Chapter Twelve

Durga

As I walk alongside Raisa through the bustling streets of the Integration Zone, I can’t help but notice the wonder and excitement in her eyes. It’s as though she’s stepped into a whole new world. In many ways, she has.

“This place is incredible.” Raisa’s voice is filled with awe. “I can’t believe I’ve lived within blocks of here my whole life and didn’t know what existed behind the fence.”

I smile at her enthusiasm, grateful to share this part of my life with her. “Welcome to the Integration Zone. It’s a melting pot of different species and cultures. I’m told that all the species got along pretty well on An’Wa, but there were squabbles. On Earth, we’re a close-knit community.”

She takes a deep breath, her nostrils flaring as she takes in the scents of the Zone. “I’ve never smelled anything like this. Yummy.”

It looks adorable and I feel myself smile as her nose scrunches a little and her body sways toward the scent that I’d picked up two blocks away. “That’s one of the beauties of the Zone. I rarely cook. Too much good street food.”

Raisa’s eyes sparkle as she catches sight of a food cart. “Can we try some?”

I nod, leading her over to the cart where Samash, a friendly-looking orc, is busy grilling skewers of meat. Raisa eagerly points to a selection, and we order a variety to share.

The moment she swallows her first bite, Raisa waves her hand toward her mouth as if fanning flames. “You should have warned me.”

“I ordered mild.”

“Next time order extra mild, but… gosh this is good. Perfect blend of savory and heat.” The moment her scold was out of her mouth, she praised the food and reached for another bite. I enjoy her impulsive enthusiasm.

Impulsive enthusiasm, I guess that sums up her performance in bed last night.

“This is incredible,” Raisa breathes, savoring each bite. “I’ve never tasted anything so amazing.”

“I have. Last night I tasted something that was so delicious it’s my new favorite thing.” I spear her with my gaze, waiting for her response. Sure enough, her arousal scent blasts me with ferocity.

She must know what she’s done because she glances around, looking guilty.

“It’s nature, Raisa. It happens all the time.”

“Not with me! It’s embarrassing.”

I’ve never flirted with anyone before, but I love play-fighting with Raisa, teasing. Although she’s embarrassed, I can’t control my urge to bask in her scent.

I lean closer and whisper, “My new favorite flavor can be found between your legs, and my new favorite scent is called Raisa.” The tip of my black tongue slips out from between my lips and caresses the shell of her ear.

“You’re infuriating, Durga. How can you make me want to slap you and fuck you at the same time?” Although her voice was a scold, I can feel her body temperature spike even through the cotton shirt she wears.

I laugh, then lean closer. The meat is so juicy, there’s a drip running down her chin. Without thinking, I lick it before it drops onto her t-shirt.

She grips my shoulders and says, “Mercy, Durga. Uncle. If you don’t stop doing this in public, I’m going to ravish you right here in the streets of the Zone.”

When I lift my shoulders in mock innocence, she says, “That black tongue of yours does something to me.”

“Sometimes I wonder how humans came to rule their world when most of you act like prey animals.” I take my time as I chew another chunk of spitted chicken. “You just gave me so much ammunition to tease you with, Raisa.”

At that, I use my long, black tongue to nudge a piece of green pepper off the skewer. I keep toying with the vegetable until she gives a little whimper.

“Take pity on me, orc, or I’ll make you pay when we get back to your apartment.”

“Look at me, then look at you, little human. You will never find a way to make me pay.”

She straightens her spine and snaps, “We’ll see about that.”

I don’t bother to hide my leer as ten filthy pictures fly through my mind—all ways to punish her for even thinking she might get the upper hand with me.

When we’re done eating, we continue our journey through the vibrant streets. Raisa’s eyes widen with every new sight. She points to a group of nagas sliding gracefully along the sidewalk, their colorful scales contrasting against the backdrop of crumbling buildings. “Durga, look at them! They’re mesmerizing.”

I chuckle, appreciating her fascination. “Nagas are astonishing creatures, aren’t they? Such an interesting combination of elegance and strength.”

We pass a group of children, all of different species, playing ach’ma, a running and tagging game.

“She’s the princess,” I point to the little wolven who won the toss. “There are two teams, and whether she calls out either bahg-da or bahg-dal determines who chases and who gets chased.”

Now that Raisa understands the rules, she’s even more fascinated by the little game as the princess calls, “Bahg… da.”

Raisa can’t help but join in their laughter, captivated by their joyous play. “Heartwarming how they’re so different, yet able to find common ground and have fun together.”

“We can’t afford to infight.” I don”t state the obvious, which is that we all have a common enemy: those who’ve caged us for a quarter of a century—humans. Instead, I add, “We celebrate diversity.”

We walk further and pass an elderly wolven sitting on a stoop, his gray hair tied back in a ponytail. He’s a fixture on this street, often sitting on his porch at night, his glittering eyes missing nothing as he scans passersby. We’ve met a few times, his name is Kragen. He nods at us and beckons us over.

Raisa’s grip tightens on my forearm, but she doesn’t protest as we approach him.

“He’s an elder, someone who holds wisdom and experience,” I reply. “In the Zone, the elders are respected and play an important role in guiding the community. Call him grandfather unless he asks you to call him by name.”

He says nothing, just slides his fingers across thin lips surrounded by his gray muzzle, deep in thought as his gaze flicks between Raisa and me. Finally, he slips his pink tongue between his lips, scenting the air. Raisa’s fear scent flares, but she’s not to the point of terror. I simply tuck her tighter and purr, which calms her immediately.

“Four,” he says. “You will have four orclings together. Fine, strong, healthy ones who will look like their father and bring you both joy.”

Shocked laughter bubbles out of Raisa’s mouth.

“He’s a seer,” I explain to her. “Thank you, grandfather.” I tip my head in respect.

He nods, dismissing us. Do I walk taller? Maybe. Do I hold the tiny human by my side tighter? Absolutely. Though inside I’m beaming at the wolven’s prediction, I try to play it cool.

As we walk away, Raisa asks, “What was that all about?”

“He has the gift of second sight. He saw something and shared it. It’s the way of our people.”

“You realize that’s insane, right? I’ve known you for less than twenty-four hours. Four children? C’mon!”

“It’s not my place to argue.”

All I know is I’ve lived in the Zone for twenty-five years and that elder has never before beckoned me over. Word has it he’s never wrong.