Page 42 of Demon Reform Academy, Term 3

42

brAM

T oday marked the first time Pandora willingly planned to spend time with me.

The desert was calm chaos—an oxymoron only a chaos demon could understand. Distant caws of birds and faint scurrying of small creatures over the grainy sand filled my ears as I stalked around the ruins of Rapture Cavern.

My eyes were fixed on the ground, searching for a skull. Not just any skull, though, a bat’s skull. Something delicate, something to remind Pandora how much I cared for her.

After hours of searching, my gaze fell upon a tiny sun-bleached bone surface nestled in the golden sand. My heart skipped a beat as I crouched down and carefully lifted it between my fingers. A bat’s skull. Or…at least, I was pretty sure that was what it was.

Skull identification was harder than it seemed, but I threw myself into learning them the moment I knew Pandora liked them. I mean, she had Nebula. He was a kitten skull for Fate’s sake.

This skull was fragile-feeling with large eye sockets and small nasal passages. Its high-domed cranium and sharp canines confirmed my hopes.

I smiled, blowing the sand off gently. It was perfect. One of the smallest skulls I’d gifted her, but it held meaning.

Poetry in skulls.

A reminder that beauty could be found in the most fragile things—just like our matebond.

I pulled the crumpled poem I’d spent hours on yesterday from my pocket and smoothed it out. My handwriting was a fucking mess, but the words…they were from my heart. Poetry was the aftermath of me piercing my heart and letting it bleed on the page.

I read through it to make sure it was good enough to give to her.

Delicate,

Fragile,

Beautiful,

Misunderstood,

Powerful.

These words come to mind when I think of you?—

Of our matebond,

A thread of shattered glass,

With light dappling through.

You make my broken pieces feel whole.

I was brutal, unknowing, and unfair,

I am remorseful, aware, and undeserving.

I’m the reason our matebond splinters.

How does one convey the weight of a thousand apologies when the damage has been so profound?

“Sorry” will never be enough.

My lips twitched up in success. Poetry had always been my escape, a way to make sense of the emotions I couldn’t figure out how to say. Speaking wasn’t my strong suit, but writing was.

With the bat skull and poem in hand, I headed back to Bound Dormitory. My stomach churned with nerves as I made my way to Pandora’s room.

What if she hated it? What if she thought it wasn’t as cool as the other skulls?

Standing outside her door, I took a deep breath and knocked.

She opened the door, and I could’ve sworn her red eyes lit up when she saw me. Fates, she was beautiful. The way her long, dark hair fell like silk over her shoulders always caught my eye.

My heart pounded as I stepped inside, feeling awkward and out of place.

“Bram,” she said, her voice warm but curious. “Are you okay?”

I stood there, frozen for a moment before fumbling with the skull in my hand. “I found this for you,” I muttered, holding it out to her like some nervous schoolboy. What was wrong with me? “And…I wrote you something.”

A small smile spread over her lips as she took the skull from me. Her fingers brushed against mine, and my heart raced. “Thank you.”

“A bat skull?” Reed asked, his brows knitting together as he looked at it. He was squatted over by Gumdrop’s tank, feeding him.

The axolotl gave me one look before turning his back to me.

I nodded, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “Yeah, it reminded me of…you know, beauty in something fragile. Like, uh…Pandora. Not that you’re fragile. You’re anything, but.”

She looked down at the skull, studying it with fascination. “I love it.”

I swallowed hard and dropped to my knees before her once again.

“You know, I need to grab something from Hunter’s room.” Reed shot to his feet. “Be sincere. You’re doing great,” he murmured to me as he fled the room.

Gumdrop rolled his little eyes as he watched Reed leave to give us space.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer. “I was a huge asshole, a fucking idiot . Each day, I’ve felt the consequences of my words. You made me feel, and I didn’t like it, so I was fucking stupid. I may thrive in chaos like you said Pandora, but the greatest force I’ve ever faced has been the fury of your disappointment in having me as a mate. I?—”

“Bram, stop,” she interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. “You’ve already apologized.”

“I know.” I sucked in a ragged breath. “I know I’m unworthy of your forgiveness, but?—”

“I forgive you,” she rasped.

“You—” Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I could stop them, they fell. “What?”

“I do. I forgive you.” Pandora knelt in front of me, placing a hand on my wet cheek. “Get up,” she said softly. “You don’t need to be on your knees.”

