Page 59 of The Orc's Promised Bride

Sleep pulled at him as he breathed in her sweet scent, and he allowed himself to drift off secure in the knowledge that she was safe in his arms where she belonged.

EPILOGUE

Jana stood next to Lothar on the mountainside above his home, her hand tightening on his arm as she looked down at the village below. Neat rows of longhouses stretched out on either side of a central square, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys into the clear mountain air. At one end of the square stood a massive community hall, its weathered wooden walls speaking of countless gatherings and celebrations. At the other end, the clan house dominated the view, its sharp peaked roof reaching toward the sky.

The sight was both beautiful and unsettling. The isolated location, tucked away from the rest of the world, stirred uncomfortable memories - a community that claimed to be a sanctuary but turned into a prison. The way the buildings all faced inward, the communal living spaces, even the shared meals she could imagine taking place in that hall - it all echoed her past.

Her throat tightened as she remembered that community, one that had also appeared peaceful and prosperous from the outside. One that had promised safety and belonging but delivered control and pain instead.

Lothar’s warm hand covered hers where it gripped his arm. “What troubles you, my valai?”

She wanted to shake off the memories, to see only the beauty of his home, but the parallels were too strong. The rural lifestyle, the way everyone would know everyone else’s business, the pressure to conform that inevitably came with such close-knit communities - it all felt eerily familiar.

The rational part of her mind knew this was different. He was nothing like the controlling elders of the cult. His love was freely given, not a tool of manipulation. But standing there, looking down at the isolated village, she couldn’t quite silence the whispers of her past.

He had tensed in response to her distress, but his thumb stroked gentle circles on the back of her hand.

“We don’t have to stay,” he murmured. “If this makes you uncomfortable, we can return to Port Cael.”

His immediate offer to leave his village for her sake helped calm her fears. She turned to face him, seeing the worry in his eyes, and managed a smile.

“I do want to visit Port Cael soon,” she said. “I’m worried about Jessamin. Ulric pulled away from her again after she recovered.” She shook her head, frustrated by the king’s stubborn denial of his feelings. “But this is your home, Lothar. I won’t ask you to give that up.”

His big hand cupped her cheek. “Your happiness matters more to me than any physical location.”

The simple declaration brought tears to her eyes. This was what made him different from the controlling men of her past - hiswillingness to put her needs first, to give her choices rather than demands.

She covered his hand with hers, leaning into his touch.

“I know this is where we belong. I just needed a moment.” She took a deep breath, drawing strength from his presence. “I’m ready to see the village now.”

Her steps faltered as they entered the village square. Dozens of male orcs milled about - massive, intimidating figures that made her instinctively press closer to Lothar. Their sheer numbers overwhelmed her, especially given how few females she spotted among them.

Before she could panic, a pretty blonde woman burst through the clan house doors, and raced over to them.

“Lothar! You’re back. And with a Bride?” she asked eagerly.

“Of a sort. Kari, this is my mate, Jana. She is from your world.”

Kari’s eyes widened.

“Really?” she asked in English. “Where?”

“I live - lived - in the low country. Lothar said you were from Charleston?”

The words had barely left her mouth before Kari launched herself forward, wrapping her in an enthusiastic embrace. The sudden contact made Jana stiffen for a moment before she forced herself to relax. This wasn’t a threat - this was family.

“So we’re both Carolina girls. Oh, I have so many questions!” Kari pulled back, beaming. “You must tell me everything about how you arrived. Did the gods bring you too? How did you meet Lothar? What do you think of Norhaven so far?”

The rapid-fire questions came so fast that she couldn’t begin to answer them. Kari linked their arms together and began steering them toward the clan house, chattering excitedly about showing Jana around and introducing her to everyone.

She threw a helpless glance over her shoulder at Lothar, who followed them with an amused smile on his face. Despite feeling slightly overwhelmed by Kari’s enthusiasm, she found herself warming to the other woman’s genuine welcome. It was also surprisingly comforting to know she wasn’t alone - that there was someone else who truly understood what it meant to be transported to this strange new world.

“Where are my brothers?” Lothar asked as Kari led them to a comfortable sitting room.

“Out,” she said absently, still peppering her with questions. “Wulf went to check on the herds in the far pasture, and I think Egon went with him, although he also mentioned something about going hunting.”

“I need to speak with Wulf, but…” He hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave her alone so soon after their arrival.

---