39. Reed

Darkmore’s sweet chocolate scent filled the room, and I found a degree of comfort in it. His eyes met mine. I had a little bit of guilt swirling inside of me from kissing the woman I knew we both had feelings for, but I tried not to show it.

“What’s been on your mind?” He crossed his arms and set his elbows on the desk, his dark blond hair brushing his shoulders as he leaned forward.

I took a deep breath before frowning. “It”s my mom,” I admitted, the words heavy on my tongue. “She called me, and I think...I think she”s involved in something dangerous. A cult.”

Darkmore”s expression didn”t change, but there was a spark of recognition in his eyes that I didn’t like seeing. “Why do you think that?”

“My best friend, who is no longer my best friend, told me that she got my mom involved in some dark magic cult called Dark Veil.” I ran a hand down my face with a loud sigh. “I never would’ve been involved with her had I known what she was truly like.”

“I know about Dark Veil,” Darkmore said, grabbing a coffee cup and taking a sip. “We found a letter addressed to your mother. She”s become an informant for the council.”

Shock rippled through my body, and I felt my heart plummet into my gut. “An informant?” I echoed, recoiling back into the sofa.

So it was definitely true, then. My mom, the woman who had been lost in her own sorrow since my dad—her fated mate—had died, was now mixed up in a cult.

Which meant Darkmore knew and didn’t tell me. Betrayal snaked through me, even if it was irrational. I knew he was a councilman. Of course he would be privy to things I wasn’t. Even if it included my own mother.

Darkmore nodded. “Yes, but there”s more. She was prepared to use you, Reed, to resurrect your father through dark magic.”

Hot tears filled my eyes, and I brushed them away angrily with the back of my hands. “She”s not the mom I grew up with,” I choked out. “Charlotte told me that too, but it hurts knowing that she would do that to me. I…I hate her for it.”

“It’s okay to hate her.” Darkmore stood and moved to sit down beside me, his presence an oddly comforting force. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “You are not alone in this. The entire council is backing you. I will keep you updated concerning your mother. You have my word.”

I nodded, sniffling as he tried to regain his composure. “I appreciate it. I just wish I could do something more proactive to help.”

“Actually.” Darkmore moved his hand and scratched the back of his neck. “There is something, but I doubt you’ll like it.”

“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 you want 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.”