Slowly, I stood.

I tormented my fated mate before I knew what she was to me. I thought it was because she was nobility, but it wasn’t the real reason. I’d thought it was, but even when I first saw her, I felt something for her. It terrified the shit out of me, so I scared her away. Every taunt, every cruel insult I hurled at her, they all echoed in my mind like the tolling of a death knell.

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” I muttered. “Are you…sure?”

She looked at the skull again, then read the poem, her smile soft. “I’m sure. I forgive you, Bram.”

The world tilted. Relief like nothing I’d ever felt before flooded my veins. My heart raced, the pounding in my chest a wild symphony of hope and hopefully redemption.

She really did forgive me.

I couldn’t stop myself.

Excitement surged through me, and I moved before thinking. Stepping forward, I slid my hand behind her neck and pulled her into me, smashing my lips against hers.

She tensed only slightly before melting into me, kissing me back. I poured everything I had into the way I worked her lips, trying to pour every apology, every ounce of gratitude, every feeling I hadn’t yet spoken into that one moment.

She gasped, and I pushed my tongue past her lips, colliding it with hers.

A low moan escaped us both just as Skel and Dex strode in from Dex’s shadows.

“Oh, fuck,” Dex muttered as we broke apart, breathing heavily. “I was only gone for a few minutes. See, this is why I can’t leave her. I always miss something.”

Pandora let out a soft chuckle.

“I’m surprised, honestly,” Skel said. “I guess you told him you forgive him?”

She nodded, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

Fuckers.

“Well, I guess I didn’t need to leave that long.” Reed opened the door again and stepped back inside. “Tried to give you guys privacy.”

“Reed, you didn’t have to do that.” I scratched the back of my neck.

Dex glanced at the skull in Pandora’s hand. “What the Fates is that?” he asked, squinting. “Is that…a mouse skull?”

I immediately stiffened. “It’s not a mouse! It’s a bat. Look at the teeth, the skull shape?—”

Dex flicked his gaze to mine. “Nah, dude. That’s totally a mouse.”

Skel chuckled, pressing a chaste kiss to Pandora’s temple before going over and lounging on her bed. “Are we really doing this? Skull debate of the century?”

Reed tilted his head as he looked at the skull in Pandora’s hand. “Technically, it could be a little brown bat. The skulls are almost identical in size to a house mouse. You can tell by the cranium and the sharp canines?—”

Everyone turned to look at him, baffled.

“How do you know that?” Pandora gaped at him.

“What?” Reed shrugged, looking defensive. “I didn’t do much growing up, but I did research random facts. Didn’t I, Gumdrop?”

The pink axolotl turned back around and nodded his head before glaring at me again.

Little shit.

Was I going to have to grovel to the axolotl, too?

“Besides, the similarities can lead to misidentification between small bats and small rodents. Especially since that one is weathered,” Reed continued.

“So, what you’re saying is that it’s a bat.” I blinked at him.

“Good chance, yeah.” He nodded encouragingly.

Nebula suddenly manifested, his black goo oozing out. “You’re all wrong. It’s clearly a bat shifter’s skull.”

Everyone froze, wide-eyed.

Horror slunk through me.

Did I give my mate a random dead shifter’s head?

Then, his chuckle filled the room. “I’m kidding. Fates, take a joke.”

“That’s a relief. It’d be weird to have the skull of another supernatural that I didn’t know.” Pandora let out a groan, shaking her head as she placed the skull carefully on her shelf next to the rest of the skulls I got her. Then, she grabbed her jacket and smiled at me. “We should probably head out. We don’t need to keep Slater waiting.”

I was originally supposed to be taking her to lunch, but Slater had called last minute to change it to dinner.

I dipped my head in agreement. “Are you really sure you’re okay with coming? I mean…it’s not?—”

“Of course, Bram,” she cut me off. “I’d love to come.”

Dex stepped forward. “You’re not going anywhere without me. Dangerous times and all that.” He gave her a protective look. “I’ll take you both there and pick you up.”

Pandora didn’t protest, and soon, we were at the restaurant in the Capital where we were meeting my brother. The place was fancier than I expected. The kind of place where nobility roamed. Where the guests wore suits and dresses, and everything seemed dipped in gold.

