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Did he just admit that not only there wasn’t a curse, but it was all a joke?

This is what ruined my life? My relationship?

Tears prickle at my eyes, and I almost feel relieved to know I can still cry, but they never actually come.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Wren roars, surprising me as she jumps to her feet and stabs a finger in Lucifer’s direction. “You jokingly told someone that their love life was cursed? Someone who turned out to be your daughter’s mate? Who the hell does that?”

Look at my non-confrontational sister standing up for me.

Another time I wish I could feel something more than bone tired because I’m so fucking proud of her. Although, it would bebetter if she learned to stand up for herself. At least she is standing up for something.

“I’m not a fortune teller, Wren. There was no way I could know that Nex would be Audrey’s mate. Or that I would even have daughters.” He sighs. “But I am sorry for the pain it caused you, Audrey. Don’t worry, I’ll make it right.”

I don’t think I like the sound of that. “There’s nothing to make right.”

“But there is,” he assures me before straight up disappearing.

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

“Are there any other secrets that need to be shared? Anything else that’s going to throw us for a loop when it’s revealed?” I ask, ready for a nap.

I’m glad I was able to see my mom, but like most things right now, being here is weighing on me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this tired before. Where it hurts to move. Where even the smallest tasks feel like they’re insurmountable.

“None on my part. I really am sorry, girls. I’m not supposed to be earth-side, so I needed to find a way to be able to pass in the supernatural community. The two of you were unexpected—the best surprise of my life, might I add—so all I could think to do was to perpetuatethe lie to keep us all safe.” She sighs, burying her face in her hands. “Maybe it was the wrong choice—I don’t know. I just did what I thought was best. I know I’m not perfect, but it wasn’t done to hurt you intentionally. I never thought it would even come up.”

“It’s fine, Mom.” I stand up and pull her into a hug. “I love you, and I’m sorry if it sounded like I was berating you or anything. Nothing feels like it should right now. Nothing comes out sounding like it’s supposed to. Just know I love you.”

Mom sobs as she clings to me, waving her free hand at Wren, who quickly joins us. Mom pulls her into our hug as the two of them cry. I pat their backs, wishing there was more that I could do, but even that leaves me exhausted.

“I’m just so glad you’re both okay,” Mom says once she’s calmed down. “Losing the two of you was devastating, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

Before either of us can respond, there’s a thump that has us breaking apart and staring at Lucifer, who has just reappeared, but he’s no longer alone.

Chapter Five

Nex

Isit at my desk, staring out at my students as they work with their magic.

It’s been over a day since I walked out on Audrey and Brenden, and to say I’m in a shitty mood is putting things lightly.

I didn’t want to leave them, but it had to be done. I’m not going to allow this damn curse to hurt them.

Fuck. Maybe it’s time to see Lucifer about it.

It’s been a very long time, and technically, I guess my original punishment is up. Maybe he’ll be willing to revoke the curse on me. Surely, that’s a thing, right? There has to be a way to reverse curses.

I run my hand through my hair, likely leaving it in disarray as I sigh.

My students glance up at me, but when they notice me looking their way, they duck their heads.

Yeah, I might have been taking out my bad mood on them for the last two days.

“Nex Novak,” a menacing voice says near my ear, and I startle. “I believe you’re needed for a conversation.”

Jerking my head around, I try to figure out who the hell just snuck into my classroom, but their hand slips into my hair and jerks my head back before slamming it forward.

Pain courses through me as my face meets the table—which is not my desk. Blood explodes from my now-broken nose.