The bond surges. I push it down.
"I want to help," I say quietly. "Let me."
Something in her eases. Her shoulders drop.
"Okay," she whispers. "Fine."
I lift her injured leg, supporting her calf in my palm.
She sighs. “Your hand is so warm. It feels nice.”
“After being in the cold for so long, I’m sure it does.”
“You were in the cold, too,” she says, a question in her voice. “How come your skin is so much warmer than mine.”
Is now the right time to tell her that I’m an orc? No… not yet.“I’ve always been hot blooded,” I say vaguely. “The cold doesn’t bother me.”
I peel off her wet boot and sock. The ankle is swollen, shading toward purplish-blue. She winces when I touch the outer edge.
"Fast twist," she explains through clenched teeth. "Hit ice. Didn't see it."
"You shouldn't have been out there alone."
She bristles. "It's my job."
"Nearly became your funeral."
She doesn't argue.
I spread warm salve over the swelling, working it in with slow circles. Orc salve is strong. She shivers as warmth sinks deep.
"You're good at that," she says.
"My brother Drak is a better healer. He made the salve.”
"You have a brother?" she asks.
"Four brothers.”
She nods slowly, looking curious. “Do they live near here too?”
“They do.” I smile at her. “They don’t live in caves, either.”
I wrap her ankle, elevate her foot on a pile of furs, and cover her with my warmest pelt. She exhales shakily. Relief washes over her face.
"Thank you," she says quietly.
My chest pulls tight. "You're welcome."
I stand, putting distance between us before I give into my need to be closer to her. I hang her wet things near the fire, put a kettle over the fire for tea, and move with purpose so I don't reach for her again.
Behind me, Ava shifts under the furs. "So, Garruk. Are you going to tell me what you and your brothers are?"
I stiffen.I knew this question was coming.
Her voice isn't fearful or accusing. It’s just… curious, like she wants to know me.
I look over my shoulder. Her eyes meet mine.
