Page 51 of The War God's Woman

I don’t. I thrust harder, the slap of skin-on-skin muffled by the distant chanting of priests, the crackle of firelight behind the rocks. But here in this hidden space, it’s just us—orc and human, bound not by politics but by something feral and real.

Her nails score down my back. I snarl and dip my head, nipping the curve of her throat. She arches into me, crying out as I hit that spot deep inside her.

“There,” she whimpers. “Right there—gods, I’m going to?—”

“Let go for me,” I growl. “Come on my cock, Lirienne.”

Her whole body tenses, and then she falls apart. Her orgasm rips through her in waves, pussy spasming around me, drawing me deeper. Her cries are muffled against my shoulder as I pound into her, chasing my own release.

I follow seconds later, cock twitching as I spill inside her, warmth flooding us both. I bite down on a groan, trying not to roar loud enough to draw attention.

Then, with breathless exhaustion, we collapse into each other’s arms, the rocky ground reminding us we are still in a perilous canyon. Sweat-slick skin cools in the night breeze. Our foreheads touch, a quiet intimacy bridging orc and human, chieftain and outcast. For this instant, we are free.

The world trickles back slowly—distant murmurs of the priests, Karzug’s voice calling orders. I brush hair from Lirienne’s face, her cheeks flushed from both physical exertion and raw emotion. She clutches my hand, eyes reflecting the torchlight with an almost fragile hope.

“What now?” she whispers, voice hoarse. “The illusions, the clan… they still want me gone.”

I gather her closer, trying to shield her from the reality we must eventually return to. “We face them together,” I murmur. “I promised I’d protect you, no matter the cost.”

She blinks back tears, lips trembling. “And I promise I won’t run away, Ghorzag. Whatever stands against us—your cousin, the sabotage, illusions—I’ll stand with you. I’m done cowering.”

My heart twists at her earnest determination. I cup her cheek, pressing a soft kiss to her brow. “You’re braver than you know,” I whisper.

A faint, sad smile tugs at her lips. “Sometimes bravery is just stubbornness, refusing to let fear win.”

I rest my forehead against hers, savoring the closeness. “If that’s so, we’ll outstubborn this entire mountain range.”

She gives a shaky laugh, then falls silent, her gaze searching mine. Beneath her eyes lies the memory of how easily everything could’ve slipped away. My own chest feels heavy with the knowledge that we’ve only won one battle; an entire war—literal or metaphorical—still looms.

Finally, we help each other readjust clothing, mindful of scrapes and bandages. Pain returns to my shoulder, a dull throb overshadowed by the warmth still coursing through me from our encounter. Lirienne touches the bandage gently. “Did I hurt you more by letting you move like that?”

A wry smirk curves my mouth. “No more than those beasts did.” The truth is, the moment we shared chased away thedarkness gnawing at me. Pain is trivial compared to the solace I find in her arms.

We emerge from behind the rocky outcrop to find the camp’s attention focused on cleaning up the monstrous corpses, building a small pyre to burn the remains before they can rot and attract scavengers. The stench of acid lingers in the canyon air, stinging my nostrils.

Karzug spots us, relief flickering in his gaze. “Chieftain,” he greets, forcing a smile. “We’re disposing of the creatures now. The priests say we shouldn’t leave them to fester.”

I nod, slipping back into the role of commander. Lirienne lingers at my side, head held high despite the watchful stares of some warriors. Let them suspect whatever they want. We are past secrets now—only survival matters.

Harzug approaches, wiping monster blood off his halberd. “That was quite a fight,” he says. “Glad we made it through.” His gaze flicks to Lirienne, but instead of scorn, it holds a trace of grudging respect. “Your salves helped Karzug’s arm. Without that, he might have lost it.”

Lirienne offers a slight nod, lips pressed in a determined line. “I’m glad I could help.”

A hush lingers in the air. The orcs still view her warily, but the fact her remedies saved a vital warrior might soften a few hearts. One small victory, overshadowed by the looming threat of illusions and sabotage.

Ragzuk sidles closer, staff in hand. “We must keep moving, Chieftain. Another day or two, and we’ll reach the path leading to the War God’s temple.”

I glance at the blood-stained canyon floor, the thick mist swirling overhead. We nearly died here. A shuddering breath escapes me. “Then let’s not linger.”

We press on after a brief rest. The beasts’ remains are set ablaze, a grim reminder of the monstrous perils these mountainsharbor. The priests recite a final invocation over the pyre, calling on the War God to bless our journey—or at least not smite us for trespassing in his domain.

As we trudge along the winding canyon, Lirienne walks at my side. Our shoulders occasionally brush, each contact a subtle reassurance. The memory of our bodies entwined burns bright, a testament to fleeting peace in the midst of havoc.

In the hush that follows the battle, I bend my head toward her. “If illusions strike again, stay close,” I murmur. “I can’t lose you.”

Her voice quavers slightly. “I’ll stay by your side, Ghorzag.” She hesitates, then adds, “No illusions or sabotage will tear us apart.”

A powerful surge of emotion wells in me—love, protectiveness, and a fierce determination to honor my vow. Let illusions come, let traitors plot. I’ll fight them all if it means keeping her safe.

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