Page 66 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

Karthoc silenced the room, and Ergoth said loudly, “I call for a vote.”

Chapter

Seventeen

GOVEK

Govek’s chest swelled with each moment that no one spoke. The stark parallel to the hall’s horrible silence after he’d been ordered to Estwill was not lost on him. This time, instead of dark spiraling dread sinking him down, Govek was hurtled to his feet, brought into the light. Hope gleamed brightly in his mind and warmed his chest.

And then Iytier stood. “I side with Govek.”

Govek’s chest swelled, males who had never spoken to him, males who had offered him only harsh looks and clipped words, stood in agreement. Spoke out to Rogeth’s and Wolvc’s faults. By the end, the entire clan was on their feet.

The judgment was done.

He had won.

A burst of joy flooded him. Elation tingled in his veins. He turned to Miranda, looked into her wide eyes. Wanted so fucking badly to kiss her. To sing her praises. To thank her for the important part she’d played in this. He owed her his life in so many ways.

He managed to keep his composure as she returned to his side, but just barely.

And only because there was a haunted quality to her eyes that unsettled him. His throat worked.

“It is done then,” his father said over the general clamor of orcs sitting back down. “Now for punishment.”

The punishment. Govek’s chest tightened. He would still be punished for attacking Wolvc.

“I want to call another vote.”

Iytier again, his voice loud and booming over the orcs. Karthoc bellowed for silence.

“What vote is this?” Ergoth said slowly.

“I call to vote that Govek’s punishment for attacking Wolvc be delayed. I vote that we hold a judgment in a few days’ time to decide whether protecting a woman is justification for attacking without establishing a formal challenge first. After we get that result, we can decide if Govek should be punished or not.”

Ergoth’s face contorted and Govek felt like his stomach was going to bubble up and out of his own throat.

His father was blistering mad. Govek had never seen him in such a state.

Terror gripped Govek.

“I second this!” Estoc said. “Stand to vote.”

Most of the orcs were already on their feet before Ergoth could say anything to interrupt them. And seeing the unanimous decision again, Chief Ergoth was forced to concede. But his father’s face went tight, his posture went rigid, and Govek could see the rage that simmered beneath his skin.

Resignation thrummed a familiar beat in Govek’s chest. He would need to stay out of his father’s sight after this. Not a difficult task. He’d been doing that his whole life.

“It’s done then!” The victorious tone wasn’t lost on him. “Govek will not be punished this day.”

The rush of that slammed into Govek, and he lost his breath. His every fiber buzzed with the knowledge.

He would not be sent to his death. He would not be separated from Miranda by force.

He dragged his mate to his side and tucked her up close. She beamed up at him, eyes glistening.

Fuck, he was the most blessed male in all of Faeda.

“Sythcol, please come forward to bind Rogeth and Wolvc so that Karthoc can take them back to his camp.” Ergoth’s voice was tight.

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