Chapter 21: Echoes of Kinship
The vast corridors of the Ikemba Corporation were quiet, smooth marble floors whispering beneath their steps as Rose led the group deeper into the building. Gleaming glass, accented with obsidian pillars and pulsing veins of Soul Energy woven into the walls, exuded a quiet authority that made even Soul Academy seem quaint in comparison.
"Follow Sia," Rose said, her tone clipped yet not unkind. "She will show you to your quarters. Joshua, stay. We need to speak."
Karen glanced over at him as they were led away. He gave her a reassuring nod, but his shoulders were squared—he was preparing for a conversation that wouldn't be easy.
Sia, Rose's secretary, walked ahead of the group with a professional grace. She was tall, angular, and radiated competence, her aura whispering of a refined but deadly Master Soulborne. Her brown eyes swept over them once with amusement before leading them into a sleek wing of private suites.
"These rooms are keyed to your Soul Signatures," Sia said, touching a console. The doors slid open with a soft hum. "Security is absolute. You can rest without worry."
They filtered into a large shared lounge between rooms. It was comfortable, furnished in warm hues and understated luxury. The tension that had clung to them since leaving Soul Island began to unravel, even if just a little.
But Marie, ever the observant one, tilted her head as she glanced at Cassandra, who stood by the window, arms folded, unusually silent.
"Hey, Cassandra," Marie said, settling onto one of the plush sofas. "You've been quiet since we left the car. Something wrong?"
Leslie, leaning against the armrest beside her, raised a brow in agreement.
Cassandra sighed but didn't turn to face them. "I'm just... thinking. That's all."
Sia, standing near the door with her tablet in hand, allowed herself a rare smirk.
"She always gets like this when she's back here," the secretary said with a knowing chuckle. "You're looking at the infamous 'Ikemba brat'—youngest in the whole family. Muna's little tornado. Rose had to beat the chaos out of her."
Marie blinked. "Wait, you were a brat?"
Cassandra turned, eyes narrowed. "Sia."
"What?" Sia shrugged, her smirk widening. "It's not a state secret. You used to blow up servants for waking you up too early."
Leslie burst out laughing, clapping a hand to her mouth. Even Karen giggled, the tension in her chest easing just a little.
"Look how far you've come," Jim teased gently, nudging her with a grin.
"I hate all of you," Cassandra grumbled, flopping dramatically into an armchair.
"Progress," Marie whispered to Karen, who smiled in return.
In the background, behind heavy doors lined with wards, Rose spoke with her nephew. Her voice was low but firm.
"She's marked, Joshua. The Veil won't stop, not now. You brought her this far—good. But the family needs to decide how far they're willing to go for her."
Joshua's gaze didn't waver.
"I'll protect her. With or without them."
Rose leaned back, steepling her fingers.
"Then you'll need more than strength. You'll need allies. And you'll need to prepare her for what's coming."