Nebula made a disgusted noise at the cats that bumped their noses against his skull. “Disgusting little things.”
I stifled a giggle. “They like you, Nebula.”
Nebula let out a dramatic sigh but said nothing further.
“Have you made any progress with Joel’s magical essence?” Dad asked. “How close are you to bringing his magic back?”
I bit my lip, focusing on giving the cats around us equal attention. "Closer than ever before. I haven’t told him about it because I’m afraid of getting his hopes up, but…I noticed something. When he’s around Jenni, his magical essence bleeds into his soul. It’s almost like she’s the key to unlocking the magic. Maybe it’s because he feels happy around her. It’s harder to manipulate magical essence and souls when someone is depressed, I’ve noticed.”
“That’s true.” He scowled, and he stopped petting the cats. “Iknewhe liked her.”
Nebula let out an amused hum. “What if he’s her mate, too?”
My brows raised, but I kept that to myself. Dad didn’t need any reason to go murder Joel, but I had also suspected that. “Jenni loves you, Dad. Joel may have a unique relationship with her, but it doesn’t lessen her love or loyalty toyou.”
“Yeah, I know, but Joelknowsshe’s my mate,” he groaned as the cats meowed and rubbed against his hand.
“He does,” I agreed. “And he respects you, her, and your matebond. He’d never try anything with her, even if he did like her.”
“You’re right,” he sighed, continuing to pet the cats that gathered around him. “Keep me in the loop with Joel and everything. If I can help, I will.”
“Okay,” I promised. “I’m finally getting used to my power—all of my magic, really.”
“The shadow magic?” He slipped his gaze to me with interest.
“Yes, actually,” I murmured, scratching behind a little orange cat’s ear. “I’m so thankful that you found me when you did. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened had you not found me in time.”
Dad’s expression darkened. “You would’ve survived until I did find you. You’re a survivor, Pandora.”
“Surviving was all I knew how to do,” I agreed softly. “Up until recently, any time I saw shadow magic, it brought me back to that damp cellar.”
“You willneverbe in that cellar again,” he vowed once again. “And Penny Bones is dead. Her shadow magic will never be used against you again.”
“I know.” I closed my eyes for a moment, but that only made the memories I’d tried to bury sharper. It was as if I could still feel the chain around my ankle. It was like I could feel the long, sharp whips of shadow magic that had torn through my flesh like it was paper.
Even now, the thought of my life before my magic awakened and Dad found me sent tremors through my body.
Dad placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’re stronger now than you’ve ever been.”
I inhaled deeply, pushing the fear of my past down. He was right. I was strong now. “I’m finally becoming used to seeing shadow magic. Dex’s shadows aren’t Penny’s. They’re…a part of me now.”
“They are,” he agreed.
Standing up, I moved my hand out, palm and mark facing up. I let my shadow tendril slip from Dex’s mark, the inky darkness curling in the air before slinking back inside atmywhim. I was in control of this shadow, and I didn’t have to fear it.
“Pandora.” Dad stood back up, much to the cats around him’s displeasure.
When I looked up, all I saw was pride in his eyes.
“I knew you could overcome your fears, but I didn’t know it would be so quick. You’ve only been free from captivity for a year. I truly cannot express my awe and pride in you. You took something that once tortured you andmade it your own.That takes strength. More than most supernaturals have.”
I let out a breathy chuckle and smiled. “I had to. It was either that, or let it control me forever. And I refuse to be a prisoner to Penny Bones. Not anymore. Plus, it helps that this is my mate’s magic.”
Dad pulled me into his arms then, hugging me tight, as if to remind me that I was no longer that girl in the cellar.
I was free, and I was stronger than I used to be.
“I know I keep saying it, but I’m so proud of you,” he whispered.
