Page 145 of The Immortal’s Mark

Even if I had access to my power, I don’t stand a chance against fighting Adir. I have to comply. For now.

I step forward and follow my captor out of the bare room.

The hallway beyond is made of the same bleak, concrete walls, cold air, and fluorescent lights that make everything look sickly.

I leave the metal door open, hoping that when Gregory wakes up, he’ll have a way out.

As long as no one comes to stop him.

My pace quickens to catch up as Bella’s skirt rounds the corner. The walls on either side remain empty. The corridor stretches ahead. Voices drift faintly to my ears.

I turn the next corner and find Adir, Henry, and Bella waiting.

My glare snaps to Henry.

How can he be working for Adir?

The brothers trust him.

I trusted him.

His betrayal cuts deep.

The warlock doesn’t react to my stare. If anything, he looks…indifferent. His attention stays on Adir. Like a dog waiting for its master’s command.

Adir dips his head in my direction, then leads us through a pair of doors, into the bright Italian sun.

I shield my eyes, squinting as I breathe in the warmer air that carries the fresh scent of trimmed hedges and something floral.

Cobblestone winds through a manicured garden filled with fountains, stone planters, and neatly clipped trees until it opens at the base of an immense Italian country estate.

It is grand. Imposing. Beautiful.

But I refuse to admire the elegant architecture or the priceless décor visible through the tall windows. I will not be impressed by anything Adir owns.

But as soon as we step inside, my resolve falters. Not from admiration, but shock.

The massive home is teeming with people.

Men and women, all attractive and well dressed, flutter around the room as if preparing for a royal visit. Conversations overlap. Footsteps echo. Someone brushes past me hard enough to bump my shoulder, nearly knocking me off balance.

“What’s going on, Adir?” Bella finally voices the question. She’s just as stunned as I am. “What is everyone doing?”

“Organizing this evening’s party, of course,” Adir states with a pleased grin. “It should be quite the event.”

“A party?” Bella quickens her pace until she’s beside him. She leans in, muttering something I can’t hear.

But Adir’s response is loud and clear.

“To celebrate Darcie joining our cause, of course.”

Like hell.

I keep the curse in my throat, but there is absolutely no way I’m going along with whatever plan Adir has conjured up.

Getting out of here is imperative.

But first, I need to understand what he’s planning.