Page 151 of Valpar

Azuk remained silent, causing a sense of anticipation to hang in the air. Suddenly, he unveiled a hefty slab of meat. As the raw chunk spilled out from the bag, a nauseating churn rumbled in my stomach. The sizzle of the iron grill echoed around us as the meat hissed against the metal. Despite the unsettling sight, I forced my focus to remain fixed on Azuk.

Azuk gave the meat a crooked grin, the white wisps of his hair tickling his jawline that fell from his braid. “Because, soon I will meet Lash amongst the stars.”

Chapter Forty-Nine

Valpar

Before my orgamo couldrespond, four familiar fae emerged from the dense thicket at the edge of the wood. The subtle rustling of leaves accompanied their cautious steps as they ventured into the clearing, their delicate wings shimmering in the light. I didn’t notice their presence before, likely too upset about my orgamo. Luckily, it was just my miresa’s family. Each male clung to their female, their embrace exuding an undeniable sense of protection.

And they should—they were in my territory.

My orgamo leaned back on the log and assessed them. He had witnessed the king and queen through the war, and the treaties that they signed to maintain peace. He was grateful to the king for hosting such mating parties for our kind to find our mates.

“Come.” My orgamo stood and gestured for them over with the wave of his hand. His face was back to its stern look, but that was his resting face, much like mine. He had been making extra effort to show a friendly face to my miresa.

They all joined us by the fire. I brought in extra logs from the Wood and set them down so we could all sit comfortably. I knew that for the king and the queen sitting on logs was not comfortable, considering their status, but that was how we lived, not with extra padding on our backsides and extra decorations in our homes.

For my miresa, however, I would make our cabin her own palace.

“Hi guys!” My female went to stand to greet her family, but I would not let her leave my arms. It was no ill-will against them. I knew they were good souls, but right now I could not let her leave me. Not when we had just bonded.

Osirus’ smirk told me he understood, as well as Birch’s, but I could tell Theresa was not as happy.

“Your hair is much silkier than I remember,” Theresa said quietly. “It shines. It has never done that before.”

My female gathered her waist-length hair and petted it, inspecting the color. It was the first time she’d been able to since waking up from the slumber that took away the magic keeping her memories hidden.

“Yes, it is nice. I will miss my pink hair, though. It doesn’t feel like me.” She studied it more and flicked it over her back. “When Valpar washes and braids it, it will make me feel more like me.” She beams at me and the drums in my chest pound wildly, as my chest puffed up with pride.

I enjoyed taking care of her, and I was happy she was letting me.

My orgamo studied us and rubbed his hand over his chin. “Your hair is black, you mean it was pink before?”

“It was pink.” My miresa’s face brightens. “Uncle Osirus gave me pink hair as a gift, but now that Valpar and I are branded, I am immune to magic,” my miresa said, her face brightening. “It wiped away all the magic that kept it pink so I can’t have it anymore. It’s okay though. I don’t need pink hair to be happy. I have Valpar now.”

She leaned her head on my chest and I petted it gently against me. I knew she missed her hair, and to hear her say she would give it up for me instantly gave me great satisfaction, but I wanted her to have both.

If there was a way.

“Valpar.” My orgamo interrupted my thoughts. “Do you remember the fruit of the ishabie plant near the hunting grounds of manta? Where the large beasts roam?”

Of course I remembered, our orgamos told us to stay away from such a plant that it was extremely poisonous, and it could hurt ourmalehoodif we went toward it.

I nodded in agreement, and he pointed his finger at me. “We will go get the fruit and bring it back here. We can make her hair pink again.” He took a stick and stoked the fire. “It will be permanent, so little daughter, make sure this is what you want.”

My mouth hung open, and I shook my head. “You said it was poison, that it would hurt ourmalehood!Why would I get her such a plant?”

Orgamo rolled his eyes. “It would hurtyourmalehood. It won’t hurt hers. She has no male parts!” he scoffed. If she eats the fruit, her hair will turn pink. That is the poison. All of her hair will turn pink and there is no reversing it, not that we havefound, anyway.” He stoked the fire again while we all looked at each other in confusion.

“How do you know this is true?” Theresa snapped. “Why pink? And has someone taken this fruit themselves?”

Orgamo let out a loud chuckle until his stomach shook and tears came to his eyes. “Yes, one elder. Orcs have strong stomachs. We can eat anything. But, when Elmach ate of the pink fruit, the reaction was immediate. His entire head turned. His eyebrows, his chest, and even down to his shaft!” Orgamo snorted and wiped away his tears.

I shook my head. “Elmach has no hair—”

“—because he shaves it, you fool. I swear, is there fungus growing inside your thick skull?”

Ah, that made sense. I supposed a pink-haired orc would hurt his malehood.

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