Page 7 of Bound in Flames (The Savage Hearts #1)

Chapter 7

Cleo

T he thick canopy of the forest loomed overhead, its shadows casting a familiar pattern. It reminded me of home—the view from my family’s farm in Sleek Valley. I used to watch these trees sway in the wind from my bedroom window, their rhythmic dance a constant comfort. Back then, I’d imagine what lay beyond them, spinning dreams of adventure and freedom.

Now, those dreams felt hollow. My stomach clenched as regret twisted through me, sharp and bitter. I never thought I’d actually step into the unknown, leaving everything behind. The warmth of my mother’s smile, the steady routine of the farm, even the simple creak of the porch under my feet—they felt impossibly far away, like a life that belonged to someone else.

And for what? I’d been forced to trade all of it for danger and uncertainty, all because I had been cursed with wild magic in a world that didn’t want it. I shook my head in frustration. Did I really think this magic was a curse? Yesterday, I would have said yes, but today felt different.

The forest pulsed with a quiet energy I was only just beginning to understand. Leaves rustled above, whispering secrets on the wind, while towering trees loomed in the mist, their shadows weaving through the dense branches. Each step I took was muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves beneath my boots.

The air was alive with scents. The sharp, sweet tang of pine mingled with the fruity sweetness of berry bushes and the earthy richness of the soil. It felt fresh, alive, and grounding. I felt an odd sense of belonging, as though the forest itself had welcomed me.

I had never ventured beyond the village growing up. The woods surrounding us had always been a firm boundary set by my father, the wilds filled with beasts that lurked just beyond the safety of civilization. Now, walking with an orc, the forest felt ancient and full of possibilities. It was no longer a distant realm of myth. It was real, and it surrounded me.

A breeze stirred the canopy above, sending a flurry of golden flecked leaves swirling down around us. I watched them drift lazily to the ground in the early morning light. The air was carrying fresh scents of rich soil and something faintly sweet—perhaps wildflowers, the last traces of summer’s bloom. Beneath it all was a heaviness, a smell I couldn’t quite place. Something darker. Something that made the fine hairs on my arms stand on end. Decay.

Dex walked a few paces ahead, his dark hair pulled back, revealing the sharp cut of his cheekbones. His eyes scanned the forest, missing nothing, his stride powerful, and even with his size, he moved as though the forest was an extension of himself. I allowed myself to observe him, fascinated by the way his muscles flexed and rolled as he walked, the glint of the sword and daggers on his belt as they caught the light with every step. He was the embodiment of strength, a warrior who had seen countless battles, yet here he was, leading me—a human—through lands that once belonged to his people. There was a grace to him, a raw power that was both intimidating and magnetic, and completely unexpected from my knowledge of history and orc kind.

Shaman . The word still lingered in my mind, heavy with possibilities. How could I be something so powerful when I had been at the mercy of my father for most of my life? He had dismissed any notions of magic within me as ridiculous, a sign of childish imagination. But now... now, I couldn’t deny what was happening.

I looked down at my hands. The earth had responded to me. Not just in the market, but again last night while meditating. The magic had felt warm and steady, like sunlight cutting through a winter chill, grounding me in a way I hadn’t thought possible. That connection was stronger now, more tangible. I could feel it in every step, every rustle of leaves, the vibrations beneath my feet. It wasn’t just something I could call; it was something I belonged to.

The memory of last night sent a shiver down my spine. Lounging in Dex’s arms, his warmth against me, I’d felt safe for the first time in what felt like forever. His steady voice had eased my fear, the calmness of his presence softening the turmoil inside me.

