Second Part: Pacts of Blood and Shadows

The candle flickered as Emilia traced the circle of salt on the floor. Her hands trembled, but not from fear. Rage burned within her, devouring any caution. The words of the spell slipped from her lips, carried by a voice that no longer seemed her own.

The flame went out.

The air thickened with the scent of sulfur and iron, and a shadow materialized at the center of the circle. Golden eyes pierced through her like a sharpened blade. The creature she had summoned was no ordinary demon. Not a mere servant of Hell.

It was Wrath, the Prince of Fury.

—Do you know what you’ve done, streghetta ? —His voice was deep, tearing through reality like a storm.

Emilia swallowed hard. She knew she had to show courage.

—I want a pact —she declared—. I want to find my sister’s killer.

Wrath studied her for a moment that felt eternal. Then, with a wave of his hand, the candles reignited, and the circle of salt dissolved.

—You cannot ask me that without offering something in return.

—Name your price.