For a moment, Des looked lost again. His attention returned to Darcie, and he continued to take in her appearance. His gaze was so intense, she swore she could feel it brush against her skin. Her body shivered involuntarily.
Mistaking her reaction, Des’ expression turned to one of concern. “Are you warm enough?” He gave a questioning look towards her bare shoulders.
Eshe’s elegant creation was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, but it was still modest. Darcie didn’t have the curvy figure to make the neckline scandalous.
She nodded and offered a reassuring smile. “Yes. There are enough layers under here to keep me warm in Alaska.” She fluffed out her skirt in demonstration.
Des laughed, and Darcie awed at the musical sound. “Please tell me you are at least wearing sensible shoes?”
She poked out a foot to show the beige ballet flats. “I can dance all night in these things.”
“Good,” Des said in approval.
A lull hit the conversation. Before it could turn awkward, Des held out his arm for Darcie to take. “Shall we?”
She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and tried to mask her nerves. “We shall.”
* * *
Darcie and Des stood at the top of the stairs, just around the corner leading down to the main entrance. No one had seen her yet, but just knowing people were anticipating her arrival was enough to almost send her into a panic attack.
Her show of bravery hadn’t lasted long at all.
“I can’t do this,” she whispered. Her heart threatened to beat itself into a heart attack.
“It is okay,” Des assured her. “You do not have to do anything. We can think of something else. Do not stress yourself. You do not need to go through with our plan.”
Darcie shook her head. “That’s not what I mean.” She swallowed. “I don’t think I can be in a room full of immortal beings. This is too strange. Why am I just now realizing that this whole thing is bizarre? I don’t belong here.”
Des opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the sound of someone calling out their names. They both turned and watched Thane and his wife approach.
“Des. Darcie.” Thane’s voice boomed as he appeared behind them.
Bella smiled, her eyes sparkling in the light. She looked Darcie up and down before nodding. “You look wonderful.”
Noticing her stressed expression, the immortal quickly asked, “Are you alright?”
Darcie’s voice stuck in her throat.
“She’s fine,” Des responded for her. “Just a little nervous.”
“Now, now,” Thane said with a soothing tone. “There is nothing to be nervous about. We have taken all necessary precautions. The threats against you were determined to be hoaxes.”
“Threats?” Darcie squeaked. She didn’t hear anything about any threats.
Her head swiveled between the three immortals, trying to figure out if one would offer an explanation.
Bella and Des did not meet her eyes. Instead, both gave Thane an incredulous stare.
“My darling,” Bella gave her husband’s arm a squeeze. “Do not frighten Darcie.”
“I am not.” Thane appeared confused. “I just assured her she was not in any danger.”
“What threats?” Darcie finally managed to ask. There was no way she would let the immortals leave without telling her what Thane meant.
The leader of the brothers gave an exasperated sigh. “There are no threats. No realistic ones, anyway.”
“Regardless,” her tone turned to ice, tired of the evasiveness, “tell me about them.”
She was surprised when it was Des who offered the explanation.
“Some of the Original Nine we believe loyal to us have reported findings made by lesser deities in their households,” he stated while meeting her eyes.
She appreciated the directness. “What kind of findings?”
“Increased rumors regarding an uprising against us.” His lips turned down with his next statement, “Many of the rumors cite your demise as the official declaration of their rebellion.”
“They want to kill me?” Her voice sounded foreign to her own ears.
She looked down, observing the dress she wore. Darcie never wore anything of its quality. Bella and Eshe made her look like them… they dressed and pampered her like they would Des’ mate.
Her fearful gaze returned to meet Des’ steady one. “They still think I am her?”
She could see the regret as he gave a soft nod. “They do… for now.” Although he couldn’t say it in their present company, Darcie knew what Des meant.
If the plan he presented to her worked–if Darcie could successfully convince the visiting immortals she wasn’t The One, she would be able to go home.
But could she do it?
Darcie recalled the enthusiasm and fervor Des displayed when first informing her of his idea. At first, she jumped on board, eager for any chance to help her return to Maine. But that was before Des shared the nitty, gritty details:
Darcie finished her second lesson with Eleni, and her limbs were shaking with exhaustion when Des found her.
“What do you think?” the immortal questioned. He observed her carefully, gauging her response.
He did not have to try hard to see her shock. Darcie’s mouth fell open immediately after he made the request. “You want me to kiss Adir? In front of everyone?”
Des nodded. “Yes. But it doesn’t need to be in the middle of the ballroom. Just ensure enough immortals see the act so the scandal will spread.”
Her ears were ringing. “I can’t do that,” she shook her head. “I can’t just walk up and kiss a total stranger.” She couldn’t bring herself to reveal that the kiss would be her first one ever. And to think, she thought she would only flirt with the guy…
“Adir knows the plan,” Des revealed. “He will assist us by arranging a dance with you. Once it is complete, he will lead you to a semi-private space in order to kiss you.”
“Why would Adir want to help us?”
Wasn’t he the snarky immortal from the day she accidentally walked into an important meeting?
