Before she knew what was happening, Ani stood and stepped forward. He dropped her hands and wrapped frantic arms around her, bringing her in for a kiss. It was not passionate, but distressed. Ani was wild with worry. He did not want to lose Eshe. What he failed to realize was she was never his in the first place… not really.
Sure, Eshe cared deeply for Ani, but the two never proclaimed anything beyond friendship. Despite her deepest desires, Eshe knew she could not abandon the surety of Lome for the unknown affections of a man unable to take her as his wife of his own volition.
Squeezing her eyes closed, she trembled and reiterated her refusal.
“Have mercy on me, Eshe.” The words were not in her memory. Instead, they originated from outside the locked door she leaned against.
Eshe opened her eyes and heard Lome’s persistent knocking from the other side of the door. She stepped away from the wood and towards the far window.
“Please, Eshe,” Lome said. “Let me explain.”
His words would mean nothing. Eshe could not forgive him for everything he took from her. She had a normal life, her family had the chance to rebound from their troubles, but Lome ensured nothing of the sort would happen without him receiving Eshe in return.
It may have been minutes, or perhaps hours, later when Lome’s attempts at conversation finally ceased. No sound other than the air circulating the room met her ears. The sun was setting in the distance. Eshe watched the red and orange light splay itself across the skyline, wondering if Nebet or Ani watched the same sunset.
Eshe gave up everything… her entire life to marry Lome. The sixteen-year-old bound herself to an immortal being who would live forever. And she did it to save her sister.
If she knew how things really happened, how the circumstances occurred, Eshe would make the same decision. She loved Nebet. Even if she identified the manipulations, Eshe would have still chosen to wed Lome to save her sister.
The only thing she would change is her naïve optimism. Eshe would not allow herself to think the best of Lome, to discredit her doubts of his intentions or affections. Lome did not love her, he used her. Just like her mother’s Greek lover used her all those years ago.
Eshe scoffed in self-depreciation. Like mother, like daughter.
Afterword
I hoped you enjoyed reading the story behind Eshe and Lome’s centuries-old relationship.
Eshe and Lome are two of my favorite characters from the Immortal Chronicles Series. Their history is full of conflicting choices and heartbreaking results that produce the somewhat lack-luster relationship they have at present.
For fan’s of the Immortal Chronicles Series, I know this may have been tough to read. Both Lome and Eshe are such admirable characters, it is hard to learn of their mistakes. But let me reassure you, there is light at the end of their centuries long tunnel…
About the Author
Samantha Britt is an avid reader and enthusiastic writer of new adult and young adult paranormal and fantasy romances. When not lost in the fictional world, you can find her in Texas. More often than not, she will be busy making memories with her precious family which includes Sam, Dan, and their mini-goldendoodle, Bailey.
For more information, or to contact Samantha about becoming an advanced reader, please visit:
www.SamanthaBrittBooks.com
[email protected]
Enticed: An Immortal Chronicles Story Page 8
