Page 14 of The Immortal’s Mark

I sigh, and my arms fall to my side. “I had another vision.”

“Ah.” He crosses his arms, waiting for me to say more, but the suitcase at his side catches my attention.

I blink. “What’s going on?”

“I came to say goodbye.”

“What?”

“I’m leaving,” he says simply, like he’s announcing the weather. “Just for a few days.”

The words hit like a punch to my gut. “What about my training?”

With the Immortals preoccupied searching for Bella, Alex is the only one who has bothered to try to help me tap into the power that allegedly flows through my veins. He’s the one who enlisted Henry to train me.

What will I do when he’s gone?

“Henry will be here, as well as one of my lieutenants,” he replies.

“A lieutenant?”

“My second in command,” he confirms without missing a beat. “Though his presence will be primarily for your protection. I’ll leave the training to Henry.”

“Great,” I mutter.

Just what I need…another babysitter.

I shake away the thought. “Are you going to look for Adir?”

He tilts his head to the side. “Did your vision include details of my assignment?”

“Only that Thane suggested you reach out to Adir.” I purse my lips. “Do you really think you can find him?”

“I don’t know, but I have contacts with information on his movements. They’re worth speaking to.”

“Of course.”

Anything to potentially save Bella is worth the effort.

Still…I wish he didn’t have to leave.

I swallow the lump in my throat and add, “What about my mother?”

“What about her?”

I turn the wrist holding the practice sword, staring down at the grains of wood running along the length of the blade. “Have you found her yet?”

“Not yet, but it will not be long.”

Equal parts dread and anticipation swirl in my chest. “Okay…”

Alex’s stare burns the side of my face. When I finally look up, concern greets me.

“You’ll be okay, Darcie. If you need anything, just ask Des or Eshe. They’ll take care of you.”

I ignore the way Des’s name makes my heart squeeze. We’ve hardly spoken since the night of Bella’s disappearance—the night he revealed he cared about my safety. That he cared about me.

“I know.” I nod.