Page 37 of The Immortal’s One (Bound to the Immortals #1)

A crisp breeze tugs at my hair as I stand on the guest room balcony, the sensation mirroring the chaos swirling inside me.

Just a little longer, Darcie. You can do this.

I take a deep breath and let my gaze travel over the lawn below.

The soft glow of fairy lights dances in the evening air, casting a warm shimmer over the whitewashed garden furniture, which has been arranged to accommodate tonight’s guests.

I don’t know how Thane and Bella ended up hosting tonight’s ball when the other members of the Council planned it, but they certainly didn’t let short notice hold them back. They’ve gone all out, from the grandeur of the decorations to the decadent atmosphere.

The fragrance from dozens of lush bouquets drifts up from the ballroom beneath me—bouquets that were carried into the mansion earlier today with a show of pomp and ceremony.

All the windows and doors are flung open, letting the cool evening air flow inside, blending with the soft hum of music and the low murmur of conversations already bubbling up from the lesser Immortals who’ve arrived to enjoy cocktail hour.

Dinner will begin in a couple of hours, but instead of the nervous anticipation, eagerness coils tight in my chest. I’m ready for the night to begin. I’m ready to finally confront Des about what happened the last time we saw each other.

Because no matter how many times I’ve tried to convince myself I’m wrong, I know I didn’t imagine things. Des’s hazel eyes were definitely green just before he rushed out of my guest bedroom, but they weren’t just any green.

Des’s piercing eyes were the green: the exact color of the irises that have been haunting my dreams every night for years .

Since arriving at the mansion, I’d believed I left those disconcerting eyes back in Maine.

But after seeing their exact likeness in Des’s face, they’ve returned.

Only now, they’re no longer clouded by the hazy distortion of my nightmares.

No, this time, those brilliant green irises are framed by thick lashes, a strong brow, and a sculpted face that matches the rest of the handsome Immortal’s stoic features.

And when I see them, they don’t fill me with fear. The opposite, actually.

The eyes— Des’s eyes—soothe me with their familiarity. They’re a long-lost friend I hadn’t realized I'd missed; someone I was more than happy to see again.

Which is insane…

I swallow hard.

There’s a chance this could all be a coincidence. My mind could be superimposing Des’s features over those of the faceless figure who’s haunted my nights for as long as I can remember. But to know for sure, I need to talk to him. I need to look into those eyes again. I need to see him.

“Darcie? We’re ready for you.” Bella’s voice floats out to the balcony before she appears in the doorway behind me. Her pale pink day dress flares in the breeze, and her brows furrow as she takes in my tense stance. “Is everything alright?”

“I’m fine.” I uncross my arms, forcing fresh air into my lungs before returning to the guest room. “Where do you want me?”

Bella motions toward the vanity cluttered with cosmetics. Eshe’s already dressed and made up, her dark eyes shimmering. The sleeves of her silk robe slide down her arm as she pins strands of hair into a twisted updo.

I’d told Bella and Eshe I could do my own makeup, but they insisted on helping me prepare for tonight’s ball. Secretly, I’m glad. With my thoughts distracted by what I want to say to Des when I see him, I’m not sure I’d do a great job.

Bella waits until I settle into the plush, pink-cushioned chair to say, “We should keep your makeup natural.”

“I agree.” Eshe nods. “Less is more.”

I raise an eyebrow.

She smirks, running a finger over her thick eyeliner and bold, blue eyeshadow. “Not for myself, obviously.”

Bella and I both laugh.

“Alright, primer first.” Bella opens a tin case. She grabs a fluffy brush and dips it into the powder.

I nod, pretending I know exactly what she’s talking about. My understanding of makeup is limited to what I've absorbed from Kayla over the years.

As Bella works, I close my eyes and try to relax, though it’s hard. I wonder if I'll get to speak with Des before we’re surrounded by Immortals watching our every move at dinner.

“Would you like your hair up or down?” Eshe asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

I open my eyes and see her pick up a pin-tail comb. A glance reveals that both she and Bella have their hair pinned up.

“Up, please.” It’ll be easier to manage while I’m dancing later.

Eshe nods, her hands graceful as she parts my hair. I close my eyes again, sinking into the comfort of the quiet. The faint pulse of music travels through the floorboard below. The weight of the night tries to press into my thoughts.

But all I can think about is Des. His intensity. His touch.

The warmth that emanated from his fingers as they grazed my skin… just before I noticed his eyes flashed green.

“Are you nervous for tonight?” Bella’s voice pulls me back to the present.

My eyes fly open. Bella holds a soft brush between her fingers, watching me with her head tilted.

“A little,” I admit, my voice quiet.

Eshe’s tone is matter-of-fact. “You’d be a fool not to be nervous.”

Bella glares at her sister in law. “Don’t scare her.”

“She’s not scaring me.” I meet Eshe’s gaze in the mirror. “I appreciate her honesty.”

Eshe has always been straightforward. She doesn’t sugarcoat things for me, and I value that more than I ever thought I would.

She gives my shoulder a quick, reassuring squeeze, and then gets back to work, her fingers deftly sectioning off parts of my hair .

Bella lifts the makeup brush closer to my face, and I close my eyes again as she sweeps eyeshadow onto my eyelid.

They work in silence, but my mind refuses to settle in the quiet.

Des’s touch. His eyes. How easy it was to talk to him out in the forest. All that and much more muddle my thoughts and feelings, leaving me more confused than ever.

“Do you remember when we used to have someone do this for us, Eshe?” Bella asks, dragging a pencil over my brows.

Eshe chuckles. “Indeed.”

