Page 23 of Bound to the Orc Guardian

“Why did you say witches twice?” Sturrm asks.

“I used the English word and then the Spanish.”

“No, it was ‘witches’ both times,” Dash says.

“It’s the translation magic,” Sheevora explains. “It translates her two human languages into dragonish for me, orcish for you—” She tips her head toward Sturrm. “—and unicorn for you.” She glances at Dash. “So you hear the same word in your language each time.”

“Oh,” I say. “So when I say ‘carajo,’ it doesn’t sound like a charming foreign word, then?”

“No,” Sturrm growls.

“You said ‘fuck.’” Dash snorts, mischief sparkling in his golden eyes. “Which isn’t foreign at all, but I’m sure if you try hard enough, you can make it sound charming.”

“Are there any… uh, societal rules prohibiting swearing or women swearing?”

“Fuck, no,” Sturrm says. “Not for orcs.”

A chuckle bubbles from my lips, and his twitch in amusement. Oh, I like this. Talking to him iswaybetter than guessing what’s going on.

“I appreciate that you have a lot to discuss,” the dragon says. “But I have other matters to attend to. I only returned because the youngling I sent said you were missing.”

“I apologize,” Sturrm says respectfully. “It could not be helped.”

Sheevora reaches a huge clawed hand toward the air in front of her stomach. A blast of magic pulses outward, and her handdisappears, only to emerge holding a rolled-up piece of parchment. “I have a map of the caves thought to contain the crystals you seek and an account of how to use them to create the antidote. Everything’s been translated into orcish. I’ve also placed my seal upon it. Show it to any dragons you may encounter, so they will know you have my approval to travel our lands.”

Sturrm accepts the paper with a half bow. “Thank you, Sheevora the Magnificent. The orcs and humans appreciate all of your aid in finding this cure.”

Cure? That pricks my interest. That means there’s a disease or something.

Before I can ask what it is, the dragon booms a farewell. Then magic pours from her like the feeling the air gets right before a lightning strike. She launches upward, her wings snapping out, pounding the air like thunder as she soars up into the sky.

“Whoa.” My head tips backward as I follow her flight, my brain still trying to process how something so huge can fly.

She banksto change direction and swoops back over us, her wide wings blocking the sun, so a dark shadow flows over us like a sped-up eclipse.

“Well, orc, I thought your earlier words were exaggeration, but you spoke true,” Dash says. “The dragons really have allied with your people.”

Sturrm whirls toward him, his face a thunderstorm, his shoulders high and tight. “You thought I lied? You’re calling me a liar?”

“Did I say lie?” Dash rolls his golden eyes. “Don’t be so literal—or do. Because I distinctly said ‘exaggeration,’ not lie.”

“Wait,” I say. This doesn’t feel like how friends fight. “I thought you two were friends.”

“We are,” Dash says at the same time Sturrm says, “We’re not.”

“Ouch. That gets me right here, that does.” Dash raises his hoof and taps at the front of his chest. His voice sounds serious, but mischief glimmers in his eyes. “And after everything I’ve done for you.”

“Youhavedone me a great service. That much is true.” Sturrm’s hand drops from the hilt of his sword, but he doesn’t lose his scowl.

Mierda. I didn’t even realize he grabbed it until he let it go. He seems so calm and steady, but there’s also a lot of passion hiding inside him, along with an ability and willingness to fight. I shouldn’t forget how he took on that gray monster.

“Get off your high horse.” Dash tosses his head, flipping his black mane from one side to the other. Then hebrandishes his horn toward me. “It’s not as if you and the complete truth are close bedmates these days, now is it?”

“Shut your mouth.” Sturrm takes a threatening step forward.

“Oh, is the upstanding orc hiding something, after all? I thought you wanted us all to be completely forthcoming.”

“What are you two talking about?” My hands go to my hips as my gaze ping-pongs back and forth between them. “And what does it have to do with me?”

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