Page 86 of The Fifth Soul

“No, it won’t. But only the royal families who’ve placed items on the island know about the existence of the water imps,” my grandfather finally says.

I can see the second treason has settled in his heart. He shared a small part of the truth with a loyal friend, and they used that against him. It’s hard to not think of this as a personal attack.

“What’s the plan?” Jesse stands next to us, a determined expression on his face.

“We need to go home.” His expression is passive as he closes the distance between us. “Brandon.” His hand lands onto my shoulder. “We must rush your coronation to tomorrow. I will get the Red Book and take it to my office for safekeeping.”

“Is it not safe on the island anymore?” I ask.

“Not anymore.” He shakes his head. “If Mel is right, I’m afraid we don’t know who to trust. This attempt will fail, but they will try again. We must be very careful. A Royal Family is working against us.”

“Or several,” Jesse adds.

My grandfather’s eyes drop to the floor, and a long sigh leaves his chest. “I’m afraid that is the case. One alone wouldn’t be as bold as to take on the reign.”

“There’s power in numbers.”

I agree with him. We’re finally on the same page. After weeks of wishing he would hear me out about my doubts on the royal lines, the moment has come, and I feel no triumph.

“Jesse, call my advisors. We need to call for the preparations to be moved forward. Invitations for all the Royal houses need to be canceled. We are breaking protocol, but I don’t trust having any of them present before we take the Red Book to a safe location.”

“We don’t need the Red Book for the coronation,” I try to argue. Taking it to a new safe place is more important.

“The book has been used to swear in every king since its creation.” My grandfather looks off to the side. “It will only be there for the night. I’ll personally move it to a safe location after the coronation is over. Only the Royal Force and castle staff will be in attendance.”

“They won’t like to be left out like that,” Jesse says, referring to the royal families.

“The guilty ones won’t. The rest will understand why they currently can’t be trusted.” My grandfather gets up from his chair and moves to the door. “Let’s go home, boys.”

CHAPTER 36

BIANCA

Iwalk into my room in Brandon’s suite, almost out of breath. Santiago sent me to get another handful of books for Matias. The two have become fast friends in the few days he’s been back. I would have expected Sofia to bond with him faster, but she’s been studying for her teaching exam so much they’ve hardly talked.

I’m relieved he’s taken to reading and learning spells from the safety of the library after Roman put him back in the infirmary after just one evening with him.

Being inside Brandon’s suite without him, Isabel, or Lexi Blue feels odd, but Roman refuses to find me other accommodations. His smirk after telling me Brandon wouldn’t like that roused some questioning looks from Matias. Instead of explaining myself, I dropped it. Once Brandon returns, Matias and I can relocate. We’ve shared space all our lives, but I’m sure a room with two beds isn’t too much to ask for.

I spot the lunch cart in the corner of the room. By the amount of food missing, Matias already got to it. His appetite is one thing he didn’t have trouble easing back into, and I’m glad about it.

Not having so many people around while I showed him around has also been great. I get to experience it all over again for the first time as well.

“I have something for you,” I singsong.

Matias is lying in bed with an ice bag over his head.

“What the hell happened?” I drop the books at the bedside and rush to his side. I take the ice pack from his hand and inspect the new bump. I scowl over my shoulder at Roman.

He at least has the decency to look sheepish. “On the bright side, he is getting better at it. He’s almost as good as you.”

I don’t let the compliment distract me. “His bump is so big it could be mistaken for a second head.” I point at it.

Matias pushes my hand down. “I lasted an entire training session this time. I’m getting better at it.” The hopeful expression on his face only makes me want to punch Roman harder.

He knows how excited Matias is to get any type of training. I didn’t think any of it would be a bad idea until I realized Matias was not the same as before he lost his soul. No one knew what we would face when he came back. His body is still his, looks like his, and feels like his, according to him, but his movements are oddly different. Everything is oddly different. This is Matias, but it’s not. Something changed. His coordination has been the biggest sign of this shift.

I’ve been on countless missions with him, and have never doubted that he could do anything. I now fear he can’t climb the same wall we used to enter the castle that first day. The part that kills me is how hard he is on himself. Weakness is deadly where we come from. Despite us not being there anymore, it’s hard to decode the feeling away.

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