Page 33 of The Immortal’s Mark

I want to see him. I really do. But with Adir running free, I want him to stay as far away from this Immortal mess as possible.

“Come on, sweetheart. I want to see you and make sure you’re all right. Don’t make me beg.”

I sigh.

How am I supposed to argue with that?

“Fine. I’ll try to find time to visit.”

“Excellent.” His tone brightens. “Can’t wait.”

I shake my head.

“Abernathy.” A thick Italian accent cuts into the background. “Do you have a second to discuss the excavation’s findings?”

“One moment, Roberto,” Dad replies. “I’m speaking with my daughter.”

“It’s okay, Dad. I have to get to class in a few, anyway,” I say, only mildly ashamed at how easily the lie rolls off my tongue

The phone crackles. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. We can talk soon.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” A beat passes. “Okay, well… have a good day, sweetheart. I love you.”

I swallow back the guilt clawing up my throat. “I love you, too. Bye.”

The call ends. I drop the phone with a groan and press the heels of my hands against my eyes, as if I can push away the ache radiating through my skull.

I called Dad for a distraction, but all I accomplished was creating a new problem.

Convincing the alliance to let me visit Italy will be next to impossible. I’m on lockdown here.

But Dad is stubborn. If I don’t go to him, he’ll insist on coming here. Which means I’ll have to ask the Immortals for help.

I shove myself up, resigned. Best to get this over with before Dad has the chance to buy any tickets.

A fresh wave of discomfort crashes through me.

“Whoa.”

I stumble back onto the mattress.

Fatigue crashes over me, mingling with pricks of pain.

My eyes close.

I guess Henry’s healing has worn off.

I crack an eyelid and look at the clock. It’s late. I should sleep.

I drag myself under the covers, not bothering with pajamas. The sheets are cool, smelling faintly of lavender.

I tuck my chin down and force my eyes shut, shoving all guilty thoughts to the back of my mind, praying for the blissful peace of oblivion and to wake pain-free.

My sleep may be free of visions, but it’s anything but restful.

The creeping pain doesn’t fade. In fact, it evolves.