Page 104 of The Immortal's One
Dinner will begin in a couple of hours, but instead of the nervous anticipation, eagerness coils tight in my chest. I’m ready for the night to begin. I’m ready to finally confront Des about what happened the last time we saw each other.
Because no matter how many times I’ve tried to convince myself I’m wrong, I know I didn’t imagine things. Des’s hazel eyes were definitely green just before he rushed out of my guest bedroom, but they weren’t just any green.
Des’s piercing eyes werethegreen: the exact color of the irises that have been haunting my dreams every night foryears.
Since arriving at the mansion, I’d believed I left those disconcerting eyes back in Maine.
But after seeing their exact likeness in Des’s face, they’ve returned. Only now, they’re no longer clouded by the hazy distortion of my nightmares. No, this time, those brilliant green irises are framed by thick lashes, a strong brow, and a sculpted face that matches the rest of the handsome Immortal’s stoic features.
And when I see them, they don’t fill me with fear. The opposite, actually.
The eyes—Des’seyes—soothe me with their familiarity. They’re a long-lost friend I hadn’t realized I'd missed; someone I was more than happy to see again.
Which is insane…
I swallow hard.
There’s a chance this could all be a coincidence. My mind could be superimposing Des’s features over those of thefaceless figure who’s haunted my nights for as long as I can remember. But to know for sure, I need to talk to him. I need to look into those eyes again. I need toseehim.
“Darcie? We’re ready for you.” Bella’s voice floats out to the balcony before she appears in the doorway behind me. Her pale pink day dress flares in the breeze, and her brows furrow as she takes in my tense stance. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m fine.” I uncross my arms, forcing fresh air into my lungs before returning to the guest room. “Where do you want me?”
Bella motions toward the vanity cluttered with cosmetics. Eshe’s already dressed and made up, her dark eyes shimmering. The sleeves of her silk robe slide down her arm as she pins strands of hair into a twisted updo.
I’d told Bella and Eshe I could do my own makeup, but they insisted on helping me prepare for tonight’s ball. Secretly, I’m glad. With my thoughts distracted by what I want to say to Des when I see him, I’m not sure I’d do a great job.
Bella waits until I settle into the plush, pink-cushioned chair to say, “We should keep your makeup natural.”
“I agree.” Eshe nods. “Less is more.”
I raise an eyebrow.
She smirks, running a finger over her thick eyeliner and bold, blue eyeshadow. “Not for myself, obviously.”
Bella and I both laugh.
“Alright, primer first.” Bella opens a tin case. She grabs a fluffy brush and dips it into the powder.
I nod, pretending I know exactly what she’s talking about. My understanding of makeup is limited to what I've absorbed from Kayla over the years.
As Bella works, I close my eyes and try to relax, thoughit’s hard. I wonder if I'll get to speak with Des before we’re surrounded by Immortals watching our every move at dinner.
“Would you like your hair up or down?” Eshe asks, breaking me from my thoughts.
I open my eyes and see her pick up a pin-tail comb. A glance reveals that both she and Bella have their hair pinned up.
“Up, please.” It’ll be easier to manage while I’m dancing later.
Eshe nods, her hands graceful as she parts my hair. I close my eyes again, sinking into the comfort of the quiet. The faint pulse of music travels through the floorboard below. The weight of the night tries to press into my thoughts.
But all I can think about is Des. His intensity. His touch.
The warmth that emanated from his fingers as they grazed my skin… just before I noticed his eyes flashed green.
“Are you nervous for tonight?” Bella’s voice pulls me back to the present.
My eyes fly open. Bella holds a soft brush between her fingers, watching me with her head tilted.