A meeting, as it turned out, about her existence. Darcie remembered Adir being particularly vocal about the brothers’ deception regarding her presence in their home.
“He, like all of the other Nine, do not want my brothers and me to grow in power. That being said, Adir believes me when I say you are not The One. It took him some time, but he told me I have his support.”
“Support?”
“In my desire to return you safely home.”
“I don’t understand.” Darcie grew more and more confused as they continued the conversation. “Why would he change his mind?”
Des gave her an approving smile. “I asked him the same question.”
“And?”
“And Adir revealed he did not believe you were The One. If you were, he is convinced I would have jumped at the chance to secure our position in relation to the Original Nine.”
“Oh.” Darcie couldn’t find a flaw with the reasoning but something still felt off. “I guess that makes sense…”
Des did not share the same hesitation. “I thought so too. When he offered his assistance at securing your safe return home, I thanked him and made a note of it. No doubt, he aims to come under my good graces for a future favor.”
She looked down and to the side. “Adir isn’t the one who suggested the kiss?”
Was she getting herself involved with a sleazy immortal?
“No. That was me,” Des grinned, clearly proud of himself. “If the immortals see you kiss Adir and I do not react to the scandal, all the guests will begin to believe me when I say you are not The One. It is a brilliant plan.”
She nodded, and the teenager tried to reason her nerves away. The plan made sense. What better way to show Des and Darcie were not having a secret romance than to have her romantically involved with someone else?
Their conclusions would be
logical and exactly what Des and Darcie wanted.
So why was she so hesitant?
Darcie returned her attention to the present, and tried to shake the memory and nerves from her mind. Once she was able to consider the proposal in more depth, she knew it was the best option she had to get home.
She could not wait for the brothers’ blessing to return to Maine and her normal life. She doubted such a blessing would ever happen. Darcie was eager to no longer be caught up in the dramatic immortal struggle for power, and she felt confident she could share an awkward first kiss with a complete stranger if it meant freedom. She would put on a brave face and trust the immortals around her to ensure her safety at the event.
Darcie straightened her spine and returned her gaze to Des. He had as much riding on their plan as she did. Their future happiness depended on whether or not she could convince the ball’s guests their ruse was real. She resolved herself to do everything in her power to pull it off.
“Let’s go,” her words surprised the small group around her. “We shouldn’t keep your guests waiting.”
21
“You are doing great,” Lome spoke quietly as he turned Darcie in a complicated spin. “Just keep smiling.” She appreciated his attempts at reassurance, and she hoped no one else could see just how nervous she was.
“I’ve been smiling so much my cheeks are twitching,” she returned through closed teeth. “I look like a spaz.”
“You look marvelous,” he countered, forever the flirt. “No man can keep their eyes off of you.”
“Ah hem,” Darcie pointedly threw her head in the direction of Thane and Bella. The couple danced, gazing into each other’s eyes, as if there was no one else in the room.
“Thane?” Lome asked, following her gaze. “He doesn’t count. My brother has been hopeless since the day he met that girl.”
Darcie smiled and continued to observe the adorable couple out of the corner of her eye. The large man gracefully swept his elegant wife through the room. They really were precious. She could only hope to have that kind of relationship one day.
“I am being serious,” Lome said, referencing his previous statement. “You are the star of this show.” His head swiveled, and Darcie followed his lead. She made eye contact with almost everyone in her direct line of sight. While most glanced away the moment their eyes met, some held her gaze until she turned away.
During her perusal, dark brown eyes snagged her attention. Darcie examined the original immortal staring at her from across the room. Charmian did not attempt to hide her assessing gaze or contemplative expression.
Her mind quickly went through the information she knew regarding the immortal. Thane said she gained strength through nature. In honor of her source, Charmian wore a gown resembling the textures and colors one might find in a garden. The green skirt with blooms placed throughout was lovely.
Lome skirted around another couple, removing the immortal from sight, but not before Darcie remembered Charmian’s other ability. Apparently, she was some sort of psychic.
What did Bella call her?
A clairvoyant?
That fact alone, despite Charmian’s welcoming appearance, would keep her far away from the immortal.
Darcie’s partner led her in another turn which ended with her facing his chest again. He raised an eyebrow, his lips turning up into a smirk. “See how they stare?” he asked conspiringly.
“They’re just curious,” she muttered while trying her best to keep the embarrassment from her face. She decided it was best to avoid looking at anyone else for the remainder of the dance.
“That is true,” Lome allowed. “Everyone is curious about the young beauty who is the center of the controversy of the century.”
His eyes grew serious before he added, “The beauty my brother would be lucky to have.”
Darcie thought Lome was joking. She opened her mouth to offer a sassy reply, but stopped when she finally processed his sincere expression.
Did Lome really mean what he said?
It might have been one of the sweetest things she ever heard come out of the jokester’s mouth.
“Thank you,” she gave the arm underneath her hand a slight squeeze.
“I only speak the truth.” Was it just her, or did he seem uncomfortable with her thanks.
Moments later, the pair finished their dance and Lome gave Darcie an elegant bow before leading her off the dance floor.
