“We’re going to take these bastards down,” Jonus adds. “They killed an innocent human with a family who were devastated at his loss. They don’t get to walk away from that. I’ll make sure the journalists in this country do their best to help take this triad down.”
My female gives my cousin a watery smile.
Dane’s practical voice cuts through. “We’ll update you all in one week. Secure video call, same time. Everyone stay safe until then.”
Aldar leans closer to the camera. “Anna, stay at the commune. Don’t leave and don’t contact anyone from your old life beyond Ellie and the rest of us. We can’t protect you if you’re not where we can see you.”
“I understand,” my female says. “I won’t leave.”
Garlen looks directly at her through the screen. “We’ve got this. You’re safe now. Trust us.”
“I do,” Anna whispers. “I trust you.”
And I can hear the ring of truth in her voice. After three years of trusting no one, she’s finally letting herself believe.
The screen goes dark.
I look down at Anna beside me and she meets my gaze with warm in her eyes. Exhausted but relieved.
Chapter Ten
Anna
My hands are empty.
For three years, I kept those flash drives close. It was my only leverage. And now... they’re on the table in front of Rogan Overlook.
I just handed over my only evidence to orcs I met yesterday. Massive green males with horns and tusks who could snap me in half without trying. And I’m not panicking, grabbing the evidence back or second-guessing myself.
I actually feel... relief.
Rogan carefully gathers the drives, handling them like precious artifacts, which I guess they are. Three small pieces of plastic that could destroy a US Senator’s career, send a billionaire to prison and expose hundreds of millions of dollars in fraud.
Kelt discusses security protocols with Urdan. Their deep voices rumble through the room, professional and competent. They have a plan, already protecting me. After three years ofsleeping with one eye open, always touching my pocket to make sure the drives were there, always ready to run…now someone else is carrying it and taking on the risk.
I trust them.
Not just Keric—though yes, I definitely trust him and have started thinking of him as... what? My boyfriend? That feels too small for what this is, but I don’t have another word yet. Someone I’m incredibly attracted to? Someone I’m starting to really, really like? Someone who makes me feel safe for the first time in years.
But I also trust the others. All of them.
I saw the Irontrees in action back at Black Oak Academy. They handled the scent bomb crisis with integrity and precision and I saw how they protected Ellie and Zoe without hesitation. Their ethics align with mine.
If Keric trusts these Maine orcs, I can too.
Rothgar stands, gives me a gruff nod. “Welcome to the commune, female.” Then he’s gone, heading to his vehicle.
Keric and I say brief goodbyes to the others. Then we’re walking out of the Great Lodge together, back through that massive main hall, out into the afternoon. The noontime sun hits my face and I stop for a moment, just breathing the perfect springtime weather that feels chilly and warm at the same time, causing the sun to feel like a caress. The air smells like pine and earth. So clean and fresh, no car exhaust or city noise. I’m quickly loving this commune much more than I ever thought I would.
“How are you feeling?” Keric asks.
I look up at him. “Lighter. Is that weird?”
“Not weird at all.” He pauses. “You must be hungry. We can get back to the cabin and I can make us lunch.”
My stomach rumbles at the suggestion. I haven’t eaten since breakfast and suddenly I’m starving, the adrenaline crash making me ravenous. “That sounds great.”
We climb into the utility vehicle and Keric drives us back toward his cabin. I settle into the passenger seat, watching the commune pass by. He’s taking the scenic route, go back along a different path, I realize, letting me see even more of the commune, which I appreciate.
