I stole a glance at him, running my gaze over his striking features. His round, cloudy violet eyeswere focused on Ashenfell. His dark brown Afro of soft spirals framed his handsome face.
“It was recently, actually. I entered my dreamscape, and I already had another soul there. I hadn’t meant to pull her in, either. Though, Iwasthinking about her.” The color of his cheeks deepened. “That was the closest I had gotten to my magic losing control.”
“That doesn’t seem like losing control due to your magic reserves, though that could be the reason.” A slow smile made its way onto his face. “That is common in fated mates, actually. Any chance you have a matebond?”
Reed shifted uncomfortably on his feet, his gaze fixed on the sandy floor as if searching for answers among the grains. “I, um, I don't think so,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, there hasn't been any…matebond, you know? No…bond like that.”
A tempest of emotions struck me, overwhelming in their intensity. Shock, disbelief,hope—all swirled around my brain, making me dizzy.
What if…Reed was my mate?
Fates, even thinking about it, gave my heart sharp palpitations.
My cheeks flushed with warmth.
Ashenfell’s smile faltered slightly, a flicker ofdisappointment crossing his features before he masked it with a polite nod. “I see,” he said, his tone notably neutral. “Well, sometimes these things take time to manifest. Perhaps the bond just hasn’t formed yet. That happens in some circumstances.”
Hemlock snorted, rolling his eyes. “Fated mates…that’s some fairytale bullshit.”
Grimshaw nodded next to him, smoking his pipe. “Yeah, it’s bullshit. Demons get the short end of the stick with the Fates when it comes to mates. To think otherwise is?—”
“Interesting,” Dex finished with a cold smile, and his gaze cut to mine. “Fated mates are an interesting concept not many demons get the pleasure of anymore. Why do you think that is?”
“I believe it’s because of all the pairings in demon society,” Reed mumbled under his breath, but everyone heard him. “It’s like spitting in the face of the Fates, and I doubt they think we’re worthy enough for them.”
Hemlock scoffed. “Really?”
“Yes, I agree with Nyx completely. Demons have a tendency to prefer purebloods and power, so they make pairings with their kids or simply for their own best interest for their political standing. Maybe the Fates are punishing demonkind for it,” Ashenfell added his two cents. “Gravesend, would you like to share your story of losing control?”
Eyes flicked to me, and my throat seized up.
There was no way in Blezen that I’d tell the other demons what I did. Especially when the consequence of me losing control was my freedom. It didn’t feel like it would add to the discussion in the way Ashenfell wanted.
I shook my head, not trusting my voice.
Ashenfell nodded. “Okay, let’s all pair up and practice feeding withcontrol. Gravesend, come with me.”
Reed’s fingers brushed mine again as he gave me an encouraging smile. “I’ll wait for you after class.”
“Thanks.” I smiled back, trying not to think about the mates possibility, and followed Ashenfell as everyone formed pairs and began their practice.
He led me away from the bustling training area, and I couldn't shake the sense of dread that gnawed at my insides every time I thought about feeding. We stopped in front of a utility closet tucked away in a corner of the chamber, the door slightly ajar.
“This is where you’ll be practicing.” He pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit space that flickered with shadows from the single light orb floating in the center of the room. The air was heavy with the scent of dust.
Inside, rows upon rows of dolls lined the shelves, their eyes staring blankly ahead as if theywere dead inside. However, each one pulsed with a faint aura of magic. It wasn’t a soul, not a real one, but I could sensesomething.
It was obvious they’d repurposed this room specifically for me.
“The dolls are enchanted to contain magically made souls within them, allowing you to practice feeding without actually killing someone else. Darkmore insisted we find something like this rather than pair you with someone in class.”
Darkmore did? My heart swelled with warmth. I was thankful for that.
I nodded, trying to smother the anxiety coursing through me.
The dolls' empty gazes stared out into nothing, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy at the thought of drawing out those souls.
“If you need anything, you can come back and get me, though I’m not sure how much help I’ll be. Soul eaters are extremely rare, as you know. I’ve never even watched one feed,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck as he stepped backward.
