pandora's sins

A wrench in your story we have not been made aware of. His very existence is a personal vendetta, there's no other reason more justifiable than the fact he was still allowed to breathe the same air as us. Revenge once sown deep in the fabric of our close relationship, dear, and now that he thinks it hasn't been fulfilled the way he imagined, he blames me. Had I been harsher, less attached to Greed or unwilling to forgive the Princes for the King's actions, they all would still be entrenched by their long-standing suffering. I did not physically leave his side, but I abandoned my son. Rhys can be a great leader if he wished, Finnian. You've seen such from yours and I'm hoping he will with your help. You are the First Heir for a monumental reason.

No, it's not wrong, but there's no need to go into deeper detail than we were together and then we weren't after it didn't work out. Once I find Benedict's location, I'll dispatch him quick and let his body rot for the worms to feast on, as it should have a long time ago. That means a lot, Pamma, honestly, but we both know that I don't make both of them proud here. I understand how this version of my father got to be where he is, but I cannot allow your Rhys to continue as he is. I will be talking to him, and I expect it to escalate quickly given his aptitude for anger.

A repeating lost love history, how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree between a son and his fathers. I understand. If there's a point where you'd rather not bother with Benedict, feel free to throw him at your Pamma's mercy. I've lost all direction on how to approach and speak with Rhys which is a tragedy I cannot fathom when we spent centuries together. It was a shared act of vengeance, but at least he did not revile my company. If you're planning on talking with him, Finn, try not to break anything valuable or ancient in the mansion.

Then let a witch hunt start. That is not an excuse– the council hurt us all, and I find it mighty convenient that you're stepping in now to save one witch. An endless cycle that will never serve a true merit in the end. I ask again, what punishment will you be giving her? A home, shelter over her head, the love of a coven that should have existed since you abandoned it? Does my brother have to die for something extreme to happen, or does something have to happen to me at the hand of demons for you to look at an issue critically? This isn't just about my family, it's about the danger she poses to everyone, and you're not seeing it. If you let her go without severe consequences, she will do this again.

You are starting to sound like your brothers and that is not a compliment, Gianna. As you need reminding and as you bluntly remind me, I wasn't there during the course of her punishment or the expansive chokehold the council gripped its members, but I am here now willing to save all witches. Alright, fine, if you are so desperate to know how difficult Emilia may be on the hook, there is a prison at the end of time Cronus once reserved for Kai if his situation became so out of hand. He didn't hurt your brother in such an extreme way, but he hurt Az nonetheless multiple times on his benders. Would you be queuing the torch and pitchforks or do you believe too he would deserve Mil's same punishment? We are all a danger to everyone with the titles and gifts we wield. The last two times were emotionally volatile moments, you don't know if she will do this again.

The person who sealed the door in Envy's mind was Azriel. We can't close my brother's mind, because the other one will just open it, unless we find a more permanent way to deal with it. Excuse me? Leaving Emilia's fate in your grandson's hands is the last thing I want to do right now. My focus is, and always will be, the well-being of my brothers. What will the punishment be for her crime? She hasn't technically killed my brother yet, and her abilities are powerful to anyone she aligns herself with. What more will she receive than a slap on her hand if she goes back to the coven? Forgive me if I don't exactly believe that the Heir will provide justice that is suitable of the crime.

Then we cut off access and destroy his way of getting in and out forever. Gianna, it is not your or your brother's responsibility to decide who lives and who dies by your judgement. I find it coincidental you cast the same vengeful net upon your enemies just as I have once upon a time, but darling girl, the more you spread the word is the greater chance you kickstart a witch hunt. You may think she deserves it in the name of your son and your brother, but the council did nothing but warp her into the weapon far longer than when you became a mere speck of an idea. She does not know how to operate without a coven. That does not excuse Emilia's actions by a long shot, however, I'll personally guarantee the punishment fits the crime. Even as you claim anything short from certain execution won't be enough.

Kai and Azriel did learn from the stunt they pulled with Ulric, and I know that they would keep Marina safe, but another variable has been introduced into the mix. A bargain was made for Azriel's body to be taken over by the psyche of a different Az in order to kill Bellora. He'll be on a warpath if Kai and I don't put a stop to it after he does what he's been bargained to do.

I see.

