Page 22 of Demon Reform Academy, Term 3

22

PANDORA

T he sun hung low in the afternoon sky, casting long shadows as I walked alongside Bram and Reed.

“It’s so hot,” I complained, waving my hand to cool me off.

“It’s always hot,” Reed supplied with a quick kiss to my head.

“The downside of the Demon Capital is the lack of weather. Winter really only brings more thunderstorms, but no cooler temps.” Bram opened the door to Reform Hall and held it open.

The enchanted cool air blasted over me as I walked in. “Even those are fleeting.”

“No kidding.” Bram frowned, glancing over toward the far side of the lobby.

The scent of banana berry hit me as Ironwood walked toward us.

I didn’t have any classes that he taught this term, but he looked the same as always. Curly auburn hair, a pair of unsettling brown eyes, and that distinctive scent. He was easily one of the most unnervingly charismatic professors at the academy.

But he hurt Bram by holding what his mother did against him, and Hunter hated him. Therefore, I hated him, too.

“Gravesend,” Ironwood greeted with a blinding smile. “I hear that you’ve mated your counselor, Darkmore.”

I stiffened, feeling Bram tense beside me.

Reed frowned and stepped slightly in front of me. “She’s also mated me.”

“Seems she has.” He smiled at Reed, but his gaze flicked back to me. “I could offer my assistance in Darkmore’s case,” Ironwood continued, leaning slightly closer. “A fresh perspective, no conflict of interest.”

Bram scoffed. “You're not a counselor, Ironwood.”

Ironwood's gaze flicked to Bram, a shadow of anger passing over his features before a smile returned. “Just an offer,” he said, winking at me.

A chill zipped down my spine.

Before I could respond, Chaos, Bram's wolf, manifested with a low growl. The ethereal wolf snapped at Ironwood's ankles, a protective snarl rumbling in his throat.

My eyes widened in surprise.

“Control your wolf, Hemlock,” Ironwood snapped, irritation flaring in his eyes.

Reed stepped forward again with his hands up as Chaos walked back toward me and licked my hand. “Apologies, Ironwood. Bram didn't mean any harm. Chaos is just...protective of Pandora since Bram and her are also mates.”

“They are?” Ironwood studied us for a moment, and his smile returned, albeit colder. “Very well. Just a misunderstanding, then. Have a good term.” With a final glance in my direction, he sauntered off, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Bram sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. “I’m sorry, Pandora. I didn't mean to make things worse.” He reached into his pocket and awkwardly handed me a small bird skull, delicate and white, along with a folded piece of paper. “Here,” he mumbled before turning and leaving.

I opened the paper, revealing a poem in Bram's handwriting. Reed’s arm slid around my waist as we read it together.

In darkness cast by regrets,

I seek raw forgiveness.

To mend the pain and heal the scar,

To be a better fated.

The poem was beautiful. Like his poems always were. Bram's talent shone through each line, and I felt a tug at my heart.

My soul craved his, desperately. I could see just how much effort he was putting into changing for himself…and for me.

“He's good at conveying his feelings this way,” Reed murmured.

I nodded, folding the paper carefully and placing it in my bag. “He is. I think...I think I might be ready to forgive him.”

Reed’s lips twitched into a smile. “As long as you’re ready, dream girl.”

I loved his support more than anything.