Page 54 of The Immortal's One
“The Creator knew too much power could corrupt,” Thane says. Lome stays silent, content to sit back and watch events unfold.
It’s a struggle to believe what they’re saying, but whatchoice do I have? Too many things have happened that can’t be explained away. I take a deep breath and hold onto my sanity as I continue to dig for answers.
“So…” I exhale. “You guys don’t have all of your …powers?”
“I do,” Thane says.
I frown. “But Bella just said?—”
“That the Creator didn’t give the brothers all their powers at their creation,” Bella interrupts. “But they receive the other half of their power when they find theirOne. I am Thane’sOne.”
My vision tunnels. My heart beats so hard against my sternum it’s sure to leave a bruise. “The One,” I repeat, my voice barely above whisper.
I’ve heard that phrase before… and nothing good ever followed it.
Bella nods. “Yes.The Oneis a human woman. A soulmate, if you will. When the brothers find theirOne, all their power is unlocked.”
I close my eyes. I’m dizzy. Soulmates? That’s… that’s crazy. This whole conversation is crazy.
When I open my eyes, Bella stares at me, unblinking.
“No.” I connect the dots of all that’s happened so far and realize what these people are trying to tell me. “I’m not… I’m not one of those women.”
“We believe you are.” Thane’s voice is firm, though there’s a hint of apology in his tone.
“I-I can’t be,” I choke out. “I’m not immortal.Evettaalmost killed me. She nearly strangled me to death!”
“You’re not Immortal…yet.” Bella looks at me the way someone looks at a kicked puppy. “But that can change. Ittakes a bonding. The transformation doesn’t happen without it.”
Bonding?
Transformation?
The words ricochet in my mind, relentless, shattering the last remnants of my composure. I jump to my feet. My legs shake, but I lock my knees. “Take me home. Please. I just want to go home.”
Bella’s expression falls. Lome’s shoulders slump.
Thane stands to his full height. “We can’t do that. Your life is in danger.”
“Why?” Desperation grips my heart. “I haven’t even done anything.”
His face hardens, though the emotion is not directed at me. “I’m sorry, Darcie, but our enemies believe you’re Des’sOne. And as long as they do, you’re in danger. You have no choice but to remain with us.”
Fear locks me in place, and every breath is a struggle as the weight of his words presses down on me.
This nightmare is only just beginning.
16
Gravel digsinto my cheeks as a man presses my face into the ground. His weight crushes my lungs, making it impossible to breathe.
I exhale a shaky breath and stare out the open French doors in the guest bedroom, the same room I woke up in when I first arrived at the mansion, willing myself to remember that I’m safe. For now.
Memories from the club, from when I was attacked in the parking lot, returned after one of the Immortals’ healers removed the Masking placed over my mind. Part of me wishes they hadn’t. Before, I only recalled fragments of the vicious attack. Now, the details play in my head in sharp, vivid flashes.
I sit at the edge of the bed. The plush mattress beneath me is a welcome reminder that I’m safe. But every time I close my eyes, the memories flood back—the kicks, the shoves, the raw terror that twisted my insides. I remember the suffocating panic, the feeling of my life hanging by a thread. I remember it all.
Pushing off the bed, I force myself to my feet, heading toward the balcony. I need to move. I need to work out this restless energy.
