Page 36 of The Immortal’s Curse (Bound to the Immortals #2)

DARCIE

The assembly calls a one-hour recess to give Des time to retrieve me. The Immortals believe I’m back in Maine. Little do they know, I’m standing above them, watching with my heart pounding in my chest.

Seeing Adir in a vision was bad enough. I don’t want to come face-to-face with the unstable Immortal who kidnapped me. But I don’t think I have a choice.

Within two minutes, Des walks into the drab space where Eshe and I watched the meeting below. He presses a finger to his lips and motions for us to follow.

In silence, we walk quickly up the winding stairs, down the third-floor main hall, and into an unfamiliar bedroom.

I take in the green upholstery, oak furniture, and immense bed filling the space. There’s an indentation on the pillow. Someone uses this room.

Des closes the door, runs a hand through his thick hair, and growls, “Damnit.”

“What’s the plan?” Eshe sits on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs .

I walk back until I’m pressed against the wall, leaning against the solid surface for support.

“I don’t know.” He begins to pace the length of the room. “But this must be a trap. Why can’t Thane see that?”

“Perhaps he does.” Eshe shrugs. “But you know how easily he succumbs to pressure. He wants to make everyone happy. Sometimes, he does so despite his better judgment.”

“Then he is a fool,” Des spits.

“Insults will not solve your problem.”

His steps slow until he stops. He hangs his head and sighs. “What do you think we should do?”

“Follow the alliance’s decision and allow Darcie to speak with Adir.”

“For what purpose?” Des’s anger isn’t directed at me, but the intensity of the glower has me pressing against the wall.

Eshe remains unaffected. “Doing anything else will cause dissension. Our alliance with the lesser Immortals and half-breeds is delicate. We can’t risk damaging it the moment we finally come together.”

Des grumbles and moves to stand in front of a set of drawers. He crosses his arms and stares at a trio of framed photos on the chest-height surface. I can’t be sure from this distance, but I think they’re pictures of him and Argos.

Thinking of the intelligent dog makes me think of the were-beast, Lucas. What other half-breeds are there? Vampires and witches, sure. But are there any more? What other fantastical things exist in this world? Maybe Dad’s new book could give me clues.

“Darcie?”

My gaze snaps up.

Des watches me, his arms still crossed.

“What?”

“What is your opinion?”

“On what? ”

“On speaking with Adir.” His tone is patient.

“Oh.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. If I need to speak to him, I will.”

But I’ll hate every second of it.

His eyes narrow. “You are taking this remarkably well.”

“Hardly,” I mutter and stare at the ground. It’s hard to meet his eye and not remember the sting of rejection he delivered less than twelve hours ago.

Don’t wallow.

I lift my eyes to Eshe. “So vampires and were-beasts are real. Were any witches at the assembly today?”

I didn’t notice anyone in a pointed black hat, but you never know…

“No.” She answers. “Most of Charmian’s offspring wish to stay out of the conflict.”

“Tell that to the guy from Portland.” I rub my sternum where the warlock’s fiery orb struck, knocking air from my lungs.

Des snarls.

Eshe shoots him a pointed look before telling me, “Warlocks and witches tend to be peaceful. Their involvement in that attack was unexpected, to say the least.”

“And our sources are looking into that matter,” Des grunts.

Didn’t Adir’s stronghold have a ward around it? It seems obvious that warlocks and witches are involved in the rebellion. I bite my lip, wondering just how far this rebellion spreads, and why so many powerful beings are willing to rise against the Original Nine.

“You do not have to do this,” Des’s murmur cuts into my thoughts.

I lock eyes with him. Worry lines his tight expression. “We can tell the alliance no. We can find another way. You don’t have to face Adir.”

Eshe shifts on the bed, and the quick flick of her eyes tells me she disagrees .

The knot in my stomach cinches tighter, but I force the words out anyway. “I don’t mind.”

“Well, I do.” Des’s voice rumbles low, edged with fury. His gaze burns into me. “I mind that you are so eager to put yourself in danger. Again.”

A sharp breath tears into my lungs, hot and jagged. My vision blurs at the edges, red bleeding in. “I didn’t ask for any of this!”

“Yet, you willingly submit yourself to it.” He shakes his head.

The words cut deeper than they should, clawing my ribs.

“I don’t have a choice!” My voice cracks as it rises. “No matter where I am or what I do, this stupid rebellion follows me. Oh, yeah… and let’s not forget the fact I’m cursed .”

Des flinches, stiffening as though I’ve landed a physical blow.

But the rage in me won’t let go.

“Whether you like it or not, I’m involved, Des.” My fists clench so tight my nails dig into my palms. “And I am going to do whatever I can to get myself out of it.”

His jaw hardens. “Your involvement is a mistake. You do not belong in any of this.”

Something inside me caves.

Don’t cry. Not now.

I blink hard, moisture burning at the corners of my eyes. Resentment swells like a tide, threatening to drag me under.

“Enough.” Eshe stands and positions herself between me and Des in the middle of the room. She faces her brother-in-law. “You’re out of line.”

His nostrils flare. “You know why I?—”

“It doesn’t matter.” She snaps. “Darcie is right. The curse is affecting her. She’s in this now. The sooner you put aside your personal wants and accept reality, the better.”

Hurt spears through my chest, sharp and merciless, but I drag in a breath and force my face to stay still. My pulse pounds in my ears as I wait for Des’s response.

His gaze is hard and unyielding, disapproval written in every line of his face. His broad shoulders rise and fall, the movement tight, controlled, like he’s one breath away from losing control.

When he finally speaks, his voice is biting, “Fine. But this is a mistake.” His eyes flick to me, burning. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Des’s glare sears between my shoulder blades the entire walk back to the assembly room.

