Chapter 27

Ursha releases a dramatic sigh. "Let's go back," she says, turning on her heel. "This is a waste of time."

I stare at her retreating back, my shoulders slumping. She's right. It is a waste of time. Either the portal is gone, or I can't find it.

Only one fact: I'm stuck here.

Stuck in this strange world with these strange people.

I trail after Ursha, my feet dragging. Eirik reaches for me as I approach them, his little hands grasping. Despite everything, I can't help but smile. At least someone wants me here.

We kick the soft snow on the way back. A part of me secretly hopes Ursha will get a little lost, just to satisfy my ego. But, of course, she doesn't. Our footsteps are clear in the snow, and Ursha uses them to find a shortcut back to the village.

We're almost at the tree line when a commotion draws my attention. Ursha slows down as we exit the woods, her eyes also searching. My pulse quickens, even though the guards don't seem alert.

A group of orcs are making their way into the village. Both genders, all muscular and sweaty, and some of them are bloody. They wear leather armor and carry axes. I lock my breath and glance at the guards, at Ursha.

She doesn't stiffen, her muscular shoulders still relaxed.

Also, the group laughs. In the very back, an old orc sits atop a wagon, pulled by an animal not unlike a very furry cow. The cart is piled high and covered with a long sheet.

"Ah! A fine hunt, I see," Ursha says, more to herself than to me.

I let go of my breath. Of course. It's the hunting group. My eyes go back to the wagon. That must be the animals they killed. I search the group, wondering if anyone's hurt. Everyone looks alright.

At their head is a familiar figure. Thorn's arrival makes me gasp.

He's shirtless, his muscular chest glistening with sweat. His dark hair is plastered to his neck, and there's a splash of blood across his cheek. Thorn is taller than any in the group and bulkier, even when he's the only one not wearing armor.

My breath catches. He looks like a warrior. A fierce, formidable warrior. Blood rushes into my cheeks.

As if sensing my gaze, his eyes snap to mine. Thorn halts so suddenly that the orc behind him almost crashes into him.

The king's eyes widen, then narrow. He motions for the orcs behind him, then changes course, heading straight for us. The others maintain their casual gait home.

Every step makes his fur cloak sway. The muscles of his chest move with the motions of his arms. The way his biceps curl should be illegal.

I swallow hard, forcing my eyes away from his rippling muscles. This can't be good. I'm still thirsting for an orc. What's my problem?

Thorn intercepts us. We stand in silence for a few heartbeats. I glance up to find his expression thunderous, his dark eyes on me. He looks away at Ursha.

"Where were you?" he barks, but I'm not sure if he's talking to me or her.

"The human wanted to go back to the portal, and I thought it was a nice opportunity." She takes a beat. "Say what you want. I told you she had to go."

Thorn's eyes flash to me, and I flinch at the hurt I see there. His gaze drops to my boots and my backpack. He knows I meant to leave. Which he should expect.

Then why does he look betrayed?

"You disobeyed me," he hisses, and again, I'm not sure who he's talking to. "Let the human carry Eirik. You're dismissed, Ursha. I'll think of what to do to you later." Heat rushes into my face as I pick Eirik up. Thorn's words only sounded sexual in my head, right? He turns around, his black eyes snapping at me. "Follow."

It's not a request. It's a command.

I glance at Ursha, but she just smirks, giving me a little wave. "Have fun."

Fun. Right.

With a sigh, I trail after Thorn, Eirik babbling in my arms.

Something tells me this is going to be anything but fun.