Page 81 of The Fifth Soul

“You sure look like it,” Jesse says under his breath, but she doesn’t react.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m waiting for Roman.” She looks at her watch and then back at the door. “He should be here soon.”

Jesse and I share a look before he says goodnight and leaves. The door locking behind him sounds loud in the room's silence.

“I want to go to bed,” Lexi Blue states impatiently.

Isabel’s head moves slowly to her sister. “Can you get ready for bed on your own?”

Lexi Blue looks almost affronted for a second before she nods.

“Then go ahead, do it on your own. I’ll come to bed once I’ve talked to Roman.”

Her head slowly moves back to the double doors of the suite. Her eyes stay fixed on the wooden frame, willing them to produce the person she wishes to see. I follow Lexi Blue’s example and retreat to my room quietly.

CHAPTER 32

BIANCA

Aknock at my door tells me my time is up. After watching Lexi Blue and Isabel prepare for tonight’s dinner, I decided to nap. My head needs to be well-rested for using my gift. I get up from bed, already dreading the night to come.

Alejandra is standing right on the other side of the door. She doesn’t give me a second glance before she leads the way. It’s weird to think this will be my first mission with her, other than actual guard duties.

“We only have a couple hours before they’re back,” she says.

The common room is empty as we cross the room to exit. Brandon joined the rest of the tour staff at a private dinner hosted by the Kai family at their aquarium. After watching what Isabel and Lexi Blue were wearing, I was disappointed to miss it. Dressing up like that for dinner is something I’ve never done before. The castle rarely invites the staff to eat at fancy events, but they expect the majority of the castle's staff to be in attendance, making this the best opportunity to break into their vault.

“We’re having a meeting after they return?” I ask.

“Yes.” She looks around the halls as we pass the few guards left behind. “Hopefully, we can find something to add to Lexi’s research.”

I conclude that Brandon must have updated them on everything we learned while visiting Mel while I slept during the day. No one asked me anything while I was eating, other than how I was feeling. Lexi Blue also looked busy reading when I saw her before my nap, but that’s usually how I see her.

“What exactly are we looking for?” I ask as we round a corner.

The Kai estate is by far the smallest one. It’s still a massive home, but only one-fourth of the Black Castle. The structure was much more organic, with natural touches and plants everywhere. Many spaces have large open windows, letting the breeze blow through the halls.

“Simple,” Alejandra says, huffing as we climb up a staircase. “We’ll check the vault to see if anything is missing, then stop at the library for anything connected to Klause.”

“Lexi didn’t check the library already?” I would have thought that’s where she spends her time.

“Not yet. Brandon also wants us to check out a couple of offices not easily accessible.”

As we make the landing, we head to the right hall. A door creaks open and stops Alejandra in her tracks. She stares at the door before looking side to side. It's possible she forgot my gift is activated because she seems to keep an eye out for people before sprinting toward the open crack.

“What are you doing?” I whisper-shout after her.

“Detour,” she says over her shoulder.

I waste no time in running after her. A rush of adrenaline washes over my body as I take on speed. I have a feeling tonight will be a good one.

CHAPTER 33

BRANDON

Aknock comes at my door promptly at five a.m. I don’t have to ask who it is. I swing the door open and find my grandfather, already dressed for the day, standing there.

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