Page 17 of The Orc Who Saved Christmas

I frown, shaking my head. "I've done enough," I growl. "More than enough."

Her gaze doesn't waver. "There's a cave, a few kilometers from here," she says, her voice steady despite the tremor of desperation that underlines her words. "We can move there, build temporary shelters. It will be safe."

A harsh laugh escapes me. "You want me to move an entire settlement?" I ask, incredulous.

She nods,her determination a palpable force in the room. "With your help, we can do it. We can make it safe for the children, Thrag." She swallows, her eyes shining with conviction. "They deserve a chance," she urges.

Her words cut through my defenses, echoing the silent pleas of my own past—pleas that went unanswered when my clan needed them most. I see the faces of my sisters, their eyes filled with fear and hope, and for a moment, I hear my sister's voice, urging me to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

I exhale sharply, my resolve crumbling under the pressure of Claire's plea. "Fine," I say. "I'll help."

The room erupts into a cacophony of gasps and murmurs, but Claire's smile is a beacon of light in the chaos. She turns to address the council, her voice ringing out with newfound authority. "We have our plan," she declares. "With Thrag's help, we will survive this."

Vincent, the village leader, looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and wariness. "We'll need to prepare," he says, his voice steadier now. "Gather supplies, alert the hunters—everyone must do their part."

I nod, my mind already racing with plans and strategies despite my recovering injuries. "We'll start the planning," I say, my voice carrying the burden of my promise. "I'll scout the area, make sure it's secure."

Claire's hand slips from my wrist, but her presence is a constant warmth at my side. "Thank you, Thrag," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the din of the council room.

I grunt in response, unsure how to handle the swell of emotions rising within me. I'm not used to gratitude, to being seen as something other than a monster. It's unsettling, yet part of me craves it—craves her.

As the council disperses, Claire and I are left alone in the room. She turns to me, her brown eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight. "We'll need to work together," she says, her tone pragmatic. "Can you do that?"

I meet her gaze, my jaw clenching. "I'm not good with... people," I admit, my voice gruff. "But I'll do what needs to be done."

Her lips curl into a small smile. "That's all any of us can do," she says softly.

For a moment, we stand there in silence, the tension between us a tangible force. I can feel the pull of her, the magnetism that draws me in despite my better judgment. She's like a flame, and I'm the moth, helplessly drawn to her light.

18

CLAIRE

The council room door creaks closed behind Thrag. I rush after him, my boots crunching on the fresh layer of snow that blankets the settlement. "Thank you, again," I say, my breath forming a soft cloud in the frigid air. "For helping out."

Thrag grunts. "I'm only doing it for the children. Not you," he mutters.

My smile softens. "Still… it means a lot to me," I say softly. He tries to avoid looking at me, his stoic expression betraying nothing.

I decide to show him more of the settlement, hoping to make him feel welcome as he recovers from his injuries. "Would you like a tour?" I ask, my tone light.

He hesitates, then gives a nod. We set off slowly down the snow-packed path, the settlement waking up around us. Smoke curls from thatched roofs, and the distant sound of children's laughter punctuates the quiet morning.

As we walk, villagers stare, their faces pale with fear. Mothers pull their children close, and men grip farming tools like weapons. My chest tightens with frustration. "They're still scared of you," I say quietly.

Thrag stands off to the side for a brief rest. "They should be," he says flatly. "I'm an orc."

I shake my head, determination flaring within me. "No," I insist. "They should see you as I do—as a protector." I approach a group of villagers, their eyes wide with apprehension. "He's not dangerous," I tell them firmly. "He's helping us."

My friends exchange uneasy glances. "Claire… just keep him away from us, okay?" one of them says.

Frustration boils inside me. "How can you be so ungrateful?" I snap. "He's risking his life for us!"

My friends' footsteps fade into the distance, their fear hanging in the air. I turn to Thrag, his massive form casting a long shadow in the morning light. "Don't waste your time defending me," he grumbles, his amber eyes meeting mine with a stoic resignation.

I step closer, my heart pounding against my ribs. "They should know better," I say, my voice firm. "You're not the enemy here."

Thrag's gaze softens for a fraction of a second, a flicker of gratitude that's gone as quickly as it appears. "Your energy is better spent elsewhere," he advises.

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