28. Laia

28

LAIA

T he roar of the waterfall drowns out everything else as I stumble toward it, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The icy spray hits my face, but it does nothing to cool the burning fear coursing through me. Behind me, the sounds of battle fade into the distance, but my heart remains there with Kael and the others. What if they’re hurt? What if Kael doesn’t come?

I find the cave hidden behind the curtain of water, just as Kael said. It’s well concealed; anyone would miss it if they didn’t know where to look. I slip inside, the darkness swallowing me whole. The air is damp and cold, a stark contrast to the fiery chaos outside. But the cave’s cool embrace does little to quell the storm of fear roiling inside me.

I pace back and forth, my mind spinning with guilt. I should be out there, fighting alongside them, not hiding like a coward. My fingers curl into fists, nails digging into my palms as I struggle to steady my breathing. The cave’s walls seem to close in around me, pressing down with all my doubts and fears.

Kael’s words echo in my mind. He needed me to go. He promised he’d come for me, but what if he can’t? What if this is the last time I see him? What if I lost one of them?

My legs feel weak, but I force myself to keep moving. Sitting still will only make it worse. Each step echoes off the stone walls, a constant reminder of my isolation.

I run my fingers over the rough surface of the cave wall, trying to ground myself in something tangible. The texture is harsh against my skin compared to the soft touches of my minotaurs.

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours. The roar of the waterfall outside is relentless, a constant reminder of the battle raging beyond these walls. I bite down on my lip until I taste blood, trying to push away thoughts of what might be happening out there.

Finally, I sink down onto the cold ground, wrapping my arms around my knees. Kael promised he’d come for me. Irix and Thalos... they’ll come for me as well. I just know it.

But as much as I want to believe that, doubt and fear gnaw at the edges of my mind.

I close my eyes and rest my forehead against my knees, taking deep breaths to steady myself. I can’t afford to lose hope now.

Every sound outside the cave sets me on edge, my fingers twitching toward the old spear that leans against the wall. They probably left it here.

The roar of the waterfall does little to drown out my racing thoughts. I strain my ears, listening for any sign of Kael or the others. My heart races, a relentless drumbeat of fear and anticipation as I wait.

A sound outside—a heavy footstep. My heart leaps into my throat. “Kael?” I whisper, stepping toward the entrance, hope and dread warring within me.

But it’s not Kael. A massive orc steps into view, his face twisted into a cruel grin. He has only one eye, the other a deep scar that runs down his cheek.

“Found you,” he growls, his voice dripping with malice. “The minotaurs think they’re clever, but I’m smarter.”

My blood turns to ice as I stare at the orc. He’s blocking the entrance, his massive frame casting a shadow over me. The spear feels flimsy in my hand, but I grip it tighter, forcing myself to stand tall.

“What do you want?” My voice shakes despite my efforts to keep it steady.

He laughs, a low, menacing sound that reverberates through the cave. “You. Eryndor wants you back.”

I swallow hard, my mind racing for a way out. The waterfall roars behind me, a constant reminder of the only escape route. But I can’t run—not with him blocking the entrance.

The orc takes a step closer, his grin widening as he sees my hesitation. “You’re coming with me,” he says, lifting his axe.

Desperation surges through me. I raise the spear, hoping my trembling hands don’t betray just how terrified I am.

“You’ll have to kill me first,” I say, trying to inject some defiance into my voice.

He chuckles darkly, his one good eye glinting with amusement. "No, I can’t kill you, but he didn’t say I can’t rough you up.”

My blood runs cold as the orc steps closer, his eyes gleaming with dark hunger. “I’m going to have some fun with you before I hand you over to the dark elf.”

Fear surges through me, but I grip the spear at my side, my knuckles white. I won’t go down without a fight. “Stay back,” I warn, raising the weapon.

The orc laughs, a deep, guttural sound that reverberates through the cave. “Come on, girl. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Desperation and adrenaline flood my veins. With a cry, I lunge forward, aiming the spear at his chest. But he deflects it easily, knocking me to the ground with a brutal swipe of his arm. Pain radiates through my body as I scramble to my feet, but the orc is already upon me.

His massive hand grips my shoulder, lifting me as though I weigh nothing. I twist and kick, but his strength is overwhelming. He slams me against the cave wall, and stars explode in my vision.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he growls, leaning in close enough for me to smell his rancid breath.

With every ounce of strength I have left, I stab my fingers in his eye. The orc grunts and loosens his grip just enough for me to slip free. I grab the spear again, holding it between us like a shield.

He recovers quickly, a savage grin splitting his face. “Feisty,” he says, almost admiringly. “But that won’t save you.”

He lunges at me again, and this time I’m ready. I sidestep and thrust the spear toward his side. The tip grazes his flesh but doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to cause real harm.

“Pathetic,” he snarls, swinging his axe in a wide arc.

I barely manage to duck under the blow, feeling the rush of air as it passes inches above my head. My heart pounds in my chest as I dodge and weave, desperately trying to find an opening.

But he’s too strong, too fast. His next strike catches me on the shoulder, sending me sprawling to the ground once more. Pain shoots through my arm as I try to push myself up.

The orc looms over me, raising his axe for a final blow. Panic surges through me—this can’t be how it ends!

I roll to the side just as the axe comes down with a deafening crash, splitting the stone where my head had been moments before.

Struggling to my feet once more, I grip the spear tighter and prepare for another attack.

Please come for me, my minotaurs. My mind drifts from Kael to Irix and to Thalos.

The orc is toying with me, letting me get up only to knock me down again. Each time I hit the ground, the pain intensifies. Blood drips from my lip, and my vision swims as I struggle to stay conscious. I can taste the metallic tang on my tongue, mingling with the dirt and sweat.

He looms over me, his shadow casting a menacing pall over the cave. His cruel smile widens as he raises his axe. “I think I’ll take your arm first,” he sneers, the words dripping with sadistic pleasure.

My heart almost jumps out of my ribcage, playing a wild drumbeat of terror. This is it. I’m going to die here, alone and defenseless. As the axe swings down, a flash of movement catches my eye.

Irix appears out of nowhere, his axe already in motion. The blade cleaves through the orc’s neck with a sickening crunch. Blood sprays across the cave walls as the orc’s body crumples to the ground, headless.

The relief is overwhelming, and I collapse back onto the cold ground, gasping for breath. Irix stands over me, his golden eyes fierce and protective. For a moment, we just stare at each other, the imporance of what almost happened hanging heavy in the air.

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