Page 62 of The Fifth Soul

Imake my way down to Brandon’s wing. The air in the space is cold and crispy, the halls empty and dark. Shadows created by the moonlight illuminate my path to my destination. I’m so preoccupied with the mission ahead that I almost miss the dark silhouette sitting on the edge of the windowsill.

Once I am closer, I realize it’s Jesse. His hunched position there reminds me so much of Matias. I try to think what I would say to Matias if he were in this sticky situation. Before I can think of something, he looks up. He doesn’t look surprised to see me.

“Hey,” I say. His eyes show a deepness of sadness I would never wish upon anyone. “I know the situation isn’t ideal,” I try to say as I move closer.

His curls shake from side to side. “I want to go home.”

I take a seat on the edge of the window next to him. I touch his knee, not knowing what to say to comfort him. “It will get easier with time.”

His scowl deepens at my words. “Was that supposed to make me feel better?”

I mirror his scowl. I’m trying, okay? No need to be rude. Perhaps what he needs is a little of a reality check. That is exactly what I would do for Matias, after all.

“No. You know what? You aren’t the one forced to tie your soul to a creepy man. Therefore, you shouldn’t be the one looking for comfort. Now, get your head out of your ass and tell your friend you’ll be there for her, no matter what.” I cross my arms. “Or what? Were you only her friend when you thought you would gain something in return?”

His scowl drops, and he lets out a long sigh. “I was Janelle’s friend before I knew how to be one. She was my first everything, and I always thought she would also be my last.” He takes two deep breaths, as if allowing the words time to sink in. He gets up and stretches. “I’ll make this right.” His eyes carry newfound humor. “I’ll get my head out of my ass.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” I wave to him and proceed on my way.

Brandon is waiting for me in the sitting area. Roman is on one couch with Isabel is to his right. Alejandra is by the window. Lexi Blue is sitting at the dining table, nose-deep in a book. It’s almost comforting to watch the sight. The familiarity of it all.

“What’s happening?” I take a seat.

“We were waiting for you.” Alejandra uncrosses her arms and joins us in the sitting area. “We are all leaving together.”

“No sneaking out?” I ask.

“No need.” Roman taps Isabel’s knee, then gets up. “The sneaking part will happen when you climb the bell.”

“Bell…” I trail off.

“That’s what one of the Red Mountains is called.” Alejandra pulls out backpacks from a closet and hands them out. I take one and look inside. Everything a person might need for a quick hike. Nice.

I scratch my head, following them out. “Does it look like a bell?”

“Absolutely.” Brandon takes my hand in his. “If you squint your eyes.”

Two hours and a three-mile hike uphill later, I can confirm the mountain does not look like a bell. We are deep in the Red Mountains. Since the sun has set, we wear headlamps to illuminate our path. The trees and rocks look more intimidating than beautiful in the darkness and sheer moonlight.

“We’ll start heading out,” Roman announces.

We’ve reached a point in the hike that requires some rock climbing. I have one foot inside the harness when he says that. He takes off his backpack and produces Brandon’s invisibility cape.

“Wait, are you two not coming?”

I should have asked more questions on our way here, but I got distracted by the sights again. Once the hike started, I focused too much on keeping up. Hiking in the desert is no easy thing. I could have sworn I saw a few snakes in the bushes, but no one agreed with me.

Alejandra gives me a smirk. “We needed to be seen starting the hike with you. But we’ll wait for Gabriel to call us to get you.”

“I hate how you guys never tell me anything.”

I look between the brothers and Alejandra. The fact that her explanation makes no sense to me but receives nods from the boys tells me they know exactly what she is talking about. Of course, they do. Once again, I feel left out.

Brandon leans down and brushes his lips to my forehead. “I will fill you in.”

Roman looks between his brother and me in shock. “What did I miss while I was gone?” The utter disgust in his tone lifts my spirit.

“Come on.” Alejandra tugs on his sleeve. “We don’t have time for you to gossip.”

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