Soul Catcher by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online

hidden in the brush. He could see her standing alone, nervously looking for him. Aleco didn’t want to speak to Father Giloth. He just wanted to return to his cave, alone, so he decided to wait out of sight.
    Accacia felt bothered by his sudden disappearance, but she didn’t know why. Aleco hadn’t even said goodbye or let her thank him for rescuing her. She wished she hadn’t pushed him away, making him hate her even more than he already did. “Aleco,” she called into the trees, hoping he would return. She didn’t expect him to, not after how angry she made him.
    He suddenly reappeared before her. His quick arrival made Accacia wonder if he had ever left. He sighed deeply from within his hood, clearly annoyed that she called for him. Aleco didn’t know why he bothered returning to her.
    “I have a gift for you,” she said as she dug through her bag.
    “I don’t want it,” he hissed.
    “Too bad,” she said simply.
    “What is it?” Aleco laughed. She had a quick wit and a carefree attitude that he responded to innately. Accacia made him laugh again; he couldn’t believe it. Just a moment before, he wanted to tear out her throat.
    “I want you to have this.” She dropped a bag of plant leaves into his outstretched palm.
    Aleco examined the light green leaves and recognized the plant immediately. “Roslyn’s blade,” Aleco identified.
    “You are skilled in botany,” she observed. Accacia wondered if he had been a Naturalist in the woods or if he had been instructed by the Chief Nature Priest.
    “I have no use for this.” He handed it back to her. In an attempt to be nice, for once, he added, “But—thanks.”
    “Yes, you do,” she insisted. She stared at him, waiting for him to take the sack. She didn’t understand why he was being so stubborn. He could take the bag and leave, avoiding the conversation altogether, but he chose to argue with her.
    Aleco’s politeness was running out. “You may have noticed I don’t have Nocturne’s Eye since I can see where I am headed,” he said. “So no, I do not need this.”
    “Traditionally, the ingestion of the plant is used for alexipharmic purposes, such as the eradication of Nocturne’s Eye; however, the inhaled smoke of the leaves can rid the body of hallucinations—and vivid dreams.”
    “You sound like Father Giloth,” he teased. Aleco realized she was skilled in botany as well if she knew that information. Aleco had an extensive knowledge of herbal remedies himself, but even that was novel to him. He stared at her for a moment then understanding dawned on him. “This is how you helped me.”
    “Yes,” she confirmed.
    Aleco took the leaves and placed it within his pack. They continued to stand there in silence. Accacia looked at him, waiting for him to say something. He didn’t know what she wanted to hear.
    “When will I see you again?” she asked.
    “Never, I hope.”
    She ignored the insult. “Then how will I repay you?”
    “You won’t,” Aleco snapped. He had no interest in seeing this woman again. He spared her from her imprisonment and brought her to the forest as instructed. Now he had no use for her. Aleco wanted to be away from her, away from everyone. He watched her beautiful and expectant expression turn into one of pain and hurt at his words. He saw her lips fall to a frown and the fire dim in her eyes. Why did he have to be such an asshole all the time? He knew she was just trying to help, but Aleco didn’t understand what he had done to warrant her friendliness. She had obviously been mistreated for a long time, by the old bruises and the layers of filth that had covered her body when he found her.
    “Well, goodbye, then,” she said. “Thank you for rescuing me.” Aleco sighed at her words. She was being nicer to him than he deserved. He wished he could be different, not so intolerable. She began to step away when Aleco forced himself to speak, trying to make amends for his unacceptable behavior.
    “Thank