Page 56 of Orc's Mate

Finished, I surveyed the wood I’d stacked in big piles. We had enough for many fires on the shore. Perhaps we could cook fish on the flames one night. On sticks? I wasn’t sure how it might be done. I’d only had fish a few times while living in the village. It was much too rare and costly for someone like me.

I was wiping my hands on my skirt when something glinting at the point drew my attention. Assuming it must be a shiny rock or piece of random metal like the other refuse I’d collected in a separate pile near the driftwood, I strode in that direction.

Just like I’d thought. I lifted the hunk of metal, wondering whereitmight’ve come from. The mainland for sure, or perhaps a ship lost at sea if anyone plied ships in this area.

Turning to head back with the plan of scaling the stairs and getting cleaned up before Odik returned, I frowned. I stopped and stared toward the small, recessed area I’d remarked on the other day.

The surge of water had washed away at the cliff, scooping sand and rocks out of the depression. In fact, from where I stood, it looked like therewasa cave there now.

“Huh,” I mumbled, walking toward it, passing the pool where I’d started to learn to swim.

When I reached the area, my eyes widened.

The storm had changed things. Now, itwasa cave, and it went in farther than I could see.

I’d find Odik and tell him.

We could return together later and explore it.

Chapter28

Odik

“I’m home,” I called out when I reached our small cabin.

There was nothing better than knowing that I wouldn’t return to an empty house. My mate might not be waiting, but she’d be nearby.

My weary soul needed her comfort and presence as much as she probably needed me. I hadn’t wanted to leave her earlier after what happened, but I’d seen the resolution in her eyes. She wanted to face the aftermath alone, and it was a wise idea. I couldn’t always be with her, and she needed to feel confident, not scared, when she was alone.

I’d teach her how to use a blade, however. It was incredibly rare for a male to attack a female, though not unheard of. We treasured our women; no one would dream of taking advantage of them.

Yet he had.

His father would make sure it never happened to another female again, and I wouldn’t ask him what he’d done. That was for him as the head of his family to decide.

I sighed as I heeled off my boots. Three more islanders were leaving, bringing us down to twenty-four. At this rate, we’d be living with only Madine for company. She was a sweet woman, but I hated how my clan was fading away and there wasn’t anything I could do about it.

Even the heavy rain didn’t convince those leaving to stay.It’ll dry out again,they said.But there’s still nothing left for us here.

Our hearts were here—that’s what was left. But they didn’t see it my way.

When Eleri didn’t reply, I went looking for her. I admired the sizable pile of branches she’d collected in a pile near the woods, plus the uncluttered area surrounding our home.

I also didn’t find her in the garden or near any of the barrels. The beach, then?

When I started down the stairs, I found her climbing toward me and waited for her to join me.

“You’re back,” she exclaimed, giving me a hug.

I kissed her, savoring how wonderful she felt in my arms.

“How did everyone do with the storm?” she asked, leaning back to look up at me.

“They all fared well.” I’d share about those leaving later. “How did everything go for you?”

“Very well.” Her smile came easy, and her eyes gleamed with happiness. “I battled my fears and won.”

“I’m proud of you, mate.”

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