My fingers brushed the edge of my temple, remembering how gently he’d cleaned the wound there. His touch had been firm but careful, his silence oddly comforting. For someone so rough around the edges, his tenderness had caught me off guard. I clenched my fists, trying to focus on the magic pulsing underfoot instead of the confusing pull of him.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Dex’s voice cut through the silence. “Stay close.” His tone was calm but firm, his eyes never leaving the overgrown path. He didn’t need to repeat himself. I quickened my pace, moving closer to him. His hands rested on the hilt of his pilfered weapon, and his eyes scanned the trees with sharp intensity. The energy radiating from him was unsettling.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I clenched my hands to stop them from trembling. His wariness only heightened my own discomfort. I was a stranger in this world, and though he hadn’t harmed me, the weight of the unknown was suffocating. He slowed his pace, eyes scanning the underbrush. The forest suddenly felt different. Darker.

Only a short time passed before we reached a small stream and he finally slowed to a stop, motioning for a quick break. Relief coursed through me, though I kept my expression carefully neutral as I lowered myself onto a fallen log by the creek. My movements were slow as the stiffness in my legs and shoulders pulled at every step. A dull ache in my back served as a reminder of hours spent tense and hunched. The cool mist rising from the water kissed my face, easing some of the tightness in my body as I exhaled.

Plunging my hands in the water, I winced as the cold stung the raw skin of my wrists, before bringing it to my lips. The coolness soothed my parched throat, refreshing in a way that made me moan softly in gratitude. I let myself relax as I listened to the soft babble of the creek blending with the rustle of leaves overhead and the distant calls of birds. The forest held a beauty that was both ancient and alive, its energy pulsing faintly in the air around me as I refilled my flask.

But the peace didn’t last. A prickling unease crept up my spine, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. Someone—or something—was watching us.

A rustling in the trees snapped my attention to the forest’s edge, and Dex reacted instantly. His muscles coiled like a drawn bowstring, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword as he stepped forward, placing himself squarely between me and the threat.

From the shadows, a figure emerged, movements slow and deliberate, each step measured as if he wanted to be seen. At first, I thought it might be another orc. His skin was dark, blending in with the shadows of the forest, but as he stepped closer, I realized he was something other . His frame was leaner, his movements almost unnaturally fluid. An old cloak hung from his shoulders, its edges frayed and worn. His face was partially obscured by a hood. The moment I caught a glimpse of his eyes, panic surged through me. Magic flared in response, crackling beneath my skin as the sickly scent of decay wafted toward us.

Dex’s sword flashed in the dim light, his body a solid barrier between us. His grip tightened on the hilt, and his golden eyes narrowed with a predatory focus. “You are trespassing,” he growled, his voice low and laced with aggression.

The figure tilted its head, his gaze sweeping over Dex before settling on me. A slow, twisted smile spread across his lips as he pulled back his hood, revealing a face that was sharp and angular, skin rough like weathered stone.

“You’ve brought quite the treasure with you, Chieftain,” His eyes locked on mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine. “Did you really think you could keep her hidden?”

The leather-wrapped hilt creaked under the strain of Dex’s grip. “State your purpose, or I’ll carve it from you.”

The stranger’s smile didn’t waver. Instead, he laughed. A dark, mocking sound that echoed through the clearing. “Will you now, orc?” His voice was filled with amusement and venom. “These lands haven’t belonged to your people for some time. You walk through our territory now.”

Dex didn’t take the bait, his stance unyielding, though the stranger’s smile widened, twisting into something darker. My stomach churned as his gaze shifted back to me, sharp and invasive, like a blade dragging over my skin.

“I’m not here for you.” The stranger’s eyes gleamed, catching the faint light as though feeding on it. “I’m here for her.”

Me?

In one fluid motion, Dex closed the distance between them by half, his sword steady in his grip. “She belongs with me.”

The stranger’s eyes flicked to the blade, his twisted grin unfazed by the show of force. “Does she?” he purred, his tone dripping with disdain. His gaze dragged over me again, slower this time, deliberate, “You don’t know what you’re interfering with.”

“Go now, before I leave you bleeding out in this stream.”

Holding up his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, the stranger took a step back. “Very well. But know this. I am but a Watcher. My master knows the shaman has been found, and he will come for her. You cannot keep her from him.”

