Page 20 of Demon Reform Academy, Term 3

20

REED

I ’d kill her before she hurt my mate again.

Gripping the tablet tighter, my knuckles turning white as I read through the messages again.

Charlotte Vane

She’s marked for death, Reed.

Make the right decision.

Choose me.

It hurts that you kept her secret for her.

If we knew she was capable of destroying dark magic, we would’ve ended her long before you met her.

I know you’re reading these messages. Just talk to me.

Reed Nyx

You’re crazy.

Charlotte Vane

She’s corrupted you and turned you against me.

I’m your best friend, Reed.

Reed Nyx

You’re nothing to me.

I hate you for what you’ve done.

Charlotte Vane

Fine.

Have it your way.

She won’t be alive much longer, but I’ll be here for you when she’s dead.

Rage seared through me at each message.

Vane was twisted, and the desire to end her clawed at my thoughts. She’d always been there for me, but only after meeting Pandora had I realized that she preyed on the smallest flickers of doubt I had in myself. She tried to make me feel like she was the only one who understood me—and that wasn’t the truth at all.

She was never a good friend.

I hated her more than I’d hated anyone before.

Reaching out, I dropped the tablet on the bed next to me and let my fingers graze Comet's soft fur.

Gumdrop tilted his head over in his tank as if he were trying to understand me and comfort me.

“It’s okay, Gumdrop. I know it’s crazy, but I’m still too scared to jump into her dreams. If I wasn’t, Vane would be dead already.”

Gumdrop nodded understandingly.

“I was supposed to be able to trust Vane—I had trusted her, and look where that got me?” I let out a bitter laugh. “My mom’s dead and my mate’s on the radar of a dangerous cult.”

Gumdrop placed his little hand against the glass, and bubbles floated from his mouth.

“You’re right.” I glanced between him and Comet. “With you all and Pandora, plus her other mates, I have a family. But I have to keep all of you safe, now.”

Gumdrop nodded, and Comet purred as she rubbed her head against my leg.

I stopped petting her for a moment and reached for the tablet again. I couldn’t help myself; I read over Vane’s last message one more time.

Charlotte Vane

She won’t be alive much longer, but I’ll be here for you when she’s dead.

A chill crept over me.

Vane had never been my friend. I understood that much. The friend I’d trusted had never truly existed. Her true self was ruthless, and I wouldn’t hesitate if I had a chance to end her life.

My fingers moved without much thought as I typed back to her.

Reed Nyx

If you ever come near Pandora again, I’ll kill you before you ever see me coming.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Pandora stepped inside.

Her presence instantly calmed the anger pulsing through me. The moment our eyes met, I felt the weight of my emotions crash over me like a tidal wave. Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I tried to wipe them away, but they kept coming.

She was my safe space.

“Reed,” she rasped, rushing to my side after kicking the door shut. Without hesitation, she enveloped me in her warm embrace.

I melted against her, dropping the tablet again and feeling her heartbeat steady mine. “Pandora.”

“It’s okay,” she murmured, as our bond surged with protectiveness. “I’m here.”

I buried my face in her shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent of caramel. Her fingers weaved through my hair as her warmth wrapped around me like a soft blanket.

She was everything to me.

We snuggled deeper into the bed, and her body fit perfectly against mine like it always did. Feeling her heartbeat calmed the anxiety inside me. “I can’t lose you,” I whispered, my voice muffled against her.

“You won’t,” she promised, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. There was a fierce determination in her gaze, but I could see the shadows of worry lingering there, too. “I have you and the others to protect me. Plus, my dad and Jenni. And myself.”

“That’s true,” I mumbled.

Comet meowed in agreement.

“Let me show you something.” With a gentle smile, Pandora shifted her hands, guiding mine to rest against her breasts…or her chest. “You can sense souls now that you’re bonded to me. That can help you sense the intentions of those around us. It should ease your mind.”

I blinked. “I’d completely forgotten about that.”

“Close your eyes,” she instructed, her voice was raspy like a gentle breeze. I loved the sound of it.

I obeyed, taking a shaky breath as my eyelids fluttered shut.

“Now, feel the souls around you. They are alive and vibrant.”

I listened to her, trying to sense her soul without relying on our matebond.

Slowly, I began to feel it—a warmth radiating from her, a soft glow that pulsed like the rhythm of life itself. It was beautiful, just like our bond.

“Good.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “Now, reach out. Dad just taught me that we can actually sense animal souls, too. Can you sense Gumdrop?”

“Gumdrop?” I furrowed my brow, concentrating. There was a flicker, a gentle hum that resonated within me. “Yes. Fates, I can feel him!”

Gumdrop’s soul was pure. I knew that without a doubt before sensing it, but now, I knew.

My eyes shot open. “It’s different than yours, but I’m sure all souls are different than yours.”

“Maybe a little.” She giggled. “You should be able to sense Comet too.”

I turned my attention to the fuzzy calico curled up next to me. The sensation was slightly different but still familiar, a playful energy that danced within her tiny form.

“This is incredible,” I murmured.

Pandora leaned in closer, and her forehead rested against mine. “ You’re special, Reed. I love your soul so much, and now, you have the power to understand souls. You won’t have to wonder if someone wants to do us harm now.”

I felt a surge of warmth at her words, and our gazes locked. “I love you, dream girl.”

“I love you, too. We’re going to be fine,” she rasped, and I knew—no matter what Vane had threatened, I would protect her.