Page 18 of The Orc's Stolen Bride

"At the stones. I asked for... help." He reached out and took her hand. "You came."

He saw the moment comprehension dawned in her eyes. She pulled away slightly, shaking her head in disbelief. Her eyes, usually warm and inviting, now burned with a mix of emotions he couldn't fully decipher, and his guilt intensified with each passing moment.

"Why?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "Why need?"

He tugged on one of his braids, cursing the language barrier.

"Our people are... cursed," he said finally. He gestured to the windows overlooking the settlement. "A long time ago, magic made us strong. But now... Now, few children are born. No more females."

He could see the mixture of confusion and disbelief on her face as he struggled to make her understand.

"All warriors. No families. No future."

He hesitated, debating whether to explain the full extent of the curse - the rage that consumed them, the bestial nature that emerged in battle. But as he looked at her, her small form already tense with conflicting emotions, he decided against it. She would never see that side of him, he vowed silently. There was no need to frighten her further.

"The ritual was our last hope," he continued, tapping his chest. "I want to save our people."

He was uneasily aware that he was still withholding part of the truth, but he convinced himself it was for the best. The curse's effect on their behavior was irrelevant to her situation. What mattered was the future of his people, the desperate need that had driven him to perform the ritual.

"Do. you understand?" he asked softly, searching her face for any sign of acceptance.

He saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by anger.

"Take from home." Her voice rose, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "No ask."

He shook his head, watching her sadly.

"I didn't know that would happen."

She stood abruptly, pacing the room. As much as he ached to comfort her, he remained where he was, allowing her time.

Finally, she turned back to him, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"Why me?"

He rose finally, approaching her cautiously. "Wold chose you. I do not know why. But you are... special."

He watched her closely, her eyes distant as she processed his words. The anger that had flashed across her face moments ago seemed to fade, replaced by a thoughtful, troubled expression.

Relief washed over him, but it was quickly tempered by a growing anxiety. Was the future of his people, their very survival, tied to this small, precious woman from another world? How could he put that responsibility on her fragile shoulders?

"I know this is a lot," he said softly. "I know you did not choose it."

He reached out, hesitating before gently placing his hand on her arm. The warmth of her skin under his palm sent a jolt of arousal through him, reminding him of their kiss by the stream. But now wasn't the time for such thoughts.

He'd acted out of desperation, out of duty to his people, but in doing so, he'd torn Kari from her world, from everything she knew and loved. Her gaze drifted towards the firelight outside, her frown deepening. He wanted to soothe it away, but he remained still, watching the expressions flickering across her face, wishing he could read her thoughts as easily.

Finally her shoulders straightened and she nodded.

"How I help?" she asked quietly. "Break curse?"

A wave of relief washed over him, easing the tension that had knotted his muscles.

"I don't know," he admitted honestly. "But we will find out together."

"Together," she echoed, the single word carrying a world of promise, and gratitude and affection surged through him.

Her understanding and willingness to help, despite being thrust into his world without warning, was more than he could have hoped for.

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