Page 19 of The Fifth Soul

“Remember what we said about this lifestyle? We’ll only do it until we find a way out. This can be our way out.” Tears drip down my cheeks. I lost the fight, but it’s not like anyone is here to see them. “I am going to fix this.”

I sit for a few more minutes in silence. I gather my wits and deliberate on what to say. When I step out of the room, I feel more than ready.

Brandon and Amy are looking over some paperwork. They’re so focused on what they are looking for that they don’t look up to me until I’m right in front of them. Once closer, I see that they’re looking at my schedule. Amy has made some adjustments and suggestions on the side of the paper.

I clear my throat. “I agree to aid you and do everything in my power to ensure your mission is successful.”

Brandon’s eyes narrow at my declaration. Being the sole focus of his attention makes me fidget. He knows I’m going somewhere with this. He waves his hand back and forth, gesturing for me to spit it out.

“However, I can’t simply return to my life after this is over.”

He says nothing; he simply waits.

I continue, “Call it a second incentive to do well on this journey. I want a place here for Matias and me. I don’t care what we do, but we cannot return to our old lives.”

“What do you mean, exactly?”

“Anything, really. We can work in the kitchen or clean. Maybe work in the library.” I trail off. That might not be the best place to request because of my current situation. But working around books would be a dream.

He takes a step back from the table and crosses his arms. “I’m sure we can find something for you two.”

“Just like that?” I ask before I can stop myself.

“Do you wish for me to argue with you?” His knowing glint makes me fidget again.

The way he agrees so quickly unnerves me. It’s almost like this was his idea, and he tricked me into thinking it was mine. It feels like I’m being played, but if I can’t trust the word of the crown prince, I can’t trust anyone. I need to look at this as an opportunity.

“Positive thinking,” I say to myself.

I need to keep thinking positively. We could be happier here. We wouldn’t have to steal, and we would always have food and shelter. Blessings in disguise and all that.

“Now,” he says, interrupting my thoughts, “let’s take you to your first lesson of the day.”

I follow him out and toward the back of the castle. I already know this path will lead us to the back buildings. The first lesson is a combat training session, and luckily, the weather is perfect for it.

“Alejandra will be the person you answer to. She’s the head of security at the castle and will be the head of security on tour. If you have questions about your training, discuss them with her. As far as you’re concerned, she is in charge.”

The latter statement is said over his shoulder with a meaningful look. I give him a thumbs up. Whoever Alejandra is, I am sure we’ll be friends in no time.

“There’s something that keeps bothering me,” I say as we near the training circle. I slow my pace to a full stop, waiting for Brandon to do the same.

There are people in both training circles dressed in all types of tactical gear to simple shorts and no shirts. I force my eyes away from the very fit men sparring back to Brandon. I need to ask this before any prying ears come into hearing distance.

“Let’s say the book took my soul. Now it’s open. Someone in the castle is expecting to get the book. Did anyone try to?”

Brandon pauses. There is a debate happening behind his eyes. He is deciding if this is part of the need-to-know information. I know he has come to a conclusion when he sighs.

“Jesse already posted surveillance to see who would enter the vault.”

“And?” I pull further.

“No one so far.”

Another dead end. They must have figured out I failed on my part of the deal. I can only imagine how many people saw me being dragged to the cells unconscious.

Movement takes my attention. Isabel waves us over from the side of one training circle. Her smile is gentle. She has a notepad in one hand and a bag in another. Roman is standing at the other side of the same circle, yelling instructions at the two men sparring and talking to a man who’s also watching the match intensively. Despite his eyes not missing a step she takes as she makes her way to Brandon and me.

“Here.” She hands Brandon the notepad. “The names of all guards who will accompany us on tour.”

---