Page 19 of The Orc's Stolen Shepherdess

As the door closed behind them, I went to touch the wall, the trunk. I was here. In the Rove Woods, inside a huge tree that had sat here for a thousand years and would stand for a thousand more. Rooted to the same spot. Never questioning where it was meant to go.

I tried to imagine roots of my own digging down deep into the ground below my feet and the ache in my chest eased a little.

A knock at the door jolted me back out of my trance. Icy shock tingled up my spine, and my muscles clenched. My brethren wouldn’t bother to knock, which meant it must be a conjurer orc.

The knock sounded again, sharp and distinct. I blinked with realization before going to the door and yanking it open. The bird that had been rapping its beak on the doorframe swooped into the room. A messenger bird. But who would send me a note so late in the eve?

The bird did a quick lap around the perimeter of the room and then perched on my shoulder with its tiny leg stuck out so I could retrievethe message.

The scent of rosemary wafted from the parchment, and my heart thundered to a halt as I read.

Caivid, please meet me at the northern entrance to the Clan. I’ll be there as soon as I am able. ~Susara

The bird flew off, and I barely noticed as a million questions raced through my mind so fast I could hardly catch them.

But one thing stood out.

She was going to walk all the way here, on her own, in the dark.

My heart was in my throat as I raced out of the house. The paths were mostly vacant at this time of night, though the orcs I saw gave me an odd look as I sprinted to the northern entry. It took far too long to get there.

Fuck, she hadn’t arrived yet! I didn’t smell her scent in the air. I continued along the route that led to the trade pavilion. I arrived there in half the time it would normally take and found it completely empty. She hadn’t reached this point yet.

I’d never been on the human side of the path, the one that led directly to Oakwall, but with Susara’s safety in mind, I did not hesitate.

The night felt oppressive and dangerous, even though I could see as clearly in the dark as I could in the day. Every shadow, every rustle of the wind in the trees, every hoot or scamper of nighttime wildlife made my hair stand up on end. Panic settled hard and fast in the back of my throat, making me want to lash out. To bare my teeth. To strike with my claws at every threat.

But therewereno threats! I was not at war here.I wasn’t.

My body did not relent its tension, despite my logic.

And then I rushed around a bend and there she was.

Her face was illuminated by her lantern. Her crook thudded rhythmically as she walked. Her sky-blue eyes sparkled in the dim.

She blinked up, eyes wide, as she saw me sprinting toward her.

And then shesmiled.

And it felt like dawn had just crested in my soul.

“Oh, Caivid! I didn’t mean for you to come all this way. I’m sorry. It took me longer than I expected to sneak past the guards.”

My heart burst into my throat even as my panic began to ebb. Susara wore a thick woolen gown that fit her well and protected her from the chill of the night. Herhair was tousled, her cheeks were pink, and her expression was open and warm.

I was so glad to see her safe, I nearly went to my knees.

“You got my bird then,” she said as she stopped in front of me and her smile faded slightly. “Caivid, are you all right?”

“Yes,” I managed, trying to tamp down my blasted instincts. I could smell no other humans in the air. No predators. We were alone. She wasfine, and so was I.

“Caivid.” Her voice was soothing, and then she picked up my hand. I blinked down at her in shock as she rubbed my knuckles. My claws were still slightly extended.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I would have put in more details, but the messenger birds can only carry a small paper.”

Fades, her fingertips felt so tender as they stroked me. I managed to tuck my claws away.

She smiled. “I know it’s a little crazy for me to ask to talk to you so late. I wouldn’t have done this if I wasn’t. . . if I didn’t need. . .”

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