Page 98 of The Immortal's One

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I lift my chin, counting in my head, trying not to get too caught up in Eleni’s commands. It’s my third dance lesson with her, and I’ve improved so much since that first awkward step, but I’m far from perfect.

Eleni, a lesser Immortal with a natural talent for music and dancing, showed up the day after my dress fitting, eager to whip me into shape for the ball. I’m sure she wasn’t thrilled about the one-week deadline, but she’s been incredibly patient and—no exaggeration—magical.

I didn’t believe Bella when she told me Eleni could use her powers to teach me rhythm and musicality. But she did. Her powers make me feel like I could float across the room if I tried.

I keep my hold on Lome light, just like Eleni taught me, letting him guide me through smooth turns and quick steps.

When the song on the stereo hits its final note, Eleni claps. “Well done, Darcie!”

“Thank you.” I release Lome and dip into a dramatic curtsy with a silly grin.

She laughs. “The Originals will be so impressed.”

My smile quickly fades, but I force myself to say, “Thanks.”

Lome, ever the joker, chimes in. “Yes, well done. You didn’t step on my feet once this time.”

I shove his arm with a scoff. “Whatever.”

“Whoa there, Hercules.” Lome feigns a stumble. “Careful with that strength—you might hurt someone.”

I roll my eyes with an amused shake of my head. I’m beginning to suspect the Immortal doesn't know how to be serious for more than five seconds.

“Alright, you two.” Eleni’s voice cuts through our banter. “Let’s move into the Varsouvienne.”

I can’t help but groan. The bouncing steps make me feel like I’m an uncoordinated rabbit, even with the help of Eleni’s magic and Lome’s steady grip.

Lome splays open his arms with a dramatic flourish. “Shall we?”

I sigh but step into his hold. “We shall.”

While the Varsouvienne isn’t my favorite dance, it isn’t hard. In two counts, Lome and I pick up our pace and match steps with the upbeat music.

“This dance has elements of the polka,” Lome says, guiding me into a turn. “It’s one of Eshe’s favorites.”

“Really? Eshe?” I can’t picture the intense Immortal, so serious and imposing, bouncing around a dance floor.

“Surprising, I know.”

Since the atmosphere is light, I decide to push for more information. “So… you and Eshe get along well enough to dance together?”

“Sometimes.” His nonchalant tone prompts me to ask more.

“Will you two dance at the ball?”

“I hope so.” He guides me into another quick turn. “In fact,” he adds, “Eshe and I are in one of our upswings.”

“Upswings?”

“A time where we get along relatively well,” he explains with a grin. “It can come or go depending on what is happening around us.”

My feet pivot with another turn.

“As I’m sure you already know,” Lome continues, not missing a beat, “Eshe and I do not have a romantic relationship.” He watches me expectantly.

“Bella told me a little bit of your story,” I confess. “But she didn’t give much detail.”

He shrugs. “It wouldn’t matter if she did. Everyone in our society knows of my and Eshe’s arrangement.”