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“It’s not my first,” Pride argued, though two spots of pink appeared high on his cheekbones.

“First reanimation in a century or so though, eh?” Greed leaned forward, his broad shoulders filling out the finely tailoredblazer, emphasizing his commanding presence. His thick, dark hair was styled in a slightly tousled, deliberate mess, appearing effortlessly disheveled yet undeniably expensive, with strands falling casually into place. The sharp angles of his jawline and the glint of emerald in his eyes highlighted his calculating, scheming gaze. He reached for a handful of grapes, his large fingers faintly stained with the remnants of fine wine, and carefully selected each one before popping them into his mouth with a small groan of appreciation. The sound of his smacking lips irritated me, but I stayed silent. My fingers dug into the leather armrests as I noted the faint gleam of gold at the corners of his lips, watching me with that sharp, assessing stare.

“What’s more, the girl is now working withLust.” Envy added on, gaze flicking between Pride and I.

Don’t clutch the armrest anymore. Act naturally.

“Really?” I drawled, trying to appear uninterested.

“Haven’t gotten into that little succubus who works there?” Gluttony asked me, sucking on his fingers. “I sent her your way as a peace offering.” His head tilted to the side, one eyebrow lifting in confusion.

I had nothing to say. No smart comeback, or even an attempt at a denial.

And I should have. I should have joked back that I hadn’t tasted her yet, but would, or that I’d already had, several times.

Something was wrong with me. Sweat broke out on my back, and in a moment I suddenly had the undivided attention of all of my brothers.

Because it wasn’t like me, was it? I wasLust.In any other circumstance, I’d have jumped at the chance to be with another supernatural being who I didn’t have to worry about accidentally killing her mid-coitus.

But I hadn’t.

Because of the stupid, stray witch.

“So, Lust, whathasbeen happening with you?” Envy asked wryly.

I’d punch Envy right in his stupid, smug little face. I’d break his nose and–

“Lust.” The reprimand from Gluttony was one word, but it sent a shudder down my spine.

“I–” My throat closed up, as though Gluttony had his cold, dead hands around my neck. But he didn’t. They all just sat there, waiting.

Deflect. Detract.

“Why did you reanimate her anyway?” I asked, inwardly euphoric it came out somewhat normally.

Every head swung to look at Pride, who blanched.

The urge to pound my fist in the air was strong, but I stuffed it down.

“Er, I...seemed like a good time to try, with Hades away...” He pulled at the collar of his shirt.

Gluttony’s lips thinned. “Conducting rare magick when your Master isn’t at home should you fuck it up isn’t veryyou.”

“Oooh, he’s got you there.” Greed grinned.

Pride’s face twisted. “I just...I just...”

Gluttony leaned forward in his chair, a silent order for Green and Envy to shut the fuck up. Even Sloth glanced up from his book, eyes darting up to Pride with interest.

“What is it?” Gluttony asked patiently.

Silence settled over us like a thick layer of fog.

“I just...couldn’t let her become like all the other wraiths. It felt wrong.” Pride glanced up, face carved from stone as though waiting for all of us to laugh in his face. Which was a likely possibility, any other time. We enjoyed taking the piss out of each other as often as we could, but there was something about the way Gluttony sat leaning on one side, shoulders and arms oddly tense in his leather armchair.

“Pride, don’t–” G began.

“I think she’s my mate.” Pride burst out.