I crack my eyes open, catching a glimpse of Bella leaning over me. “What changed?” I ask.

Bella lowers the eyebrow pencil and leans back, lips pursed. “I’m not sure. I guess we just learned how to do it ourselves.” She shrugs, then grins. “Sometimes I enjoy the help, but most of the time, I prefer doing it myself.”

Eshe hums in agreement.

For a moment, I let myself imagine what it must be like to have endless time to learn anything and everything. What it would be like to have immortality at my fingertips, to master every skill and study every culture, every civilization.

Do the brothers ever feel bored?

Probably not. They were born into their never-ending life, after all.

But what about their wives?

Eshe and Bella had a taste of a normal life. Do they ever feel the loss of their mortality? I’m pretty sure Eshe does. I don’t think I could ever be happy living forever—not if it means watching everyone I love pass away.

Thank goodness these are issues I don’t have to worry about. If things go as planned tonight, I’ll be back home soon and on the way to starting the next chapter of my life. I won’t have to worry about Immortals abducting me or rebels attacking me. I’ll finally be free.

But first… I really need to talk to Des.

Bella clears her throat. “Can you open your eyes?”

I obey.

She sweeps mascara over my lashes, then uncaps lipstick and applies the soft pink to my lips.

Minutes later, she steps back with a pleased smile. “There. All done.”

“Me, too.” Eshe drops her hands. Through the mirror, her approving smile hovers over me. “Take a look.”

I drop my gaze as Bella steps to the side. I gasp. “Oh, wow.”

My long, curly hair is coiled into an elegant bun at the crown of my head. Twisted tendrils fall down my face, gently framing my jawline. The up-do is parted on the side. A portion of hair sweeps over my forehead before it meets the delicate bun.

“Eshe…” I turn my head from side to side, admiring her handiwork at different angles. “I love it.”

Her expression brightens. “I’m glad.”

“How about your makeup?” Bella bounces on the balls of her feet. “Is it too much?”

I shift my attention to my face and notice the subtle touches Bella added to enhance my natural features. My eyebrows form a structured arch, and my blonde eyelashes look longer now that their light ends are covered with darker mascara.

The eyeshadow blends in beautifully, bringing out the flecks of green in my royal blue eyes. Peach blush accentuates my hollow cheeks, and the matte lipstick matches the flattering color.

“I love it,” I tell Bella with a wide smile.

She claps with glee. “Wonderful!”

“Now, it’s time to dress,” Eshe announces before slipping into the bathroom where she and Bella stashed their gowns.

She emerges moments later, ethereal in a flowing gown of white silk that drapes effortlessly over her slender frame. Gold thread shimmers through the fabric like sunlight on water, catching the light with every movement. Against her warm, sun-kissed skin, the effect is luminous—almost otherworldly.

With her dramatic eyeshadow, bold kohl-lined eyes, and that regal stillness she carries like second nature, she reminds me of cinematic renditions of Cleopatra, reborn in modern silk and ancient grace.

My lips part in awe. “You’re gorgeous, Eshe.”

“Thank you.” She lowers her chin, her usual boldness softened by a rare hint of shyness.

Bella steps into the bathroom next and returns moments later in a sweeping A-line gown, its pale blue fabric light and delicate, just like her.

The sweetheart neckline flatters her delicate frame, while the soft hue creates a striking contrast against her chestnut waves and porcelain skin.

She looks effortlessly radiant—like a painting come to life.

“Your turn, Darcie.” Eshe lifts the garment bag from the bathroom door and slowly unzips it.

When she draws out the gown and holds it up, my jaw goes slack. “That’s mine?”

The last time I saw the dress, it was nothing more than pinned green fabric, a half-formed idea. But now... it’s a masterpiece.

The rich emerald fabric gleams. Ivory beads trace the bodice, shimmering in the room’s soft light. Sheer sleeves drift from the shoulders like whispers of air, adding an ethereal balance to the bold color.

It’s timeless. Enchanting. Breathtaking.

Easily the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen

“Yes.” Eshe grins, pleased with my reaction. “Let’s put it on.”

I don’t hesitate. I quickly undress, careful not to ruin my hair or makeup. Eshe holds the gown for me to step into, easing the soft fabric over my shoulders. Then, her deft fingers lace up the satin ribbons along the back.

When she finishes, she turns me to face the mirror.

I exhale a tiny gasp.

Oh my God.

The bodice hugs my waist, creating the illusion of curves. The cut of the neckline accentuates my neck and collarbone. The wide skirt adds a touch of regality, like something out of a fairytale. I look like a princess.

It’s perfect.

“What do you think?” Eshe’s voice is soft behind me.

“I love it.” I run my hands over the smooth, delicate fabric. “I can’t believe you made this. You’re so talented,” I gush.

“Thank you.” Her white teeth gleam under the room’s dim light.

“You look incredible.” Bella appears on my other side. Her hand rests over her heart as she takes in my appearance through the mirror. Her expression softens. “Des won’t be able to hide his true feelings when he sees you looking so lovely.”

And just like that, the moment of delight pops like a balloon .

Days ago, I would’ve shrugged off Bella’s words as wishful thinking. I would have told myself that it didn’t matter what she said. She and the others want me to be Des’s One no matter what.

But after Des touched me… after I felt that otherworldly sensation zipping through my entire body and drank in his green eyes… my doubt has been growing.

For the first time since I was ripped away from Maine and thrust into this world of Immortals and magic, I’m questioning if there is, in fact, something that connects me to the stoic Immortal.

And if so, what the hell does that mean for my future?

I really need to talk to Des.

And soon .