Page 156 of The Immortal’s Mark

I freeze and stare into the dark hood, unable to thrash with Adir’s weight pressing into me.

Even this close, I can’t make out any of this stranger’s features, but I widen my eyes, silently pleading with this man not to go along with Adir’s plan. That he will take pity on me and help me.

Then…

He begins to chant.

The words are in a language I do not understand, yet one that feels familiar. Like they belong to a song I heard only once. The rhythm is soothing and brusque, deep yet hollow.

Power pulses around us. Tingles pepper my skin. I breathe and inhale smoke. My heart thumps at a dangerously slow rhythm. My body doesn’t feel like my own.

I fight through the heavy sensations. I jerk one hand off the concrete.

Adir grabs my wrist and forces it back down. His chest presses into mine, and he hisses in my ear, “Behave.”

Never.

Boom.

A distant crash echoes through the damp chamber.

Dust falls from the ceiling.

I blink to see through the debris.

The chanting doesn’t stop.

If anything, the cadence grows louder.

Pressure builds in the air, pushing in on me from all sides. My legs begin to shake.

“What…” I grit out between clenched teeth. Sweat rolls down the back of my neck. “...is…happening?”

“Elder?” Adir snaps. The hands holding mine clench tighter. A tremor ripples through his limbs. “Do it.”

The Elder doesn’t stop chanting.

Every syllable he utters sinks into my body. Strings are pulled. Knots are tied. My back arches. A scream claws at my throat, but I cannot release it.

My breath billows out in front of me. Cold air kisses the tip of my nose.

“P-please,” I stutter. “D-don’t.”

“Darcie!”

My heart seizes.

Des?

“Hold on.” His voice rings in my head, as clear as if he were speaking directly into my ear. “I’m coming.”

Through the haze of pain and confusion, the sound of another crash reaches my ears.

It’s the alliance.

They’ve come for me.

Des has come for me.