Page 43 of X'nath

Breathing heavily, we stood over it, the air thick with exhaustion and the metallic scent of blood and spider innards. The Nightshade Blooms were still there, untouched, glowing softly in the chaos.

“We got the flowers,” I muttered, grinning despite the weariness in my limbs. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

With the blooms secured, we began our journey back, the darkness of the mines slowly receding as we made our way to the surface. But even as the dangers of the caves faded, the doubts that had been plaguing me lingered.

Could I really be what she needed? I thought of Gracie—the fierce, capable woman who seemed so out of reach, so untouchable. What did I have to offer her? I was just an orc with a stubborn streak and a battle axe. She could probably do it all on her own if she had to.

But as we made our way back toward the village, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—she needed someone like me. Someone who would fight for her, who would be there, not just in battle, but in life.

As we finally emerged into the light of day outside of the mines, Karg fell into step beside me, sensing the shift in my mood.

“What’s eating at you, brother?” he asked, his voice light but laced with curiosity.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, rubbing my hand over my face. “‘I’m beginning to wonder…” I couldn’t allow the doubt to creep in. Not now. “I want to help Gracie, but she seems so far beyond me.”

Karg grinned, slapping me on the back with more force than necessary. “You’re overthinking it, man. Just go for it! Isn’t that what you told me? What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I’m not sure being a trophy husband is my style,” I shot back in jest.

“Come on,” Karg laughed, “if anyone is worthy of you, it's her. We all heard about how she fought the beast to save Ahnak. Maybe, flex your muscles or something. Females love muscles, right?”

I gave him a flat look. Perhaps this was why he was having trouble with his female, Erin. “And you think that’s going to win her over?”

“Why not?” He flexed his arms dramatically. “It worked for me with Erin when I first expressed interest.”

I slapped him upside the head and he sheepishly grimaced.

Karg chuckled and we kept walking, but his ridiculous antics didn’t entirely wipe away the doubt eating at me. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t about muscles or impressing her with bravado. It was about showing her I could be the one who was there for her. Not just when the battle was raging, but when the dust settled and things were quiet. Maybe that would be enough.

With the flowers in hand, we headed back toward the village, where Gracie awaited. And somehow, despite everything I was unsure of, I felt like I was the one destined to stand beside her, no matter what came next.

26

Chapter Eight: A Feast Unshared

GRACIE

The heat of the fire in the hearth surrounded me, the smell of roasting meats and herbs filling the air as I stirred the pot. It had taken hours of preparation, all of us working together in the kitchen, our hands moving in synchrony like we had done this for years. The laughter and chatter among us had made the whole process feel lighter than it usually would, and for a moment, I felt… content.

The feast was ready. The tables were laden with roasted meats, bread, fresh vegetables, and fragrant stews—enough to feed a small army. Kelly had set up the platters of food with a flourish, and Erin had gone all out with garnishes, adding a touch of color and creativity. Salma had baked bread that was so light and fluffy it practically melted in your mouth. It felt good to be contributing something to the clan, to show them that we weren’t just outsiders waiting to be cared for—we could give, too.

The men of the clan began to gather, their hearty voices rising in approval as they saw the spread. Compliments filled the air, some of them directed toward the dishes, others toward us.Sophie stood tall, grinning proudly, basking in Korrin’s praise, while Kelly and Salma exchanged teasing glances.

“Gracie, this stew is incredible!” one of the younger orcs called, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

“Thank you,” I smiled at him, but it felt hollow, as if the joy of preparing the meal had faded with every compliment. I couldn’t shake the emptiness that was beginning to grow.

I could hear the others around me—Sophie laughing with Greag, Kelly chatting with a few of the warriors about the proper way to season a dish, Erin making some sort of witty remark to the men closest to her. It was all supposed to feel good. A shared moment of pride for what we’d made together.

But why did I feel so… empty?

I glanced around the clearing. The men were enjoying the food, but there was one thing missing—Yargol. X’nath. Neither of them had shown up. My eyes scanned the crowd again, but there was no sign of either one.

The realization struck me hard.

Why aren’t they here?

I tried to ignore the tightness in my chest. The effort I’d put into this meal—it had been for them too, hadn’t it? The men were here, eating and praising, but the ones I had hoped to share it with—especially X’nath—were conspicuously absent.

---