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30. Claire

30

CLAIRE

T he chill of the morning air nips at my skin as Thrag and I emerge from the forest, the weight of our kill balanced between us. The relief on the villagers' faces as we approach the cave is a balm to my heart. Men, women, and children alike gather around. Their gratitude is palpable as they behold the beast that will ensure their survival for the coming days.

"Look at the size of that thing!" a man exclaims, his eyes wide with wonder. "Thrag, you've outdone yourself!"

The women soon spring into action. Their hands are deft and efficient as they begin the task of preparing the meat. A fire is stoked, pots and pans brought out, and the smell of cooking food soon fills the air.

As Thrag stands beside me, I can't help but smile up at him. "You've done more than enough," I tell him.

He grunts. "There's still more I can do," he says. "I can hunt again. Find something larger."

I reach for his hand, my fingers intertwining with his. "Thrag, you've given us hope, a chance to make it through the winter," I say, my grip tightening. "Let the others share the burden now. We need to prepare for what comes next."

He looks down at me, a frown creasing his brow and says, "But what if it's not enough? What if?—"

I cut him off with a shake of my head. "We'll manage. Together," I reassure him.

The remnants of the feast smolder in the fire pit, casting a warm glow over the faces gathered within the cave. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meat and the sound of laughter—a rare melody in these harsh times. I watch Thrag from the corner of my eye, his formidable form dwarfing the humans around him. Yet, there's a new ease in the way he carries himself, a softness that wasn't there before.

As the crowd begins to disperse, Thrag's gaze finds mine. "Come with me," he says. There's a hint of something unreadable in his eyes, a spark that sets my heart fluttering.

He leads me deeper into the cave, past the flickering torchlight, and into the shadows where the villagers seldom venture. My boots crunch on the stone floor, the sound echoing off the cavernous walls. We soon arrive at a secluded area, a natural alcove hidden from view.

"We can make this our home," Thrag declares, his voice echoing slightly in the intimate space.

A warmth spreads within me, and I blink at him in surprise. "You want me to live with you?" I ask.

He nods, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I want to protect you. Always," he says.

His words ignite a fire within my soul. I throw my arms around him. "Thank you," I whisper.

I pull back just enough to look into his eyes, my hands resting on his chest. "Yes, Thrag. I'll live here with you," I declare.

A thrill of excitement courses through me, mingled with a thread of trepidation. We're stepping into uncharted territory, an orc and a human choosing to share a life together. But as I stare into his golden eyes, any lingering doubts melt away. I love him, and that's all that matters.

"I love you, Thrag," I say, the words spilling from my lips with an ease that startles me.

A slow smile spreads across his face, transforming his rugged features into something truly breathtaking. "You're the best gift I've ever had," he murmurs, pulling me close.

Our lips meet in a kiss that speaks volumes—a promise, a vow to stand by each other, no matter what the future holds.

When we finally break apart, I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heart. "This might be the best Christmas ever," I tell him.

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. "My first Christmas," he muses. "And the best gift I could ask for is right here in my arms."

We stand there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's embrace. I can't help but marvel at how far we've come—from wary adversaries to unlikely allies, and now, to something so much more.

As the night wears on, the cave's embrace is a warm cocoon against the chill. Thrag's massive form is a comforting presence at my back. His steady breathing is a soothing rhythm lulling me toward sleep. I can't help but smile into the darkness, my heart alight with a giddy anticipation.

"Thrag," I whisper, my voice barely above a breath. "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I can't wait to share it with you."

He stirs behind me, his arm tightening around my waist as he pulls me closer. "What is this Christmas Eve?" he asks, his voice rumbling through his chest and into mine.

I turn in his arms to face him, my hand coming up to trace the line of his jaw. "It's the day before Christmas. It's a time for family and friends to come together, to share a meal and exchange gifts. It's about giving and being thankful for what we have," I explain.

His golden eyes search mine, a flicker of curiosity kindling within their depths. "And you celebrate this... Christmas Eve, every year?" he asks.

I nod, my fingers threading through the hair at the nape of his neck. "Yes, it's a tradition. Even in these dark times, it's important to hold onto those small moments of joy," I reply softly.

A soft sigh escapes him, his gaze dropping to my lips before returning to meet my eyes. "Then I will share this Christmas Eve with you, Claire," he says, his voice laced with a quiet resolve. "I may not understand all of your human customs, but I understand the importance of being together."

My heart swells at his words. "We'll make it work," I assure him, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "We'll find a way to celebrate, even if it's just the two of us."

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