I wasn’t prepared…but Pandora was. She wore a stunning black evening gown, and the neckline dipped enough to show off an ample amount of her boobs. Really nice boobs —Fates, I didn’t mean to think that.

I forced my gaze away.

Dex kissed her goodbye at the door, and I felt my nerves tighten again. This was real. This was happening.

She was my mate, and she had forgiven me.

“Can I…hold your hand?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Pandora glanced up at me, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Of course.” She slipped her hand into mine.

We stepped into the fancy restaurant, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections on polished stone floors. The air was rich with the scent of gourmet dishes I’d never smelled before, and they mingled with an undercurrent of expensive perfume. I much preferred Pandora’s natural caramel scent.

I glanced at her beside me. Her eyes were wide with excitement as she took in the luxurious surroundings. I was glad she was here. With her by my side, I felt like I could take on anything.

As we approached the hostess stand, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease swirling in my stomach.

“We only take reservations.” The hostess, a sharp-eyed woman with a perfectly styled bob, regarded us with poorly concealed disdain.

I wore a tailored jacket and dress shoes. It wasn’t like I came in here wearing rags, but no matter how I dressed, nobility would look down on me. To them, I would always carry the label of illegitimacy.

“Reservation for Havoc,” I said, forcing confidence into my voice.

“First name?” she questioned, her tone suggesting she already knew what was coming.

“Slater Havoc. I’m his half-brother.”

She raised an eyebrow, skepticism radiating from her. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have anyone under that name listed. Are you sure you have the right place?”

My heart sank, but before I could respond, Pandora stepped forward, her hand brushing my arm in a gesture of support. “Excuse you. We are here to meet Slater Havoc. There is no way he missed this meeting.”

The hostess barely acknowledged her. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Only members of nobility?—”

“Actually,” she interrupted her, her tone shifting to one of anger. “I think you’ll find I have the right of entry. I’m Gravesend.”

The hostess’s expression shifted in an instant. Her features drained of color. “P-Pardon me?” she stammered, her eyes widening in shock. “Death’s daughter?”

Pandora nodded, a slight smile on her lips as she emphasized her point. “Yes. Death. As in, the soul eater representative on the Demon Council. Nobility. You might have heard of him.”

The hostess stepped back as if struck, the polite facade shattered. “I-I need to excuse myself,” she muttered, practically rushing away.

I exchanged a bewildered glance at Pandora. “Did you just?—”

“Let’s just see what I can do with the nobility you hated me for,” she said with a confident smile.

Moments later, the hostess returned.

My heart raced. I was half-expecting the restaurant to kick me out entirely.

“I apologize for my rudeness, Gravesend. Havoc.” She bowed to both of us.

“It’s refreshing to know that you’re competent enough to apologize; however, you shouldn’t treat anyone the way you treated my mate. Regardless of nobility status,” Pandora seethed.

Flinching, the hostess nodded and turned to lead us through the maze of tables draped in crisp white linens and adorned with sparkling glassware.

She flitted ahead of us, a flustered look still lingering on her face.

As we approached the table where Slater sat, his red hair perfectly styled, a glint of anger danced in his red eyes as he regarded the hostess. “This is what you should’ve done to begin with,” he quipped to the hostess. “I didn’t expect you to come ask me if I made a mistake inviting my flesh and blood to dinner.”

“You are right.” She bowed to him. “I see that, and I am so sorry, Havoc.”

“I am surprised you actually checked, though.” He glowered at her. The hostess literally shrunk under the heat of his glare. “Usually, classist demons aren’t as thorough with their hate.”

“That’s thanks to Pandora,” I replied, casting her an appreciative glance. “Otherwise the hostess wouldn’t have let us in at all.”

He frowned, dropping his gaze to her name tag for a split second. “Emma, was it?” He purposefully used her first name to rile her up. “I hope you reflect on this. You never know what ties someone has.”

“Regardless of ties, don’t be a bitch,” Pandora muttered angrily under her breath, making my eyes widen.

The hostess heard her, though, and she nodded before turning and practically running away from us.

Slater chuckled. “Yeah, she shouldn’t be a bitch.”

Pandora’s gaze widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“Why not?” I grunted as we settled into our seats across from Slater. “She was.”

“I just didn’t like her talking to you like that,” she muttered.

My heart throbbed.

