Free A Feast of Souls: Araneae Nation, Book 2 by Hailey Edwards Page B

bound their life threads. When a sickness even Old Father had been unable to cure claimed father’s life, Mother had followed him into the spiritlands moments later.
    That was the sort of bond I craved, the sort of tie to another person my happiness required. I would find no such soulful connection with Vaughn. I lifted my hand, but strain as I might I saw no aura’s shine. Old Father had explained to me that my condition was common among walkers.
    We often lacked the ability to see in ourselves what we saw in others. Lack of an aura didn’t mean lack of a soul, a fear I’d had as a youth and a curiosity I’d had about Vaughn’s blankness.
    Since spirit walkers saw auras, we often foretold soul matches among our clansmen, though the gods gave us blind spots where our own souls were concerned, denying us the possibility of matching ourselves. Walkers, on occasion, were blind to their families’ or their loved ones’ fates.
    While it puzzled me that I saw Rhys’s aura, yet not Vaughn’s, I learned long ago that it was not my place to question the gods or the wisdom they granted me. Perhaps Vaughn’s line had the equivalent of a walker in its history and he’d inherited the blank trait from them. It was possible.
    “I think I lost you,” Vaughn said softly. “Where did you go just then?”
    “I was thinking…” of home, of family, of you, “…that the canis should befriend you then.”
    “Ah.” He glanced away. His shrug jostled me. “I hoped it might be more personal.”
    I cleared my throat. “I didn’t mean for my nerves to push me onto your lap.” Our hips rested against one another, our thighs and knees pressed so close, even our shoulders brushed. “I’m sorry.”
    “There’s no need to apologize.” His head tilted back, eyes searching the starry sky. “Really.”
    Firelight bathed his profile in flickering reds. The color and the male reminded me of blood.
    I let my head fall back and a sense of calm encompass me. “What are you thinking?”
    “That I was born under an unlucky star and that I’ll die beneath a blood moon.”
    “Death is the only outcome of life.” Yet the idea of him dying one day caused a pang in my chest.
    Beside me, Vaughn tensed. “Quiet now. The guards approach.”
    I scooted farther from him, turning lest they found us too comfortable together.
    “Fortune favors you two.” I recognized Torrance’s voice. “The canis means we keep the fire going—tonight at least. We have no spare blankets. How you keep warm is your own business.” Vaughn grunted as the log rocked. “Keep your teeth to yourself in case Maven Lourdes docks us gold for the bite marks. Heed my warning or I’ll have you tied with the other males and she will be left alone.” I heard the smile in his voice. “I can’t be everywhere, and she is a lovely female.”
    Vaughn spat. “I understand.”
    “Mana,” Torrance said. “If your furry friend should return, don’t hesitate to scream.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.” I tossed the words over my shoulder, refusing to face him.
    “What about food?” Vaughn challenged Torrance. “Mana hasn’t eaten since this morning.”
    “We’re low on stores.” He sounded thoughtful. “I hadn’t anticipated having so many mouths to feed. If there are scraps left after my guards have eaten, I’ll divvy them up between you four.”
    “Thank you.” Vaughn sounded as if the words had been carved from his throat.
    My throat stung as well, because I knew he had asked for my benefit.
    Footsteps shuffled and then Vaughn and I were alone.
    “They’ll want to get an early start.” The log shifted as Vaughn said, “We should sleep while we can.” I found him seated on the ground, reclining with the log as his pillow. His head turned toward me. “Join me?” His attention drifted past my shoulder. “I’ll keep you safe if he returns.”
    Nodding, I sank to my knees at his side. My palm itched, and I scratched until it was raw.
    “Careful you