Page 38 of The Goddesses' Gifts

“She still shows up looking for you,” Alras teased. “Thought I was you, once or twice. Good thing we don’t smell too much alike.”

“You could bring her in,” Zelfek suggested in low, quiet words that startled Grelmuh. Zelfek gave him a flat look. “Honestly, you think I wouldn’t find out why you requested a permanent position on the least desirable patrol.”

Grelmuh’s eyes went wide in shock, then narrowed with anger. “I won’t do that to Imgo.”

“You misunderstand, little cousin,” Zelfek shook his head. “There will be no more little pets. You could invite her to live here with the same freedom you have. Put a baby in her and the child would remain with you both. Have a family. Build a life.” His orange eyes glinted with joyful defiance. “Let the city-folk come try and stop us from living the way we want. I’ll crush them like bugs.”

Everyone but Oz gaped at him. “What’s happening?” she whispered to Lhoris.

“Zelfek’s a radical,” he answered absently.

She furrowed her brow and shook her head but seemed content with the half answer.

I turned to the older boys and opened my mouth to speak but froze. Did I have the right to ask this? Odds were good I’d never see them again, and I knew I’d have regrets if I didn’t.

“Hey, fellas,” I started. “Have they given you names yet?”

The older one lowered his eyes and almost bashfully said, “No, they had to hide us. There wasn’t a chance after the bonds were broken.” He frowned and rubbed his chest. “It hurt.”

“Yeah, I know,” I nodded and rubbed my own aching heart. “Would you like to know the names I picked for you?” I asked. “You don’t have to keep them if you don’t like them.”

They looked at each other for a moment. Then the older one nodded, “Yeah, you can tell us.”

“Okay,” I swallowed hard and blinked back tears. “I thought Avi for you,” I said to the older boy, “and Ilvol for you,” to the younger.

They tried to subdue their smiles but failed.

“I guess it’s good,” Avi nodded. “What do you think?”

“Yeah, I like mine too,” Ilvol agreed.

I chuckled, “Well, that’s settled then.” My heart still hurt, but it would be easier to bear knowing they were, well, at least alive. And even if they weren’t coming with me, they would have someone to look out for them. Maybe they would be okay. “Thank you for letting me give you names.”

“Are you kidding?” grinned Ilvol. “Thank you for giving them to us!” But he didn’t move to come closer. Which was fine.

I extended my fist to him, and then Avi for fist bumps. They paused to give their little brother a parting kiss on the head. The baby wouldn’t let go of Oz long enough to hug them. “Goodbye, father.” They said before turning to run back to the safety of the fortress.

“Goodbye, Avi! Goodbye Ilvol!” I called after them and choked on my own damn throat.

“Not a single noble silver strand on any of their heads,” Zelfek muttered. “They’re safe from any political matches. Not that I think those will be allowed anymore.” The corners of his mouth twitched up into a brief smile.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I said. “And I want updates.”

Zelfek frowned but nodded in agreement. “Until they’re adults. Then it’s on their heads to tell you what’s happening in their lives.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “And you four,” I said to the others. “My door is always open if you want to get away from this life. I’d like to hear from you as well if you want to write.” I gave them a bittersweet grin. “I’d especially like to know if I have grandkids someday. Maybe I’d come back to meet them. Especially if they’re part orc.” I got non-committal nods, but I didn’t expect anything more.

“Let us know when we have a new little brother,” Thimdrac said with a sigh. “Or sister, I suppose.”

I offered them all fist bumps, and they accepted before shuffling over to say goodbye to the baby. Lirraco and Thimdrac surprised me by pausing to give Oz hugs. She even hugged them back.

“Take care of them, little mother,” Lirraco said before turning away.

“Let’s go home,” I said to my brother and his mate. She handed the child back to me and tucked herself under Lhoris’ arm to give him support.

Home.

What a novel concept. Ha!

---