“Should we go find that pesky brother of mine?” Lome’s eyes already scanned the room. “He should be escorting you around the ball.”
Her eyes moved over the sea of people. It only took Darcie two seconds to find Des.
“There he is.” She stood on her tiptoes and lightly held on to Lome’s arm for balance. She pointed in the direction of the balcony doors. “Over there.”
Lome proceeded to escort her across the room. They approached Des while he was in the middle of a conversation with a very pretty woman. The stranger’s long blonde hair glowed in the candle light as she flirtatiously flicked it over her shoulder.
Give me a break. Darcie rolled her eyes at the pathetic gesture. She was about to suggest they not bother Des when he looked over his shoulder and spotted them.
“Lome. Darcie.” He waved them over. “There you are.”
“Yes.” Lome led the last few steps until they were standing in a small circle with Des and his friend. “Here we are.”
“You remember Liana.” Des glanced at the pretty woman. She beamed and giggled under Des’ attention. It took everything Darcie had in her to not frown.
Judging by her otherworldly beauty and the general population attending the ball, Darcie knew Des’ companion was immortal. However, despite her advanced years on Earth, Liana’s behavior was just like Marie’s when she was trying to get a guy to notice her.
So much for age leading to maturity.
“Cannot say I do,” Lome replied, causing the smile to fall from Liana’s face. “Nice to meet you.”
“Yes,” Liana recovered, dipping in a small curtsy. “It is a pleasure.”
“And of course you know of Darcie,” Lome turned to face his companion as he spoke to Liana, slipping her hand out of his elbow and into his palm. “The highlight of this event and the newest charming addition to our household.”
The reckless brother bowed at the waist and pressed a delicate kiss against her knuckles. Darcie watched the mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he completed the intentionally intimate gesture. She maintained eye contact with him as he straightened his spine.
The pair shared an amused gaze. Both knew how ridiculous his action was.
Liana cleared her throat. “Indeed,” she tilted her head towards Darcie. “It is nice to make your acquaintance.”
“Nice to meet you,” Darcie’s voice sounded bland. It was not overly friendly, but neither was it cold.
She’d only known Lome for a short period of time, but Darcie knew he was not prone to being unkind. If he felt the need to be rude to Liana, the immortal female must be a piece of work.
Liana’s eyes narrowed in response, not missing the subtle rudeness.
Des, however, seemed oblivious. “How are you enjoying the ball?” he asked Darcie, finally turning those deep green eyes toward her.
“It’s nice.” She wasn’t lying. Despite her nervousness, she realized her time at the event was not unpleasant.
“Yes,” Lome stepped in. “I have taken Darcie under my wing in light of your negligence.”
Darcie’s jaw fell open. She looked at Des and saw that he, too, was surprised by his brother’s statement. The normally poised immortal did not know what to say.
After their grand entrance at the beginning of the ball, Des managed to extricate himself from Darcie’s side almost immediately. The abandonment stung a bit, but it was forgotten once Lome swooped in. Her friend proceeded to ensure the teenager had an enjoyable time at the ball, even with its intimidating guests.
“I’m afraid that m
ay be my doing,” Liana’s smooth voice intruded. Darcie watched as she placed a delicate hand on Des’ arm. She batted her eyes at both men, ignoring Darcie completely. “I don’t know many immortals here tonight. Des was kind enough to keep me company.”
The fake adoration on the woman’s face nearly made Darcie gag. She could see through that act a mile away.
“Perhaps it is time Des directs his attention elsewhere,” Lome told the immortal. “Darcie is, after all, his date.”
The aforementioned girl’s face heated, mortified to be caught in the middle of the conversation.
Liana’s expression, on the other hand, was chilling as she observed Darcie.
“You are right, Lome,” Des surprised the group. “I have been neglectful. Darcie, would you like to dance?” Des’ sincerity showed in the set of his eyes.
Incapable of processing speech, she could only nod and accept Des’ outstretched hand. The pair left Lome and Liana standing behind them. No doubt, the beauty would feel put out after losing Des’ attention. The thought made Darcie grin.
But thoughts of the individuals behind them quickly faded as Darcie took note of her new situation.
Almost every single pair of eyes focused on Des and Darcie as they moved to the dance floor. The orchestra already played music for the dancers, but all couples ceased their movements to watch the pair advance towards them.
Her heart pounded.
“It’s alright,” Des murmured. He gently squeezed the hand on the inside of his arm. Darcie realized she was grasping his flesh with all her strength. Her fingers were bone white.
She loosened her grip. “Why are they all staring?” The room’s attention went beyond the initial curiosity.
“It will pass.” Des offered no other comfort.
The crowd parted for them. Des lightly grabbed Darcie’s hand and spun her in a pretty circle before gathering her in his arms. Without missing a beat, Des picked up the movements of the dance and moved them gracefully across the dance floor. She raised her eyebrows, impressed by her partner’s skill.
He saw her expression and one corner of his lips lifted in response. “Did you think I could not dance?”
Enlightened Page 16