Page 152 of The Immortal’s Mark

He waves a hand between them, then over to Faine.

The quiet Original remains standing by the door, hands laced together in front of her, watching the room with an unreadable expression.

Adir continues, “Darcie’s immortality is already changing.”

My heart stutters.

How does he know that?

“We must secure the bond before it is too late.”

Over my dead body.

“I won’t do it,” I croak. Then, louder, I repeat, “I will not do this, Adir. I refuse.”

Cold, blue eyes pierce me where I stand, trembling. But I hold my chin high. This bond…whatever it takes to complete…it has to be consensual, right?

If I refuse to agree, it won’t work.

I have to believe that.

It is Faine who speaks. Her words aren’t cruel, but they brand her as my enemy all the same. “I believe it will. And so does the Elder.”

“Des hasn’t even confirmed I’m his One,” I counter, grasping at straws, but refusing to give up and accept defeat. “You will try to force a bond that doesn’t exist.”

Adir smirks. “That is a risk we are willing to take.”

My hands curl into fists. “Well, I’m not!”

He laughs. “Oh, Darcie. You are adorable. I admire your tenacity.”

“This isn’t tenacity!”

He continues as if I didn’t speak, “You will make an excellent life partner.”

He can’t possibly mean that.

“I will not go along with this,” I grind out, taking another step back. “You cannot make me.”

He doesn’t even blink. “It is a pity no one ever told you of the intricacies of transitions and bonding. Rest assured, Darcie, I will never willingly leave you in the dark once we are bonded.”

Bonded.

The word makes me recoil.

Bella reacts, too, as if the word snaps something inside her.

“That is enough. You’ve gone too far.”

“Trust me, sweet Bella.” His icy eyes shift to her. “I will go even farther to get what I want.”

But Bella doesn’t cower this time.

Blue light surrounds her as she calls on her power.

“This isn’t happening, Adir.” Her power spreads. Faine steps back, away from the growing threat. “Come up with another plan.”

Adir holds his ground. “There is no other plan.”