Page 58 of The Fifth Soul

“I barely touched you.” I roll my eyes.

“Nice little trick, Ray. I can see why you have kept the ability a secret.” Brandon crosses the distance closer to the intruder. “What prompts this very unwelcome visit?”

“The bonding ceremony ribbon went missing last night.”

I had never heard of a bonding ribbon. The House of Fire has more traditions than any royal family, including a soulmate bonding tradition. I never learned how it took place.

Brandon crosses his arms. “You think you’ll find your spirit stick in my room?”

I hold back laughter at the remark. The man pushes off my grip and turns around. I don’t bury my blade in his throat because his hands are still in the air, and I doubt he could take Brandon down on his best day.

“My bonding ceremony with Janelle will happen whether or not we have the bonding ribbon. As you have said, it’s just a spirit stick. Nothing to do with the actual ceremony. If you come across it, return it before anyone else knows it is missing.”

I can finally see the entire face of the man. This is the same man who sat with the Duelo family for dinner last night. The sharp edges of his face make him look creepy this close up. He is about ten to fifteen years older than us, in his early forties. Far too old for Janelle. I hold back a wince at the thought. There’s something evil in his energy, something that tells me to be on alert.

“If I find it.” Brandon’s expression gives nothing away. “Ray,” he calls. “If I ever find you again in my space without permission, I’ll kill you on the spot. This is your one and only warning. Royal blood ties or not.”

“I figured all friendship would end with the announcement of my bond to the only Duelo daughter.” His smirk says he isn’t sorry for the loss. “Give your brother my condolences. I don’t think he’ll take it kindly coming from me.” His eyes move to me and narrow ever so slightly. “Never met anyone who can see through glamor.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say the same, but I stay in place.

Brandon takes a step forward, blocking Ray’s view of me. “See yourself out.”

With that stern warning, Ray leaves. A million questions run through my mind as the man exists. What does he mean by sending his brother condolences? Does he mean Jesse?

We wait until the suite door shuts before I turn to Brandon. He pulls me to his chest as his arms wrap around me.

“How did you see him in glamor?”

“With a sheen of white glow.” I rest my chin on his chest and look at him. “What do you think it means?”

He gently moves my hair behind my ears and rests his forehead on mine. “I think only the Fates would have the answer to that. Your gift is powerful, and we’ve only seen a little of what it can do. That would also make this make more sense.” He shows me what he has been holding the whole time.

“What is that?” I tap the book in his hand.

“Lexi Blue found a book that talks about your gift.” He looks down at the item like he already regrets what he’s about to show me. “Looks like your gift has a history.” He hands me what I see is a diary. “This person details all the things they can do with their gift. Seems to be like yours. Read up on it. There’s a lot for you to learn. It can’t hurt to know all you are capable of.”

I take it from his hands, examining the golden detail on the journal. The fabric of the spine is expensive and heavy.

“I need you to come with me somewhere,” Brandon says.

“Where?” I ask, distracted by examining the journal.

“We’ll be sneaking onto another island.”

He tucks at a piece of hair to get my full attention. The gesture is endearing. I stop and recall that we’re in the desert. There is no water anywhere near us.

He waits for me to add something, but when I don’t, he proceeds, “We are going to Luzes.”

I must be hallucinating because they don't allow even King Oscuro to enter the land of angels. No one is. The blessed and the angels are the only ones ever to be invited. I think he has lost his mind.

“How do you plan on getting away with that?”

“There are portals in all major cities for angels to transport in and out.” He gestures between us. “We are going to sneak into one, go there, and speak to the Chief Guard.”

“Yeah?” My tone is mocking. “What do you plan on telling the Chief Guard of Luzes?”

He holds my shoulders and gives me a dazzling smile. “To meet us in two weeks at Fierno.”

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