Page 45 of Accidental Orc Daddy

The grief-turned-joy propels me forward, launching me like an arrow from a bow as I throw myself into his arms.

I relish his solid warmth, breathing in his scent. The gnawing pain of our separation fades with each moment as we hold each other close once more. We are together against all odds, never to be parted so cruelly again.

CHAPTER 26

Mustaf

Blinding sunlight floods my vision as hands pull me from the cave. I'm barely conscious, trembling uncontrollably as the frigid air hits my skin. Urgent voices surround me.

"Over here! We need a stretcher!"

"Mustaf, can you hear me? You're safe now, just stay with us." The medic peers into my eyes, checking my responsiveness.

I try to nod but only manage a weak groan. His gloved hands palpate my limbs, assessing injuries. I wince as he probes my shattered leg.

"Looks like a nasty compound fracture. We need to get him to the hospital, stat." He calls out more orders to the team.

Soon, I'm being strapped onto a stretcher. As they lift me up the rocky slope, each jostle sends agony stabbing through my battered body.

The medic grips my hand firmly. "Hang in there, buddy. You've made it this far, we'll have you fixed up in no time."

His calm encouragement helps ground me against the pain. I force words through cracked lips. "Meiko… my love…"

"We've already contacted her. She's going to meet you at the hospital. Just try to relax."

At last, we reach the ambulance. The bright lights inside assault my sensitized eyes, used to the dim light of the cave I’ve been trapped in for more hours than I can count. Hands transfer me onto a gurney and suddenly there are IV lines snaking into my arms.

I'm only half aware of my surroundings now, drifting in a twilight state. But the medic's voice keeps intruding, offering reassurance.

"Your vitals are low but stable. We're getting you rehydrated… Your leg will need surgery but the doctors will take good care of you..."

I cling to his words like a lifeline, anchoring me. As the ambulance swerves and careens down the mountain, I focus everything on the promise of seeing Meiko again soon. I made it back to her. That's all that matters now.

We come to a jarring stop. Shouts outside and then the ambulance doors fly open. I'm swarmed by medical staff in the bright emergency bay. They transfer me swiftly from the gurney to a hospital bed, hooks and wires sprouting around me. I'm only half-aware of my surroundings, my senses dulled by pain, exhaustion, and too many voices to count.

"We'll need to get him into surgery ASAP!" A doctor barks orders to the scurrying nurses.

Before I can protest, an oxygen mask is fitted over my face. The stark fluorescent lights overhead begin to blur and waver.

The doctor's voice filters through the encroaching fog. "You're extremely hypothermic and dehydrated. We're getting warm saline into you now which should help."

I try to nod but can't summon the strength. Meiko… have to tell them to find Meiko… my lips won't cooperate.

"Just try to stay with us, buddy. You're in good hands." The doctor squeezes my shoulder reassuringly before turning back to monitor the IV bags.

Gradually the saline begins restoring sensation to my numb limbs. I drift in and out, the organized chaos of the ER ebbing and flowing around me.

At last, the doctor returns, checking my vitals. "Your core temp is coming up and your pulse is stabilizing. We'll keep monitoring you, but I think you're going to pull through this."

"Thank you," I whisper through cracked lips. Simply making it off that mountain alive feels like a miracle now.

"You're one tough son of a gun," he says, a hint of awe in his voice. "Most wouldn't have survived an ordeal like that. Try to rest now, you've earned it."

I smile at the thought of Meiko before exhaustion finally claims me. I made it back. I kept my promise to you, my love. Now at last we'll be together again.

Sometime later, I drift back to wakefulness. The stark hospital room comes into focus, still and quiet. How long was I out this time? Minutes or hours seem to blur together here.

Then the door bursts open, and joy floods my battered spirit at the sight of my beloved Meiko rushing in. Her presence overwhelms my senses, her face etched with relief and love. My arms open wide in longing as she flies to my side, our embrace a fierce collision of pent-up fear and gratitude.

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