“What is it?” I asked. At this point, I just wanted to make sure dark magic didn’t enter my body.
“You could reach out to Charlotte Vane again to get more information about Dark Veil. We only know what your mother has told us, and it’s not much,” Darkmore admitted.
“I don't know if that's a good idea.” I blew out a steady breath. “But, if it’ll help.”
“It will,” he promised. “The more we know, the more we can do.”
I paused, my thoughts drifting to Pandora. “Listen, I’m worried about Pandora. She's been too quiet lately. It's unlike her.”
“I’ve noticed.” Darkmore frowned.
“Charlotte may have given her a nightmare. She told me about it, and Charlotte is clearly not the demon I thought she was. She’s a drude, so…I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Pandora had a nightmare right after I talked about her to Charlotte.”
Darkmore’s gaze darkened, and his nostrils flared. “She’ll get vengeance.”
“I know. If it’s her, I’ll do it myself.” My horns slipped from my skull as I reached for my non-academy-issued tablet and typed out a message to Charlotte.
Darkmore glanced over my shoulder as I typed out a message.
Reed Nyx
I don’t know what you’re involved in, but you’re still my best friend. Can we talk about this more?
Her response was immediate.
Charlotte Vane
Seriously!?
Uh, yes! Of course!!!
You just tell me what youwant to know!
I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.
So…did you tell anyone?
You didn’t tell Death’s daughter, did you?
“It doesn’t feel right,” I muttered, powering off the tablet. “I don’t like speaking to her at all.”
“I know,” Darkmore said. “But it’s worth it for the information. If the cult is under the impression you’re going to host dark magic, they aren’t going to check for your consent.”
I nodded, a hollow ache in my gut.
“Keep me updated on everything involving her,” Darkmore instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. Not that I would argue. I didn’t want to contact Charlotte in the first place.
Fates, it even felt wrong using her first name now.
“Of course,” I promised. “Every time I speak to her, you’ll know.”
40
PANDORA
There hadn’t been any dark magic circles around the academy in a while, and things at Demon Reform Academy were starting to fall into a very welcomed lull. I went to classes, hung out with Reed, had very riveting counseling sessions with Hunter, and was glared at by Dex, Skel, and Hemlock.
Reed and I hadn’t shared another romantic moment, but we had been there for each other. He told me about Darkmore and his plan regarding his now ex-best friend Vane, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel uneasy. Daryl was informed about all of it, and he actually agreed that it was a good idea.
