I knew exactly what I had to do.
2
PANDORA
“Yes.” I forced the word out of my throat, hoarse and cracked.
“You want to bond with them?” Dad asked gently, concern flashing in his dark eyes. “I need to be sure this is what you want, Pandora. This isyourdecision. But I agree you should complete the bonds if it can save you.”
I nodded weakly. The mere tilt of my head sent spasms through the muscles in my neck.
“She’s hurting,” Dex croaked. His magic flared briefly, soothing some of the agony before it came rushing back. “I can’t take enough of it away to help her.”
“Then you two need to hurry,” Hunter interjected, his jaw tight. His dark blond hair was down, and it was messy from running his hands through it a million times. His pain mirrored mine through the bond.
Reed and Skel were suffering, too. I could sense their understanding of the situation for what it was. They knew I was ready to seal the bonds with Bram and Dex.
Dex’s fog gray eyes met mine, searching for any sign of hesitation. “You’re sure?”
“She is,” Reed spoke for me. “Talking hurts her too much to answer. I can sense that much through the bond.”
I shot Reed a thankful glance.
Skel stepped forward, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. His magic thrummed over my skin, warm and comforting.
For the moment, my fear of shadow magic and of the curse inside of me faded.
“I’m sorry,” Bram blurted suddenly, his gaze fixed on Dad. “I wanted to do this the right way. To earn this. But I’ll make it up to her. Every wrong I’ve done against Pandora—I swear it.” He bowed his head, his voice thick with sincerity. “I’m sorry to her, and to you.”
Dad’s scowl deepened. “Let’s save my daughter before we dig into the past.”
Dex gave a jerky nod. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, too. I’ll cherish her for the rest of our lives.”
Dad’s gaze softened as it shifted to me, and his voice dropped to a murmur. “Pandora, I love you. Everything will be okay.”
“I love you too,” I rasped. Talking felt like sandpaper grating against the raw flesh of my throat.
It was worse than Penny Bones cutting through my vocal cords—something I never thought possible.
Dad’s eyes shone with unshed tears, a bittersweet smile flickering across his face.
Was this the first time I’d told him that?
Sweat dripped down my temples, and I gasped as fresh agony lanced through my chest. My hand clutched at the pain.
“You two, mark her,” Grimsworn urged Bram and Dex. “Now. The curse is spreading rapidly.”
“Drecken,” Dad snarled.
“Daryl,” Jenni whispered, her hand slipping into Dad’s. “He’s right. Look at her. She needs them.”
The world blurred as vibrant colors swirled in my vision. Weakness sank into my bones, leaving me hollow and brittle.
Hunter moved toward me, his touch gentle as he lifted Nebula’s skull up and kissed my cheek. “Fates be with you, starlight.”
“Wait—” Dad and Nebula started in unison, but Jenni clicked her tongue.
“Did you want privacy when we bonded?” she asked.
