Page 160 of The Orc's Captive Bride
He’d never experienced anything like it. Lasseran kept his Beast warriors separate and isolated. He’d fostered competition rather than camaraderie.
But here?
Here the Windrunners treated him like an equal, a fellow warrior worthy of respect. It was… unsettling. And oddly comforting.
Baralt attacked again, faster this time, and he met him head-on, trading speed for positioning. He drew Baralt into overextending and then struck. His blade stopped at Baralt’s ribs as the older male froze, his eyes widening. Then he laughed, genuinely delighted.
“Well done. You adapt quickly.”
“I’m a fast learner.”
“Clearly.” Baralt stepped back and saluted with his blade. “Your mate should be proud.”
As always, warmth filled his chest at the mention of Thea.
My mate. The one who freed me.
He glanced toward the fire and found her immediately.
She sat with Lyric and Jaella, one of the older Windrunner women, heads bent together and deep in conversation.
They’d spent most of the past two days like that, talking and sharing knowledge.
Thea had been practically vibrating with curiosity, asking endless questions about the Windrunners and their magic. Their connection to the Old Gods. Jaella had answered with surprising patience, treating Thea’s academic interest with the respect it deserved.
“She’s special,” Baralt said, following his gaze. “Your mate. I can feel the power in her.”
“She’s brilliant.”
“More than brilliant. Chosen.” Baralt’s expression turned serious. “The Old Gods move through her. Guide her steps.”
Khorrek wanted to dismiss the words, wanted to retreat into skepticism, but he’d seen too much. She dreamed of paths through mountains, knew things she shouldn’t, and read languages she’d never studied.
“Would that frighten you?” he asked.
“Being bound to someone touched by gods?” Baralt considered. “I don’t know. I’ve never found my mate.”
“I didn’t think the Windrunners had the same shortage of females.”
“No. We’re blessed with balance.” Baralt’s smile turned wistful. “But that doesn’t guarantee finding the one meant for you. I’ve searched for my female but the bond has never formed.”
“Do you still believe you’ll find her?”
“I have to. Otherwise…” Baralt shrugged. “What’s the point of enduring?”
He understood. Completely.
A month ago, he’d been going through the motions. Following orders. Existing without truly living.
Then Thea had stumbled into his life, naked, defiant, and impossibly brave, and everything had changed.
“You’re fortunate,” Baralt said quietly. “To have found her so young. To have a lifetime ahead of you.”
“If we survive the next few days.”
“You will. The Old Gods didn’t bring you together just to tear you apart.”
He wanted to believe that. He wanted to trust in divine intervention and destiny, but he’d spent too many years watching Lasseran twist faith into manipulation.
