Chapter Eleven

EVIE

T he rhythmic clip-clop of hooves filled the air as we made our way through the dense forest. I rode beside Kagan and Brokil, stealing glances at Breac, who was deep in conversation with Torgan at the head of our group. Their expressions were grim, and I couldn't shake the feeling that they were planning something dangerous.

"What do you think they're discussing?" I asked Kagan, keeping my voice low.

He shrugged, his eyes darting to his brother. "Probably strategizing against the king. But they haven't shared details with me either."

As night fell, we made camp in a small clearing. The air was thick with tension, everyone speaking in hushed tones. I'd had enough of being kept in the dark. It was time to confront Breac about us, about our future.

I found him tending to Mankala, his broad back to me. Mankala neighed and nudged me, hoping for a treat. I stroked his soft muzzle absently. "Breac," I said softly. "We need to talk."

He turned, his black eyes filled with a sadness that made my heart ache. "Evie," he rumbled. "I've been putting this off but there's something I need to tell you."

Before I could speak, he continued, "Raguk knows someone who can get you to a portal. They'll escort you safely back to your own realm. You'll leave at first light."

His words hit me like a physical blow. "What? But what about you? What about us?"

Breac's jaw clenched. "I have a mission, Evie. I must defeat Gnarlug and atone for my deeds. After that…" He looked away. "I'll disappear. I've done too many terrible things to ever atone. My brother will take our family seat, and I'll become a mercenary. I can never clean my hands of this blood."

Tears burned my eyes, blurring my vision. "And where do I fit into this plan?"

His gaze met mine, filled with regret. "You don't. I can offer you nothing, Evie. You should go home, where you'll be safe."

Anger and hurt warred within me. "Everyone in my life has pushed me away," I said, my voice trembling. "Everyone has always decided what's best for me, which usually had nothing to do with me, but was always better for them." I took a shaky breath. "I thought you were different, Breac. I thought you saw me. But I guess you're just like everyone else."

Breac reached out, then let his hand fall. "Evie, please understand-"

"No," I cut him off. "I understand perfectly. You've made your choice, and once again, I'm not part of it. Once again, I'm not important enough for you." I turned away, unable to look at him any longer. "Goodbye, Breac."

As I walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last, I let the tears fall. I'd been a fool to think I'd found somewhere I belonged, someone who truly wanted me. Once again, I was being cast aside, sent back to a world where I'd never fit in.

I found a quiet spot at the edge of camp and sank to the ground, hugging my knees to my chest. The forest blurred as I sobbed silently, mourning the future I'd dared to imagine with Breac.

Part of me wanted to rage, to scream at the unfairness of it all. But a larger part just felt numb. I was tired of fighting, tired of trying to prove my worth to people who would never see it.

As the camp settled for the night, I remained where I was, staring into the darkness. Come morning, I'd be on my way home, back to a life that no longer felt like mine. And Breac... Breac would be charging into danger, possibly to his death.

The thought made my chest tighten. Despite everything, I couldn't bear the idea of him not surviving this fight. But he'd made his choice. And now, I had to make mine.

With a heavy heart, I finally rose and made my way to my bedroll. Tomorrow would come soon enough, bringing with it a journey I never wanted to take, back to a world I no longer felt I belonged in.

T he sun had barely crested the horizon when Raguk and I set out. The camp was still quiet, most of the others still asleep. I didn't look back as we rode away, afraid that if I caught a glimpse of Breac, my resolve would crumble. We rode in silence for hours, the only sounds the steady rhythm of hoofbeats and the occasional bird call. My mind raced with thoughts of home, of Breac, of the life I was leaving behind.

When we stopped to water the horses, Raguk finally broke the silence. "Why do you leave Breac when you love him?" he asked, his gruff voice tinged with curiosity.

I sighed, running a hand through my tangled hair. "Breac doesn't want me. He made that perfectly clear."

Raguk snorted. "Maybe. But that's not what I heard. Sounded to me like a mated male trying to protect his mate."

"He plans on living the life of a mercenary after this," I retorted, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.

Raguk barked out a laugh. "Assuming he survives."

His words hit me like a bucket of ice water. I whirled around, my heart suddenly racing. "What do you mean? What is he doing?"

Raguk's eyes widened, realizing he'd said too much. "I promised not to say," he mumbled, avoiding my gaze.

I glared at him, stepping closer. "Too bad. You already spilled the beans. What's going on, Raguk?"

He hesitated, then seemed to deflate under my intense stare. "Fine. But don't tell them I told you." He took a deep breath. "Breac's going to infiltrate the king's inner circle. He'll pretend to have captured Torgan, get close to Gnarlug, and then…" He trailed off, but I could fill in the blanks.

"It's a suicide mission," I whispered, horror dawning on me.

Raguk nodded grimly. "Pretty much. Breac insisted. Said it was the only way to atone."

My mind reeled. Breac wasn't pushing me away because he didn't care. He was trying to protect me from the pain of losing him. And in doing so, he was prepared to throw his life away.

I kicked a rock and yelled, "Goddamn him and his atone bullshit. He needs to get over that."

Raguk cocked his head. "He has done terrible things."

I whirled and advanced on the other orc in a fury. "He did those under duress. You may not have seen the sword at his back but it was there."

Raguk held up his hands. "I understand, little Mynah . But others may not see it that way."

"Then we make then," I snarled.

I stomped to my horse, trying to mount. "We have to go back," I said urgently. "I have to stop him."

Raguk made no move to help, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "So, I guess you do love him?"

I shot him a withering look. "Shut up and help me up."

As Raguk chuckled and moved to assist me, I felt a surge of determination. I didn't know if I could change Breac's mind, but I knew I couldn't let him sacrifice himself without a fight.

Whatever dangers lay ahead, whatever battles we faced, I realized I wanted to face them with Breac. The thought of returning to my old life paled compared to the vibrant, albeit dangerous, world I'd found here. And the man — the orc — at the center of it all.

As we turned our horses back the way we'd come, I silently prayed we weren't too late. Breac had tried to make my choice for me, but now it was time for me to make my own decision. And I chose him, come what may.