Page 156 of The Immortal's One

“Goodbye, Darcie.”

I turn on my heel, ignoring the piercing pain in my chest as I cross the street. The urge to look back is suffocating, but I force air in and out of my lungs and keep my eyes trained on the front door.

I climb the icy driveway to my childhood home, fighting against the tether trying to yank me back into Des’s arms.

A gust of wind rushes past my head when I step onto the porch. With it, whispered words flow into my ears, driving theknife deeper into my chest—words I suspect I’m not meant to hear.

“I wish things could be different…”

My hand reaching for the doorknob stills. Hope flares. Maybe I can convince Des to?—

No!my subconscious shouts.Don’t be an idiot.

The hope fades, and I steel my heart against the stoic Immortal who chooses deceit and avoidance rather than honesty and trust.

I’m back in Maine. I have a future to build. I have Dad and Kayla.

Don’t forget Kevin.

That’s right.Kevin.

The guy I’ve been crazy about for half my life is finally interested in me. I shouldn't lose the chance to be with him because of an Immortal who wants nothing to do with me.

I can do better.

Iwilldo better.

My fingers grip the doorknob, and with a deep breath, I turn it and step inside.

The ache in my chest feels like a wound that will never fully heal, but I don't look back. Not even when the world shifts as a bright white light flashes, and I sense the void left behind in Des's absence.

It’ll be okay, Darcie. It will all be okay.

Soon,I’ll realize that’s just another lie.

A new problem lurks on the horizon, a problem no one, not even the Immortals, saw coming—a problem no one is prepared for.

A problem that changeseverything.