Page 59 of The Immortal's One
But I find comfort in knowledge, just like my dad. When something doesn’t make sense, I dive into research until I uncover the truth. And there’s a lot here I need to research.
The questions forming in my head are so big, so overwhelming. I tell my mind to slow down. I don’t have time to seek answers right now.
Right now, I need to focus on Dad.
Determination straightens my spine. I cradle my healed hand against my chest and search Lome’s face for any sign of deceit as I ask, “What do I have to do for you to heal my dad?”
I’ll do anything to help him.
He doesn’t hide the relief in his expression. “Let my brothers and I protect you from our enemies.”
I frown. “What does that mean, exactly?”
“Stay in our home. Willingly. Don’t try to escape. Be open to learning the truth about us and the world around you. If you agree, I will heal your father.”
Done.
“Okay.”
He rocks back on his heels. “Okay?”
I nod. “Yes, I’ll do it. Cure my dad, and I’ll stay here. I’ll agree to your terms.”
“Excellent.” Lome smiles and reaches for my hand to shake—the one still injured from my climb. “You’ve got a deal, Darcie.”
The words hang in the air while a sinking feeling settles in my stomach.
I can’t help but think I’ve just made a choice that’ll tear my life apart—something bigger than I could’ve ever imagined—something I fear I may never be able to walk away from.
18
"Not just anyonecan bond with one of the brothers to become Immortal." Bella sits across from me, cradling her coffee cup as steam rises in tendrils, her voice steady as she explains her bizarre connection to Thane. "Only those whose souls are truly aligned can change their mortality. It's all part of the Creator’s plan."
My coffee sits untouched on the table, cooling in the morning air. “I get it. You and Thane are soulmates. But you can’t seriously expect me to think it’s okay for a sixteen-year-old to get married.”
It’s been two days since I made my deal with Lome, agreeing to stay at the mansion and learn about this family. These…Immortals.
Reason urges me to find a way to prove they’re lying, but I can’t. Not after Lome healed my hand, the others manipulated memories, and Des transported me to Greece from the Robertson’s bathroom in seconds.
No, as much as I might wish otherwise, there's no denying that something supernatural is going on here. And I don’tknow what to do other than believe what these immortals tell me.
And after two days of hearing about their history and learning how they’ve influenced humanity, I can't deny that I'm intrigued. Despite the unease that comes with uncovering the unknown, I’m eager to learn more.
I blame my dad; he’s the one who instilled in me a deep love of learning.
Bella’s lips form a gentle, unbothered smile. “You forget, my marriage happened almost six hundred years ago.”
“Right.” I lean back in my chair, pulling my legs against my chest. “You were born in Paris in… 1424?”
So far, Bella has been the only one who has really spoken with me. The others are allegedly dealing with the rebellion, a group I know nothing about. When I try to ask Bella about the mysterious enemy who has it out for me, she always changes the subject. She’s willing to talk to me about almost anything except for that. Or Des.
“You have an excellent memory, Darcie.” Bella’s eyes gleam with approval.
“I get it from my dad.” I clear my throat, forcing myself not to think about him.
I haven’t heard from Lome since we made our deal, and I haven’t spoken to Dad to check how he’s doing. It’s hard not to worry. I need to find a way to make sure Lome holds up his end of our bargain. If he doesn’t, I’m determined to find a way to get out of here.
“Will you tell me about your family?” I ask to distract myself from my worry. “What did your parents do for a living?”
