Page 61 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

Everyone went still except Miranda, who made an odd choking noise, and Govek blinked down to find that his little mate was trying to withhold her laughter.

Govek smiled despite himself. He supposed he could see the humor in the regal orcs of Rove Wood Clan being scolded like children.

“Agol,” Karthoc said. “Proceed.”

“Agol, I find I must remind you that you are speaking for your son and not yourself?—”

“Be quiet, Ergoth,” Karthoc snapped. “My order for silence extends to you as well.”

Chief Ergoth’s face twisted, but he went silent.

“Now, Agol, finish with your truths.” Karthoc waved the male on.

Agol spoke without preamble. “I doubt my son’s account because I could scent Rogeth all along Miranda’s chin and mouth. Clearly, the male had touched her, likely to silence her. If they had happened upon Govek attacking, why would they need to prevent this woman from screaming for aid?”

The clan remained silent, but Govek could see from their postures that they were thinking this logic through.

“These are simply your own opinions, Agol. Tell me. Could Rogeth have accidentally touched Miranda while he was trying to aid her?” Ergoth asked, ignoring Karthoc’s harsh glower.

“It is unlikely,” Agol said.

“But not impossible.”

There was a tense pause before Agol finally admitted quietly. “No. It is not impossible.”

Ergoth tipped his head at the male. “I thank you for your account, Agol. I know this has been very trying for you. Your only precious son was ruthlessly attacked. I think we all here can imagine how horrible those few hours wondering if he may live or die must have been.”

Govek twisted inside and he shuddered. He couldn’t even feel Miranda’s comforting grip on his hands.

“Now,” Ergoth said, turning his sharp eyes to Miranda. “Let us proceed.”

Chapter

Sixteen

MIRANDA

Maythra’s eyes scorched Miranda’s body, making her feel like she was suffering through another blazing Earth summer. Though instead of being caused by pollution and global warming, this awful heat was brought on by something far more satisfying—forced silence.

Miranda shouldn’t relish the woman’s angst so much, but she did. Maythra had been queen bee for far too long, and it was time for her to get squished.

“Miranda, please come forward and explain what you believe happened that night.”

Miranda caught her breath, gave Govek’s hand one last squeeze and left the protection of his large frame. No longer concealed by his body, she moved to take center stage.

A cold flash prickled along her skin as every gaze in the hall skewered her. It was a lot more daunting to have hundreds of eyes on her than she’d thought it would be. Everyone was so quiet and still as they waited for her to speak. She clutched her bag of evidence; the weight was comforting in the face of this.

Her voice came out a little squeaky. “I had just finished talking with the seer in the woods and was on my way back to the hall?—”

Ergoth interrupted. “Why were you speaking with the seer?”

“I don’t think that’s really your business,” Miranda muttered before thinking and earned a dark scowl from Ergoth. Dang it, he already didn’t like her and here she was making him even angrier.

“She is right,” Karthoc said. “Her business with Evythiken is her own. Move on.”

Miranda nodded. “I was returning, taking rest on a log, when someone threw a sweet-smelling liquid all over my face.”

“You did not see who this was?” Ergoth asked.

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