Page 128 of The Orc's Captive Bride
She wasn’t alone, wasn’t the only human woman who’d somehow ended up bonded to an orc.Other women like me, who understand.
Relief hit her so hard she almost staggered.
Then her attention shifted to the orcs.
King Ulric was unmistakable. Towering even among his fellow warriors. Long black hair streaked with silver. Gold eyes that assessed her with uncomfortable intensity. He looked intimidating and powerful, but not cruel.
The orc standing beside the green-eyed woman was even larger, his dark green skin marked with old wounds. A survivor like Khorrek. And he recognized Khorrek, just as the king had done.
“Khorrek,” he said calmly.
“Egon.”
“Have you decided to join us?”
“I—” Khorrek looked over at her and Egon followed his gaze.
“Your mate?”
“Yes.”
A slow smile spread across Egon’s scarred face. “Then Lasseran didn’t break you completely. Good.”
Ulric cleared his throat. “Perhaps introductions are in order.”
Right. Introductions. Before we get to the part where they decide whether to kill us.
UNTITLED
She stepped forward, trying to project an air of academic confidence. “I’m Dr. Thea Monroe. I was kidnapped from my world and brought to Velmora specifically to decode ancient texts about the Beast Curse.”
Interest flickered in Ulric’s eyes. “And did you? Decode them?”
“Yes. Which is why Lasseran wants me dead.” She nervously adjusted her glasses. “I discovered that the curse isn’t actually a curse. It’s a corrupted blessing. One that’s been systematically drained by Lasseran’s bloodline for generations. And he’s planning to take the last of the power at the next full moon. And then turn every orc into a mindless slave under his control.”
Complete silence.
Then Ulric’s expression went cold and dangerous. “Explain.”
She did, quickly and efficiently. Laying out what she’d discovered in the texts about the original blessing and the way successive High Kings had twisted it.
“He’s been using the power he stole to create his controlled orcs. The ones who lose themselves completely to blood rage. But it’s never been permanent before. They’ve always died.” She paused and met Ulric’s eyes. “This time will be different. This time he has enough knowledge to make it permanent. To bind every orc to his will. Forever.”
“Every orc?” Jessamin’s voice was soft and horrified. “Including those in Norhaven?”
“Eventually. Yes.”
“How?” Egon demanded. “How would he reach orcs here?”
“I don’t know the mechanism. The texts weren’t complete. But the theory is sound. The curse—the blessing—connects all orcs. If he controls the source, he controls everyone touched by it.”
“Why did you bring this information to us?” Ulric asked.
“Because I believe it can be reversed. The texts hint at a way to restore the balance and return the stolen power. To break Lasseran’s control and restore the blessing to its original form.”
“Hints.” Ulric’s voice was flat. “You risked your life coming here based on hints?”
“I risked my life because Khorrek said you were the only one who might help. And because the alternative is watching Lasseran enslave an entire race. I’ve spent my life studying dead languages and forgotten cultures. I’m not going to stand by while another culture is destroyed. Not when I might be able to stop it.”
