Page 165 of The Orc's Captive Bride
Carefully, so carefully, she extracted herself from his embrace. He stirred slightly and reached for her. She held her breath, frozen in place. But his hand settled on the warm spot she’d left behind and his breathing remained steady.
Enchanted sleep. Jaella promised it would keep him resting peacefully until sunrise.
The knowledge should have been comforting. Instead it felt like another betrayal.
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. But I can’t let you stop me. Can’t let you sacrifice yourself for me.
She dressed in the simple white dress Jaella had provided. White for purity. For new beginnings.
For sacrifice.
Her hands shook as she fastened the ties.
Stop it. You’re a scientist. You’ve made difficult decisions before. This is just… data analysis. Risk assessment. Logical conclusion.
But her heart refused to accept the clinical reasoning, because this wasn’t just data. It wasn’t an abstract theory. This was her life. Her future.
The male sleeping peacefully behind her was everything she’d never known she wanted.
And I’m walking away from him.
She pushed her glasses up her nose and squared her shoulders.
Not walking away. Walking towards. There is a difference.
If the ritual worked—if the sacrifice was accepted—the balance would begin to restore. The corruption would start to heal. And Khorrek would have a future, a real future. Not as Lasseran’s weapon, but as a free male capable of building something beautiful.
He’s worth it.
She slipped from the tent as silent as the mist blanketing the camp. The camp was eerily still, not the natural stillness of sleeping warriors. This was different, heavier, as if the entire world held its breath.
Enchanted. Protected. Frozen in time.
Thank you, Jaella, for giving me this chance. For understanding what needs to be done.
The fire still burned, low but steady, two figures sat beside it. Waiting. Lyric looked up as Thea approached, her expression sad. Jaella simply studied her, ancient silver eyes reflecting firelight.
“Couldn’t sleep?” Lyric asked softly.
“No.”
“Neither could we.”
Thea settled beside them and drew her knees to her chest. For a long moment, no one spoke. The only sound was the crackle of flames and the whisper of wind through grass.
Then Lyric reached out and squeezed her hand.
“You read the final runes.”
Not a question.
“Yes.”
“And you’re going through with it.”
“I have to.”
“Does he know?”
