Shadows Among Us

Chapter 16

(Justice without an Order)

January, 1513

Julio stepped closer to Father Andres, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the stone walls of the church. The old priest glanced up, his weary eyes filled with concern. "What is it?"

"I'm worried about something," Julio replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Father Andres approached him, sitting beside him on the worn pew. "What troubles your heart, my boy?"

"It's about Beatrice," Julio confessed, clenching his fists. "When I confessed my feelings to her yesterday, she didn't seem to share the same excitement. I fear I've ruined everything."

Father Andres smiled gently, patting Julio's shoulder. "Life is a tapestry of complications, Julio. We must weave through obstacles to find the beauty in it. Love, too, requires patience and loyalty. Trust in God's plan."

Julio nodded, standing up with renewed determination. "I will, Father. I won't let you down."

Yet as he awoke in his small cottage, clearly realizing it was all a dream and that Father Andres was dead, the morning light filtering through the window, doubt gnawed at him. He lit the candle next to his bed, sighing, "I wish I could believe that, Father Andres."

He reached for his notebook, the pages filled with his thoughts and fears. He flipped it open, beginning to write:

I am back again; it's been a while. The brotherhood has kept me busy, but now I find myself lost. Banished from the order of shadow hunters, I witness Spain's downfall, powerless to stop it. My heart is a battlefield, torn between Beatrice, who is always occupied with council affairs, and Anastasia, who seems to light up in my presence. I don't want to betray Beatrice, but my heart pulls me in different directions. What if I'm meant for more?

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He quickly closed his notebook and opened it to find Beatrice and Anastasia standing there, their faces serious.

"What do you want?" Julio asked, his voice edged with concern.

"Still mad, huh?" Anastasia quipped, her eyes sparkling with defiance.

Beatrice stepped forward, her voice calming. "Julio, we have a plan."

"What plan?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Anastasia produced a folded paper, handing it to him. "This."

Julio examined the message, his heart racing. It revealed Thiago's location—he would be at the Seville Cathedral for his coronation as the new king of Spain.

"How is this possible? The king is still alive," he murmured, disbelief washing over him.

"King Ferdinand has made a deal with Thiago. He will abandon the throne tonight to save his life," Beatrice explained, her voice steady.

Julio's fists clenched around the paper. "I won't let that happen. I'll rid Spain of Thiago if it's the last thing I do."

Beatrice stepped closer, concern etched on her face. "You can't go alone, Julio. It's too dangerous."

"No, you won't. You don't have to face the same fate as me," he insisted.

Anastasia's voice was firm. "It's not your decision. We're coming with you."

Julio closed his eyes, frustration boiling within him. "I won't allow it!"

"That monster took my family from me," Anastasia said, her voice trembling with rage. "I need to see him pay."