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

you—Accacia,” he said through gritted teeth. “For giving me a chance to sleep—it’s—it’s been the greatest gift anyone has ever given me.” His eyes fell to the forest floor, embarrassed, as he tried to avoid her gaze. It was the first time he’d ever tried to be nice to another human being. It was also the first time he met someone who was willing to put up with him. He had been continually rude to her but she continued to forgive. The next thing she did surprised Aleco more than his own words of gratitude—she hugged him.
    Aleco stood there, stunned, as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his shoulder. His arms remained at his sides, bewildered by her gesture. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do. He hadn’t hugged anyone in so long that he forgot what it felt like. The act was foreign to him. He didn’t know what he had done to deserve such kindness from her. The contact was brief, but it was enough time for him to feel her body against his own and smell the fragrance of her hair. He began to feel uncomfortable—very uncomfortable.
    “You’re welcome,” she said as she released him. She smiled at him for a moment, understanding how hard it was for him to express such gratitude. She didn’t know anything about this stranger, but she knew the life he lived was far worse than the one she had. At least she could walk the world with her face to the sky, unashamed of her features. Accacia could tell by the flinch of his body that he hadn’t had human contact in a very long time.
    “How nice,” a voice observed from the tree line. The thick glade they stood in allowed adequate coverage from sight. Accacia was startled by the sudden announcement. She stepped back and looked for the source of the words. Aleco immediately knew to whom they belonged, and clenched his jaw. The Nature Priest was aware of everything in his forest, including the identities of people who crossed into his lands. The ability came with the powers of his office. Father Giloth revealed himself from the thick copse of trees.
    “It’s heartwarming to see the two of you getting along so well,” he said. “I know how difficult it is for Aleco to make friends.” The old man smiled. Aleco concealed his scowl within the depth of his hood.
    Father Giloth outstretched his arms towards Accacia and she moved into his embrace. With tears in her eyes, she fell into his arms and sobbed quietly into his shoulder, unable to control her emotions. Father Giloth dropped his smile, overcome with the feeling of sadness as he held her in his arms. She was obviously broken and emotionally scarred. The Nature Priest hid his own tears as he ran his hands through her hair until she stopped crying. Aleco watched the scene without moving, unsure of what to do. He didn’t realize how upset Accacia was. She never revealed her wounded emotions to him. Father Giloth hugged his student for a long time before he turned to Aleco. “Thank you for returning Accacia to these woods,” he said. “You went unseen, I hope?”
    “Of course,” Aleco said. “I wasn’t followed.”
    “Excellent,” Father Giloth continued. “It will give Accacia and me some time.”
    Father Giloth ushered them through the forest. “I have clean clothes, warm food, and a roaring fire waiting for you,” he said as he and Accacia walked into the trees with their hands joined together. Aleco turned the opposite way and moved towards the border. “And for you as well, Aleco,” he added. Aleco rolled his eyes; he just wanted to leave.
    The three of them progressed through the trees, saying nothing as they approached his home in the heart of the forest. Father Giloth placed his arm around Accacia’s shoulder and guided her through the brush. Aleco trailed behind, watching Father Giloth give Accacia more affection than he ever gave him. Aleco saw the Nature Priest kiss Accacia on the head and he wondered why he’d never seen her before. She was obviously