Page 27 of Demon Reform Academy, Term 3

27

PANDORA

T he storm rolled across the desert like a living thing, its rumbles and flashes of blinding light echoing in the vast expanse of darkness. Sheets of rain battered the rocky terrain above, carving tiny rivers in the sand that snaked their way toward the shimmering lake below. Lightning fractured the darkness in jagged streaks, briefly revealing the water’s surface—a place I’d drowned in months ago—before plunging it back into the moonless night.

I sat with my knees on the damp, sandy ground with Nebula on my lap, his skull gleaming faintly in the storm light. The grooves of his bone caught raindrops that slid down like tears. Dark magic oozed along with the rain.

“You’ve come so far, Pandora,” Nebula hissed, his tone brimming with pride. “From that Fates-forsaken cellar...to now .”

The words made my chest ache. He was right. I had come far.

Closing my eyes, I let the rain soak through my silk nightgown, plastering it to my skin. The thunder rumbled in my bones, a sound so primal and raw that it felt like home.

Storms were how I knew I was still alive growing up, and they brought me immense comfort even now.

“Do you remember?” I asked softly, my fingers tracing patterns on his skull. “That night Penny left the cellar door open? I could smell the rain, and I loved it until it started to spill into the cellar…by the time Penny came back, the water was up to my neck. I honestly thought I was going to die that day.”

Nebula’s voice softened. “You were nine years old, Pandora. You didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. You were just a child, and I…” He hesitated. “I couldn’t help you. I could only watch.”

“When I was submerged, chained to the floor as I tried to tiptoe to keep my head above the water, you told me what it was like...to be free of the chain,” I rasped, my throat aching.

I’d almost forgotten that memory. It was locked away until now. I was surprised the near-drowning didn’t bring it back.

Instead, it just came to me now.

Nebula chuckled. “I remember. You made me promise that you’d see a storm in the open for yourself one day.” He paused, his voice lowering. “And now you have. You can continue to. You’re not just free, Pandora. You’re living .”

Tears blurred my vision, mixing with the rain as I opened my eyes and looked down at him—my best friend, my constant companion through every nightmare and vicious moment I’d endured at the hands of Penny Bones. His hollow sockets, seeping what I now knew was dark magic, felt like they held endless depths. They were an unwavering strength I’d leaned on for as long as I could remember.

“You’ve always been here for me,” I murmured.

“I know.” His tone shifted. “I have to admit, I never thought I’d like your three delinquent mates. I thought they’d just hurt you again,” he sighed dramatically. “But they proved me wrong. They love you, Pandora, truly. And they stand up for you, fight for you...just as they should’ve done from the beginning.”

A flash of lightning illuminated the bluff, revealing Dex standing just at the edge of the shadows. His fog-gray eyes gleamed in the momentary light, and his soaked hair clung to his face and neck. The tattoos on his arms seemed to ripple as he watched me, giving me a soft smile.

He was only able to relax when his eyes were on me.

Everywhere I went lately, he was right there. It wasn’t anything unwelcome, though. I felt safe with him close by.

I’d never feel comfortable coming here alone again, but I didn’t have to—I had mates that would come with me.

“They are good for you, Pandora. All five of them are,” he whispered. “I’m thankful you have that.”

“They are.” I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me despite the chill of the rain.

The storm picked up, the wind howling menacingly, but Nebula’s voice cut through it. “You were a caged demon once, but look at you now. You’ve built a life, Pandora. A family . You’ve survived more than anyone should, and yet you’re here. You’re thriving. I’m so proud of you. You need to know that.”

The tears I’d been holding back finally broke free down my cheeks, mingling with the rain. “ You helped me get here, Nebula. I wouldn’t have survived without you.”

“And you wouldn’t be here without yourself. You fought for this, Pandora. You are the one who fought so hard. I was only capable of encouragement.”

I exhaled shakily, running my hand over his rain-slick skull. “You did more than you’re owning up to. Thank you, Nebula,” I whispered, the words barely audible over the roar of the storm.

“Anything for you.” His words lingered as he de-manifested.

Dex stepped completely out of the shadows, his boots crunching on the wet sand as he moved next to me. “Want some more company, trouble?”

“Please,” I rasped.

The storm raged on, but for the first time in my life, even with Dark Veil striking against me, I felt utterly at peace. Nebula was right.

I wasn’t alone anymore, and I never would be again.