Page 141 of The Immortal’s Mark

“I helped Adir escape the dungeon,” she repeats.

The pieces slot into place with sickening ease. The alliance believed Adir escaped with the help of double-agent warlocks.

But it wasn’t warlocks.

It was Bella.

What will the Council do if they realize one of their own helped free their enemy?

What will Thane do?

Bella lifts her chin, spine straightening. Even so, she looks weak. A shell of herself.

“I didn’t help Adir only to keep my affair a secret,” she says, voice gaining strength. “I helped him because I truly believe the Council needs to reevaluate its policies. Their rules only widen the divide between us, the lesser Immortals, and half-breed populations. We cannot continue like this, Darcie, and Adir knows it.”

“Adir wants power,” I counter. “He told me he wants to kill you, Bella. And Eshe, too. You can’t trust him.”

She shakes her head. “He wouldn’t do that.”

“I saw him attack you on the balcony,” I argue, the memory flashing sharp and undeniable. I throw a hand toward her, as if I can physically point to the truth. “He was trying to hurt you. I don’t know why he didn’t go through with it, but you have to know you cannot trust him.” My voice shakes with frustration. “He wants to weaken the brothers, and the best way to do that is to get rid of you and Eshe.”

How can she not see that?

Bella continues to shake her head.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Adir is going to overthrow the Council, but he will leave us alone. All he wants is for things to be fair.” Her mouth tightens. “And all I want is not to have a target on my family’s back.”

It’s like arguing with a stranger.

Nothing about this person feels like Bella.

If Adir blackmailed her, I can understand why she’d be tempted to help him to keep him quiet…to a point.

But to turn on her husband?

On her entire family?

Nothing should convince her to do that.

Before I can figure out what to say next, the metal door behind Bella opens.

My body reacts before my mind does.

I take a step back and position myself in front of Gregory again, shielding him with my stance.

He hasn’t moved once during the entire conversation. I glance down. Relief punches through me at the continued rise and fall of his chest.

I turn back to the door.

My blood runs cold.

Adir saunters into the room with the arrogance of someone who believes he’s already won.

From his perspective, I suppose he has.

But I’ll be damned if I don’t fight back.

“Hello, Darcie.”