Page 100 of The Immortal's One
His lips curl into a smirk. “I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks.” I lean forward and wrap my arms around him in a quick hug. Not only has Lome saved my dad’s life, but he’s also been generous enough to help me with my dance lessons.
The Immortal stiffens and gives my back an awkward pat.
I step back and stifle my grin when I note his pink cheeks.
“I think I’m going to go back to my room and rest for a little bit,” I tell him. “I’m supposed to call my dad in an hour.”
He nods. “Okay. Will we see you at dinner?”
“Of course.”
Part of my preparation for the ball has included eating with the Immortals at night: practicing table manners, learning how to deal with awkward silences, and figuring out which fork is meant for which course.
Suffice to say it’s not a very relaxing meal.
I say goodbye to Lome and go upstairs, heading towards my room. But I stop in my tracks when I notice a large, brown lump blocking my door.
A smile tugs at my lips. “Argos?”
The big dog lifts his head, his dark eyes locking with mine. His tail starts to wag.
“Hey, boy.” I crouch to scratch his ears. “What are you doing here?”
Argos stands and yawns before dropping into a stretch that inspired the name of a yoga pose, then rises and extends his back legs.
"Where’s Des?" I glance down the hall, but there’s no sign of the imposing Immortal.
Argos nudges my hand, urging me to keep scratching.
I oblige. “Want to hang out with me until he gets back?”
Argos spins in a tight circle and faces the door, looking back at me with wide, expectant eyes.
I laugh softly. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you?”
He lets out a little yip, and I can’t help but grin, wondering if this magical animal is actually smarter than some people.
“Okay.” I open the bedroom door. “Go ahead.”
Argos trots past me, immediately leaping onto the bed likeit’s his throne. He turns three times—an oddly graceful move for such a big dog—before flopping down on the freshly laundered blankets with a satisfied sigh.
“You know what?” I kick off my shoes. “A nap sounds perfect.”
I set my alarm for an hour, then climb onto the bed, pulling the covers over myself. Argos shifts, curling beside me before gently pressing his warm body against my legs.
I close my eyes with a contented smile, absentmindedly petting his head as it rests against my hip.
Things have been crazy these past couple of days, and I’m anxious about the ball. But with any luck, Des’s plan will work, and I’ll be back in Maine before I know it. I’ll return to my life, leave behind all this Immortal madness.
Now that Dad’s healthy, maybe I can start college this spring semester. I’ll settle for courses at St. Phillips. It’s better than nothing. In time, this whole mess will feel like a distant dream.
Who knows? Maybe the Immortals can erase the memories of my time here if I ask them to.
Are you sure you want to forget about them?a small voice in the back of my mind whispers.
Des’s face flashes behind my eyelids, and a rush of warmth pulses through me. My heart stutters, then steadies.
