Page 79 of The Fifth Soul

He moves out of the bedroom and into his office area, we all follow him.

“So, it’s true. The Red Book caps everyone’s magic?” I ask, seeking confirmation of what I already know. Letting the idea settle in my mind. Of course, it’s true. Why would Mel and Gabriel lie?

“This is a part of our history long forgotten. It’s not taught for the dangers it poses. Knowledge is power, and power can do crazy things to those who don’t wield it properly. Weaponizing knowledge can be just as dangerous. We need to kill the root of the problem before it spreads.”

“Roman.” He gestures for my brother to move forward. “Assemble six search groups to go undercover in each city, including our own. We need them to find all who are behind all this.”

Roman’s eyes move from me to our grandfather. “What will be their search area of focus?”

“Underground fractions, black markets, and secret societies. Leave no stone unturned. I expect results by the time we return to the Black Castle.”

My brother nods. The wheels on his brain are already turning, placing soldiers into groups.

“Commoners?” I ask in disbelief. He cannot simply choose to ignore all other possibilities.

“The commoners, of course.” Spoken like a king upon his throne. “This isn’t the first rebel group to spring up. They come and go throughout time. Taking on the Red Book is far bolder than anything they have ever aspired for before.”

I’m at a loss for words. I know that some do not agree with our rule, they are common amongst all types of reigns. It’s impossible to please everyone, but active groups seeking to dismantle it are unheard of.

His eyes bleed with sincerity. “I’ll do all in my power to eradicate this threat before you take on the title, Brandon. I’ve never told you about rebel groups before because it has simply been that long since one made enough noise to be noticed.”

“What about the royal families?” I ask.

My grandfather looks deep in thought. “We will alert them once we know for certain what rebel group is behind all this. Take as many prisoners as possible. We need to kill the sickness from the root.”

“That is assuming that the people behind this are not them.”

“Brandon.” My name falls off his lips like he can’t believe I said that. “Why would any of them wish to dismantle the same regime that has allowed their bloodlines to keep an elevated status and deepen their pockets?”

“Power,” I whisper.

Bianca was right. If a royal family is behind this, that’s the only reason they need.

“No.” He shakes his head, choosing to not entertain even the thought. “It makes sense for a group of angry common folk to be behind this.” He takes the journal and hands it to Jesse. “Give it to Lexi Blue. Tell her to read it thoroughly. I wish to ask her questions after. That girl’s brain is a national treasure,” he huffs in dry humor. “Where is the other girl?”

“My suite. Bianca and Alejandra will research the Kai vault tonight while we go to dinner.”

Grandfather nods. “Gives us time to wait and assess. We’ll meet tomorrow morning after they return. I want to go over all the details. For now, we have commitments to attend, including the Kai dinner.”

He walks back to his room but stops at the threshold. “Let me tell you. I knew you were up to something, but something like this never crossed my mind.” Then, he shuts the door behind him.

CHAPTER 31

BRANDON

Tonight's dinner takes place in a breathtaking aquarium on the other side of the city from the Kai residence. Jesse escorts me to the dinner with Isabel and Lexi Blue in toe. Both of them are wearing long gowns with intricate hair updos, while Jesse and I wear black suits. The event is small, with only a few tables around the room.

I look around for Roman as we enter the room, but can’t find him. My grandfather called for him before we departed, and he never returned before we had to leave. I spot my grandfather as he spots me. I waste no time walking straight to his table.

“Grandfather,” I say in greeting. I lower my head in respect. Both girls and my brother follow. It is always good to show that even we follow tradition.

“It’s good to have you back. Roman is a horrible replacement for you. Next time, ask Lexi Blue, why don’t you?” My grandfather leans to the side and waves at Lexi Blue and Isabel. “You both look lovely.”

The girls take their seats, and I follow, setting in for the evening.

I can’t shut my brain off. I tell myself Grandfather has been doing this for a long time, he’s the current King of Puerto Quinn and he knows best. But a part of me says he’s wrong. He’s blind to his comradery and love for those he has known for ages. We have a traitor in our midst. If it is a Royal Family, it might be someone my grandfather thinks of as a friend, if not family. Choosing to focus on the common people feels wrong—I dare say foolish.

They quickly serve all the tables food. I need to get out of my head and be present. As I look at the fish dish, a sense of unease washes over me as the memory of Mel's hand grasping the blackfish and the shriek reemerges in my mind. I’m usually a fan of all seafood, but I might have to feign illness to get out of this one. I move it around with my fork, trying not to make it obvious I don’t plan on eating it.

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