Page 180 of The Orc's Captive Bride
She pulled back, just enough to see his face.
“Can you stand?”
“Think so.” But he didn’t move immediately, just stared at her. “You’re glowing.”
“What?”
“It’s faint, but it’s there. Like light beneath your skin.”
She looked down at her hands, turned them over. He was right. A soft golden shimmer radiated from her, barely visible in the bright sunlight, but undeniably there.
The goddess. She’s still with me. Part of me now.
The thought should have terrified her. Instead it felt… right.
I accepted the role. Became the vessel. And now I carry her power until the ritual is complete.
“Does it hurt?” Khorrek’s voice had gone gentle. Concerned.
“No. It’s just… different. I feel different.”
“Bad different?”
“I don’t think so. Ask me again when this is all over.”
He nodded slowly, then started to sit up. She helped him, bracing his shoulders and steadying him when he swayed.
“Easy. You’ve been through—” She stopped. Didn’t know how to finish. “A lot. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Felt like years.” His voice went distant. “Walking through every mistake. Every person I hurt. Every?—”
“Don’t.” She gripped his hand firmly. “Not now. You did what needed doing. You survived. That’s enough for now.”
He met her eyes and whatever he found there seemed to steady him.
“Can you walk?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Then let’s go back. The others will be worried.”
He nodded and rose to his feet with her help. He was unsteady at first, but he grew stronger with each passing moment. She kept her hand in his, anchoring them both.
We did it. The first step is complete. Now we just have to finish what we started. The thought no longer worried her. She felt… calm. Certain.
We’re going to succeed. Somehow I know it. Feel it. The goddess showed me the path and I’m going to follow it to the end.
They walked slowly through the circle and out between the massive stones. Past the one where they’d first met. Where everything began.
Was that really only a few weeks ago? It feels like a lifetime.
In some ways it was. She’d been transformed completely. From an academic focused on the past to a woman actively shaping the future.
And I wouldn’t change it. Any of it. Even the scary parts. Especially the scary parts.
They emerged from the circle hand in hand. The camp came into view. Warriors moving about. Preparing for?—
Everything stopped. Heads turned. Conversations died. Then someone shouted, triumphant and joyful. Others joined in. Aroar of celebration. Warriors rushed toward them, surrounding them. Baralt reached them first.
