Soulbound: Embers of Defiance

Chapter 15: A Daring Plan

Leaving the dormitory, we found a low hum of activity emanating from the common room. Stepping inside, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread greeted us.

Finn was already halfway through a plate of steaming porridge, his chin dusted with flour. Across from him, Marcus and Caleb were deep in conversation, their voices low and serious.

Elyse sat by herself near the window, her brow furrowed as she concentrated on a leather-bound book filled with strange symbols.

And tucked away in a far corner sat Erin. She meticulously sliced an apple into bite-sized pieces with a small knife, her eyes fixed on some unseen point beyond the room.

Earlier that morning in the bath, I'd confided in Kass about the whole Erin situation, and now, seeing her across the room, a jolt of anxiety shot through me.

Kass shot me a look, a silent acknowledgment of my earlier words.

One noticeable absence hung in the air – Isaac. As usual, his place at the table remained empty.

He was likely in his chambers, the room furthest down the hall, engrossed in some experiment or meticulously mixing a salve. His quiet dedication to his comrades well-being was a constant, silent reassurance.

A wave of nervousness washed over me. We were the last ones down, and the weight of this morning's encounter with Erin still hung heavy in the air. But before I could overthink it, Kass nudged me forward with a grin.

We made our way to the table, weaving between figures already engrossed in their meals. A warm smile spread across Finn's face as he spotted us.

"Well, well, the ladies grace us with their presence at last," he boomed, his voice surprisingly loud for such a small frame. "Sleep well, did you?"

"Much better, thank you, Finn," I replied, returning his smile.

"The bath did wonders," Kass chimed in with a playful jab. "And thanks to a good scrubbing," she said with a wink, "we finally don't offend any delicate noses around here."

Finn threw back his head and laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room.

"Is that right? Well, I wouldn't say you offended any noses, but let's just say the air is a good deal fresher this morning."

Kass and I joined in the laughter, the tension easing a fraction. It felt good to share a light moment, a small act of normalcy.

Taking a seat next to Kass, I reached for a bowl and scooped myself a generous portion of porridge.

As we dug into our breakfast, the conversation flowed easily, filled with chatter about the day's plans and lighthearted teasing. There was a newfound sense of purpose in the air, and with full bellies and a shared resolve, we were ready to face whatever challenges awaited.

Across from me, Finn continued to attack his breakfast with his usual enthusiasm. While the shadows under his eyes spoke of restless nights, a now familiar spark flickered in his gaze. That glint – the one that usually preceded a mischievous prank – was a welcome sight.

Finn was supposedly someone who could pick any lock, decipher ancient texts, and escape with his life while simultaneously cracking a joke.

Taking a deep breath, I reached into the pocket of my tunic and slid my dad's cryptic message, the now very familiar paper across the wooden table. The sound of its descent echoed in the tense silence that had settled between us.

Finn's gaze flickered up from his half-eaten breakfast, and a playful grin stretched across his face.

"This," I croaked, pushing the paper across the table's wooden surface, "is what I found in the rubble of our shop."