Page 20 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

A groan builds in my throat. Judging by the mischievous expression on his face, he’s already heard a rumor about my supposed engagement. News always spreads fast around Elderberry Falls.

I duck behind the bar, pouring myself a dark ale from the tap to steel my nerves before the interrogation begins. “Finn,” I greet him gruffly, settling onto the stool beside him. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Finn arches one sharp black brow, not beating around the bush. “So, I’ve heard you’ve gone and gotten yourself a fiancée all of a sudden. Does Ygra know about this?”

I take a long swig of ale, the rich, earthy flavor filling my mouth as the liquid burns a pleasant path down my throat. There’s no point in denying it. Finn has always been able to read me like a book. I set my glass down with a sigh.

“It’s...complicated.”

“Uncomplicate it for me, then,” Finn says, his keen eyes missing nothing.

So I do. The whole sordid tale comes pouring out of me—the pixie dust mite infestation at The Moonflower Inn, my deal with Mariah to pay her extermination bill if she pretends to be my fiancée, our fake dates, showing her around the brewery, all of it.

By the time I’m done talking, my hair is mussed from running my hands through it and my ale is empty. I fidget with the glass.

“And then today, while giving a tour of the market to Robert, we ran into Grok and his cronies. You remember that asshole. Well, he started ragging on Mariah, laughing about the idea of us dating. And Mariah, she just...grabbed me and kissed me. Rightthere in front of everyone.” I shake my head, still marveling over it. “I never thought...”

Finn leans back in his seat, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “You’re still in love with her, aren’t you? Just like you always have been.”

The truth of it washes over me. I don’t deny it. I can’t.

My silence speaks volumes as I stare into the depths of my empty ale glass.

Desperate for guidance, I turn to Finn, my usually gruff voice cracking with vulnerability. “What should I do? How do I get Mariah to forgive me, to see that I’ve changed?”

Finn, never one to mince words, cuts straight to the heart of the matter. “Have you properly groveled yet? Because from what you’ve told me, it sounds like you’ve barely apologized, let alone made a real effort to atone for your past actions.”

His words are like a slap to the face, but I know he’s right. My eyes widen as the realization hits me. I’ve been so focused on the logistics of our arrangement, on playing the role of the perfect fake fiancé, that I’ve neglected the most crucial aspect of my relationship with Mariah: earning her forgiveness.

I run a hand down my face, rough stubble scratching against my palm. “Fuck, Finn. You’re right. I’ve been an idiot.”

Finn’s smile widens. “Well, admitting it is the first step.”

I shoot him a half-hearted glare, but I can’t deny the truth of his words. If I want any chance of making things right with Mariah, of turning this fake engagement into something real, I must do more than just play pretend.

I need to show her that I’m truly sorry for the way I treated her in the past, that I’m a different orc now.

The question is, how do I even begin to make amends for years of bullying and torment? The thought of facing Mariah, of laying my soul bare before her, makes my stomach twist withnerves. But I know I have to try. For her, for us, for the future I’m slowly starting to let myself imagine.

I push myself up from the bar, my mind already racing with ideas. “Thanks, Finn. I owe you one.”

Finn waves me off, that infuriating smile still in place. “Just don’t fuck it up, Thorak.”

I nod, my jaw set. Iwon’tfuck it up. Not this time. Mariah deserves better, and I’m going to prove to her that I can be the orc she needs, the orc she deserves. No matter what it takes.

A few hours later,I lock up the taproom, my mind still reeling. The short walk to my home seems longer than usual, each step weighted with the gravity of my decision.

As I approach my cozy, rustic orcish dwelling, a sense of familiarity washes over me. The sturdy stone walls and the intricately carved wooden door bear the marks of my clan’s craftsmanship. I trace my fingers over the iron knocker, shaped like a direwolf’s head—a symbol of strength and resilience among my people.

Inside, the space is warm and inviting, with firewood stacked and ready in the hearth and the rich scent of leather and yesterday’s woodsmoke filling the air. This is my sanctuary, a place where I can let my guard down and be myself.

A soft grunt draws my attention, and I look down to see Snuffles, my teacup boar, trotting towards me. His tiny hooves click against the stone floor, and his little pink snout twitches with excitement.

“Hey there, buddy,” I murmur, scooping him up into my arms. He nuzzles against my chest, his warm weight a comforting presence. “Hungry?”

I carry Snuffles into the kitchen, where I rummage through the pantry until I find his favorite treat—a jar of pickled mushrooms. The pungent aroma makes my nose wrinkle, but Snuffles squeals with delight as I place a few on a small plate for him.

“There you go, little guy. Enjoy.” I watch him munch happily for a moment, before setting him down and heading towards my bedroom.

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