Enraptured: Immortal Chronicles Book IV Read online

  Darcie sighed. “Does everyone know?” That Adir changed me into an immortal?

  Paige gave her a sympathetic look. “Not everyone. Only some of the leaders.”

  “So only a few dozen people. That’s great.” Darcie knew the secret would be revealed eventually, but she had wanted time to practice being an immortal before announcing it to the world. She doubted anyone had seen an immortal as weak her.

  “To be honest, no one has really said much.”

  Darcie scowled at her friend. “Yeah, right.”

  Paige held up her hands. “I’m not lying. It’s weird. Everyone is keeping their opinion to themselves. I think they are still trying to figure out what happened and how The Alliance should proceed.”

  “They don’t know it was Adir?” Darcie found that hard to believe.

  “They suspect, but anyone who knows the truth is keeping their mouth shut. You should’ve seen how livid Master Ben was when your mother refused to tell him.”

  Darcie blinked, surprised. “Isn’t he her boss or something? Why wouldn’t she tell him?”

  Paige rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Darcie? Why do you think they are keeping it under wraps?”

  Truthfully, she did not know. What was the big deal in telling their allies how she became an immortal? If anything, it should motivate everyone to continue their fight against Adir and his crimes.

  Not telling them was odd, especially since the change was obvious once anyone saw her in person.

  Unless they can’t be trusted.

  Suddenly, it occurred to Darcie that her friends and family could be wary of potential traitors. By not revealing the conditions of her change to immortality, they limited The Alliance’s intel. By limiting their intel, a rebel spy would be motivated to linger. Perhaps they could catch one and interrogate them regarding Adir’s next move.

  It might have been a long shot, but Darcie thought it the only reasonable explanation.

  “So… you don’t know the full story?”

  “No,” Paige answered. “And I don’t need to.”

  Her reply stung. Darcie thought she would care. “Alright.”

  “Geeze, don’t look so sad,” Paige teased. “All I meant was I understand why you might not want to share your business with the world. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

  Embarrassed by her sensitivity, Darcie looked at the ground. “Thanks. I appreciate it.” She shifted and hissed, the movement forced her to remember her slashed arm. Even though she claimed to not need one, Darcie hoped Eshe brought the healer soon.

  “You know,” Paige said. “I think I know why you can’t control any of your powers.”

  The claim effectively distracted Darcie. She tilted her head sideways. “I’m listening.”

  Paige’s warm brown eyes did not waver. “You are holding back. You don’t want to control your powers.”

  Darcie gaped. “Are you serious?”

  “Completely.”

  Anger settled in Darcie’s stomach. “You think I don’t want to control my powers?” she repeated with narrowed eyes. “Do you think I enjoy having my butt handed to me in fights? That I enjoy allowing my arm to be sliced open?”

  Paige gave her an obvious look. “Of course not.”

  “Then what are you saying?” Darcie clenched her wrist until her fingers turned white. Her friend’s accusation was ridiculous.

  “You forget, I was there during your training with Lola. I saw it all. You say you accept you are a witch, but deep down, I do not think you have. Same goes for being an immortal. You walk around, trying to seem like everything is okay–that you accept what you are–but, on the inside, you are in complete denial.”

  The words felt like a punch to the stomach. Darcie’s mouth fell open, but she failed to muster a response.

  Paige continued, “I know you believe you are trying, and I can see the physical indicators that you are. That being said, no amount of physical training will work if your mind is not completely engaged.” The words sounded wise, much wiser than Paige’s teenage years should allow.

  Darcie finally found her voice. “That’s ridiculous. Why would I be in denial?”

  “Because you are scared. You’ve been scared this whole time.”

  “Which is perfectly understandable,” Paige added without taking a breath. “But now you’re immortal. Adir is winning this rebellion. It’s our job to make sure he doesn’t continue to win, and I have a gut-feeling that you are the key to our success.”

  The confidence and hope filling Paige’s eyes was too much. Darcie had caused The Alliance nothing but trouble.

  Of course, Darcie wanted to help the fight against Adir. She’d even been hopeful regarding her powers. But now that she continued down the same failing path, she doubted she could do anything more than be a target for the rebellion. How could Paige believe she would be anything more than a hindrance?

  “I have an idea of something that might help you.” Paige waited for a reply.

  Avoiding her gaze, Darcie shook her head. “Maybe another time.” Despite her injured arm, she picked herself off the ground and started towards the mansion. “I’ll see you later.”

  Thankfully, Paige did not try to stop her.

  Each step was painful. She cradled her arm closer to her torso, trying to prevent it from being jostled. White bursts of light fired behind her eyes. She gritted her teeth to keep from crying out.

  “Darcie! Don’t you move another muscle.”

  Eshe’s harsh tone made her freeze. The immortal appeared beside Darcie and scowled with disapproval. “Why are you walking around with that injury? What were you thinking?”

  She wasn’t given the chance to respond. Eshe waved over Healer Mark and demanded he begin treating her arm. He pulled out a firm board and some cloth and began creating a sling. Glancing down, Darcie noted the shredded skin and muscle looked slightly less-grotesque than when the injury first occurred.