“I’m glad you came with Bram,” Slater said with a smile. “He’s told me everything. I do hope he’s making up for his wrongdoings.”

“He has.” She took my hand in hers again and squeezed. “I’ve forgiven him for the past.”

“Have you?” He grinned brightly, wiggling his brows in my direction. “That’s great news!”

Conversation flowed effortlessly between us the rest of the evening, the initial awkwardness of the restaurant entrance faded away like the butter we slathered on our rolls. Slater’s witty remarks kept us laughing, and Pandora’s bright smile lit up the table.

I fucking loved seeing her around me having a good time.

We ordered our meals, and both Pandora and I opted for medium rare steak and a baked potato, while Slater chose a medium steak and a salad. When the food arrived, it felt like an actual celebration of sorts. Not that I would know. I’d never been to one.

The steaks were perfectly seared. The scent was mouthwatering. As we dug in, I couldn’t help but glance at my mate, her eyes lighting up with happiness as she took her first bite. She was gorgeous. I loved the way her cheeks flushed as she savored the flavor. I felt a warmth spreading in my chest, a deep emotion I couldn’t place surging within me at the sight of her enjoying herself.

This was more than just a meal; it was an experience . The flavors melded together in a way that made the meat so much better than anything else I’d had before.

After we finished, Slater leaned back in his chair, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. “That,” he declared, gesturing toward our empty plates, “is why I like this place.”

I chuckled, feeling the same wave of contentment. “How am I supposed to go back to cafeteria food after this?”

“You can always just come eat with me here instead,” Slater offered.

I raised an eyebrow, knowing how ludicrous that sounded. “Right, and what will I tell the hostess next time? ‘Hi, I’m the illegitimate brother of a noble. Can I please eat steak with my half-brother?’ Because that worked so well this time.”

“Yes, actually. I’ll be speaking to the owner about the treatment you received. You’re my brother. Half or full doesn’t matter. You are my brother. Speaking of—” A serious note crept into his voice as he glanced at Pandora. “I’m glad you were with him to handle the hostess. Not many would’ve had the guts to name-drop like that, and Bram would’ve left before making a scene, I fear.”

“I fear you’re right,” I grumbled.

Unless I was wasted, I wouldn’t have dared to make a scene.

Pandora waved it off, but I could see the pride in her expression. “It just slipped out. I didn’t want to cause trouble, but I knew it was necessary. I can’t keep my mouth shut when I see others being treated poorly because of their birthright. Nobility doesn’t make anyone better. Four of my mates aren’t nobility, but they’re even more amazing than those I’ve met who are. Plus, I hated anyone talking to my mate the way she had. I almost ate her soul,” she admitted.

Her words comforted me, and I admired her even more for that. I knew firsthand what it felt like to be judged by the label others placed on me. I loved her outlook and hated myself for thinking she had been putting on a show when she was sticking up for us with the nobles before.

Slater cracked up at her threat, but the hostess happened to be walking by at that moment and overheard. She tripped over her own foot as she picked up the speed, crashing into the floor before jolting back up and scurrying away before anyone could say anything.

“Serves her right,” Slater claimed with a laugh.

“Absolutely does,” Pandora rasped.

A waiter passed by, clearing the remnants of our meal, then, the air turned tense again.

“Listen, I’ve been trying to reach out to your mom,” Slater said quietly. “My mom’s been worried.”

“Why?” Pandora asked, her brow furrowed.

Slater’s gaze met mine. “Harry said if Mom took him back, he’d kill you so he didn’t taint the nobility line. He’s been drunk calling her, saying crazy shit for a while. He’s said he’d kill your mom, too. He’s escalating, Bram.”

“What?” The blood drained from my face. A weight pressed on my chest until it felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Pandora scooted closer. “What does this mean for him?”

“He needs to be cautious. I don’t trust Harry Hemlock, and I certainly don’t trust him with my brother.” Slater’s gaze softened. “We’re working on this, but I need you to be careful.”

“Of course,” I choked out. “Thanks.”

Everything else was a blur after that news.

As Pandora and I left the restaurant, I felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension. The meal had gone better than expected.

We stepped outside into the cool night air, and the moon cast long shadows on the sandy path.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak to Pandora, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Dex, of course. I almost flinched. His shadow-traveling wasn’t something easy to get used to.

“Ready to go?” Dex asked.

Pandora nodded, her hand finding mine instinctively as well as his.

