Page 37 of The Immortal’s Mark

“Oh.” Her cheeks color, and she turns her blue irises to the greenery around us. “I’m not in college.”

I don’t understand her embarrassment. “So, you are on vacation?”

She continues to avoid eye contact. “Sort of. I am here with my dad. He is working with a colleague at the university.”

“Your father is an academic?”

She bobs her head. “A professor. He is on a sabbatical,” she explains.

I process the information.

“Does your father’s work keep you in Athens?” My mind has already started to wonder when I will be able to see her again.

Stop it.

I take control of my thoughts.

You will not meet with her again.

This is the only time you will risk her safety.

Darcie, unaware of my silent struggle, responds, “No, we don’t stay in one spot for long. My father is reaching out to local historians to meet and discuss his research. We are only in Athens for a few days.”

“It is nice of you to journey with your father,” I comment.

Though it does not surprise me to learn my One is family-oriented.

She always is.

We reach the end of the path, back where we started.

Darcie turns to me, and before she can speak, I blurt, “Have you toured the Parthenon yet?”

She blinks. “Um…no.”

“Would you like to?”

My heart hammers in my chest as I wait for her response.

When it comes in the form of a shy smile, triumph jolts through me.

“Sure,” she says.

Not giving her the chance to change her mind, I lead us out of the National Gardens and onto the main road.

Vehicles and cyclists rush past us, creating a noisy atmosphere too loud to hold a conversation. It isn’t until we turn onto another pedestrian path that I finally try to alleviate the awkwardness that settled during the short walk.

“I’m twenty-five,” I tell her the age I always use when speaking with humans. “And as you know, I live in Greece. And I am also a fan of architecture.”

I make a show of looking lost in thought before adding, “Let’s see... what else might I tell you about myself? Oh, I know. I am a Gemini.”

Darcie stares at me with wide eyes before I finally earn the laugh I had been aiming for.

She shakes her head and grins. “Thank you for all of that riveting information.”

“Of course.” I grin back. “Your turn. What interesting information can you share about yourself?”

Darcie continues to chuckle but soon begins talking.