Page 88 of The Immortal’s Mark

He saw the keychain resting on my desk.

I’d bought it after touring the monument. Though the memory of that day is fuzzy. That same evening was when I learned of Dad’s cancer diagnosis.

Still… owning a cheap souvenir hardly suggests I enjoy architecture.

The urge to press him crawls up my throat, but I shove it down.

What’s the point?

“Well, this place is amazing.” I admire the circular structure once more. “Too bad it’s hidden on your property. Tourists would love to see it.”

He hums. “Maybe one day.”

I move closer to a statue, counting the missing fingers from the graceful hand that in no way diminishes the statue’s beauty.

“Why did you build it?” I ask. “What did you use it for?”

“A place to be alone.”

“It doesn’t look like you’ve been here for a while.” I rub my fingers together, clearing away the residue from wiping the floor.

“Lome discovered it and erased any hope I had of privacy.”

I laugh. “That’s a shame.”

His lips twitch. “Indeed.”

My heart squeezes.

I drag my gaze to the floor and clear my throat. “You said you needed to speak to me?”

“Yes.” He draws closer. “I wanted to make sure you’re ready for what comes next.”

“Of course.” I trace a circle in the marble with my sneaker.

“Are you sure?”

Slowly, I lift my head.

Des’s eyes swirl. His emerald eyes.

My heartbeat stutters. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He studies my face, reading every flicker of doubt and fear I try to hide.

“You can do it, you know,” he says in a low voice.

“What?”

“Whatever the Nightsbane clan asks you to do. Whatever comes next, you can do it.”

I can’t contain my scoff. “Before or after I burn out or fall into another coma?”

“That won’t happen again.”

“How can you say that⁠—”

“Because I know you, Darcie. I know your soul.” The hand at his side flexes, and I get the distinct impression he wants to reach out for me.