Soul Relenter (Soul Saga #3) Read Online Free Page A

that,” Laura said. “I think it would have happened anyway. Like you said, you were destined for Zyle. So how could you stay away from him?”
    Accacia didn’t respond.
    “Zyle is your soul mate, Accacia. He is also your race so he shares the same life expectancy. He is the best friend of your father and a great friend to your aunt—the relationship was inevitable. If Aleco can’t understand that, he’s an idiot.”
    “Please don’t talk about him like that . You don’t know him and I’m certain you would like him if you did. I still love him—that will never change, even with the passage of eternity.”
    Laura nodded. She regretted offending her niece, especially when she was in such a vulnerable place. “I apologize, Accacia. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
    Accacia smiled. “I forgive you, Laura.”
    They drank their tea in silence. Accacia thought about the voyage with more dread within her heart. Even though she knew Aleco would understand h er relationship with Zyle, it wouldn’t make telling him any easier. She wondered if he had already moved on with someone else; it was a possibility. How could he expect her to move on without allowing himself to do so?
    Laura stared at her niece while she drank her tea. She knew Accacia was going to have a difficult time on the Continent because of the situation , and she felt horrible knowing she couldn’t assist her niece. It was something she would have to deal with on her own.
    Accacia interrupted the silence. She was tired of brooding over her situation with Aleco. “I spoke with Roxian today.”
    Laura almost dropped her cup. “About what ?” she asked. “What reason could you possibly have for speaking to her?”
    “I offered to vindicate her crimes if she chose to fight with us on the Continent. She is an amazing warrior. I have seen her swing a blade firsthand. She deserves the opportunity to avenge the death of her husband—everyone deserves the chance.”
    Laura shook her head. “And what did she say?”
    “No,” Accacia said. “At least she said that today. I hope she changes her mind.”
    “Thank the gods she said no.” Laura looked at her niece with incredulous eyes. “I can’t believe you even made the offer—she can’t be trusted.”
    “Well, I was hoping she had changed.”
    Accacia was wise beyond her years, but this choice made her seem insane. “This woman tried to kill you, dear. Do you not remember that ?”
    “Yes.”’ S he sighed. Accacia was tired of hearing this from Zyle. Now she had to hear it from her aunt as well. “I knew it would be risky, but I had to believe she could grow—become a better person.”
    “Let me save you the time, Your Majesty. That will never happen.”
    Accacia s tared at her aunt. “I hope you’re wrong.”
     

    Aleutian Keep, Letumian Province
     
    4
     
    “The commander of Paso Robles, Mitan, is here, m’lord.” Aldo stopped directly before the king’s desk, which was covered in unread parchment sheets. The servant didn’t understand what Drake did with all his time. It seemed like all he did was drink.
    “Bring him, Xavier.” Drake didn’t look at Aldo. He was staring into the flames of the hear th, looking more forlorn than he had ever been. His dead courtesan still troubled him even after all this time. Aldo knew better than to correct the king. He could call him whatever he wished as long as he got to keep his head.
    “Yes, sire.” Aldo left the room and ushered Mitan through the doorway. His head al most touched the top of the entranceway as he entered Drake’s study. The king glanced at the commander and noted his brute size. A larger man he had never seen.
    The k ing turned in his chair and faced Mitan, the supervisor of Paso Robles. “What is your report?” he asked. “Are those disgusting slaves giving you any trouble?”
    “Not at all,” he said with a deep voice. “A knife to the throat does wonders.”
    “Good,” he said quietly. “And all the goods are