Darcie could only stare in disbelief. She tried to reply, but she couldn’t form the words. There was no response for his statement.
In no way did she think she was important enough for the brothers to make such a momentous decision. It would affect not only her, but the entire human race.
How could Adir believe anything else?
“Once they agree to stop persecuting immortals,” he continued, “members of the rebellion will make our move to overpower them. With any luck, at least one brother will be removed from the world, making subsequent victories more easily obtained.”
Darcie’s blood turned cold. “You are planning to kill them?”
“With fortune on our side, yes.”
“How is that even possible?” She hated the thought. “You are all immortal. By definition, you cannot die.”
“We do not die from old age or illness,” Adir explained. “But we are susceptible to the power of immortals. How else do you think the brothers successfully control other immortals from interfering with humans? The threat of oblivion is powerful motivation to conform.”
For the one hundredth time since waking up after the attack in the Brunswick grocery store, Darcie wondered how in the world she ended up involved in the immortal feud.
Adir planned on using her to weaken and maybe kill one of the brothers. The thought caused a hollow feeling to settle in her gut. She couldn’t bear the thought of being the reason any of them were harmed.
“What if you’re wrong?” her voice was practically a whisper. “What if they don’t care? What if Des finally convinces them I am not his One?”
“Let’s just hope they do,” he replied coolly. “For your sake.”
Darcie gulped, understanding the implication. Things would not go well for her if the brothers did not agree to the terms.
“Are you hungry?” Adir asked, characteristically changing the subject at random. “Let’s get you something to eat.” He clapped, and a scantily clad woman entered the room.
Well, Darcie thought she was scantily clad.
After spending weeks with modest immortals, she found herself uncomfortable with the revealing clothing. In truth, the short shorts and strapless top could just be the girl’s modern style.
“A meal,” Adir spoke to the woman. “For our guest.”
The girl bowed her neck and left almost as soon as she entered. Unlike Eric, she did not spare a glance in Darcie’s direction. She wondered at how many “servants” Adir had at his disposal.
“What makes you think you will not be punished for kidnapping me?” Darcie asked with genuine curiosity. She suspected Adir had a plan, but could not figure it out herself. “They could say they will step down as the enforcers but keep doing it once I’m safe,” she pointed out.
Adir smirked. “Honor among immortals, especially the Original Nine, is valued above all else.”
“I plan to reach out to the brothers,” he continued. “I will inform them of your presence with me, and that I will release you to their custody once they publicly denounce the limitation placed on immortals by The Council. Then, they shall step down, and you will be returned to their care.”
Darcie couldn’t see the plan working. It relied too heavily on factors beyond Adir’s control. “And then the rebellion will attack once you are all stronger?”
He nodded and winked. “Precisely.”
Darcie turned towards the window. She stared, avoiding Adir’s gaze, and longed for the freedom beyond its glass. She resisted pointing out the fact she, now, knew of Adir’s true plan. Once she returned to safety, she could easily inform the brothers of it.
Either Adir overlooked the major flaw in his plan, or he had a way to ensure her knowledge would not threaten him. Darcie decided she didn’t want to find out which was true.
“Don’t look so worried,” Adir told her. From her peripheral vision, she could see he observed her. “Although the brothers took you in their home for protection, please believe it was done only with selfish intentions.”
The air in the room shifted as tension moved through the space.
“The brothers crave power so much they are willing to do whatever it takes to secure more of it, including abducting and holding a young woman hostage.”
Darcie couldn’t help but look over to where Adir stood.
Anger and resentment rolled off him, threatening to smother her. His expression conveyed sympathy and fury on her behalf. She didn’t know what to make of it.
“Despite Des’ constant report you are not his future companion, Thane and Lome insisted you stay with them at their home. Doesn’t that seem strange to you?”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “They were protecting me from other immortals. I was attacked twice.”
“Indeed. Those members of the rebellion were out of line. No one should have attempted you harm. You are an innocent. That is not the way of this rebellion,” Adir replied.
Darcie felt no relief in the confirmation immortal rebels were behind the attacks on her life. The brothers often referenced the rebellion as orchestrators of her attack, but the realization did little for her now. The sound of stilettos against bathroom tile played in the teenager’s mind.
“Evetta was an Original Nine,” she pointed out. “She would’ve been a leader in the rebellion.”
“Evetta’s action was fueled by something beyond justice. She thrived on jealousy of others, as well as herself. I am sorry you became a victim of it.” His eyes were soft as he spoke.
It was becoming more difficult for Darcie to see through Adir’s concern. His acting was award-worthy.
“They were using you, Darcie,” Adir’s long legs moved him to stand above where she sat. She bent her neck back in order to see his face.
Adir gazed down at her with sympathy. “Thane, Lome, and Des have always thrived as the most powerful immortals. They would do anything to maintain their status, including,” Adir reached out a hand and gently traced her cheek bone, “isolating you from the world you know.”
Darcie leaned away from his touch. “You criticize them, but you plan on doing the exact same thing. You’ve already told me of your plan to use me to get what you want.”