This time, we don’t slink through secret halls. We walk boldly, exposed, down a gilded corridor lined with artwork and furniture that scream wealth and power.

We pass a marble bust of some long-dead man when Eshe clears her throat beside me.

I drag my eyes off the velvet-draped fainting couch and meet her gaze.

She’s calm but resolute. “When we arrive, don’t speak. Walk straight to the platform. Keep your head high. Eyes forward. You’ll get through this.”

All I manage is a stiff nod, my tongue tied with nerves.

We round the next corner. Des brushes past me, his arm grazing mine, sending warmth flowing through me.

I grit my teeth. How can one touch affect me so much?

He grips the bronze handle and flicks a look over his shoulder. His gaze catches mine, tight, restless, torn .

Heat pricks my cheeks, and I drop my eyes before the meaning in his expression can brand itself into me.

The hinges groan in protest as the door yawns open.

A hush ripples through the air. Dozens of eyes hook into me as I step inside the room. The crowd has already parted, a perfect aisle carved through the center of the massive room is waiting for me.

I immediately regret my scuffed sneakers and faded leggings. I never thought I’d long for one of Bella’s extravagant dresses, but I feel out of place among the sea of finely dressed supernaturals.

I stare at the platform ahead, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. If I do, I’ll likely trip. Or vomit. Or both.

Eshe walks beside me. Des’s footfalls echo behind us.

“Is that her ?”

“She’s young.”

“The brothers should’ve kept her out of this.”

“She’s… ordinary.”

“A beauty, though.”

My cheeks burn. Motion near the platform pulls my attention, and I lock eyes with Alex. His frown cuts deep as he shifts his gaze over my shoulder to Des.

Did he think Des would keep me hidden?

Two figures wait at the center of the platform. Thane stands like a mountain, cold and still. Lome is all restless energy, scanning me, then Eshe, like he's desperate to confirm we're alive.

Has he not seen Eshe since the attack? It was only a few hours ago… it’s possible they haven’t met up since she left Portland.

I stop two feet from the platform and wait.

Des steps past, this time without touching me. Eshe remains at my side.

Des leaps onto the platform and steps behind Thane’s right shoulder. Lome stands at his left. The three paint a formidable image as they stare out at the crowd.

The room falls silent. Sweat trickles down the back of my neck under the heat of the crowd’s scrutiny.

Thane eyes me. Finally, he lifts his hand. “Come. ”

I walk forward, stiff-legged, and place my hand in his. He lifts me easily.

Okay, maybe leggings weren’t the worst choice.

He turns me to face the crowd, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder. I resist the urge to fidget.

Lome helps Eshe onto the platform.

Where is Bella?

She’s still not on the platform. I search the unfamiliar faces in front of me, but I don’t see the petite Immortal anywhere.

Thane’s voice slices through the silence. “This is Darcie Abernathy.”

Gasps ripple through the room like a breeze stirring dry leaves.

He pauses, scanning the sea of faces. “She has survived multiple rebel attacks that attempted to weaken this Council. To spread fear.”

I press my palms to my thighs to keep them from shaking.

Thane’s voice hardens, “This young woman’s life has been unjustly tampered with because of Adir’s insatiable lust for power. But, thank the Creator, the trials have not robbed her of bravery. Darcie has agreed to help our cause.”

Scattered applause sounds, but I barely register it. Nausea curdles in my stomach.

I can’t help it… I look at Des.

His jaw is pulled tight, and a muscle ticks in his cheek. I half-expect him to disagree with his brother and insist I will not be helping them. But he stays quiet.

“Miss Abernathy.” Alex steps forward and kneels.

The two vampires beside him do the same.

“Thank you for your selfless bravery,” he says with reverence. I can’t tell if it’s real or an act.

I trusted Alex. I considered him a friend. Knowing he hid his involvement in the Immortal world makes me wonder why he hired me at the Bean Bazaar. It makes me question every single interaction we ever had.

He continues, “My coven pledges to protect and aid you in any way we can as you strive to help the alliance rid ourselves of the rebellion’s treachery.”

I blink at my boss.

So many questions hover on my lips, but I can’t utter one. Not in front of everyone here.

Thane gives my shoulder an encouraging squeeze.

“ I-uh… thank you,” I manage. “And thank you for saving my life last night.”

A chorus of surprised murmurs rises.

Whoops.

Guess they didn’t know about that part.

Alex holds my gaze. “Neither my traitorous father, nor his minions, will lay a hand on you again. Not if we have anything to say about it.”

The three vampires stand.

I glance between them, not knowing what to think of their very public declaration. Based on confused whispers reaching my ears, I’m not the only one.

“So.” Eros steps forward. “It is decided? The girl will speak to Adir on the alliance's behalf?”

His eyes flick to Des. “If that is agreeable to you, of course.”

I bristle.

“Yes,” I say before Des can open his mouth, resenting the implication that he’s in charge of me or my decisions.

Des’s lips flatten. His eyes spark with frustration, but he masks it quickly.

“For the record,” he begins coolly, “I think this is a mistake. We are playing right into Adir’s hands.”

Murmurs rise once more.

Thane frowns, “Are you sure you wish to do this, Darcie? ”

My shoulders rise with a deep inhale. “The worst Adir can do is lie. He’s locked in a cell. Right?”

“Right,” Thane confirms.

I straighten my spine. “Then, yes. I’ll do it.”

Murmurs of approval sweep the room. A few individuals even smile and comment on my bravery.

I don’t feel brave. I feel like a shaking deer caught in headlights. But I smile anyway.

Des watches me, displeased. I don’t care. I’m eager to no longer be left in the dark. Now that I have the opportunity to help myself, I’m not going to miss it.

No matter what a broody, heart-crushing Immortal has to say.