Page 18 of Demon Reform Academy, Term 3

18

brAM

“ I ’m fine,” Pandora emphasized for the millionth time. Irritation flickered in her red eyes, but her lips curled with a weary smile.

I lingered by the door as Death stood close to Pandora. His gaze on her was relentless, tracking her every move as if his sheer will would protect her.

Jenni flitted from one side of Pandora to the other, murmuring gentle words. Her hand brushed Pandora’s shoulder in reassurance as she talked to her.

It struck me then how out of place I felt. I was a stranger in this family, but the matebond would eventually make them my family too. It was odd. I was used to indifference and violence I couldn’t escape. My family had only ever hurt me—except for Grandpa. Grandpa was different…and now, so was Slater.

“Hey, Bram, when did you slip that necklace into our room?” Reed’s voice broke through my thoughts.

“A necklace? I didn’t give her any necklace.” I frowned, shaking my head slowly. “I definitely didn’t slip anything into her room, either.”

A palpable silence fell as everyone exchanged tense glances.

“What necklace?” Death asked.

“There was a note that said it was from you.” Without another word, Pandora reached into her bag and pulled out a black stone necklace, holding it up so we could all see.

I peered closer, wracking my brain, but there was no flicker of recognition. “I’ve never seen it before in my life.”

Hunter took a step closer, his jaw clenched. “It’s enchanted,” he murmured, inspecting it. “It’s a common enchantment for witches. Weakens magical essence for their target.” His vengeance magic pulsed within the room.

“Sybil looked right at my neck the second I started using my powers,” Pandora whispered as a shiver ran through her.

Before any of us could react, Death reached over and snatched the necklace from Pandora’s hand, slipping it into his pocket with a dangerous glint in his eyes. “I’ll destroy it,” he vowed, his voice low and full of menace.

“Thank you.” Pandora sighed and sank further against Hunter’s bed. “Dark Veil knows now. They know I can destroy dark magic. They’ll come after me…differently. Sybil’s soul was downright murderous when she found out.”

The room filled with a sudden, oppressive silence as Death’s fury rippled outward, crackling in the air. We were all pissed off, but his growl rumbled rough enough that the room shook.

Jenni laid a comforting hand on Death’s back. “Pandora’s not alone in this. She has five mates for a reason—to protect her. Them and us? We’ll keep her safe.”

Somehow Jenni managed to keep Death from unleashing his full wrath.

He nodded, pulling Pandora close with a protective hug. “Keep me in the loop, okay?”

“I will.” Pandora smiled up at him as he pulled back.

“I’ll destroy the necklace and inform the council.” His dark eyes swept over all of us. “Keep her safe…or I’ll eat your souls.”

The threat was so matter-of-fact as if he were just telling us bye, and yet, it sent an undeniable chill through the room.

I swallowed, nodding, feeling the weight of his words sink into my bones. If he had it his way, he would’ve eaten my soul the moment I talked badly to Pandora in Serpentine Stadium—before I knew she was my mate.

“Of course we will,” Hunter said firmly. “She’s our mate. We will protect her with our lives.”

Jenni nudged him playfully. “No one doubts your willingness to protect her. We know you five have her back.” She winked at Pandora.

A relieved smile spread across Pandora’s plump lips, and the tension finally eased as Death and Jenni slipped out of the room. But the moment they left, the silence returned.

A sickening feeling settled over me. Why did they think I had planted that necklace? Why did they even believe that?

Not to mention, it was ugly—I had much better taste than that!

Pandora was already surrounded with her mates, each pressing in close, concern filling their eyes.

Reed’s gaze softened as he stared at her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded.

Hunter held up the enchanted water bottle and offered it to her. “Do you need anything?”

She gently took it and drank from it before handing it back. “That was good.”

Dex’s jaw was tight. “Just say the word, and I’ll kill anyone for you. Sybil Shaw included.”

“I’d rather have you here,” she rasped.

Skel puffed on his pipe and muttered, “Tell us what you need, princess. We’re all here.”

“I’m happy just having you all here.” Pandora’s gaze shifted to me. “Bram.” Her red eyes locked onto mine. “The necklace wasn’t your fault.”

My throat tightened, guilt pressing heavy in my chest. “I…I’m sorry. I’m being used against you.”

She shook her head. “No, Bram. You’re not.”

“Dark Veil’s to blame, not you,” Dex added.

Skel nodded, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “No one here believes any of this is on you.”

Despite their reassurances, I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at me. I’d seen the look Death gave me, and I knew, fault or not, he wouldn’t hesitate to eat my soul if I became a threat.

A shiver jolted down my spine. “Excuse me,” I mumbled, stumbling back toward the door. “I just…need a minute.”

I slipped out into the hallway and leaned against the wall, sliding down until I was sitting with my head in my hands for a few minutes.

After a while, I pulled out my tablet, fumbling with it until I could make a call.

It rang twice before Slater’s warm voice came through. “Hey, Bram!” His cheeriness was jarring, but I needed it, needed him—my brother .

“I’m being used against her,” I managed to say, my voice cracking.

“What are you talking about?” Slater’s tone sharpened.

“Dark Veil gave Pandora a necklace. Enchanted to weaken her magic. There was a note…claiming it was from me.” My hands shook as I clutched the tablet, my fingers tightening. “It’s my fault. They’re using me, Slater.”

He sighed, and I could practically see him shaking his head. “Listen, Bram. This isn’t on you. It’s a cult behind this shit. A twisted, dark magic cult, for crying out loud! You aren’t responsible for their insanity. Surely, your mate told you the same thing!”

I let out a ragged breath, feeling the faintest hint of relief. Slater’s unwavering confidence in me, his insistence on my innocence, all of that felt like a lifeline.

“She did tell me the same thing, but I just…I just want my mate. I want her safe. I want… I want to be enough for her.”

“You are enough,” Slater replied softly. “You’ll get through this. We’ll figure it out. But you can’t keep blaming yourself. You’re letting that necklace and that cult mess with your head. Go back to Pandora. She’s the one who needs you right now.”

Reality hit me with startling clarity.

I’d left her, left her surrounded by her other mates, sure. But I had left all because I’d let my own guilt drown me. “Thanks, Slater,” I said, standing up. “You’re right. I need to be there for her.”

“Anytime, Bram. Go get her,” he said, his smug grin evident even through the line.

Then, I got up off my ass and took myself back to where I belonged—at my mate’s side.