Page 1 of The Immortal’s Mark

PROLOGUE

DES

Restlessness haunts my steps.

I cannot explain it. The unsettling emotion greets me the moment I am awoken by the autumn sun spilling through my windows, wrapping around my chest like a too-tight tunic.

I try to ignore it, to convince myself nothing is amiss, but the sensation refuses to abate.

It lingers.

Grows.

I sit in Thane’s study, watching Bella flit around, holding various fabrics against his chest for a new sports coat, when the feeling finally becomes too much.

I lower the latest missive from our spies on the growing rebellion’s efforts and rise from the chair. “I’m going to take a trip.”

“A trip?” Thane asks.

“Where to?” my sister-in-law tilts her head. She tries to appear passively interested, but sharp awareness lingers in her brown eyes.

Bella is perceptive, and a spontaneous trip is out of character for me.

“I don’t know. Crete…Athens?”

The moment I name the Grecian capital, a sense of urgency fills me.

That is where I must go.

I shrug and continue, “I just need to get out of the mansion.”

“Of course.” Bella’s expression softens. “That sounds lovely. With the tourist season coming to an end, the cities should not be too crowded.”

I had not considered that.

“Exactly.” I nod. “It would be nice to see how much everything has changed.”

Thane grunts. “It sounds like an entertaining diversion. Perhaps we should join you?”

“My love,” Bella interrupts quickly. “I need you to stay put and finish your fitting. I want to get your new wardrobe ordered before this evening.”

“Of course, my dear. I apologize.” Thane’s gaze shifts back to me. “If I finish with my fitting and you are still about, do you mind if I join you?”

“I have no objection to that,” I lie.

“Splendid,” Thane says. “I hope to meet you on the streets of Athens.”

I dip my chin. “Very well.”

As I turn to leave, I catch Bella’s apologetic look.

I force a small smile.

Bella is attuned to the emotions of others. Unfortunately, not even Thane’s thousands of years on Earth have granted him mastery of that particular skill.

After ensuring Argos has been fed breakfast, I step outside the mansion and envision the National Garden in the heart of Athens.

The image forms clearly in my mind.