals of fire as he took a drink of wine.You’re married to him, love.
She stared at him, wondering which sin he represented. He looked nothing like the procession of grotesque creatures. Then Alora smirked when she realized it.
Rune’s flair of elegance-laced brutality could only bePride.
His faction had already been waiting in the hall when they arrived, and they stood near him now, gleaming and beautiful, and terrible, their smiles edged in vanity as they silently judged other factions.
Together, all seven were the embodiment of sin.
Seven crowns of the damned, gathered beneath one god.
The Dominions bowed, then every faction behind them kneeled. Rune tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement and they stood.
Morvenna came forward first, her smile languid and sharp. “For the Shadow Queen,” she purred, offering a diamond vial shaped like a teardrop, its contents swirling with molten gold. “A draught brewed from the essence of desire itself. A single drop grants the drinker the vigor to enjoy a long night of pleasure.” She smiled at her knowingly. “And to aid the body to withstand it, where necessary.”
Alora’s cheeks burned and she squirmed, aware again of her position on Rune’s warm lap.
The corners of Rune’s mouth curved in amusement. “How generous,” he murmured, playing with a lock of her hair. The faint tickling of her scalp sent a current down her neck. “Though I suspect your intentions are less holy than your tone.”
Morvenna smiled wider, the snake wrapped her throat flicking its tongue. “Temptation is holy, my king. At least in my court.”
Rune smirked. “Then may you have it in abundance.”
The demoness squealed happily at her blessing and scampered to Ira’s side.
I think we’ll enjoy that one,Rune purred in her mind.
Alora tried to ignore him but stifled a gasp when his shadows glided around her ankles, sliding up her thighs like invisible hands. A blush heated her face. They moved torturously slow, each inch making her heartrate climb.
What are you doing? The others will notice.
His nose grazed her ear, words like dark silk.Only if you give yourself away.
Alora tried to stay very still as the Lady of Greed approached next.
Nexia presented them with a chest overflowing with coins and jewels that gleamed with unnatural light. “A token of devotion for the Queen of Shadows. Let her reign glitter brighter than my own.”
Rune tilted his head, red eyes gleaming. “I trust this treasure will not turn to foam by morning. Your vaults will be blessed to never run dry, so long as you give with generosity.”
