Page 26 of X'nath

“We did it,” I murmured, my voice full of quiet triumph.

The others gathered around, some of them still hesitant but beginning to warm to the idea of our independence. We mighthave been far from home, but here, in this wild land, we were making a new one.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars began to twinkle above us, I allowed myself a moment of peace.

We had built something together, and for the first time since we were thrown into this strange world after our shipwreck, I felt like maybe—just maybe—we had a chance.

15

Unspoken Bonds

X’NATH

It had been a full day since our return, and the women were still settling in. I leaned against a nearby pillar of stone, watching them closely with Yargol on my shoulders. They seemed to be adjusting, but I could sense the hesitation in their movements—faltering steps, cautious glances. They weren't entirely comfortable yet. The men were offering help in their usual blunt, straightforward way, but it was clear they didn’t yet know how to interact with these human women—how to bridge the gap between our two very different worlds.

Vakgar and Greag were close by, their usual rough demeanor softened for the moment. They made it clear to the women they were welcome and would be safe, but I could see the hesitation in the way the human women lingered, unsure whether to accept the help or not.

Rasha, one of the last orc women of the tribe to be mated recently leaned over to me, her dark eyes full of understanding. "You know, the girls will be more comfortable if we leave them to settle together. They don't trust us yet, even if we give them everything they need."

I nodded, though my gaze didn’t leave the human women. They were whispering amongst themselves, glancing around the camp with wary eyes, trying to make sense of the new life they were suddenly thrust into.

“Let them have their space,” I muttered, barely hearing myself. But then the corners of my mouth curled upward as I watched the younger women exchange glances when they thought Gracie wasn’t looking. Some of them looked at the orcs with curiosity now, and I could see a slight shift—just a hint of trust building between them.

Vakgar noticed the way the tallest of the human women shyly glanced at him, her focus shifting from the task at hand to the ground as she pretended to adjust something on the dwelling they were working on. Her eyes flicked up briefly, and he couldn't help but smirk. He took it as an opportunity, boldly walking over to them with a wide and easy grin.

"You ladies could use some help with the higher boards for your dwelling," he said, his voice warm and confident. The smile he wore lingered as he leaned slightly toward them. "Don’t worry, we’re experts in making a comfortable home. What are your names, little females?"

One of the shorter human women gave him a hesitant smile but quickly shook her head. "I’m sure we can manage with Kelly’s height. But thank you. I’m Erin," she added, her tone polite yet clearly not fully at ease.

Vakgar’s grin faltered slightly, but he wasn’t deterred. He could feel Kelly’s eyes lingering on him, even if she wasn’t meeting his gaze directly. He leaned closer, watching her, sensing her discomfort. The little game had begun.

Vakgar’s grin widened when he saw the way Kelly hesitated, her gaze flicking between him and the task at hand. She was clearly trying to keep her focus on the boards, but her eyeskept drifting back to him, despite her best efforts to pretend otherwise.

He took a few bold steps forward, towering over her with his usual cocky confidence, but this time his tone softened a little, almost coaxing. "You know," he said, his voice smooth and low, "you don’t have to do all this on your own. I’m sure you’d get it done faster with a little help."

Kelly shifted on her feet, her hands moving nervously, as though she was unsure whether to keep working or acknowledge him. She looked up at him, clearly flustered, but not completely dismissive. There was something in her expression—a mix of reluctance and curiosity—that made Vakgar’s smile deepen.

"I’m fine," she muttered, though her voice had a slight tremor to it. "We can manage just fine."

Vakgar’s grin only grew at her response, noticing the way she hesitated. He leaned in slightly, taking advantage of the space between them, his eyes locking with hers. "Are you sure? I’m an expert when it comes tobuilding," he said with a wink. "And besides, you look like you could use a little company while you work."

Kelly’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, her gaze flitting away from his but her body language betraying her. She wasn’t as resistant as she seemed—he could tell that much. There was a quiet hesitation in her movements, as if she was silently debating whether to admit how much she actually did want his help.

"I… I’m just trying to get things done," she said quietly, her voice softening, the edge of resistance starting to fade just a little. "It’s just a lot to manage."

Vakgar leaned even closer, lowering his voice to a teasing whisper. "I can help with that. I’m good with my hands, you know," he said, letting the words linger, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that made her shift uncomfortably.

Kelly's breath hitched slightly, but she refused to meet his gaze for too long. Still, she didn’t pull away, and her lips parted for a moment as if she wanted to say something, but the words didn’t quite come out. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to regain some semblance of control.

"You don’t have to keep offering," she murmured, though her voice was less firm than before. She glanced at him quickly, her gaze lingering just a little longer than it should have. "I... I can manage," she added, though this time there was a faint uncertainty in her tone.

Vakgar chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the effect he was having. "I think you can, Kelly. But everyone needs a little help sometimes."

He stood up straight again, giving her space but flashing her a look that made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. "And if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

As he walked away, I watched her exhale a quiet sigh, and this time. I caught the faintest of smiles tugging at the corners of her lips. She was still holding back, but Vakgar had made an impression. It was only a matter of time before she came around.

As he rejoined the others, I could sense his satisfaction. He’d planted the seed.

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