Page 37 of Orc's Mate

“Such a huge body of water. So much power.”

“If you treat her right, she’ll reward you, my father also said.”

“He sounds wise.”

“He was. Stern, but kind enough. He adored my mother. I don’t believe he could’ve gone on without her.”

“Did he know she’d died?”

“He didn’t.” We started walking down the stairs again. “They likely died at about the same time. He’d gone to the city for the day and joined the shayde battle. He was killed not long after they attacked, snatched from his vox. I was here, handling affairs my father left in my care. My mother had gone down to the rocks to fish. The dresalods attacked here at the same time and when she didn’t return, I sought her. There was blood . . .” It was everywhere, and nothing was left of her.

I hated voicing even a bit of what I saw when I went looking for my mother.

Eleri’s hand landed on my shoulder, and she squeezed. “I’m sorry. She’d be grateful you survived.”

“I know she would.” Her loss still burned through my belly. For a long time, I wondered if me being with her could’ve increased her odds of survival. I could’ve protected her, gotten her to safety. But I wasn’t, and I’d learned to accept that.

“Fishing or swimming first?” she asked as we left the staircase.

“We’ll go fishing, clean the fish, and put the catch in the container on the stairs to bring up after. Then we’ll go swimming—though not where we dump the guts. I know the perfect place to take you where the sea isn’t rough, and you’ll feel completely secure.”

“Dresalods?”

“It’s always a risk, but we’ll remain close to the stairs.”

“All right.”

With moonlight guiding us, we walked across the pebbled shore and up onto the broad rocks that had been here since the dawn of time. I lowered my supplies onto a rock close to where the water lapped against the lower stones and watched the water for a long time. No bubbles or ripples to show dresalods were rising to the surface. It should be safe enough for a bit, though I’d keep watching.

“Can I fish too?” Eleri asked.

“I brought two poles just in case. I’ll bait them, and we can cast them out. Whoever catches the most fish owes the other something.”

She scrunched up her face. “That sounds rather broad.”

“What would you like me to give you if you catch the most fish?” I baited one of the hooks and handed her the pole while she tapped her chin, thinking about it.

She grinned mischievously and leaned close, her palm resting on my chest. “Oh, I think I have an idea, my dear orc,” she whispered, her voice filled with playful suggestion.

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued.

“Do tell,” I said, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips.

She bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes gleaming. I’d never seen anyone as prettier than Eleri in the moonlight. “If I catch the most fish, you'll have to sing to me.”

I chuckled, enjoying how she challenged me. “What if I can’t sing well?”

She shrugged. “It’ll still be you serenading me. That’s enough.”

“Very well.” What should I ask for if I won the game? “If I catch the most fish, you'll have to dance with me.”

“What if I can’t dance?” she quipped.

“I don’t mind leading.”

“I’m surprised.”

“That an orc can dance? My mother taught me when I was little, though I’ll be honest and tell you that I haven’t danced since.” There was no one else I’d ever wanted to dance with but my mom.

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