It only made me kiss him harder, faster. I tugged at his shirt, wanting it off. I wanted nothing between us. Buttons hit the ground as I yanked at the material. I dragged my fingers down the ridges of his hard stomach. His hands on my body felt like magic. It was more intense, more seductive than any spell. Somehow, we were now up against a column. I don’t remember moving. Maybe because all I could concentrate on was the way he was currently moving against me, hoisting me up. I wanted to rip off the rest of his clothes and see what else he could do. Discover what other feelings he could awaken in me. His hand slid down to my calf, then trailed up slowly, pulling my skirts with it. He didn’t stop, and I didn’t want him to.

I tipped my head back, giving him access to my throat again as he paused with his hand on my thigh. I leaned in to his touch, wanting him so badly I was almost driven to madness. Somehow I kept my hand on his chest, and pulled away from kissing him long enough to ask, “Was Envy lying when he said you need to deliver one more soul to gain your freedom?”

He startled away, but not before I got my answer in the form of a singular, thrashing beat of his heart. Understanding dawned before he shuttered his expression, and moved out from my reach. Anger filled the space around us, burning brighter and more furious than our passion.

“What is this, witch? Have you lowered yourself to kissing someone you hate after all?”

I stared at him, unblinking. It was true. I couldn’t manage anything besides a slight shake of my head. My eyes stung with unshed tears. Envy hadn’t lied—Wrath was after a soul. The realization hit me like a physical blow. I’d felt foolish when I discovered I’d accidentally betrothed us, but this?

I was going to be sick.

Wrath’s anger seemed to dissipate when he noticed the look on my face. He stepped forward, hand outstretched, stopping only when I shook my head again. He let his arm drop. “Emilia, I—”

“Don’t.”

He seemed ready to argue, but listened. Long seconds passed. I concentrated on steadying my breaths, letting my feelings untangle themselves. I was angry with him, but I was furious with myself more. I realized I’d wanted to trust Wrath. More than I’d even admitted to myself.

Even though I knew better, I wanted him to be the shining prince of this nightmare. I’d fallen under his spell and while there were times I loathed him, I’d also started to enjoy his company.