Page 41 of The Fifth Soul

“This is not funny. You missed all your morning duties.”

“I was recharging for tonight’s bandit activities,” he says with a playful smirk.

Alejandra huffs. “Jerry is back, which means Jesse will go with Bianca. Not you.” She finally looks in my direction. “Is your headache better?”

I touch my forehead and notice the ache has significantly lessened. I nod.

“I guess it’s good that we now know your limitations,” Brandon says. “Only use your gift when necessary. It takes a large amount of psychic energy on your part. We don’t need you passing out mid-mission.”

Yesterday, I definitely overdid it. I should’ve listened to Brandon when he told me to take a break.

“People asked about you all morning.” Alejandra turns to Brandon.

“I assume they would. It does them good to wonder. They haven’t been truthful about updates on the city. They are trying to paint the picture of perfection.” He leans back on his chair.

“You think they are hiding something?” She steps closer to the couch.

Brandon leans on his elbows. “Everyone who goes out of their way to show you how happy they are usually hiding something. But it could be as insignificant as financial troubles and their egos won't allow them to speak up.”

“Every time we come there are even more expensive additions to the castle.” Alejandra points over her shoulder. “They also have people down the halls of your room.”

“Pondering if I’m really here and not out there looking around?”

I chuckle out loud at the devious smirk on Brandon’s face. He truly enjoys being the cause of other peoples’ discomfort.

“Go sleep in your room. You need to go back out tonight,” Alejandra says, pointing at the door. Like I need direction.

What I really need is to shower. I head back to my room and do just that. After a long shower and nap, I find a food tray beside my bed that I’m sure Isabel brought. I make a mental note to thank her later. There’s a small window in the shared space that looks out at the gardens. The greenery is very tamed and simple compared to the Black Castle. I watch as the sun sets. I’m unsure when I should report to Alejandra, but I would rather be early than late.

I don’t find anyone guarding Brandon’s door when I approach it. At first, I press my ear to the door and listen for any movement. I try the door handle and enter the room. Isabel, Lexi Blue, Jesse, Alejandra, and Brandon are all chatting in the sitting room. The chatter quiets as I enter. The odd one in the room again, I see.

“Reporting for duty,” I say with a forced solute.

Isabel gestures to a tray of bread and cheese on the coffee table. I politely decline and take a seat. Thankfully, the chatter returns once I settle down. A couple of books lay open around the table. Brandon and Lexi Blue are each holding one as well. I try to look at the open book on Brandon’s lap from my spot. It seems they’re trying to estimate the number of spells that would need a watch like the one stolen.

“Any clues?” I ask.

“We know nothing for certain.” Brandon looks up at the ceiling.

“But there are theories.” Jesse scratches his head.

Everyone looks frustrated.

“Like what?” I inquire, but silence is all I get. I nod to myself. “Need-to-know basis. I get it.”

“It’s not,” Brandon assures me. “It’s a million and one possibilities. None good.” His voice trails off as he looks out into the open window. I try not to feel bad for the guy. For me, this is all a mystery. For him, it’s so much more.

“We don’t know for certain that it is not a collector,” Isabel finally speaks. The determination on her face doesn’t transfer to her words. She’s trying to stay positive, but her words don’t ring true. Not even to herself.

“We don’t have the watch, but we have the book.” Jesse counts off with his fingers. “What if we try to intercept the most dangerous ingredients?” His question is for Lexi Blue.

“I’m sorry,” I interrupt them. “Why is the focus on the spell they are trying to do instead of who is behind this?”

“The focus is on both,” Brandon says, finally joining the conversation again. “I’m afraid a mission of this magnitude is being headed by more than one person. We must stop the spell as much as we need to find out who is heading it.”

I think of the endless possibilities. A group of individuals up to no good. Having no clear knowledge of their end goal leaves so much room for mistakes. Are they after taking down his reign? The thought must be dark and scary. Individuals inside his reign are plotting against him. It may have been happening for years. A foe might look him in the eye and pledge loyalty while simultaneously planning his downfall. The thought brings goosebumps to my arms.

“Perhaps you’ll learn more about this movement on your mission.” Brandon gives his brother a look. “Be careful.”

---