Adir lowered his arm. “You are right: I do plan on using you for leverage.”
“The difference is,” Adir lowered himself to the ground. He knelt on one knee and reached out to take Darcie’s hand–the one he nearly crushed at the ball. She tried to pull away, but his grip was strong.
“The difference is,” he repeated, “my motives are pure. I am not using you for my own selfish gain. Rather, you will be helping right a wrong from more than one-thousand years ago.”
“For too long, the brothers have manipulated and controlled the rest of us. It is time to demand equality. You can help us do that.” Adir’s eyes locked on hers. They seemed to delve into her mind, searching for her approval.
Slowly, she released a breath. “This isn’t my fight,” she managed to say.
Once again, she tried to remove her hand. Adir held on and placed his other hand on top of theirs.
“The brothers made this your fight,” he tightened his grasp as he emphasized the word. “Whether you like it or not, you are in this now.” Adir leaned forward. She stilled, too afraid to move an inch.
His face continued moving toward hers and stopped when he was barely a breath away. “The question is, are you going to continue to let the brothers make decisions for you?”
She could feel his words against her cheek and fought the urge to lean away again. She wouldn’t acknowledge her discomfort. She wouldn’t let him know how afraid she was.
“Or are you going to help us?” he continued. “Help the rebellion, and I promise no one will ever attempt to harm you again. You can return to your home and live your life as if none of this ever happened.”
Darcie knew she didn’t hide how tempting she found his offer. Her lips tightened, withholding the urge to agree to whatever he wanted as long as she got to go home.
She knew she could not trust the rebellious immortal in front of her.
He sensed her resistance.
Suddenly, Adir placed both hands on either side of her face and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. When he opened them again, their aquamarine color was intensified.
Before Darcie could wonder what would come next, the world quickly darkened.
In a blink, her mind fell into unconsciousness, and she was completely at the mercy of Adir and his powerful hands.
24
Darcie!
It sounded like someone shouted the name directly into her ear. She felt the stranger grab her shoulders and shake. “Darcie, wake up! We have to get out of here!”
She could hear the voice but, try as she might, could not open her eyes to see its source. It felt odd.
Darcie tried moving her arm, hand, and fingers. No part of her responded. Her mind was completely aware, but it could not control her body.
A loud crash reached Darcie’s ears, and caused the surface beneath her to vibrate from impact.
“Bella!” another voice called from a distance. “What’s the hold up? We need to get out of here. Now!”
“She won’t wake up,” Bella responded, her voice now recognizable. “I don’t know what’s wrong. She doesn’t seem hurt.”
“Move.” Darcie heard fabric rustle as the newcomer approached.
A warm hand pressed against her throat. The contact caused a tingling sensation where the skin touched hers. “She has a pulse, but she is cold as ice.”
Another loud bang emanated through the room. A gust of air caused Darcie’s hair to blow across her face. Her fingers itched to reach up and brush it away.
“We have to go,” the masculine voice said.
“We can’t leave her!” Bella cried back.
“We are not going to leave her.” Strong hands reached under Darcie and lifted as if she weighed no more than a feather. “GO!”
Their feet pounded against the ground as Bella and her rescuer moved quickly towards a blind escape.
“Why can’t we leave?” Darcie heard Bella’s winded question.
“We have to get out of the house. Find an exit.”
They continued to move at a quick pace, changing direction at random intervals. The unconscious teenager felt every step as she bounced in the strong arms.
“He is going to know we are here for Darcie. The fighting will not distract him for long.” She knew Bella spoke about Adir.
Part of her couldn’t believe the immortal actually came for her. She was just starting to realize the complex histories surrounding the brothers’ lives and the burdens they carried. The young woman was only a small piece in the thousands of years old immortal game.
Even so, the other part of Darcie never doubted them for a second.
“Bella,” the man carrying her stopped moving. “You have to get out of here.”
“We all do. Come on!”
“Bella,” the voice brooked no argument. “You are right. Adir will know we came for Darcie. I can defend myself against anything he throws my way, but not if I am worried about you. Find Thane and get out of here.”
“Des, no,” Bella sounded distraught. “Come on. We will find a way out of here together.”
Des?
Darcie’s heart raced. Des carried her? The tingling sensation which had dulled came back to life.
“Adir has the entire place surrounded and warded against us leaving, Bella.” Des practically shouted. “He wanted us to come. He planned on it. You need to get out.”
“Adir won’t hurt me,” Bella protested.
“Look what he did to Darcie,” Des shook her body in demonstration. “I didn’t think he would hurt her either, but look at her!”
A tense pause followed. Darcie desperately wished she could open her eyes and see what was happening.
“What will you do?” Bella whispered, resigned to follow Des’ instructions.
“Find a safe place,” he stated, shifting her weight in his arms. “And try to get Darcie to wake up.”
“Be careful.”
Not a moment after she stopped hearing Bella’s light footsteps, Des turned around and ran the opposite direction.
