Page 16

Chapter 16

Eleri

Z arran landed on a broad stretch of tall grass that swished and swooped in the salty breeze. The vast ocean stretched beyond the island for as far as I could see, and I knew I’d never tire of gazing at its beauty.

Trees grew on the island, but they were stubby and scruffy, probably due to the sandy soil and less rainfall. Nevertheless, the island would produce what could best survive in this environment. Like the orcs who lived here.

And now me.

“Is it safe to wander around?” I asked as Odik removed our belongings from the spike on Zarran’s neck and swung them over his shoulder. “Not now, but in general.”

“We always need to be concerned about dresalod attacks, though we’ll hear them coming.”

“You mentioned they shriek.” Not an exciting prospect.

“Not only that, but the cliffs are made up of shale. When the dresalods crawl across the surface, small pieces break off and rattle as they fall. We hear that and know they’re climbing.”

“What about during a storm? It would be hard to hear them then.”

“They don’t leave the sea during a storm. They hide deep below the surface.”

“At least you don’t have to worry about them during that time.” I frowned as I looked around, noting rocks bigger than my head in piles near the edge of the cliff. “Don’t you run out of boulders?”

“We collect them and bring them back to the surface. It’s hard work, but this simple system keeps us safe. As I said, the dresalods don’t attack often, every six months or so. They’re more interested in the city for some reason.”

More people to eat? I shuddered at the thought.

“They’re ruthless,” he said. “Relentless. And they’ll rip apart anyone in their path. They eat us, so I want you to always carry a weapon on you.”

I bit down on my lower lip, nodding. “I’m not very good with weapons.”

“That’s why I’m here. But truly, if you see or hear one, find me. Run as fast as you can. Get away from it. I’ll do all I can to shield you.”

I loved that he was determined to protect me, but I couldn’t hover beside him all the time.

“I’ll take you into the city soon to get you more clothing,” he said.

“Just material if that’s available. I worked as a seamstress and my embroidery is exquisite, if I do say so myself,” I said proudly. “Though I don’t imagine there will be much call for that here.”

“There are still females living on the island, though less in number than males. If they can’t bond with a mate here, they leave to find one. We encourage them to bring their new mate back, of course.”

“I can make clothing for you too,” I said. “I only need material and thread. A few other things.”

“Then I’ll take you to the city for those.”

“Thank you.”

As Zarran leaped up and flew away, Odik took my hand and led me toward the weathered building overlooking the sea.

“It’s cute,” I said, studying the sturdy wooden frame. “Bigger than I expected.”

“There are only five rooms, though if need be, I’ll enlarge it.”

My pulse picked up with anticipation. What would it be like to live in a place not controlled by others? No rent as far as I knew, and no one poised to tell me I’d have to move soon. “Five is more than I had in the village.”

“Perhaps one day, the fates will gift us with orclings. We’ll need room for them.”

“I’ve never considered having children.” Why would I? No one would have me. “I’d love a baby, though.” My heart melted at the thought of holding a child, raising it to be strong and confident. Loving it.

And when I pictured that child, it had Odik’s strong jawline and green skin.

I was getting ahead of myself. We had a ways to go before anything like that might happen, but I was going to relax and savor each moment that might bring us in that direction.

He led me along an overgrown walkway lined with wildflowers, and I couldn’t stop grinning.

Looking down at me, he frowned. “It looks horrible. I should’ve done something with it.”

“I don’t mind weeding.” Already, my mind was coming up with ideas. I’d noticed sand along the shore at the base of the cliff as we passed over it. If I could bring some up here, I could reset the stones in the walk. It would be easy to pull the grass and leave the flowers behind. “It’s going to look pretty when I’m done with it.”

He grunted, his frown remaining.

Swinging open the door, he gestured for me to enter ahead of him. “As I said, it’s not much.”

It was a home. My home.

I stopped inside the entry area and my grin didn’t falter when I took in the small kitchen on the right with a window overlooking the sea. On the left, a living area held chairs that were too large for me but looked soft, and a small hallway stretched beyond. A double set of windows in the living area looked out at the cute meadow where Zarran had landed.

“My mother insisted on a washroom, so you’ll find that down the hall, as well as three bedrooms. There’s a pump there as well as in the kitchen, but the water comes from the sea, so it’s as salty as everything else.”

“ Three bedrooms?”

“My mother hoped for many orclings. Unfortunately, they only had me.”

“I’m sorry. You must miss her.”

“More than anything.”

He was so sad; I didn’t need to push myself to hug him. His arms splayed out as if he was surprised by the gesture, but I had a lot of affection to give. When I hugged him, Zur would pat my shoulder. He told me once he wasn’t much of a hugger, but he’d never received one until me. Because I sensed he was uncomfortable, I gave hugs sparingly. Due to the villagers scorning me, I’d starved emotionally. I could only hope Odik was more like me.

His arms went around me, and I pressed myself against him harder. So far, so good.

Curling forward, he kissed the top of my head. “You’re spoiling me.”

“With affection?” I grinned at him. “You’re spoiling me with this lovely home.”

“It’s not lovely,” he protested. “Truly. You haven’t seen its flaws yet, but you will.”

I stepped away from him and limped into the kitchen, where I twirled around, my arms lifting. “It’s pretty and perfect and it’s going to look even better.” I’d put wildflowers in a jar on the wooden table. And make curtains for the windows. Pillows for the sofa, and I could make patch quilts with the scraps for all the beds.

Odik just stared at me, his jaw slightly unhinged.

He must’ve thought I was out of my mind, but truly, I was just happy.

“Show me the bedrooms,” I said eagerly.

I followed him down the hall, poking my head into the washroom and gushing when I saw the tub.

“Salt water,” he said again. “Remember. And it’s cold except in summer.”

I wasn’t sure how it was pumped to this level, but I was going to find out.

“I can still take a bath inside my very own washroom,” I cried. “I can heat the salt water and it’ll feel wonderful. No bugs and no ice to break on the surface like the river back at the village.”

His brow ridge lifted, and he moved past the small room and down the hall, pointing to the two smaller bedrooms and the big one taking up the end.

A huge bed had been placed in the center of the last, and it was covered in thick blankets. Two windows, one on each side, looked toward the sea and the meadow. And a tall bureau stood along one wall with enough drawers for both of us.

“My room.” He coughed. “Yours now too.”

My breath caught. “You expect me to sleep with you.”

“You’re my mate.”

“Very well.”

His frown deepened. “I told you I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. Not until you’re ready.”

Already, my body hummed at the idea of lying beside him. Of touching him.

How long could I hold myself back?