Page 97 of The Fifth Soul

He gets up and exits the room. Every person but Jesse follows him back to the cells holding the prisoners.

“Lady Janelle Duelo, despite your connection to the rebel movement, I acknowledge that you are not a leader or commanded any decision they took. I also acknowledge that, in a time of need, you chose to aid a member of this house at the price of what your Royal House would call your soulbond. However, you knew of their existence and failed to come forward. For that, you are guilty of treason.”

A rush of murmurs fills the small space from the other prisoners and advisors.

“As for your punishment. The member of this house whose life you aided was gracious enough to ask for leniency for you. I will cast you out of Puerto Quinn for the next five years. Your magic will be taken for the duration of your exile. You will live as a common human. Once the time is up, you may return here and prove you are worthy of your magic again.”

She keeps her eyes locked on the king, never once glancing away. Her face never broke away from the fearless expression molded to her. Janelle Duelo stands there with all the dignity of her title and blood. My eyes might be tired from the long day, but as the last words of her punishment ring out, I swear I see her shoulders relax.

CHAPTER 42

BIANCA

The last thing to do is meet with all the leadership officers and determine the damage and action plans that will follow. To Brandon’s benefit, every person in charge has been doing this for so long that they already have nearly complete plans that only require minor tweaking.

Roman leads the meeting. The officers follow suit, one by one. The last one is not a leadership officer. I know this because I personally trained with them while under Alejandra’s command. They are a castle guard from her patrol.

“We have assessed the traitors entered through the underground tunnels that lead to the forest. We have sealed the entrance with spells on the stone.”

“Why are you giving me this information?” Brandon asks the young castle guard. “Where is the head of security?”

“Alejandra is outside, Your Majesty.” He clears his throat. “Currently indisposed.”

Brandon looks at Roman across the room. “Is she injured?”

“No, sir.” The guard inclines his head and promptly steps out of the room.

I stand with Brandon and head to the back of the castle to look for Alejandra. The guard looked more uncomfortable than anything, which makes me wonder what we will find.

Most people have taken refuge in the gardens and training grounds as the halls are cleaned and aired out. The fires have left their mark, not just on the walls but in the air. Making it impossible to breathe safely.

I spot Amy Bee running her makeshift clinic like a queen on her throne. She’s quick and efficient as she orders people about. She has a courtyard section with rows of cots for the injured and dozens of staff members from all sections of the castle assisting. The rows are long and crowded, with patients, healers, and loved ones doing everything they can to help.

“Sofia!”

I turn toward Alejandra’s voice. Sofia’s name is yelled repeatedly as Alejandra makes her way through the cots filled by those injured. She walks past every bed, calling for her sister. She makes it to the end of the row, stops, and looks off to the tent at the end of the training grounds, the one holding all the casualties. She doesn’t take a step closer to the tent. Instead, turns back to the cots and starts walking them one by one again. We stand there and watch with heavy hearts as she does this two more times.

We’re doing exactly what she’s doing. Avoiding the inevitable like it will keep us from tipping over. Ignorance of the truth can only win us so much time, but on hopeless nights like this one, it’s just enough time to take the next breath.

Brandon’s face mirrors mine. He’s the only one who can do this. He kisses my forehead and heads down to the cots. Just as Alejandra is halfway through her walk, he intercepts her. I don’t see their lips move or hear their voices, but I know when the truth is finally shared. I can feel it in the air like the ending note of a sad song. The last string has been played, and its finality cannot be taken back. There’s nothing left after this than to face the truth.

Slowly, she drops to the ground and hugs her knees to her chest. I watch as the King of Puerto Quinn drops to his knees and envelops her. I watch their chests shake with sobs that carry through the wind like a ballet of loss.

CHAPTER 43

BRANDON

The night ended quicker than it came. At first light, twenty-seven burials took place deep in the forest surrounding the Black Castle. Every member of the castle that could make the walk was in attendance.

By mid-morning, I’d been reminded over six times that I must complete the coronation ritual by crossing through the Fate’s temple and hiking to the mountain’s peak.

Doing anything to thank the powers that have allowed my people to burn alive sounds ludicrous. I have so much anger inside me. So much I wish to question that, for that reason alone, I muster the energy to make into the temple. I want answers.

I make my way inside a small stone structure covered in moss. This is considered the most sacred space in the city. The only place the Fates ever allow themselves to be heard and seen. There’s only one entrance at the front of the temple, one exit at the back, and a center-stage fountain with stone benches surrounding it. The moss and plants have found their way inside over time. They are the only constant companions to the forces that reside here. Anyone who wishes to talk to the Fates can walk in here, but that doesn’t mean they will answer.

I walk inside alone for the first time since my name was chosen, and I will continue doing so until my successor is named. I’ve only taken a few steps inside when I see the three shapes take form before my eyes. Blue, gold, and pink floating forms. Small, delicate, and whimsical. Past, future, and present. The powerful all beings of life; together they are time.

They stare at me with elfish-like faces that are so normal and human, but not. They aren’t bigger than my palm, yet the surrounding air is strong and powerful.

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