Page 80 of The Immortal's One

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Lome, apparently not used to emotions, had stood there, looking like he wanted to sink into the floor.

I won’t know for sure if Lome told me the truth and Dad’s completely cured until he goes back to the doctor for an updated scan, but given the fact Dad says he’s feeling better, I’m hopeful.

So, hopeful, in fact, that I’ve hit pause on coming up with a backup plan to escape the mansion. For now, I believe Lome kept his word. I plan to keep mine and stay put.

It helps that I have my phone. I can talk to Dad and Kayla.

And let’s not forget Kevin…

I tuck my chin to my chest as I walk down the aisle of marble busts, hoping Bella misses how my cheeks warm when I think of my childhood crush.

Kevin’s and my conversations are short, but they’re… sweet. We joke, bring up random childhood memories, and he’s always mentioning plans for when I come back to Maine, saying how eager he is to take me on a date.

Sometimes, I can hardly believe this is real.

I’ve spent so long pining after the boy-turned-guy of my dreams… it was almost easier to accept the existence of Immortals than to accept Kevin feels the same way about me.

Almost.

“This bust looks different from the others.” I stop in front of a statue of a beautiful woman with delicate features, her face softer and more serene than the ones I’d seen prior. “Is this yours?”

Bella joins me at my side with a chuckle. “Yes, that’s me. It was made a century after the others. After I joined the family.”

“Ah.” I nod, walking to the next bust. I stop in front of one with sharp feminine features and cool elegance—Eshe’s. “You know, I never thought about it before, but now that I’mcomparing these to actual people… it’s a little freaky seeing you without eyeballs.”

Bella smiles. “Did you know that the original Grecian busts that these are styled after were painted? Even their eyes?”

“I did, actually.” Growing up with a dad who studied ancient cultures meant I learned many ‘fun facts’ about history, including art.

I glance around the room, taking in the dozen or so other statues lining the walls. They’re not all busts. Some are full-body sculptures, standing proudly, their details smooth and precise.

“Are these all made to look like someone?” I gesture to the different statues.

Bella follows my gaze. “Most are favored lesser Immortals. For a time, Thane, Lome, or Des would commission statues as a gift—an acknowledgment of loyalty.”

I walk down the row of statues, noting subtle details that must depict some aspect of that Immortal’s power or personality. A blooming rose in a female’s palm. A man gripping a bolt of lightning in his armored hand. Some appear larger than life, others more subtle.

The shadow of the past hovers over me as I study them; these figures who have lived through events I’ll only ever read about.

What would living through the most pivotal moments in history be like? To see civilizations rise and fall? To witness the artistic and intellectual revolutions throughout human existence?

I’ve read enough fantasy novels to know how easy it is to romanticize the idea of immortality. These Immortals livedthrough so much. It’s impossible not to want to know more about their lives.

Almost every human civilization believed in some higher power. Religions formed, centered around the worship or reverence of one or more gods and goddesses.

Who knows? Maybe the ancient religions did get their inspiration from real Immortals—from Thane, Lome, and others.

“How often do Immortals interact with humans?” My mind paints the picture of Evetta inspiring myths about jealous goddesses who punish humans for perceived slights.

“A fair amount,” Bella says, not bothered by my sudden question. She’s used to me asking random questions out of the blue. “Though, the Original Nine enforce rules to keep our existence a secret. There are slip-ups from time to time, but overall, most Immortals have no problem concealing their true identities from humans.”

“How many Immortals are there?”

Bella shrugs. “I don’t know the exact number, but it's in the hundreds.”

Wow.“It’s amazing they’re all able to stay hidden.” Almost everyone has a cell phone these days and can record and take photos of everything at anytime, anywhere.

“We blend in well.”