  Once Healer Mark secured her arm, she was escorted to her bedroom where she was put into a healing sleep while Mark did his work.

  * * *

  Thanks to her immortality, Darcie was only unconscious for less than an hour. No one was in the room when she woke up, for which she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was anyone else witnessing her weakness.

  Sliding off the bed, she walked over to the vanity and stared at her reflection. Her hair was a mess and so were her clothes. Careful to not hurt her arm, Darcie pulled her shirt off and slid the athletic shorts to the ground. She changed into a pair of black yoga pants and an oversized long-sleeved shirt. She contemplated finding Eshe or Lome, but after a moment of thought, she knew she needed some time alone. Paige’s accusations were still ringing in her head. Maybe a walk outside would help clear them.

  The mansion was silent as she moved through it. The lack of sound made Darcie wary; it reminded her too much of dungeons and Adir’s luxurious prison bedrooms. She practically ran when the back-terrace door came into view.

  Inhaling the fresh air, Darcie reveled in the smells of spring. The recently-cut hedges outlined her descent on the curving stone staircase, and the blooming garden snagged her attention. She bent down to touch a soft petal, relishing their sweet aroma. Her sense of smell had improved, it seemed. She’d never smelled a flower quite so potent.

  Moving on, Darcie walked across the landscaped lawn until she reached the untamed area surrounding the pond. Staring at the water, memories of conversations with Des battled with Paige’s words, both wanted to be the center of her focus.

  Paige’s won.

  Darcie groaned and swatted the tall grass, turning away from the pond. She knew there was some truth to Paige’s observations, but she had a hard time accepting them.

  The moment she found out about her mother’s heritage, Darcie had panicked. She didn’t want to be a witch. It was hard enough dealing with the rumors of her soulmate status and her crazy visions. Exposing her psychic ability as a manifestation of magic merely complicated the
equation.

  Nevertheless, Darcie dealt with it. She decided to try and use her skills to assist The Alliance. For too long, she had felt useless. She’d caused so many problems for her new friends; she would be glad to finally be able to help. But despite her good intentions, she had been unable to follow through.

  Darcie swatted at a fly as it circled her head. She watched it speed away.

  “Have I been intentionally failing?” she asked aloud. The trees rustling from an incoming breeze was the only response she received.

  Palm flat out, Darcie walked and let the tall grass brush against her hand as she moved. She thought she had accepted a lot of things: her and Des’ connection, her witch ancestry, her relation to the flirtatious immortal, Eros… but had she really?

  Did Darcie truly believe she had enough strength and ability to help defeat Adir–the immortal who thrived off of conflict?

  With regret, she realized she didn’t. And the acknowledgment was a blow.

  “Oh man,” Darcie sighed, sitting down where she stood. The high grass concealed her view. She did not want to believe it, but she could no longer deny the fact that she had been doubting herself from day one.

  She had put on a great face and even managed to convince herself she was really trying to master her abilities, but she wasn’t. There was no denying it any longer.

  A sharp bark interrupted her depressing thoughts.

  Darcie’s back straightened. I know that bark.

  The noise sounded again. Recognizing the source, she bolted up to scan the surroundings for the creature.

  In the distance, a large brown form bounded her direction. Argos barked again.

  Darcie smiled, excited to see the dog-like creature. Argos was the sweetest and most intelligent animal she had ever met. She was glad Des had introduced her to him.

  She froze when her conscious caught up with her mind. Des.

  Nervous, Darcie forced her gaze away from the approaching dog and looked further in the distance. A flutter in her chest revealed his presence before her eyes landed on him.

  Des was there, standing in the sunlight, looking more handsome than Darcie remembered. He walked towards her with a purpose, an indecipherable expression covering his face as he closed the distance between them.

  21

  Des

  The journey ended in failure. Des did not find Adir, and his limbs still shook with frustration. The intelligence was good, he knew it to be true, but his traitorous sibling always managed to stay one step ahead. It was beginning to really grate his nerves.

  Des appeared in the foyer and was greeted by silence. Frowning, he reached out his senses, but felt no one within close proximity. He figured it was just as well. He needed to check on Argos anyway.

  Venturing out to the creature’s favorite spot, he found Argos laying underneath his favorite tree, enjoying a mid-afternoon nap. Des let his foot land on a twig.

  Instantly, Argos’ ears pointed up as he detected an intruder. Lifting his large head, the creature’s intelligent eyes traveled around him. When they landed on Des, his tail began wagging.

  “Hello, old friend.”

  The animal stayed on the ground but rolled to the side, exposing his belly. Des closed their distance and bent down to pet him.

  Argos squirmed on the ground, reveling in the attention. Once he had his fill, he jumped up to his feet and licked his master in the face.

  Des chuckled and gently pushed him away. “I missed you, too.”

  With a bark, Argos bounded away. He turned back and looked at Des expectantly.

  “Don’t worry. I’m coming.” Des followed Argos as he jumped through the field of tall grass. Argos let himself get some distance in between them, but always stopped and waited for Des to close the gap before continuing on his joyous jaunt.

  Content to follow, Des placed his hands in his front jean pockets and enjoyed the scene. Argos had been his companion for years, and the creature always helped him overcome bad moods. Des felt lucky to have him, especially during such a turbulent time.

