Page 26 of The Fifth Soul

“Alejandra seems to think so,” I say.

“This mission is a big deal for her. She has a lot to prove, and regardless, if Brandon realizes it or not, he is giving her the opportunity to do it.”

I feel like there is a lot I’m missing. I am gathering and mapping every small piece of information into a puzzle, seeking a picture.

“Isn’t she the head of security for the castle?” I ask Sofia.

The position seems highly important to me. Why would Alejandra need to prove herself to Brandon?

This castle doesn’t just host a Royal line, but also the Royal Force. Everyone who runs the entire country is here. The royal families like to make power plays, but if I learned anything today, it is that despite their privileged lives and self-importance, the Oscuros run Puerto Quinn.

Santiago points his index finger to the pile of notecards. “From the beginning.”

I try not to roll my eyes. For years, I’ve craved the knowledge of spells and the power they will bring to my fingertips. I dreamed of the freedom gained from them. I fantasize about the opportunities they could provide. Now that I can access a world of knowledge, my brain feels too fried to remember any of it. It’s frustrating.

I swallow the remorse rising in my throat. Matias would love this. He’d also be so much better at it than me. I think of Matias and picture his sweet, cocky smile giving me a pep talk. He will, I remind myself. He will.

“Maybe she needs more rest,” Sofia suggests across the table.

I give her a weak smile. I can almost see her and Matias becoming fast friends. He will love her smile and easygoing attitude.

“Maybe we all need a walk.” Santiago stretches in his chair.

Sofia gives us each a conspiratorial look. “And snacks.”

We don’t say much as we make our way out of the library. Perhaps we have little to discuss outside books and studies. The silence feels good and comfortable. I’m more at ease with them than I have been in a while. There is much work to do, but focusing on that will do no good. The calm before the storm.

Soon enough, I’ll set out with many people on the tour. And these two people who have become part of my daily routine will not be there.

“Where are we going?” I finally ask once we make it to the main hallways. There aren’t as many people as there usually are because of the time.

“Do you have any preferences?” Sofia asks me.

I want to tell her I haven’t had the chance to see most of the castle. I make my way to the training building out back, to the clinic, the library, and my room. I don’t stray from the halls I know will take me there and back. But I’m tired, and I know they must be too.

“As long as I don’t have to think a lot.” I scratch my head.

Santiago gives me an understanding smile. His eyes are a bit red, and his expression isn’t as bright as it always is at the beginning of our sessions. “We can go for a walk in the square. At night, it is magical, and I think your brain needs some fresh air.”

I follow them as we make our way down the castle halls. Sofia has been working in the kitchen for years now, so I am not surprised when we end up at the castle’s kitchen entrance. We don’t go inside. Instead, Sofia sticks her head inside and whistles. A whistle answers in return, making her giggle. Then, she disappears inside, but we don’t move to follow her.

“She’s coming back,” Santiago informs me with a reassuring smile.

Moments later, Sofia rounds the corner with two pieces of bread. “Here,” she says, handing us each a piece. She holds a finger up and returns to the kitchen. A moment later, she returns with an additional piece of bread for herself.

“What’s this?” I ask, while inspecting the interesting piece of food. It’s a soft bread covered with a thick sugar paste I’ve never seen before.

“Sweet bread,” Sofia supplies with a mouth full. “They’re so good. And it just came out of the oven. You will never taste a better one.” She gestures for me to try.

With that type of reassurance, how could I object? I give the treat another sniff. The food in the castle is amazing, and despite steering away from anything that smells spicy, I’ve had nothing but pleasurable experiences since my first day.

The bread nearly melts in my mouth. For a second, I suspect they lace it with something, because there is no way this is truly that good. It’s almost a religious experience. I think I’m in heaven, and this is what it must taste like.

We make it outside in time to watch the sunset over the horizon. The garden is bathed in golden-hour sunlight. The orange glow illuminates flowers in the bushes and reflects off the pond’s water. We find a bench off the side and take a seat. I close my eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air.

“The castle is going to be quiet with so many people gone.” Sofia kicks her legs.

“About that,” Santiago starts.

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