Des’s smile is more genuine this time. “You’ve readThe Odyssey?”
I grin at the surprise in his voice. “It’s a pretty common book assigned in school. It was also one of my dad’s favorite stories to read to me at bedtime.”
I don’t know what possessed me to share that with Des, but warmth spreads through my chest at the memory of those nights, curled up in my twin-sized bed as Dad read to me. He thought the lengthy epic would lull me to sleep. And it did…until I got too interested in the story to want to fall asleep.
Des raises an eyebrow, his expression tinged with mild approval. “I suppose that is not that surprising, considering your father is a historian.”
I lower my gaze back to Argos, hoping to hide how my cheeks flush. “Yeah… I guess not.”
Silence settles between us, but it’s not uncomfortable. There’s a peacefulness to it, with the cool breeze ruffling the leaves and the distant sounds of the forest surrounding us. I’m starting to relax, to feel like this conversation might be… normal.
Then Des speaks again, his voice lower, more serious. “I don’t believe I’ve ever apologized.”
My hand that’s petting Argos stills. I tilt my head up. “Apologize? For what?”
“For the misunderstanding that led to all of this.” He waves a hand at the surrounding forest. “For the role I played in upending your life.”
I’m quick to shake my head. “None of this is your fault. If anything, you’re the only one who actually tried to help me get home.” I hesitate, then add, “You don’t want me here, either.”
Which reminds me of what I came out here to ask you…
I want to ask about reincarnation. I want to know why Des thinks his siblings believe I am one of his reincarnated soulmates when he denies it.
But while my mind creates the words, they refuse to roll off my tongue.
Des’s gaze grows distant for a moment, then he clears his throat and shakes his head. “Regardless, however misguided my siblings may be, they claim to do all this for my benefit. I’m sorry that you’re caught up in it.”
I chew the inside of my cheek, struggling to say what I need to say.
Just do it, you coward!
“I had an interesting conversation with Eshe and Bellaearlier today,” I blurt. My cheeks flush with embarrassment, but I hold his gaze.
He lets out a low snort. “I’m not surprised. What did they tell you?”
I lick my lips, suddenly dry. “Well… um… you see… they?—”
“I assume it was about the ball?” Des interrupts, his tone suddenly more guarded. “Trust me, I’m working on a way to get us out of it.”
My questions about reincarnation are put aside as I focus on this new piece of information. “Wait, what ball?”
His jaw tightens. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?”
He rubs a hand over his face and releases an exhausted sigh. “The Council is throwing a ball for the holidays.”
I blink. “Immortals celebrate the holidays?”
Des drops his hand. His lips twist. “Immortals take advantage of any excuse to drink in excess and make fools of themselves.”
Some humans are the same.
I purse my lips. “What does a ball have to do with me? And why areyoutrying to getusout of it?”
An apology flickers across his face, but it’s gone as quickly as it appeared. “The Council plans to announce you as myOneat the ball.”
The words punch the air from my lungs. I gasp, “What?”