Page 88 of Orc's Possession
“My female mentioned a ship would arrive soon. If they’re sending males now, it means they won’t have as much need for our protection.”
“And they won’t give us the females they promised.”
“They will. We have a treaty. I will see to it, or they will regret crossing me.”
“We should collect the females now. Before the humans challenge us.”
“Let them challenge us. They cannot stand up to our warriors.”
“Would you kill the family of your female?”
Vekk, I hadn’t considered that.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
PALOMA
“How long are the warriors usually gone?” I ask by the fire at the base of Mount Racha where I share a meal with Ossa and her kids.
“As long as it takes to hunt,” little Evve replies as she sinks her teeth into a piece of meat that takes me a long time to chew before swallowing. They really don’t know the concept of tenderizing their meat here, but with their sharp teeth, they don’t need to.
“It depends on what they are hunting,” Ossa adds in a darker voice, catching my attention.
“Oh.” I hadn’t thought about that. Atox left here because of intruders, but after a full week without hearing from him, my worry grows. I imagined a quick encounter, with Atox and his warriors defeating whoever trespassed into orc territory. “What if?—”
“They are fine,” Ossa cuts me off, her eyes quickly scanning her children. I’ve never asked what happened to her husband, butit’s clear this isn’t appropriate conversation in front of the children.
The dull thud of hooves striking the ground draw our attention. I jump up, eager to see Atox, only to realize it’s Sojek and a guard returning with a cartload of supplies from Pen’Kesh.
The young orc unhooks the gorja from the cart and leaves him to graze on the dried brush while he joins us at the fire.
“You do not eat until you complete your work,” Ossa says, her tone harsher than I’ve heard her take with him before.
“I’m only delivering a note to the graka.” He gestures toward me.
“Graka? Why aren’t you calling me Paloma?”
“It’s your title now that you performed the risha with Atox.”
“Did Atox not tell you?” Ossa says, then waves her hand.
“He told me. But I thought…” I shrug. “I didn’t think it really meant anything, that it was Atox’s way of telling me he considers me his partner, his equal even.”
“Ha! A grak thinking anyone equal to him is absurd!” Ossa laughs. “A strong graka will find ways to make herself equal, whether he approves or not.”
My eyes widen at her words.
“All while not letting him know it, Graka.” Ossa’s lip curls back into a grin.
I have a feeling she’s already put this theory into practice. “Perhaps you will give me some pointers?”
“You will find your way if you remember one thing.”
“What?”
“My brother remembers the most minute of details when it comes to whatheconsiders important.”
My heart sinks a little.
