Page 6 of The Fifth Soul

“It’s a protection amulet,” I explain.

It used to make me uncomfortable too, but it works. At least it did before today. There is no luck in today’s mission.

“No, it’s not. That is an animal’s limb, and you are displaying it as a trophy.”

He looks scandalized at the simple sight of it.

“I didn’t kill the rabbit.” I try to defend myself.

“That makes you wearing its flesh more disturbing. What do you have against rabbits?”

“It is not the rabbit,” I insist. “The amulet has magic to protect me and give me luck.”

I bought it from a thief years ago.

Santiago points at it. “That thing carries no magic. I can’t feel a simple spell on it.”

My eyes narrow. “You’re wrong.”

He has to be. I didn’t carry that thing for years for no reason.

“I am not.” He doubles down.

“You are, too.”

“Is the constricting spell cutting your air supply?” Santiago gives me a deadpan look. “If that thing worked, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

I stop my retort when I realize what he said. “You can feel magic?”

“Yes, it’s my gift. I can read spells placed on objects.”

Gifts weren’t common at Fierno. I’ve never met someone else who has a gift.

He moves closer to the book and examines it from a distance.

Movement across the library catches our attention. A tall male approaches with slow steps. Shadows cover most of him, but his eyes reflect light from the lamps on top of the bookshelves. His eyes are an unnatural golden brown, almost like a cat ready to pounce. My skin breaks out in goosebumps and a chill runs through my skin as his steps falter a few feet away.

“Jesse.” Santiago inclines his head in respect.

Sadly, the name doesn’t ring any bells.

“We have a trespasser,” Jesse says.

His eyes narrow at me like I would confess all my secrets under his scrutiny. I’m tempted, just to make him look away. As his eyes settle on me, a tickle runs through my skin.

“I found her and her unconscious friend trying to steal a cursed artifact. She claims they have broken in all on their own.” A glint of something mischievous shows in Santiago’s expression as he turns back to me. “Tell him what you told me.”

I do not understand what this would achieve, but I sense Santiago thinks I am going back down. “Like I told him. It’s only Matias and me.”

After a second, Jesse looks at Santiago. “Her words ring true.”

“How is that possible?” He turns to look at me with awe. “Maybe she can bypass your gift?” He asks Jesse.

We’re wasting valuable time. Matias needs help. I’m going to be taken prisoner, no matter what. Standing here chatting is a waste of time. The sooner we move along, the sooner we can figure out how to help Matias. I am about to explain my unique gift when I am cut off.

“Who sent you?” Jesse demands.

I have zero loyalty to the person who hired us. Mostly if my friend’s life is on the line, but I have little information about them. “We don’t know his name. He hired us from a pub in the City of Sin and paid us half in advance.”

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