Oh, Finny, I detect a hint of close familiarity with your version of Fraser, is that impression wrong? A blood locator spell would wrap up Benedict's self-inflicted exile and send the rest of the council members scattering if they aren't already deceased. You make your fathers both so proud, my grandson, you've inherited Rhys' ferocity and Uriel's kind-hearted benevolence. A true First. We'll be right there fighting beside you.

I have half a mind to make you popcorn while you watch. If there happens to be a moment where the two of you combine forces against him, verbally or otherwise, please invite me so that I may get entertainment of my own. I'm glad to hear that little Valentin is safe for now. He has many people looking out for him, which should put your sister at ease so she may focus on Henrik. Or Orion, if she would allow herself to relax.

I have already mustered a list of delicacies for your viewing pleasure, my love, so you will not hunger as you watch us rip that man's puny pecker from betwixt his legs and force feed it to him while he begs for reprieve. I trust no one greater apart from myself and my sister to protect her son or Robin than our newly minted First Mother. Ah...the pining between Orion and Varya is especially strong this season, dearest. Perhaps, you and I could help that blossoming romance right along as we've attempted with El and Rhys. She will slip away back to Russia as soon as the war's done, let's give her a very enticing reason to stay.

He is. The other worms in his entourage confessed more of his sins, and Benedict had far too much pull for a council member and trainer. However, while I find a way around his pesky cloaking spells, I will gladly help with the goddess situation. I'll pull what enforcers and hex witches we have left and get them ready, and I'm as ready as always for a fight.

See, it always comes down to who your true allies are and who are not if they give you up so swiftly. He ran rampant without a leash, darling, but now it's time we put him down to pasture. I would start with his son Fraser, I've heard he's done nothing but insult and undermine that boy since conception. We have a war ahead of us, yet, I know you will harbor in our victory.

Perhaps not, but it feels like my fault. I know she's strong and capable of coming out the other end of this okay with my brothers around, but a part of me worries about her exposure to them.

It's your house, the burden of your title, to absorb the responsibility is only natural. Ah...so, this is not only about the girl's exposure to the goddess of war, but the close proximity to your brothers. What has you worried, dear? That Marina will fall into the very same unhealthy patterns you rescued her and the others from? Gianna. I'm sure Kai and Azriel learned their lesson.

It has, Pamma. I have a few on my list to bring forward for judgment, but they're slippery and elude me for the moment. It only proves they get the punishment they inevitably deserve when I get my hands on them.

Hopefully, the most slippery of all in the form of Benedict is at the top of your list? You are your father's son, dear, and a true First in all our glory. Perhaps, you can now help with the goddess situation.

This isn't a failure on your part, sweet girl. Marina will play her role and then she will return to you soon enough.

That I do, my darling. City abuzz as it is, usually people say that with subtle fear, though you're as radiant as ever. I suppose the extra time with your sister is helping.

You know how I relish a city gone awry, it's a source of entertainment. Varya and I share in our love of knocking men down a peg, especially Henrik. Her son is safe from him for now.

Sleepless nights, countless tribunals, and tracking down errant council members lead to a barely functioning coven, but it's functioning.

I expect your time away wrangling the treacherous council members proved fruitful?

The city is abuzz, my dearest, and I could use a special cup. How you know me so well.

I know the answer to that question, it's the new moon. There's a good chance that even with finding this weakness and weaponizing it, we might be too late. Cronus advised that Henrik will be targeting Violet, and we both know that it's best he doesn't get his hands on her. In any capacity.

Then we shall work quickly, darling, the new moon is coming very soon. And let me guess, Cronus could not tell you exactly why or when Henrik would target that poor girl. I know what our little vampire friend is capable of when he sets sights on a woman. Violet's powerful in her own right, Beau. An easy target, especially knowing who she has been spending time with.

Enjoying the small moments before the battle is a necessity. That was exactly my thought, and why I immediately came your way. It's called a Veil orchid. Only blooms during certain moon phases, no doubt highly protected by Henrik's ilk. It's important we find it quick– the safety of one of my friends depends on it, more than most.

I saw you at the party with my granddaughter, dear, I know exactly who you are and which brother you hail from. You're here about the vampires, I assume?

Right... duh, of course you would know, but yes, it is about the vampires. I've recently learned of their true weakness, and I need help tracking it down. Figured I would go straight to the top of the witch food chain for assistance.

You seemed a little too preoccupied for me to come spoil your time with my introductions. Knowing a vampire's weakness would turn the tide of a war, Beau, you came to the correct person aside from my sestra. An intricate but quick location spell should do the trick. What is this weakness?