Page 32 of The Immortal's Trick
I manage a wry smile. He’s already asked me three times tonight.
After the ceremony, Lome and Des pulled me into the center of the celebration, refusing to let me linger at the edges. Lome had grinned like a boy at a sweets stall in the market, tugging my hand toward every platter and urging me to taste everything. Spiced lamb. Stewed figs. Honey-dipped cakes. I couldn’t say no to him.
Now, my stomach is full and my lips are stained red, and the idea of another bite makes me want to sink into a cushion and never move again.
“I’m fine,” I say. “Truly.”
He shifts, his expression tightening with guilt. “I’m sorry there’s no time to rest after all the excitement, but my older brother insists we complete the ceremony tonight.”
I nod. I know. He’s apologized before, more than once. It’s not his choice. Whatever this second part of the ceremony entails, it’s something ancient—something important tothem.
“Do not trouble yourself,” I say. “I will be happy when it is over.”
Lome takes my cold hands in his and stares deeply into my eyes. “You are safe, Eshe. This ceremony… it is just that. Another ceremony. You have nothing to fear.”
My hands shake ever so slightly. A flash of remorse crosses his face. He bends down and places a gentle kiss on the back of each hand.
“I wish I could take away your unease. I feel complete joy, but all you feel is distress.”
“That’s not true,” I murmur, watching his thumb trace gentle circles on my skin. The sensation raises goosebumps on my arms along with the now-familiar sparks of attraction his touch always elicits.
My tone draws his gaze back to mine. His eyes darken, and his lips part. The expression sends a blast of heat through me. He inches forward. I inhale, eagerly awaiting his next move.
We’re interrupted by a slight tap on the doorframe. I glance toward the sound. Des stands in the entrance.
He clears his throat. “Our family is waiting, brother.”
Then, he turns and offers me a tilt of his head.
Lome never moves his gaze from me. “Are you ready?”
I stare into his eyes, gathering strength from their warm, hazel depths. “Yes.”
Without another word, Lome tightens his grasp, and the world around me falls away. I’m pulled through darkness, whipped through wind, until my feet find purchase on a different marble floor. My head snaps up, and the room spins from the movement.
“Careful there.” Lome’s hands move my shoulders. “You may be a little dizzy from the trip.”
“A little?” I return, the room still not entirely in focus. The feeling makes me uneasy. I didn’t feel this way the first time Lome used this method of transportation on me.
Lome chews his lip. “Des?” He turns and gestures to his brother. I can make out the man’s form, but the details are hazy. “Can you stay with her for a minute? I need to find Thane.”
“Of course.”
Lome promptly fades from view. He literally fades into thin air.
I know my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. It’s another one of his abilities. I close my eyes and breathe in through my nose, trying to keep nausea at bay.
“You get used to it.” I open my eyes and meet Des’ semi-focused face. The corner of his lips turns up. “I’m surprised you didn’t vomit.”
I release an incredulous laugh. “It was close.”
His smile grows.
He should smile more often, I think.
Seconds pass. Slowly, my vision returns to normal, and I can finally see the details of a landscape painting on the far wall.
“Better?” he asks.
