Page 92 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

‘Mental?’

She nodded, still unable to find my eyes in the dark, before she turned back to the God.

‘We had a deal, sweetheart.’ His eyes flicked onto mine as I tugged Sorrow behind me. ‘Perhaps I could add to your beloved’s tattoos?’

‘You dare and I’ll find every fraction of that heart and crush them into dust.’ I swallowed, my grip loosening on Sorrow. She’d never hide behind me anyway. And this woman, this incredible creature, had made a deal with the most powerful God in existence to save me.

Vyrus raised a brow as something like pride shone in his eyes as he stared my wife down. He crossed his arms, nostrils flaring.

Sorrow exhaled, threaded her trembling fingers through mine, and I squeezed tighter.

‘I’m not lying about the ruby in Asmar,’ she said, her voice steady as she faced the God who detested us. ‘How was I supposed to know? I’d practically forgotten about it till Raine mentioned it back there. I swore I’d return your heart and I will. Just help us end the empress and⁠—’

‘Deals off,’ he said, a muscle twitching in his face. ‘Thanks to Raine, I know where half of my heart is. I don’t need a little Villente. Deal. Gone.’

‘No.’ Sorrow raced to grab him, but this time I held her arm. Anger flashed through her eyes as she rounded on me, ebbing as I shook my head. She may possess the gall to take on a God, but I wasn’t certain we’d survive. Her shoulders slumped as she returned to my side.

This woman, the bravest soul to ever walk Eusis, was barefacedly lying to the God of Vengeance in return for my freedom from the tattoo. She was still hiding the ruby Mother had placed in her bloodstained hands. We both knew what would happen were she to give it back to the God. But to lie, defy Vyrus?

Hawk – Vyrus – nodded, turned, and disappeared into the night, leaving us with a final warning.

‘If you tell a single soul who I am, I’ll know. I could be an ocean away and I’d still tear your brains out.’ I stumbled into Sorrow. She clutched me, kept me from falling.

‘I think,’ I said, rubbing my pounding temples, ‘we need to talk.’

CHAPTER 34

SORROW

This mysterious ‘third’ family. If they exist, then I shudder to think how they’re being trained. Perhaps they pass the knowledge from generation to generation. The thought sends shivers down my rickety old spine.

​— ​MRS GLESNI GRACE, ADVICE FOR MENTORS: THIRD EDITION

Guilt writhed through my veins, splitting and biting my conscience as Matthias sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands.

I lit another candle, silently grateful that it wouldn’t be enough to illuminate his expression.

‘Well,’ I said, brushing down my dress. ‘We certainly have a knack for holding memorable weddings, don’t we?’

I couldn’t be certain if it was my weak eyes or if an injured smile curled the corner of his pale lips. My fingers twitched as he shook his head. It was our wedding night and I wanted nothing more than to tousle those soft locks. Instead, I brushed the skirts again, my heart twisting. Matthias dropped his hands, tilting his head.

‘You knew.’ His voice cracked as his eyes met mine. ‘How long have you known the God of Vengeance walks beside us?’ He snorted. ‘Apparently, drinking us dry.’

My hands cupped his jaw. His hands twitched before settling on my waist.

‘Not long. I thought… At first, I thought he was a Deviant. I’m struggling to balance the two gifts.’ Matthias pulled me to his lap, one hand brushing down my cheek as his eyes scoured my face. I gripped his hand and shook my head. ‘I’m a liability. But there’s more…’

His eyes widened. ‘Don’t tell me. You’re Evella and the wolf’s Ronin.’

My laugh was fleeting. ‘Not quite. But the wolf…’ I glanced over to the spot by the fire where he should be sprawled out. He’d decided to wander off after Matthias took my hand. ‘I’ve never truly understood how he survived.’

His knuckles raked down my cheek, igniting a torturous path of flame. ‘So, apart from dealing with the empress, the fact that I’ve lost my throne, my mother…’ His voice shattered. ‘My brother, my people hate me and the God of Vengeance has returned.’ He sighed as his thumb traced my jawline and I inched closer. ‘What else are we adding to this pile, love?’

Softly, I traced his brow, lingering by his hooded eyes. Gods, every time I tried to sift through the layers of Vyrus’s confession, I muddied the truth. Speaking it out loud, saying it, making the implausible a reality? Then a warm glint of patience lit up his eyes. He’d wait till the world crumbled to ash to give me time to gather my thoughts. I inhaled a sharp breath as his hand slipped behind my neck.

‘Well.’ I straightened. He was my tether and I sorted through the right words. ‘You know how I’m a Villente?’ He inclined his chin. ‘And we all know the old legend, how Evella blessed Chastity’s line in thanks for banishing Vyrus?’

I reached up, losing my fingers within his silken locks.