With one last glance in my direction, the Watcher melted back into the shadows of the forest, his departure leaving behind an eerie, suffocating silence.

After several long minutes, Dex sheathed his sword, his golden eyes blazing as he turned to face me. His expression could have been carved from stone, his jaw clenched tight. “You’re drawing attention.”

His words stung.

“I didn’t ask for this,” I snapped, my voice tight with barely contained fear.

I could see his gaze soften, though his frustration remained underneath, his voice still held a harsh edge as he spoke. “Magic doesn’t care what you asked for. It’s inside you, and it’s drawing enemies from the shadows. We have to keep moving.”

I nodded, my thoughts spiraling as the stranger’s words echoed in my mind: My master knows the shaman has been found . Who was this master? What did they want with me? The questions twisted in my chest, refusing to let go.

Dex stepped closer, his large hand resting on my shoulder. His touch was firm, grounding me. “We’ll take the Shadow Lands path through the forest. There’s a hunting party of my warriors in the area. They’ll help keep you safe.” He squeezed my shoulder gently as his golden eyes locked on mine. “We need move fast.”

I felt the weight of my fear ease. The anger and frustration simmering in his expression was obvious, but there was something else there. He was trying to protect me .

As his hand fell away, the absence of his touch hit harder than I expected, leaving me feeling untethered and exposed. I already missed the fleeting sense of safety he brought, the way his presence made the world seem just a little less terrifying. Swallowing hard, I forced myself to step forward, unwilling to let him see how much I needed that moment to last.

The sun was directly overhead, casting a soft golden light over the forest as we moved in deeper. The weight of the stranger's words still clung to me. I could still see his cold eyes when I closed mine. I could still hear the malice in his voice. He will come for her. You cannot protect her from what’s coming. The threat made me shiver despite the stuffy midday air.

It was peaceful here in the forest. The ground was soft, damp earth giving way beneath my boots, while the towering trees seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, their branches interwoven into a natural ceiling that filtered the sunlight into fragmented beams.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The forest pulsed with a wild energy, and I could feel it crackle across my skin like static from a lightning storm. Here, the land was free and chaotic, but in that chaos was a kind of harmony I had begun to notice. The trees grew where they willed, their thick roots snaking across the ground, interwoven with ferns and brambles. Small streams cut through the land, their clear waters winding their way around moss-covered stones. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs echoing through the canopy.

I focused on my breathing, just like Dex had taught me. In and out. Deep and steady. It was harder now, while walking through the forest, the uneven ground beneath my feet. My hands curled into fists as frustration bubbled up. How could I possibly connect to the forest while my thoughts were racing and the world felt so unstable?

I could do this. I took a steadying breath, my eyes fluttering closed for a moment. A soft hum brushed against the edges of my awareness, warm and inviting, like an outstretched hand waiting to be taken. I exhaled slowly and let myself lean into it. I opened my eyes slowly.

Glowing veins of magic were flowing all around me. The trees pulsed with a silver-green light, their roots humming deep beneath the earth in an ancient rhythm. The air shimmered, my eyes catching on tiny motes of colored energy, swirling and dancing around us. A soft laugh burst from my chest with delight as the magic wrapped itself around me, brushing against my skin in a warm caress. It felt safe.

My hands began to glow. Faint tendrils of a green flecked with silver weaved between my fingers like living threads. I stopped walking, unable to help myself, staring in wonder as the energy thrummed gently in my palms. It felt like the forest itself was breathing with me, alive in ways I’d never imagined.

Dex turned at the sound of my laugh, his golden eyes narrowing before softening. A slow smile spread across his face, and something inside me warmed at the sight.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my voice trembling in awe as tears welled in my eyes. I glanced up at him, hoping he could see it too—the wonder, the connection, the impossible, glorious harmony of it all.

“Yeah,” he said quietly, his smile growing as he stepped closer. His gaze lingered on the magic glowing in my hands, and pride flickered across his features. “It is.”

