Claudia looped her arm through mine and guided us off the main road. “Fratello Antonio is worried about you. Since you were the one who . . .” She swallowed hard. “Now that he’s back from his travels putting rumors of shape-shifters to rest, it might be good to speak with him. Just to help find solace.”

Solace was the furthest thing from vengeance and I wanted nothing to do with it. The brotherhood would advise me to say prayers and light candles like Domenico. Neither of which would help avenge my sister, or break the spell on her diary. Even if I confessed the darkest desires in my heart, there wasn’t anything Antonio could do to help me. He was just a human.

I mustered up a smile, knowing Claudia was coming from a place of love. And she had enough to worry about with her own unsettling visions. “I will talk to him. Soon. I promise.”

Claudia studied my face. “Make sure you visit me while you’re there, too. I miss you. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but you’re only alone if you choose to be, Emilia. Please don’t forget that you’re still living and are loved. And, if you let me, I can help.”

I pictured confirming her fears about her dream, telling her all about what I did last night; about the demon I’d plucked from the underworld and stashed away in ours. And not just any demon, but if he was to be believed, a prince of war. A demon so vicious and mighty he was the living embodiment of wrath.

If Claudia knew what I was planning next, I wondered if she’d still be willing to help.

I took one look at the determination in her eyes and decided she might.

“I . . .” I inhaled deeply. I didn’t trust Wrath with this secret, and Carolina couldn’t help, but maybe Claudia could. I pulled my sister’s diary from my satchel. “There’s a spell on this I can’t break. Your aunt said the magic wasn’t from this realm. It’s possibly demonic in origin.”

Claudia’s eyes widened as she brushed her fingers over the cover. “It’s . . . ancient.”

“Do you think you could find out what sort of magic was used?”

She nodded vigorously. “I can certainly try.”

“It’s dangerous,” I warned. “You can’t tell anyone you have it, or show it to anyone.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

I let the diary go. As I turned to leave, a shadow loomed above my friend and hissed, “He’s here.”

“What?” I half-screamed and stumbled back. It was the same disembodied voice I’d heard the night my sister had been killed. I’d never forget the sound. “Who is?”

“Who is what?” Claudia glanced around and then reached over to steady me. “Are you all right, Emilia? You look as if you’ve seen the devil.”

“I—”