Page 109 of The Orc's Captive Bride
Khorrek stepped closer and studied the darkness beyond the door. “Why are you helping us? You’ve served in this temple for decades. Served under Lasseran’s rule.”
“I’ve served the balance,” Vorlag corrected, his voice gentle but firm. “The true balance. The one the covenant was meant to preserve. And when Lasseran’s actions threatened that balance—when his bloodline’s theft became so complete that the orcs themselves began to die—” He shook his head. “The gods told us it was time to choose.”
“And you chose us.”
“I chose the truth.” Vorlag smiled. “You just happen to be carrying it.”
She gave him a quick, fierce hug. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t as long as you trust yourself. May the balance guide you, child. May you find the strength to restore what was stolen. And may you both survive what comes next.”
He stepped back and gestured to the darkness beyond the door.
“Go quickly. Lasseran will discover your absence soon if he hasn’t already. The longer you delay, the more danger you’re in.”
Khorrek took Thea’s hand. “Thank you, Master Vorlag.”
“Thank me by succeeding. That’s all the gratitude I need.”
They stepped through the doorway into darkness so complete it felt almost solid.
Behind them, Vorlag’s voice echoed one last time.
“And Dr. Monroe? The answer you’re seeking—the key to reversing the ritual—it lies not in taking back what was stolen, but in freely giving what should have been shared all along. Remember that.”
The door closed. The lock clicked.
She stood in the absolute darkness, her hand clasped tight in Khorrek’s much larger one, and processed Vorlag’s final words.
Freely giving what should have been shared.
Not taking. Giving.
Oh.
The implications crashed over her. The covenant had been corrupted because the High Kings had taken power instead of allowing it to flow naturally, had forced a connection instead of fostering partnership.
To reverse it, she would need to do the opposite.
She would need to give.
Willingly. Completely.
“Thea?” Khorrek’s voice rumbled through the darkness. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I just—” She took a breath. “I think I understand what I need to do.”
“Good, because we need to move. Can you walk in the dark?”
“If you guide me.”
“Then hold onto me. Don’t let go.”
She shifted her grip and grabbed onto the back of his belt with her free hand. The scrolls pressed awkwardly against her side but she adjusted the bundle until it sat more comfortably.
Everything I need to save an entire people. No pressure.
Khorrek moved forward confidently, as if he could see in the absolute darkness.