She felt each time he stopped and scanned the surroundings before continuing to move. Even if Darcie knew the layout of her location, she would be completely lost at that point. Des turned every which way and never stopped moving until, finally, she heard a door open.
The air shifted as Des walked into the new room. He closed the door with his shoulder. Gently, he placed Darcie against a hard surface. She guessed it was the floor.
“There you go,” Des murmured as he pulled his hands away from her. Darcie’s skin felt cold without the contact, but the discomfort didn’t last long.
Almost as soon as he released her, Des placed his hand on her forehead. It moved to her cheek then her throat. Des’ palms traveled across her body, searching for an answer to her ailment.
“What did he do to you?”
Darcie tried to move her lips to no avail. She wanted to scream obscenities to release her frustration.
“You look fine,” he spoke out loud. “It doesn’t look like he kept you in a cell.”
Darcie wondered if she still wore the clothes Adir loaned her. Even unconscious, she was sure her cheeks colored at the thought of Des seeing her midriff.
“I’m so sorry, Darcie.” She heard him shift and felt him sit beside her. His leg rested against her arm.
“I said you could trust Adir. I was wrong. I am so sorry.”
She wanted to assure Des it was not his fault. Once again, cursing her inability to speak.
“I never should have allowed Thane to host the ball. It was a horrible idea from the beginning,” Des began to ramble, his voice fluctuating between a whisper and higher volume.
“I was selfish. I wanted the opportunity to show everyone they were wrong. When Adir approached me and told me he believed me, I jumped at the chance for an ally. My own brothers didn’t trust me. Adir knew exactly what to say for me to trust him in their stead.”
Darcie greedily soaked in the information. This was the most Des spoke to her… pretty much ever.
Aside from planning their deception, the immortal was distant towards her. She only wished she could console him. Despite the situation she found herself in, she couldn’t blame Des for anything.
Darcie felt him reach out and picked up her limp hand. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand before holding it flat on his leg. The gesture shocked her.
“I hope you can forgive me.” The warmth of his hand spread through her palm. It felt like blood returned to the immovable limb.
With hope, Darcie tried to wiggle her fingers.
Her index finger shifted ever so slightly against his pants.
He felt it. “Darcie?”
Des repositioned himself beside her. She could feel his breath as he leaned over her. “Can you hear me?”
Darcie tried to move more than her fingers, but the best she got was a tiny spasm in her left arm.
“You are conscious.” The relief was evident in Des’ tone. “Come on, Darcie. Keep trying. You can do it. You need to open your eyes.”
I’m trying! She wanted to shout. She had been trying since Bella first woke her up.
Minutes passed where Des continued to whisper words of encouragement. He was trying to motivate her, but Darcie didn’t need any more motivation. She would open her eyes if she could. She would gladly get up and walk out of whatever room they hid in.
The problem was, she couldn’t gain control of her body.
“Why can’t you move?” Des spoke more to himself than to her.
Suddenly, she felt him stiffen beside her. His loud swallow filled the room around them.
God, why can’t I open my eyes!?
The quiet was unsettling after his endless motivational comments.
What is he thinking?
“Forgive me.”
Before Darcie could think on what he meant, Des shifted and she could detect his slow approach. He leaned down until there was barely any space between their faces. “I hope this works.”
His lips touched hers, the action completely surprising Darcie, but not as much as the bolt which shot through her body.
Blood pounded in her ears as Des continued the kiss. He placed his hands on either side of her face and wrapped his fingers in her hair. Darcie wished her lips weren’t paralyzed.
“Wake up,” he broke the kiss to say.
“Please, Darcie.” He kissed her again. “Please wake up.”
Des continued to kiss her, lifting her off the floor and into his lap. Her head rested in the crook of his arm at a more comfortable angle. Des rubbed his hands up and down her side, almost as if he was trying to warm her from the cold.
Slowly, she began to feel the familiar sensation of movement returning to numb areas of her body.
Her lashes fluttered open. Worried green eyes crowded her vision.
“Darcie?” Des leaned back slightly as his eyes darted back and forth, assessing her consciousness. “Can you hear me?”
“Yes,” her voice croaked.
His head fell forward and brown hair covered his forehead. “Thank The Creator.”
“Where are we?” she asked. The words irritated her dry throat.
“Adir’s stronghold,” Des replied, straightening his back until he no longer leaned over her. “Currently, we are hiding in an empty closet.”
She turned her neck and glanced around. “At least it’s a big closet.”
Des gave a weak chuckle. “Indeed. How are you feeling?”
She assessed her body. She moved her toes and fingers with ease, but her limbs felt impossibly heavy. “I’m okay. I think my body just needs more time.”
“Do you know what he did?”
“No idea. My mind was awake the moment Bella found me,” she revealed, “but I couldn’t control my body. It was bizarre.”
Des’ brow furrowed.
His confusion unsettled Darcie. “Did he use his powers or something?”
“I do not know what Adir did, but his powers should not have been able to put you into a waking sleep. That’s… not a skill immortals possess.”
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