Page 39 of Bound to the Orc Warrior

“I was… this morning. Now I’m here.” She offers me a confident smile. “Those who walk the shadow roads travel fast and far.”

“When you return, will you tell them of Naomi? King Aldronn and the dragons need to know about her as well.” Pride fills my voice. “She opened one of the doors of Faerie.”

The feline fae’s eyes widen. “Nowthatis a tale to tell. I will hear more of it.”

“Come, let’s get to the den,” Shadow says, heading into the trees. “We’re almost there.”

The other cat sith disappear into the trees around him and Mist.

“The den?” I ask.

“Consider yourselves lucky. Few are invited to our home.”

Again, the cat speaks true, for it is only a short ride to the cat sith den. Soon, a large rock formation rises ahead. It’s surrounded by trees, with a couple of yards directly in front of it open, the ground covered in soft, bright-green moss. A largevertical crack splits the front of the rock face, widening as it descends until it makes a triangular wedge of darkness at ground level.

“Is that a cave?” Naomi asks.

“No.” Shadow grins over at her. “It’s a den. They’remuchnicer than caves.”

“Why does it look so abandoned?” Zephyr asks.

I grunt. It’s a good question. Especially since I can feel eyes on me.

“Oh, it’s far from abandoned,” Mist says. Then she raises her voice. “You can come out now.”

Smiles wink into existence all around us, many on the ground, but some scattered across various perches on the rock formation. I imagine sentries must perch in the treetops surrounding the den as well. The bodies of the cat sith are slower to appear. The last one to become visible is an older feline standing in the opening of the cave, their hair bleached to silver.

“It is my honor to present our pack elder, Moonlight,” Shadow says.

“Welcome, allies,” Moonlight says in a strong alto. “Do you accept the hospitality of the cat sith?”

“We do, and we thank you.” I bow my head to her, having learned some small level of diplomatic courtesy from my time in the king’s guard.

I dismount and lift Naomi down, reminded once again of her wounds. “I know we have much to discuss, but I must first tend to my bride’s injuries.”

“I’m okay.” She looks up at me, all beautiful brown eyes and earnestness. “It can wait.”

“You’re bleeding.” The words rip at my throat, emerging horse and choked. “There can be no waiting.”

“No really. As soon as Shadow trapped that bird, I felt better.” Her eyes go haunted, her lush lips pulled down into a frown. “Before that…” She shakes her head.

“You’ve been attacked enough that you’re susceptible to the sluagh now.” Dread goes through me. “The soul stealer who attacked you the first day still holds a piece of your soul, and when the new one took more, it would have weakened you, made you want to pass out.”

“I didn’t.” She lifts her chin, determination hardening her features.

“No, you certainly didn’t,” I say, letting my pride fill my voice. Naomi may not be a fighter, but I love her warrior spirit. “When Shadow trapped the sluagh, it stopped the drain on your soul. And when I ended the vile thing, it freed those pieces of your soul, so they returned to you.”

“Thank you.” My bride beams up at me, her smile striking me with more force than the sun, lightening the dark surrounding my heart.

Voices murmur from all around, Moonlight the loudest. “You trapped a soul stealer, son of mine?”

“I did, and I’ll tell you all about it!” Shadow glances over at me and says more quietly. “That’ll buy you some time to tend to Naomi.”

“Thank you.” It’s easier to say this time.

“Is there anywhere to get a decent bite to eat around here, cat?” Zephyr asks as I remove the packs and saddle from her.

“I’ll show you,” Mist says, walking around the side of the rock formation. “There’s a grassy glen not far.”

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