Page 66 of The Savage Vow
Shock rippled through the gathered orcs. Not only had she confessed who she was, but she’d claimed the human in front of them all.
Hurt flickered in Orlena’s eyes at first, followed by something else. It was hard to get a read on her from here. She needed to be closer to her, but at the moment, Yambul’s blade was still resting on her neck.
Her next words were for Orlena only. She didn’t care that they were in front of the enemy. If she fell today, she needed to know that she knew the truth about Nargol.
“I have never lied about the feelings I have for you. I will do whatever I will need to do in order to make sure no harm comes to you.”
That trail of blood that slid down Orlena’s neck was proof that she had already failed. Never should Orlena be here in the midst of enemies, but it would seem she was here because of Nargol.
Tears streamed down Orlena’s cheeks.
“Touching. Truly.” Hagu clapped slowly and dramatically rolled his eyes. He narrowed his gaze on Nargol. “But this is where your story ends.”
“Not today.” Makhel stepped closer to Nargol, her weapon raised and ready to finish what had been started.
“You’re right. Not today.” Grat stepped forward. “Today you will live. You will carry a message. Return to your father. Tell him that the trolls are coming. Tell him that Rujin will claim these lands, and then we will give you your wretched mate.”
Yambul’s grip tightened on Orlena, and he walked backward with her. She whimpered, causing a growl to tear from Nargol’slips. She took a step forward, but Yambul’s warning had her pausing again.
“If you follow, she dies screaming in the worst way,” Yambul taunted.
Makhel’s hand closed around Nargol’s arm as she surged forward. “No. Be smart. Don’t risk it.”
Rage and terror tore through Nargol. Every fiber of her being repelled against retreating and allowing that orc to carry her intended away. But the blade at Orlena’s throat was the only thing truly holding her back. Her gaze locked with Orlena’s one last time.
I will come for you, she mouthed to her. This was one vow she was not going to break.
“Now go. Run back to your chieftain. Tell him how the new ruler of Aghon is coming.” Grat snickered.
Makhel dragged Nargol back to their shukans. The rebels watched. She paused beside Torch, unable to fathom that she was leaving her lover with the enemy. Yambul and his orcs moved to their beasts. He hauled Orlena up in front of him on his. He and his men thundered away on their animals, carrying her away toward the forest.
Nargol’s scream spilt the air, fury and rage spilling from her. She clutched Torch’s thick fur and watched her mate disappear off in the distance.
“I will save you,” she whispered. “I swear it on my blood, on my name, and on the goddess herself.”
“Then we ride to Udenia and return with an army,” Makhel growled beside her. She squeezed Nargol’s shoulder.
Nargol hefted up onto Torch. War was coming, and she couldn’t wait to tear this world apart to get to Orlena.
Goddess help them if any more harm came to her.
The wind toreat Nargol’s hair. She and Makhel rode hard across the darkening plains. The horizon bled into dusk behind them. Torch’s hooves struck the earth with rhythmic fury. Every impact vibrated up through her bones, a war drum calling her to violence.
She did not speak.
She couldn’t.
If she opened her mouth, the rage inside her would spill out like blood flowing from an artery wound.
Makhel’s shukan kept pace beside her. Their animals were breathing heavy, but they kept up the pace their riders set. The distance between her and Makhel was small, but it felt cavernous. The air was heavy.
Orlena.
The name alone burned inside Nargol’s chest.
Her jaw tightened until her tusks pressed into the inside of her lip. The metallic taste of blood grounded her, anchored her fury and rage into something sharp.
Alive.
