Page 91 of The Fifth Soul

“Enough,” he says again before his face lowers to hers. His forehead settles against hers.

We can see their lips move back and forth before she moves her arms around his neck and closes the last few inches between them. The entire room is holding their breath. The silence that had fallen breaks as loud cheers erupt at the sight of their kiss. Every eye is on the couple, and the happiness for the new development is evident.

“I think they’re cheering louder than they did for me,” I say in Bianca’s ear with a humorous tone.

Her wide grin breaks into laughter. She nods in agreement, and I join her. My heart feels so full. Time flies as we talk in hush voices and laugh out loud. The beginning and ending of songs become the only tell that time is passing us by.

“Where’s Sofia?” Bianca asks the table as she takes a gulp of her water.

Santiago finishes chugging his drink before getting up. “She went to the library for a last-minute study session. Her test is tomorrow.” Isabel spots Santiago still sitting and rushes over. “I’m going to check on Lexi Blue now,” Santiago says with his hands up in a placating motion.

“Santiago, you said that thirty minutes ago.”

Roman is standing by Isabel but quickly gets called over somewhere else. Before he steps away, Isabel tells him she will join Santiago, but will be right back.

Roman’s eyes move to Santiago. “Make sure she makes it back.”

Santiago mock solutes him in return. He takes Isabel’s hand, and the two walk out of the room together.

“Looks like we are alone.” I kiss Bianca’s hand.

I can feel even more eyes on me. The affectionate act will surely get some reaction, but I can’t find it in me to care who knows. Bianca isn’t going anywhere. She’s going to be part of my life every day from now on. The happiness that thought brings me is hard to comprehend. Her cheeks heat, and a blush spread all over her body.

“I think I need some air.” She gestures to the double doors leading to the garden.

“Don’t take too long.”

Her eyes don’t hesitate to reassure me with just one look.

CHAPTER 39

BRANDON

The smell of smoke is the first thing I notice. Burned wood fills my nostrils, lighting my senses from the inside out. My skin crawls, sensing what is to come before I realize it. The screams come quickly after. The room suddenly quiets as if every person in the space turns their heads to catch what and where the noise is coming from. Soon, it hits us all, and chaos erupts.

We’re under attack.

As Guard General, Roman directs all the soldiers to posts around the castle. His number one priority is getting people away from the danger. They urge people to exit the castle walls toward the garden and the Royal Force facilities.

A line of guards and Jesse stick with me as we do the opposite and walk directly toward the threat. That’s when the first blast happens. An ear-tearing glass-shattering bang blows back every unexpecting soul. With much difficulty, we stay standing.

The blast comes from a hall that leads to the offices.

“We need to get to Grandfather’s office,” I say to Jesse.

The surrounding guards all listen in and nod their heads in unison.

“Take the staff passage there. I’ll take the hall,” Jesse says as he splits the guards that will follow me and the one who will go with him.

“We don’t have to split.” I try to argue against taking the safe passage. People are in danger. Neutralizing the threat needs to be a priority.

“King Brandon Oscuro.” His words land heavily on my chest. “You must take the staff passage. I’ll try to help as many people as possible on my way there, but you must make it to that room as soon as possible and secure the book.”

The Red Book.

“We’ll meet there.” I try to convey reassurance with my words.

“We will,” he assures me before he heads down the hall with a group of men on his back.

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