I squeezed her hand, grateful for the small comfort.

“Let’s get out of here,” I muttered.

Without another word, Dex stepped toward us.

I sucked in a sharp breath before darkness enveloped us completely.

Shadow-traveling was a disorienting sensation. The warm tendrils of shadow pulled us through the expansive void in an instant, and then, we reappeared inside our room, just as suddenly as we had left the restaurant.

I blinked, adjusting to the abrupt change of scenery.

Glancing at Pandora, I noticed that she was fine with shadow-traveling. She didn’t look fearful of it at all, actually. It never really seemed to bother her the way that shadow tendrils did.

Skel was lounging on his bed, but his eyes lit up as he noticed Pandora.

“Give us a moment?” I asked, glancing at him and Dex. “I need to talk to Pandora about some things.”

Pandora squeezed my hand and nodded in agreement.

Dex and Skel exchanged a look, and then, without a word, they both stepped forward and, in perfect unison, each kissed her cheek.

“Call for us if you need anything,” Dex said before they both vanished back into the shadows, leaving us alone.

I turned to face her fully, trying to gather my thoughts. “So…the restaurant.”

Pandora gave me a small, understanding smile. “It went well.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I replied, rubbing the back of my neck. “But you heard what Slater said. My father…he wants me dead. Not surprising, but it’s not easy to hear.”

She stepped closer, and her caramel scent filled my senses beautifully. “Your father is a monster, Bram. But Slater isn’t. He was kind, and you don’t have to worry about being alone in this. You have him. And you have me.”

“I do?” I met her eyes, warmth swelling in my chest. “Thank you,” I murmured. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m still so sorry.”

She smiled softly but didn’t say anything, and for a moment, silence filled the space between us. Then, she inhaled deeply, as if steeling herself for what came next. “There’s something I need to tell you. About my voice.”

Her voice was always low and raspy, something I had teased her about more times than I cared to remember.

Fuck.

My stomach twisted, a sense of dread crawling over me like spiders. “What is it?”

“I told the others, but I haven’t told you yet.” Pandora bit her lip, looking almost vulnerable for a moment. “It’s because of my mother. She cut my vocal cords when I was younger…when I was screaming too much from the pain.”

I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. “Your mother did that to you?” I breathed, horror creeping into my voice. “You…your vocal cords were cut? And I…Oh, fuck.”

She nodded, her eyes downcast. “I didn’t tell you because it didn’t seem important. But it’s why my voice sounds the way it does. It’s not something I can change. It still hurts sometimes. I just wanted you to know.”

My heart shattered.

I hadn’t realized the pain behind it, the trauma etched into every word she spoke. “Pandora, I—I’m so sorry. I didn’t know they’d been cut before. I mean, you mentioned your vocal cords had been damaged after everything, but I didn’t realize the depth of what you went through. Fuck, Pandora…I didn’t mean any of what I did to you.”

“You didn’t know,” she rasped.

But that didn’t make it better. Guilt gnawed at me, and I shook my head, my voice thick. “I should have never teased you. I didn’t think. I wanted to hurt you because I felt something for you. It’s so fucked. I’m so fucking sorry.”

She stepped closer, placing a hand on my cheek. “Bram, I’ve forgiven you. You’ve made up for it. Let it go, please.”

I nodded, but the ache in my chest didn’t fade. Just as I was about to apologize again, my tablet buzzed on my bed.

I winced, going over to it and checking it reluctantly. It was my parents. Again. She looked at the screen with me.

“They won’t stop calling,” I muttered, staring at the screen like it was a ticking bomb.

Pandora watched me carefully. “Are you going to answer?”

I hesitated. My thumb hovered over the screen, then, before I could stop myself, I pressed the button.

The call connected, and the familiar, cold voices of my parents filled the room.

“Bram.” My father’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “What is this nonsense I hear about you dining with Slater? Are you trying to bring more shame on our family?”

I flinched at the words, my jaw clenching.

Pandora watched me, her eyes wide with shock at the venom in their tone.

“I’m not ashamed of anything,” I said, my voice steady, though my heart pounded in my chest. “Slater is my brother, and I’ll meet with him whenever I want.”

“You insolent—” my mother’s voice hissed, full of contempt. “You’ve been a disappointment since the day you were born. Useless, weak?—”

“Stop!” Pandora’s voice cut in sharply, and my heart broke as I saw her flinch at their words.

