Page 18 of The Fifth Soul

“Do I have a choice?” The question makes me groan, feeling partially defeated.

“Of course, you do. Everyone has a choice.” The smirk I have seen so casually on his face hardens. “You have the option to comply with my proposed plan, or you may choose to present yourself to the Royal Force and accept responsibility for your involvement in the endeavor to steal a secured artifact from the library. I won’t lie, their last concern will be to get your friend back from his current state. Their focus will be on getting as much information from you as possible. By any force necessary.”

I had almost forgotten who I was talking to. His dry tone and professional demeanor are firmly in place. The image he makes simply standing there is everything a crown prince is meant to be.

“Okay, I see that choosing to do things your way is in my best interest.”

I look down at my hands. Once again, they feel tied down. The slight shake of my fingers is the only sign of my nerves about what will come. Just like every other time, I will find my way through. I vow it to myself and my friend. Wherever he currently is, I will get us through this.

I look up and meet Brandon Oscuro’s scorching gaze head-on. I make sure my own determined expression is showing too.

“I’m in.”

CHAPTER 5

BIANCA

Matias is in the clinic wing of the castle. I’m assured he has his own room and will remain under the care of the clinic staff until they can wake him up. The spell that took him was strong, and it would take a spell just as strong to bring him back. Items need to be collected, and despite being in no position to request anything, I will make it my mission to push for this to happen as soon as possible.

After hearing a mapped-out schedule of my training for the tour, I asked to see him. My training will be split into three categories. Combat, spells, and history. Though it sounds like a lot, I’m not about to complain, not when I saw spells on the list of things I would learn. I’m actually going to get to train in magic. The idea gives me goosebumps. I will get to read books about magic and learn spells I will forever get to keep.

Though the concept that I must undergo training simply to pretend to be employed by the crown prince is absurd and irritating. I didn’t grow up with high class and finery, but I never thought there were expectations from the staff.

I’m not looking forward to the history of high society and royal families, but Brandon was adamant that it was important for me to know whose houses I would be entering. I know he is right. In my line of work, I know all I need to know before I go in for a job. Know your enemy and all that.

“Here we are.” Brandon opens a door and gestures for me to follow him.

I’m not sure why he insisted on bringing me here himself. I would think he had better things to do with his time, but who am I to question him?

The place smells clean, and it’s freezing cold. A short woman in a white uniform with shoulder-length blonde hair stands in front of a desk off to the side.. When our eyes meet, I do a double take. One aqua blue eye and one honey brown eye look back at me.

“You must be Bianca.” She approaches to shake my hand. Well, that is an unexpected friendly gesture. Her level of energy is imposing. “I’m Amy Bee. I’ve been meaning to see your injuries. Did my potion work fine?” She gives Brandon a look behind me.

“She slept like the dead,” he confirms.

The report causes her to beam.

“I feel fine now.” I touch my head subconsciously.

Amy nods. “I’ll check your head, just in case.” Something tells me this woman is a force of nature all on her own. She looks inside a closet-like room behind her desk, gesturing to the cracked door in the hall. “Your friend is in the second door to the right.”

“I’ll wait here.” Brandon sits behind Amy’s desk, making himself at home.

From the disapproving frown on her face and the careless expression on his, I can see they’re more than acquainted with each other. Their low banter and ease with each other remind me of Matias and me.

I open the door and peek inside tentatively, not knowing what I would find, but the room looks cozy with soft cream colors. I take a seat on a chair on the side of the bed. Matias looks peaceful, like he has been sleeping this whole time. His skin is soft and healthy-looking. I take his hand in mine and cringe at the icy touch. He’s freezing. When I place my hand above his forehead, it’s the same. I touch his chest and leg in confirmation. The blanket above his body is doing nothing for him. I am about to race back outside, but Amy is already walking in, holding a black bag.

“He is freezing,” I say to her.

“A body without a soul always is.” Her words are matter-of-fact.. “Come here. Let me do a quick check-up.”

I let her do her health test on me to get Matias to myself. The quicker we finish, the better. Once satisfied, she leaves the room. I can hear her whisper with Brandon outside, so I close the door.

A wince escapes me as I take Matias’s hand in mine. “I know we usually aren’t the lovey-dovey type, but I need you to know I love you. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you safe. You’re the one person I could always count on, Matias. I will not let you down.” I can almost feel the tears coming, but I push them down. Instead, I try to focus on the silver linings.

“If only you could see the room I’m sleeping in right now. The food is still questionable, but with how many times we have gone hungry, I shouldn’t be picky.”

I think back on the challenges we used to face. Our daily concerns. They all look so small now. But they’re still there, waiting for us to return. Perhaps there’s more that I can get out of this situation. An idea pops into my head. I don’t know if Brandon will do it, but I lose nothing by asking.

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