I wanted to hold onto this feeling forever. The hum of the forest, the glowing energy, the connection coursing through me—it felt like I’d found a part of myself. But the world around us pressed in, and I hesitated, glancing between Dex and the path ahead.

Reluctantly I let the glow fade, the threads of magic dissolving back into the air. But the connection didn’t disappear completely. I could still feel it, just beneath the surface, waiting for me. A smile tugged at my lips as I started walking again. I knew exactly where to find it now.

I didn’t understand it yet, but there was an undeniable connection between the earth and my magic. It was a power that pulsed at the edge of my awareness. The trees’ branches swayed as I passed, their rustling leaves a quiet acknowledgment I couldn’t ignore. Each passing minute made me more aware of the power around me without having to call it forward.

I realized that Dex had said little since the encounter with the stranger, his focus fixed on the worn path ahead. His silence didn’t bother me. In a way, it felt comfortable, like I was beginning to understand his rhythm. He wasn’t ignoring me; he was leading. Protecting. I found myself watching him almost exclusively, noticing the way his dark hair caught the light, or the way his broad shoulders shifted with each step. For a warrior, he seemed oddly at ease in the quiet moments.

I hadn’t known what to expect when I’d first met this orc. A Chieftain, after all, had sounded terrifying. But now, walking beside him through the woods, I realized he wasn’t so scary. Intimidating, yes, there was no denying the power in his stride or the sharpness in his gaze, but it wasn’t cruelty that made him that way. He was serious, driven, carrying himself with the kind of authority that came from responsibility. And yet, beneath all that, there was something else. A quiet protectiveness, a sense of purpose that radiated from him in a way that made me feel safe, even when he was the source of my frustrations and nervousness.

My mind wandered back to last night, the way his warmth had seeped into me as I rested against his chest. It felt impossibly natural, as though I’d been meant to fit there all along. The memory sent a flush crawling up my neck, and I shook my head, trying to dispel my wayward thoughts.

I didn’t understand why I couldn’t stop thinking about it, why the warmth of his chest and the strength in his arms kept sneaking into my mind. There was something grounding about him, like the forest itself, wild and yet steady beneath my feet. I clenched my fists, heat prickling at my cheeks. What was wrong with me? He was a stranger! Someone who frustrated me more often than not. And yet, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt.

I snuck a glance at him out of the corner of my eye, catching the way the dappled sunlight danced across his features. His golden eyes were scanning the trees, his grip firm on the hilt of his sword. He was constantly aware, always ready, yet there was a calm about him that I couldn’t help but admire.

I didn’t just feel safe with him. I wanted to be close to him. To feel that warmth again, to have his arms around me. The realization sent a fresh wave of embarrassment surging through me.

This was ridiculous. Whatever I felt, whatever this was, I couldn’t afford to let it distract me. I’d been attracted to men before, even intimate with a few, but it had never been more than a tumble in the hayshed, a momentary thrill that left me relatively satisfied, nothing more. But this? This was different. The way heat curled low in my stomach whenever he looked at me, the way his voice sent a shiver down my spine… it fanned a desire that felt almost feral with need, unlike anything I’d ever known. I ducked my head, pretending to focus on the trail ahead, but the thought of him lingered, stubborn and impossible to ignore.

I stumbled over a tree root in my flustered state, pitching forward. His hand shot out and caught my arm before I hit the ground. His grip was gentle but strong, and when I looked up, I found his gaze lingered, flecks of concern warred with a myriad of other emotions, before he schooled his face to neutral.

“Careful.” His deep voice rumbled through the air, resonating in his chest like distant thunder.

“I’m fine,” I muttered as heat crept up my neck. I straightened and glanced back up at him, noticing the way his lips twitched as if holding back a smile. It was a small, almost imperceptible movement, but it was enough to make the butterflies take flight again in my stomach. Fuck .

We continued on, the silence between us no longer feeling oppressive, and I no longer felt like a burden. I was sure there was something more, though I wasn’t sure what. For now, I was content with this newfound companionship.