Page 36 of The Immortal’s Mark

His voice falters.

“I don’t know.” Des’s control is unraveling, each word tighter than the last. “All I know is I felt her panic. She’s aware of her surroundings. I know she is.”

“How can you be certain?” Alex asks.

“Because I can feel her.” There’s something final in the words that silences everyone else.

Another pause.

Alex speaks again, lower this time. “I sent Henry away. He’s helping me with a task. Had I known…”

“You couldn’t have,” Des says, voice clipped. “You and Lome should go tell Thane what’s happened.”

“I’ll get Eshe first,” Lome says, already moving.

When the last footsteps fade, cool fingertips brush my temples.

The touch makes me flinch on the inside.

Alex releases a low hiss. “You are burning up.”

A half-hysteric laugh claws up my throat, wanting to congratulate him on finally being right when checking for a fever, but the sound never reaches my lips.

His voice softens, stripped bare. “Hold on, Darcie. We all need you to hold on.”

Then, without warning, a bolt of energy surges from his hand into my head.

Heat floods my veins. My body jerks, and my thoughts grow heavy.

Right before the darkness swallows me whole, his quiet voice trembles at the edges as he murmurs, “Forgive me.”

10

DES

Months ago - Athens

Darcie and I walk in companionable silence through the National Gardens after leaving behind the two tourists who tried to get her attention.

From the corner of my eye, I watch her observe the artifacts and statues we pass.

Seeing an opportunity to make conversation, I ask, “You are interested in art?”

“A little,” she responds, casting an assessing glance before adding, “but I am more interested in the architecture. The ancient temples and buildings are so beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

Of all of the ancient civilizations, my brothers and I enjoy Greek culture the best.

Everything, from their community to their philosophy, intrigues us. It is the main reason we decided to settle in the region all those years ago.

“Are you here for your studies?” I ask, wishing to learn more about my young American soulmate.

Even if I can’t have her in my life.

“My studies?”

“Are you at the university?” I clarify.