Page 50 of The Immortal’s Mark

“Please reconsider,” she says. “We can get more information about the clan another time. You shouldn’t overdo it.”

“I’ve been lying here for five days.” I swing a pointed look between the Immortals. “Fresh air could do wonders for my recovery.”

Now, it’s Eshe’s turn to roll her eyes.

Time to play to my audience’s weakness.

“You don’t like being left out either,” I remind her. “You, of all people, should understand why I want to be there.”

She lifts a brow at my transparent manipulation. “This is different. You are unwell.”

“I am perfectly fine. I don’t want to learn about anything secondhand. I want to hear it for myself.”

“And I know they may not even discuss my treatment,” I add quickly when Lome opens his mouth for a rebuttal. “I’m still interested in hearing what they have to say. To learn if they will join the alliance.”

Des hopes to track Bella using the clan’s power. If they don’t agree to help, I want to hear their reasons.

Silence stretches.

Husband and wife trade loaded looks over me.

Lome exhales, defeated.

“Fine. But you must remain silent,” he warns.

Victory gives my weakened muscles strength.

I swing my legs over the edge when Eshe stands. I push onto my feet, and my knees give out.

I fall back onto the mattress. “Oops.”

“Darcie,” Lome groans, raking a hand through his hair.

“I’m fine!”

“You can’t even get up!”

“Then someone can carry me,” I say, undeterred.

I’m not missing a clan of witches parading through this mansion. I want them to explain why my so-called transition tried to rip me apart.

Right on cue, the air at the doorway shifts. A figure fills the frame, broad shoulders, dark cloak, bringing a gust of cool wind.

I turn, already smiling.

“Gregory,” I say, delighted, a solution clicking into place like a well-set trap. “Just the big, strong vampire I wanted to see.”

13

DARCIE

Instead of meeting in one of the various parlors or studies located throughout the mansion, I’m tucked away in one of the balcony boxes overlooking the ballroom.

A shiver courses down my spine as I take in the grand stage at the side of the room.

I haven’t set foot in the ornately decorated space since the night of the ball—the night Adir managed to abduct me from right under the brothers’ noses.

Forcing the memory away, I focus on the three Immortals standing proudly below.