Page 69 of The Immortal's One
A distinct accent floats in the air. “I agree.”
My head snaps up. Eshe stands in the doorway, watching me with an unreadable expression, her kohl-lined eyes narrowed in assessment.
“Oh.” I move to jump to my feet, bumping my head against a low table. “Ow.” I wince, rubbing the sore spot at the back of my skull, flashing her a nervous smile. “Um… hi?”
“Hello.” She steps into the room. Her accent is rich and musical, unlike the polished aristocratic, European tones of the other members of her family. “We have not been formally introduced. I’m Eshe.”
“I know.” I nervously extend my arm. “I’m Darcie.”
For a moment, she stares at my offered hand. I start to lower it, feeling silly, but then she reaches out and shakes my hand with a firm grip.
“Yes, I know as well.” Her eyes twinkle with subtle amusement as she releases my hand. Hers falls gracefully toher side. “What were you looking at?”
I gesture toward the stone items on the shelf under the table. “Those tools. I was trying to guess how old they are.”
She examines them for a moment. “They are from the Bronze Age.”
My mouth falls open in shock. “Really? That’s ancient!” I marvel at their condition. “Shouldn’t these be behind glass or something?”
Her lips twitch as though she’s suppressing a smile. “Probably, but these relics were collected from the brothers’ travels throughout human history. Thane has been known to sell an artifact or two to expand his financial portfolio, but most remain on display here.”
That explains the Immortals’ absurdly lavish lifestyle.
My attention shifts to a painting I’d admired earlier, a serene landscape of a small cabin surrounded by dense forest.
“That’s an original Giorgione.” Eshe steps closer to the painting. Her fingers lightly brush the gold nameplate nailed to the bottom frame. “He and Thane were quite close when we lived in Venice in the early 1600s.”
Wow.It’s a struggle to pick my jaw up off the floor. “That’s… amazing.”
Her brows lift. “Are you a fan of art?”
“I appreciate it, but I’m no expert.”
The way Eshe stands observing the painting, so absorbed in the piece, makes me think she’s likely an expert.
The Immortal tilts her head, studying me. “Would you like to see the da Vinci pieces Lome acquired during the Renaissance? They’re not well-known, but they’re beautiful works nonetheless.”
My breath catches. “Da Vinci?Theda Vinci?”
Her black hair shifts as she nods. “They are displayed inthe main parlor. You’ve probably passed them already—they’re small, easy to miss.”
Speechless, all I can do is bob my head, then follow Eshe out of the room in an excited daze.
The exotic Immortal has kept her distance this past week. I’m not sure what to make of her sudden interest in talking to me, but I’m not going to overthink it. Not after only having Bella for company.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with Bella. She’s taught me a lot about the Immortals and the fantastical world I never knew existed. I would’ve gone crazy here without her, but there’s no harm in having someone else to talk to.
Besides, maybe I can ask Eshe for help to contact my dad.
After all, she respected me enough to tell me the truth about their immortality when the others were fine keeping me in the dark. If any Immortal would be willing to help me break Thane’s rule about contacting my dad, she’s my best bet.
I debate how to broach the subject as we walk to the first floor.
An Immortal, one I’ve never spoken to before, appears at the foot of the stairs, carrying a basket filled with tools.
“Hello,” I greet with a smile.
Pale green eyes meet mine briefly before the man averts his gaze and begins climbing the steps, moving past me with a sense of urgency, as though his very life depends on it.
