Page 37 of The Fifth Soul

Brandon isn’t simply looking for who could be a foe. By searching for what items are gone, he’s trying to guess what they’re after, he’s trying to be a step ahead. This mission is a collection of puzzle pieces. He is going to figure out the big picture, one way or another.

Unlike me, he’s extra vigilant of our surroundings. His eyes scan the streets, even though no one passing by could see us.

“Did you figure out what would be the best access point?”

I point at the edge of the map toward the basement floor. Brandon glances at the entire structure over, then nods in agreement.

“No time to waste,” he says before moving toward the back of the building.

A small twitch on my temple aches as we reach the back door. I rub it with my finger, making Brandon give me a knowing look. Thankfully, the back door has a simple lock I’m able to pick up quickly.

The halls inside are dark and incredibly clean. It smells amazing. I realize the glow of light we saw from outside is only on the edges of the shelves that face the outside glass.

Brandon uses a spell to give himself night vision and leads the way for us. I follow his light instead of creating one because I need to save my energy. I’m already tired. The moonlight beacons across the glass walls also help give my surroundings shape.

I let Brandon lead us around the bookshelves but double-check he’s going in the right direction at every turn. I still don’t fully trust he won’t pin all this on me to save his own skin. Getting caught is not part of my plan.

The room in question is behind two wooden doors at the librarian’s kiosk on the second floor. Nothing special about the location would have anyone guess what lies on the other side. Not even a sign warning people away.

“Here.” He gestures to the door in front of him.

“Will we come across traps inside the vault?”

I look at the door with apprehension. I still recall the fear rushing in my veins as Matias dropped to the floor.

Brandon shakes his head. “Not to my knowledge, but always be on alert.” He gestures with his finger to his eyes and then to the room. “I hope you are ready.”

“Wait.”

The word dies on my lips as he throws the door open. I close my eyes as a flashback of the vault inside the black castle hits me. The voices, the creepy screaming voices asking me to do things. My brain shuts down briefly, and all I hear is static. Suddenly, I am feeling nauseous.

“Fifth.”

Brandon’s hand in mine brings me back to the present. The silent present.

“Where did you go?”

I open my eyes and look around. We had only taken one step inside.

“I thought I was back at the vault for a second. I could hear the screaming voices.” Taking a deep breath, I stop talking.

“What voices?” he asks, confused.

I shake my head and gesture for him to go on. Brandon doesn’t push or let go of my hand as we move inside. The room is small, five rows of bookshelves are all that occupy the room. We move around the shelves, careful not to touch anything. When we reach the third row, Brandon stops walking.

I don’t have to ask what he is looking for. My eyes find an empty spot on the shelf. A light sheen of dust coats all the items in the room. All that remains is the unmistakable dusty outline of a pocket watch. He was right, we have found what’s missing.

My lips spread into a smile at the deviousness of it until I wince as pain slides through my temple again.

“I need to take a break,” I say.

I should have dropped my gift when we entered the room. No one is going to see us here. The walls are solid.

“No,” Brandon rushes to say, but it’s too late. I dropped it.

BANG!

We both turn our heads to the door, now shut. A sinister giggle echoes in the room, quickly followed by heavy footsteps approaching.

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