Page 139 of The Immortal's One
“He’s a traitor,” Thane spits. The walls tremble once more.
“He’s a member of the Council,” Eshe points out.
“His actions have revealed he’s against the Council and all we stand for. He’s no longer a member.”
Eshe frowns, glancing at each of us. “Who says?”
“Isay.” Thane’s nostrils flare. “I am the leader of the Council. Adir has acted against our laws. He will be arrested and punished for his crimes.Immediately.”
“You don’t think you should at leastdiscussthis with the Council?” Eshe presses, brave in the face of Thane’s anger. “The last thing we want to do is stoke the rebellion’s flames.”
“No, the last thingIwant is to endure this asinine debate when there is nothing to debate!Iam our leader, andIam making this decision. End of discussion.”
“Thane—”
“No,” Thane cuts Lome off with an icy glare. “We’re done talking about this. Assemble our forces, Lome. Tell them we move on Adir’s stronghold at midnight tonight. I won’t wait any longer and risk Adir having more time to prepare for us.”
Eshe snorts. “He’s likely already preparing for us. You’re leading our allies into a trap.”
Thane’s shoulders roll back, and his chest puffs out. Bella places a hand on his arm, momentarily stifling his impending outburst.
“We need to stop arguing,” Bella says, looking between her husband and Eshe. “It’s not helping anyone.”
Eshe presses her lips together, her eyes narrowed.
Thane’s nostrils flare again, then he releases a heavy sighand turns his attention to me. “Are you ready to admit the truth yet?”
“Pardon?” I ask, my expression carved from stone.
He grits his teeth. “Are you ready to admit you’ve been lying? Will you confess the connection you feel for the girl?”
“Darcie,” Bella corrects with a frown. “Her name is Darcie.”
Thane dips his head, acknowledging his wife’s words with a silent apology, then returns his glare to me. “Do you still deny Darcie is yourOne, Des?”
Every muscle in my body tenses, but my voice is even and loud. “I do.”
Lome curses under his breath.
Bella hangs her head.
Eshe rolls her eyes.
Thane growls.
“You’re limiting us, Des,” he hisses. “And for what? To rob yourself of happiness? To rob this family of power that would make us untouchable and secure the safety of humanity for the rest of time?”
“You think too highly of our influence over mortals.”
“Why, Des?” He sneers. “Why are you doing this?”
None of yourfuckingbusiness.
It’s fortunate we’re interrupted before Thane can attempt to force an answer out of me. My eldest brother looks ready to wrap his fingers around my throat. And we both know that won’t end well for him.
“Lord Thane?”
My brother’s eyes snap to the open door. “What is it, Eric?”