I could see very fucking clearly that it was her own memories of trauma flashing in her eyes.

Rage boiled over me. “I’m done with this,” I snarled into the phone. “I’m done with both of you. You’ve never cared about me, and I’m not going to keep pretending you have. I’m officially cutting ties with the Hemlocks. Don’t ever call me again.”

I hung up before they could reply, and I blocked both of their numbers on the tablet.

The room was silent, the weight of what I had just done settling in my chest like a boulder. My hands trembled slightly, the adrenaline still coursing through me.

Pandora was quiet, but I could see the emotion in her eyes—the pain of hearing what my parents had said, and I think even a reflection of her own past.

I stepped closer to her, reaching out, desperate to do something, anything to comfort her. “Pandora…please, let me kiss you,” I whispered. “I just want to make this better. I need to help you calm down.”

Our matebond was screaming at me, begging me to get close to her.

She smiled softly, and before I could say anything else, her hands rose to my face. Her palms were warm against my skin, and she cupped my cheeks gently, tilting my head toward her.

The world slowed, everything else falling away as her lips met mine. They were so soft, and the kiss wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t frantic—just pure, deliberate calmness. Her lips unraveled me in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

It was a kiss that called to my soul—a kiss that silenced every doubt, every ounce of tension that had been suffocating me. The moment our mouths touched, the heaviness I’d been carrying seemed to evaporate.

My hands found her waist, pulling her closer, needing her against me in a way that went beyond words. I didn’t even think I could write a good enough poem to encompass how she made me feel in this moment.

She kissed me like she meant it, like she’d been waiting for this as much as I had, like this was the only thing that mattered.

It was everything I hadn’t known I needed—warmth, understanding, and a comfort I’d never found anywhere else. I could feel her breathing, the way her heartbeat thudded against my chest as we pressed against each other.

Letting out a shaky breath, I deepened the kiss. I craved her more than air itself. This kiss wasn’t rushed like the one we had before when she saved me from the dark magic infection; it was slow, lingering, each second stretching into the next like we had all the time in the world.

Her hands moved to tangle in my hair, her fingers sending electric jolts down my spine as her nails dug into my scalp.

I groaned softly against her lips, the sound vibrating through us. The warmth between us grew, the kiss intensifying as the connection deepened, and I couldn’t get enough of her. I never wanted this moment to end. Our matebond was singing in pure fucking glee.

But then, out of nowhere, Chaos—my damn chaotic magic, my very essence—exploded out of me like it had a mind of its own. It surged toward Pandora.

He was a ghostly, shadowy manifestation of pure energy and chaos. Before I could stop him, Chaos launched himself at her, breaking us apart. His tail wagged as he landed his big paws squarely on her shoulders, his ethereal tongue lapping eagerly at her cheek.

Pandora let out a surprised laugh as she broke into giggles. “Chaos!” she squealed, gently pushing the creature’s face away as its phantom tongue tried to lick her again.

Her laughter echoed in the room, light and contagious, diffusing every ounce of intensity from our kiss in the most unexpected way.

I stood there, frozen, before laughter bubbled up from me, too. The seriousness of the moment was gone, replaced by something so much lighter, so much funnier. I couldn’t help it. I found myself laughing along with her.

“I love Chaos,” Pandora said between laughs, still scratching behind Chaos’s ears.

He wagged his tail. His large, glowing eyes beamed with pride as if it had just completed some grand mission.

Hearing her say she loved him made me feel like she loved a part of me, too.

How could she make something so chaotic feel so perfect? I’d grown up in chaos, and I was a fucking chaos demon. Chaos was natural to me, but the stigma of it had been drilled into my head that it was bad—that I was bad.

She made me feel wanted . I’d rarely felt that. Only from my grandpa and Slater, after I’d stopped pushing him away.

But the way Pandora treated me today made me feel like she cared even more than they did, and it did something so fucking beautiful to my soul.

Chaos eventually leapt back toward me, swirling back into my magic from which he’d come, leaving just the two of us standing there.

We were both still breathless from the kiss that had nearly brought the world to its knees. I knew I didn’t deserve the way she looked at me, the way my stomach flipped every time she smiled, but I was so fucking thankful for it.

All I knew was that she gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time—genuine happiness.