  The wild field continued for miles. Des expected to cross it for a while, but Argos surprised him when he veered to the left with a sharp bark of excitement.

  With a frown, Des trailed him. He had taken no more than ten steps when the feeling hit him like a freight train.

  Darcie?

  Des surveyed the field. All he saw was Argos. He was just a speck in the distance, but he noticed no one else.

  Regardless, Des knew Darcie was near. A string tethered his soul to hers. It pulled him forward, down the same path Argos had taken. He followed without thought, his heart racing as he realized she was somewhere on the property.

  He gained on Argos. The creature was sprinting. No doubt, he had picked up on Darcie’s scent and was eager to reach her. Sometimes, Des wondered if Argos loved her more than him.

  Des lost sight of his companion when he reached the top of the small hill. He heard Argos’ excited bark a moment later.

  Numerous emotions warred within him, each one vying for dominance. He was excited to see Darcie again, but he was also overcome with nervousness.

  Would she be happy to see him, or would she blame him for all of her troubles?

  Des would not blame her if she did. He knew he was responsible for her involvement in the immortal world. If he would have just said goodbye to her at the Parthenon or, better yet, left her alone at the National Gardens, none of her trials would have occurred.

  Instead, he had been weak. He was always weak when it came to her.

  Des reached the top of the hill. He spotted her almost immediately. He wanted nothing more than to appear at her side, but he did not want to startle her. He decided to proceed down the hill to give her a chance to see his approach, but he did pick up his pace to slightly above normal.

  Argos reached her. He jumped happily, landing his two front paws on her shoulders, trying to lick her face. Des marveled at her ability to maintain her footing, but then he remembered her change made her stronger.

  Des continued. He knew she’d seen him. There had been a moment when she looked his way before turning back to watch Argos. Now that the animal was at her feet, he had her full attention.

  Des chuckled. Who would have thought he’d be jealous of a dog?

  Des closed the distance. When he was only feet away, he noticed a slight tremor pass through his hands. He clenched them into fists and worked to control himself.

  He stopped within arm’s reach. “Hello, Darcie.” His voice sounded strange: too casual, yet too tight. Fortunately, he had little time to chastise himself. Darcie looked up, no longer able to avoid him. What he saw caused every cell in his immortal body to stop moving.

  To the average eye, the changes would be subtle. There was a glow to her skin and hair, and her eyes seemed to shine brighter. But Des saw beyond those things.

  There was an extra depth to Darcie’s ocean blue depths. He believed he could dive in and swim for leagues without reaching their dark bottom. Her blonde curls bounced lightly as she shifted, appearing almost weightless in the breeze. Her flawless skin still sported the pale brown freckles he found so adorable, but they were nearly invisible beneath the tan and rose-colored cheekbones Des knew she would feature for the rest of her existence.

  Darcie had always been beautiful, but immortality had taken all of her best features and enhanced them to a breathtaking and heartbreaking level. Not since he first saw her walking across the terrace at the National Gardens had her presence left him so speechless.

  She was exquisite.

  And she was his.

  His mind worked to process the truths when Argos got tired of the awkward stalemate. The creature barked once and licked Darcie’s hand.

  “He’s missed you,” Des said automatically.

  Argos barked again and jumped up on her legs.

  “Down,” he scolded, bending over to move Argos away.

  Darcie watched him without saying a word. Her stare was pen
etrating. It took all of his willpower to not excuse himself from her presence. He hadn’t expected to see her, and he was beginning to think he needed more time to prepare for their first meeting. But their first meeting was underway, whether he expected it or not.

  Now, he simply needed to make sure he did not say something to offend or displease her. The Creator knew he was good at doing that. He’d been out of practice for far too long.

  Des straightened and met her stare. “You are well?”

  “As well as I can be.”

  He closed his eyes as her melodic voice sang to his lonely soul. They had parted with an understanding, for which Des was grateful. There was no way he would be able to deny their connection now that her immortality heightened it. He resisted the urge to take her in his arms and give in to his desire to drown her with kisses. Reveling in her affection must wait. He needed to ensure she was okay.

  Des inched closer. “I apologize for my absence. I was not aware of your plan to return.”

  “Neither was I,” she offered a weak smile. “I don’t think Alex was either.”

  A sense of knowing fell on him. “Something happened.”

  She gestured to herself and said sadly, “A lot has happened.” There it was: a flicker of distress and fear crossed her beautiful face.

  Des cringed, reading her feelings like a book. Darcie mourned her immortality. He should have expected as much. The strong young woman standing in front of him had handled every trial with a brave face, but he should have known such bravery would waver at the new reality Adir forced upon her.

  A fresh wave of hatred filled him as he imagined Adir forcing the change. His chest ached as he contemplated Darcie’s fear and pain during the conversion. The only humans capable of changing their mortality were the soulmates of the brothers. Des had witnessed the miraculous event twice. He knew the transformation was a trial for those who willingly chose it.

  He should have been there. Both he and Darcie were robbed from the experience, and Des wanted nothing more than to make Adir pay for the unnatural crime.