Page 67 of The Immortal’s Mark

Thane steps forward, teeth bared. “That is not enough.”

“Our three strongest, then,” the man continues, voice wavering. “If they cannot find your wife, no one can.”

“I said, that is not enough!” Thane’s shout echoes through the room. He makes a move as if he’s about to lunge off the dais and punch the warlock.

Des moves in a blink. His hand grips Thane’s bicep.

“Calm yourself,” Des hisses. “This is not how we get what we want.”

Lome grabs Thane’s other arm.

“She is my wife,” Thane bites back, fighting his brothers’ holds. But something about his body looks weak. Tired. “We need to get her back.”

“We will,” Lome whispers. “Just hold yourself together.”

Thane’s head falls forward.

Charmian clears her throat. “The three most powerful members of the Nightsbane Clan will assist the Alliance in finding Bella. Take it or leave it.”

“We will take it,” Lome says. “Now, please show yourselves out.”

Six of the cloaked figures turn on their heels and step toward the door, eager to escape the volatile ballroom.

“There is one condition.”

All movement stops.

Des’s narrowed glare locks onto my mother. “A condition?”

“The Nightsbane clan will take the girl under our wing,” my mother replies. “We will train her. Where we go, she goes.”

“Absolutely not,” he snaps.

She flinches, but doesn’t give up. “Darcie is one of us, and she is going through a dangerous awakening. She needs to be surrounded by those strong enough to guide her through the transition.”

“I don’t care. Darcie is not leaving this mansion.”

My mother presses her lips together. “Fine. She will remain here, but we will train her. That is our condition.”

A sudden ache pulses in my chest.

Why care about me now?

After all these years?

“Agreed,” Lome speaks for his brothers once again. “But only if the clan's members aiding the alliance relocate to Greece to help us whenever we have need.”

“Done.” She bows her head.

Des’s chest heaves.

He hates this.

I can feel the distrust radiating off him like heat from a fire.

“What does Darcie think about this?” my mother asks.

“What?” Des snaps.