Page 24 of The Immortal’s One (Bound to the Immortals #1)

I stare at a beetle crawling across a lily pad floating in the fountain, unease tightening the knot in my stomach as the sound of bubbling water echoed through the hedge maze. “So… what do you guys do with your power?”

“We keep humanity from destroying itself. ”

My eyes snap up to him, but he continues to look at the fountain.

I release a heavy sigh, struggling to find the words. “That’s… intense.”

“Yes.” He frowns. “And it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”

I study his solemn expression, my mind racing. “Then why is there a rebellion against you?”

If Thane, Des, and Lome use their power to protect humanity, why would anyone want to stand against them?

Could it really be just out of envy for their power?

Thane rubs a tired hand over his face. “In the beginning, all Immortals lived in harmony. But as time went on, things began to change…”

He launches into a history lesson, detailing the complex origins of the Original Immortals and their struggle with unity. My brain fights to keep up as I try to absorb the key points.

Apparently, at the dawn of human history, the Creator breathed life into nine Immortals. Each had a unique power tied to different facets of human nature. Aside from the brothers, the Immortals drew their strength from humans.

Eros’s power is fueled by human love—marriages, births, and affairs.

Julisanna, the most powerful female Immortal, thrives on familial bonds and beauty. Mother-child relationships, the bond between siblings, and anything that embodies beauty in human society enhances her abilities. Her description reminds me of the Greek goddesses Aphrodite and Hera.

Thane continues to divulge information I am eager to absorb, “We refer to Adir as the Warrior Immortal as he feeds off war and conflict. He, perhaps, is the most vocal about his resentment for my brothers’ and my powers. ”

A sense of foreboding accompanies his words.

I shake off the ominous feeling. “What about Faine and Charmian?”

Thane’s demeanor lightens. “Faine’s a gentle soul whose power thrives from creativity. Sadly, most humans have stopped participating in artistic endeavors.” He frowns then, his tone taking on a somber note.

“That’s why she’s one of the weaker Originals?”

He nods wistfully. “Yes.”

That really stinks.

“And Charmian draws strength from the natural world,” Thane continues before I can ask. “However, like Faine, her powers have waned over the years. Though, with the rise of Green movements in developed countries, I believe her powers will begin to thrive again.”

“That’s great.” I pause, preparing myself to ask the question burning the tip of my tongue. “And Evetta feeds off jealousy?” It would make sense.

“And also greed,” Thane confirms with a nod.

I purse my lips. “But how is she one of the weaker Immortals?”

How is there not enough greed and jealousy in humanity to make Evetta the most powerful Original of all?

“Evetta’s power can be strong, but it is volatile. It burns out fast.”

Huh… okay.

“And then there’s you, Lome, and Des,” I say, rounding out the Nine.

He nods. “Yes, my brothers and I each have immense power, but it’s a heavy burden. That’s why the Creator split our powers between two souls.”

“In human women? ”

“In our soulmates,” Thane corrects me. “Once I found Bella, my power rose exponentially. The strain was only manageable because I could share it with her. Together, we support each other. Together, we are unstoppable.”

Unstoppable?

Yeah… I’m beginning to understand why other Immortals might not want Des to find his One .

Doesn’t mean I appreciate their attempts to hurt me, though.

“So, what’s the point of the rebellion?” I ask. If the brothers’ powers are so unshakable, even without Des finding his One , what could the other Immortals gain from trying to overthrow them? “It sounds like the rebellion has no chance against you guys.”

“Power corrupts.” Thane clenches his teeth, picking up a rock and skipping it over the water in the fountain. “Our enemies will stop at nothing if they believe they can grow stronger. That includes overthrowing me and my brothers.”

A chill runs through me. If the brothers protect humanity, what will happen if the rebellion succeeds? What kind of chaos will be unleashed?

I pitch my voice low, wary of being overheard. “Do you think there’s a chance any of the other Original Immortals are involved in the rebellion?”

A long pause follows my question, spiking my anxiety.

Finally, Thane shakes his head. “No, I don’t.

For all their grievances, the other members of the Original Nine understand the balance between good and evil my brothers and I maintain.

Without us, the world could collapse. And if that happens, if humanity is destroyed, their powers are destroyed as well. ”

Shit .

I inhale a shaky breath, dread threatening to suffocate me as I force out my next question. “Even though Des says I’m not his One , the rebellion will still come after me, won’t they?”

A shadow falls over his brown eyes. “I’m afraid so.”

My head drops, and I stare at the pebbled path beneath my feet, shoving down the lump crawling up my throat.

“What if Des announces that I’m not his One ?” I lift my gaze, clinging to that tiny flicker of hope. “What if I state that I refuse to bond with him? Do you think the rebellion would leave me alone then?”

The weight of his silence is an answer that sits heavy on my chest.

My voice trembles. “I don’t want any part of this.”

“I know.” Thane rests his hand on my shoulder, a gesture meant to be reassuring, but it does the opposite. I feel more trapped than ever.

“I just want to go home.” Frustrated tears burn my eyes.

“I know,” he repeats, his voice tinged with regret. “I’m sorry, Darcie. Truly.”

Is he, though?

Thane is the reason I’m here.

Des told him I’m not his One . If the brothers are as powerful as Thane claims, there must be a way for them to convince their fellow Immortals to leave me in peace.

But Thane doesn’t want to let me go. The truth is in his eyes.

Despite what Des says, Thane believes I’m his brother’s One . And until I can prove otherwise, I’m stuck here.

Thane may not wish me harm, but he’s no ally.

And I can’t afford to forget that.