I hoped my words would stir the fire I knew lived inside her—and they did.
With a fierce glare, she sprang to her feet in one fluid motion, slipping past her brother, who now stood noticeably shorter than she did.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Ruk’hai, but I don’t go back on my word!" she barked, thrusting a finger directly in my face.
Anyone else would have lost a limb for such a gesture, but Fiona was different. Her insolence sent a jolt through me, making my cock throb. I could only imagine that delicious mouth wrapping around me until I was delirious with pleasure.
I let my gaze drift over her, feigning indifference. In truth, it was the perfect opportunity to take her in. The scent of blossoms filled the cabin, seeping into the air and settling deep in my lungs.
She reminded me of the meadow my parents used to take me to as a child during a happier time, back when we still held dominion over our portion of Marukoksha. Today, that same place was a graveyard of orcs and kir’shakur, its wildflowers long reduced to ash by fire and blood.
"I promised with blood that I would help you, and so I will!" She moved closer until our chests nearly touched. "Now sit down and listen to what I have to say."
She turned to her brother, ignoring me, and my body reacted instantly. There was something in the way she commanded me that drove me wild; I clenched my jaw until my teeth ached. I hated how easily she dismissed me—and even more how it sent heat racing through my veins.
"I have a plan."
???
It was already past midnight by the time we left the cabin. After hours of debating strategies and tearing apart Fiona’s plan, we had missed the kurark, and my stomach rumbled in protest. I cast a sidelong glance at the female beside me, who was lost in thought.
Her plan was bold—almost reckless—and yet it just might work. If it did, the change we had always dreamed of, the freedom we had sought for generations, the chance to live without fear… could finally become real.
The only challenge would be convincing my people that this was the right path. Because of that, I needed to speak with Kroshak as soon as possible.
He would be waiting by now. Uruha must have told him about the kir’shakur hidden inside the iron structure. The healer was one of the most respected elders of the clan alongside Kroshak, her life mate, but she had a tongue as sharp as my axe. Plus, she wasn't pleased with the direction things were taking.
From the moment I brought Fiona here—wounded and unconscious—Uruha knew what she was. Anyone payingattention could see it. Her appearance alone raised suspicion, along with the fact that she spoke only the Common Tongue.
She claimed to be from Oguk, unaware that all orcs from there bore red tattoos marking the Song of Life, and she had none. Her pale hair and eyes only made the lie more obvious.
Fortunately, most of the village paid little attention to such details and simply accepted that she was different.
When we reached the center of the village, Fiona stopped and turned to face me. The smile she gave stirred feelings that were far from pure. Apparently, she had already forgotten our earlier argument.
“Maka’ri for everything, Ruk’hai.” Her voice was soft as a spring breeze.
I nodded, unable to find the right words.
Fiona smiled once more before turning to go back to Kalisha’s cabin. I didn't want her to leave. Not yet.
"Fiona!" I called, fighting the grimace that twisted across my face at the sound of my own voice cutting through the silence. The village was quiet—everyone was already asleep or tucked inside with their families.
She glanced over her shoulder, blue eyes catching the glow of the bonfire.
"You..." I cleared my throat, shifting awkwardly. "You haven't eaten."
"...Yes?"
"Do you want to have dinner with me?"
Her smile widened, and even in the darkness, I saw her cheeks flush.
"I would love to, Malek."
Chapter 21
I walked beside Malek in silence, certain my heartbeat sounded like a drum to his ears. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so nervous—and, at the same time, so excited—over something as simple as dinner.
