Soul Relenter (Soul Saga #3) Read Online Free

than when he comes home at night.”
    “It is unfortunate, but it must be done—Zyle understands his responsibilities.”
    “He is a wonderful king.”
    “The best,” Laura agreed. “I’m very happy that Zyle is my nephew-in-law, if such a title exists. I have always loved him like family.”
    “Would my mother and father be happy with our commitment? My father did ask him to be my Life Guardian—he probably never expected us to be together.”
    “There is no doubt in my mind, sweetpea. They would be overjoyed having Zyle as your life partner. They know he would protect you with his life.”
    Accacia nodded. “Good,” she said. “I was hoping that wa s the case.” Accacia thought of the upcoming mission on the Continent. They had to free the souls of their kin—failure wasn’t an option. She was frightened of the journey nonetheless—and not just because she might be killed. “Are you scared, Laura?”
    “Of what?” she asked.
    “Of our mission on the Continent,” Accacia said.
    “Yes, of course I am. Just because I’m a warrior doesn’t make me fearless.” She finished her glass of tea and set it upon the table. “Fear is essential in battle—without it, what fuels you? I know the idea of failure—that I will not save my life partner or protect my kin—will feed my strength until the task is done. Love is what will get us through this.”
    Accacia nodded. “I can’t even think of the idea of failure.”
    “It isn’t an option.”
    “No, it isn’t.”
    “Are you scared, Accacia?”
    “Yes.” Accacia stared at Laura. She thought that was obvious.
    “You know what I’m referring to, Accacia. Are you frightened to see Aleco again?”
    Accacia looked down at her tea and said nothing. She was more than frightened—she was terrified. But at the same time , she couldn’t wait to see him—to embrace him in her arms—to tell him how sorry she was for leaving to begin with. But she couldn’t confess the depth of her feelings—she didn’t want Zyle to find out from anyone besides herself.
    Laura recognized her hesitance. She placed her hand on top of her niece’s. “Your secrets a re safe with me, dear. I won’t tell Zyle anything if you wish me not to.”
    “What about your loyalty to him?”
    “It is as strong as ever. But you’re my family and I’m also loyal to you. I know you would never purposely hurt Zyle, so I don’t feel the need to inform him of your conflicted emotions—I assume that is what they are—conflicted.”
    Accacia shook her head. “Yes a nd no.” She stared at the tea on the table. “I don’t know what I feel, Laura. I’m scared to see Aleco again because I know how hurt he’ll be when I tell him the truth—that I’ve moved on with someone else.”
    “But he gave you permission, didn’t he?”
    “Yes—but I know it won’t ease the blow. Aleco loves me—he always will.”
    “Are you going to leave Zyle , then?”
    “Of course not,” she said. “Zyle is my husband—I am destined for him. How can I deny that? I’m meant to be with him for eternity—it’s my fate. And I love him, Laura. Besides, I promised Zyle I wouldn’t leave him—it was the cost for him to agree to this undertaking. I am committed to Zyle in every way—nothing will change that.”
    Laura nodded. “So you aren’t worried about what will happen between you and Aleco when you’re there?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You know what I mean, Accacia.”
    Accacia met her gaze. “I would never betray Zyle—I already made that clear.”
    Laura sighed. “What you say now doesn’t apply to when you return. When you see Aleco’s face, I’m sure you will feel differently. Decisions will no longer be black and white.”
    “I’m not worried about it.”
    “Why?”
    “Aleco told me to move on—he will respect my marital commitment to Zyle. That was what he wanted to begin with. I never would have pursued the relationship without his consent.”
    “I don’t believe