Page 44 of The Immortal’s Curse (Bound to the Immortals #2)

DARCIE

Des grabs my arm before I crumble, pulling me against his chest as my legs give out. I barely register the warmth of his body or the sparks that leap between us. Thane’s words still hang in the air like an oppressive cloud I can’t escape.

“She’s a witch.” … “Soon, Darcie, you will be Immortal.”

I tilt my head back and stare at Des, my breath shallow, heart thundering in my chest like it’s trying to break free.

“W-what is he talking about?” My voice breaks like glass.

Des doesn’t answer right away. His green eyes, usually so steady, swirl with sorrow. “I’m sorry, Darcie.”

No.

No, no, no.

This can’t be real.

“It’s not possible,” I whisper, clutching the front of his shirt like it’s the only thing holding me together. “I’m not a witch.”

I would know. Wouldn’t I?

“Your visions say otherwise,” Thane replies, voice cool.

Des’s head snaps up, and he growls, “You’re out of line, Thane.”

“I agree,” Lome says sharply, his usual ease stripped from his voice, as he glares at his brother. Beside him, Eshe does the same.

“I thought we were done keeping secrets from her,” Thane says, folding his arms. “Was I supposed to lie?”

“There are better ways to go about this,” Eshe snaps, “and you know it.”

Lome rests a hand on Eshe’s shoulder. Not quite restraining, just a silent warning to tread carefully.

Thane lets out a cold, humorless laugh. “You’re honestly angry with me? Incredible.”

“We’re supposed to be united,” Lome counters. “Adir just threatened our wives. We should discuss how to stop him, not whatever twisted plan you plan to use Darcie for.”

My heart stutters. Use me? Des’s hold tightens.

“There has never been an Immortal witch,” Thane argues, voice rising with conviction. “If she learns to control her visions, if she can spy on the rebellion, we can finally end this war!”

The silence that follows could swallow me whole.

I look at Thane, really look at him. His dark hair is perfectly styled. Not a wrinkle mars his clothes. But his eyes… there’s something wrong with his eyes. Shadowed. Sleepless.

Tired.

This rebellion is taking its toll.

“You’re a fool,” Eshe breaks the silence first. “This is not what we should be focused on.”

“She’s right.” Lome rolls his shoulders back. “We should be asking how Adir managed to trap Darcie behind a barrier while imprisoned in our dungeon.”

I’d forgotten about that.

Lome continues, “Only our powers should have been able to bypass the dungeon’s restrictions. And yet, someone was able to help him trap her down there.”

A shiver runs through my body as I remember the agonizing pain when Adir broke my wrist .

Conversation dulls to a distant hum as I look at my wrist, currently pressing against Des’s chest, and twist it. Still no pain.

Des shifts slightly. I glance up and meet his eyes.

There’s concern there. But something else, too… something a whole lot like affection.

What am I doing?

I let go of his shirt and step away. His hands hover, then fall.

I keep backing up until my spine brushes the wall beside Alex. He steadies me with a firm hand on my elbow, then lets go.

I tune back into the conversation, pulse still thudding under my skin where Des held me.

“I won’t act frightened in front of the alliance,” Thane says sharply. “It’s what Adir wants.”

Lome doesn’t flinch. “Are you willing to risk your wife to save your reputation?”

Thane straightens like a man slapped. “Adir won’t touch her.”

A slow breath escapes me. He doesn’t get it. He doesn’t feel the certainty I do, the way Adir’s threat still claws at my chest.

I have to make him believe me. I have to make them all understand this threat is real.

Then, it hits me.

I clear my throat and say, “Adir tried to kill me.”

All eyes snap to me. Thane’s narrow. “We know. And I’m sorry you were hurt, Darcie, bu?—”

“No.” I cut him off, stepping forward. “Adir requested to speak with me as a negotiator. He lured me in… and he attacked me.”

I pause, searching their faces. “Wouldn’t that convince the alliance he’s dangerous? That he can’t be trusted? Use that information at his trial. Take away his powers like Evetta. Send him to the Underworld.”

Lome purses his lips. “It’ll take more than our word to convince our siblings to convict Adir. We all have years of history with him. Some of us were close.”

I think fast. “What if the trial is in front of the entire alliance, not just the Original Nine? There were two others in the dungeon. They saw the aftermath when they broke down the barrier. They can testify.”

I turn to Des. “The lesser Immortals and half-breeds are looking for a reason to trust you guys, right? To feel like you value them. What better way to prove it than including them in the trial of the century?”

Des’s lips tug into the faintest smile. Warmth flickers in his eyes, and a spark ignites in my chest.

“Of ten centuries,” Alex adds, his grin quick and sharp. I tear my gaze away from Des and focus on the vampire.

Alex glances at the gathered Immortals, determination lines his features. “Darcie is right. She was an approved negotiator, and Adir attacked her. The alliance will want justice. Including them in the trial will prevent the Originals from controlling the verdict.”

“Yes, but our siblings won’t condemn Adir to death,” Lome warns. “The Council’s already upset about Evetta’s punishment.” He glances pointedly at Des.

My spine stiffens.

“Then don’t kill him,” Eshe says, quiet but firm. “Strip his power as Darcie suggests. If we have proof of his crimes, the other Originals won’t argue it, not if the alliance supports us.”

Des lets out a low, approving hum. “The Council won’t risk it. Not when the alliance is the only thing keeping them strong.”

“I’ll speak to my coven,” Alex offers. “And the others. I’ll rally support before the vote.”

“Thane?” Des prompts.

The Immortal leader says nothing at first, his face carved from stone. At last, he exhales. “I am not sure.”

Des’s voice hardens. “We were lucky Adir didn’t harm Darcie. Trust me, you do not want to risk our delusional relative following through on his threats. Especially not one that puts Bella or Eshe in danger.”

“I know I don’t,” Lome mutters, jaw tight. “Reducing his power is better than he deserves, but at least he won’t be able to hurt any of us—” his eyes flick to Eshe, heat burning raw and protective “—or our wives.”

Eshe stills. Her lips part before she blinks and turns back to her brother-in-law.

Thane’s brow furrows, frustration brimming. Silence hangs heavy in the air.

For a heartbeat, Thane looks like he might argue, but then he snaps, “ Fine .”

He pivots sharply to Alex. “Find your coven. Spread the word. The alliance will gather this afternoon.” His eyes flick to me, grim. “Creator knows, we will need every ounce of support for this plan to work.”