12. Gorthak

12

GORTHAK

C assia places her hand in mine, her slender fingers grazing my calloused skin in the most gentle manner.

"Yes," she whispers.

I take her hand and lead her through the halls of the manor, my heart races with a mix of adrenaline and determination. The ring on my finger grows warm, and I know it's guiding me out.

We move quickly and quietly, avoiding any guards or other obstacles in our path. Cassia clings to my arm as though it is her lifeline, but I find great pleasure in the contact. I want her even closer.

"Stay close," I whisper to her, my voice low and gruff.

She nods, her eyes wide with fear and excitement.

We run through the gardens, trying to put as much distance between ourselves and the manor as possible. The sound of our footsteps on the damp grass is the only noise in the still night air. We reach the garden wall and I lift her over with ease, then climb over after her.

"Where are we going?" Cassia asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anywhere but here," I reply, my eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.

We finally find a small cottage on the outskirts of the city, and decide to rest there for the night. Cassia and I collapse onto the small bed, exhausted from our escape. I can feel her trembling next to me, and I wrap my arm around her to comfort her.

We sit in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Finally, Cassia speaks up.

"Can I ask you something?" she says, her voice hesitant.

"Of course," I reply.

"What do you do? I mean, outside of this...dream world?"

I chuckle. "I'm a fisherman. I have a small boat and a crew, and we fish the waters around Protheka."

Cassia's eyes widen in surprise. "A fisherman? I never would have guessed."

I shrug. "It's not the most glamorous job, but it pays the bills."

"And what about you?" I ask. "What do you do outside of this dream world?"

She sighs. "I'm a servant to a dark elf. The Master. I've been with him my whole life, since I was a child."

A servant? My Cassia, a servant? I snarl, standing to pace the floor. I won't allow it.

"I'm sorry," Cassia says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to upset you."

I snap, "You will apologize to no one."

The force of my voice makes her flinch, and I'm filled with guilt. I sigh, tugging at my dreads out of frustration. I didn't mean to shout at her, but the idea of her enslaved to some prick makes me livid.

"Cassia, I…" I say, my voice softer now. "I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just...the thought of you being a servant, it makes me incredibly violent."

Her gaze softens and she sighs. "If it's any consolation, I'm treated better than most. The Master is not a cruel man, at least not to me."

I grunt, not satisfied with her answer. "But you're still not free. You're still his property."

She nods, her eyes downcast, and a wave of sadness washes over me. I know she's been a servant her entire life, but it doesn't make it any easier to accept. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. I can't change her past, but I can change her future.

I reach out, my large, calloused hand enveloping her small, delicate one. I gently tug her towards me, pulling her close. She looks up at me, her eyes wide and uncertain, but there's a spark of hope in them.

"You don't have to be his property anymore," I say, my voice low and intense. "You can be free. You can be mine."

Her eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, I think she's going to pull away. But instead, she leans slightly forward, her body pressing against mine.

"I want that," she whispers. "I want to be yours."

A fierce possessiveness surges through me, and I can't help but pull her closer, my arms wrapped tightly around her. She's mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and keep her safe.

I can't stop myself. The way she looks at me, the way her body responds to my touch, it's driving me wild. I lean forward and capture her lips with mine, kissing her with a hunger that I've never felt before. She moans into my mouth, her hands tangling in my dreads as she pulls me closer.

My rough hands slide down her petite figure, grasping her firmly as I hoist her up. She gasps in surprise as I nestle her onto my lap, her legs instinctively wrapping around my hips. The thin fabric of her scanty dress does little to conceal the heat radiating from her core, and it takes all my willpower to keep from ripping it to shreds.

She leans back, her eyes filled with longing as she gazes at the prominent bulge in my worn pants. "Gorthak," she murmurs, her voice thick with desire.

I can't help but smirk, my fingers tracing the curves of her body. "Don't worry, love. I'll fit."

A rosy blush creeps across her cheeks, but she doesn't shy away. Instead, she presses herself closer, nuzzling my neck as her warm breath tickles my skin. I bury my face in her cascading curls, inhaling deeply and savoring her sweet, intoxicating scent.

She's mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to free her from this living nightmare. I can't bear the thought of her being trapped in that wretched place any longer.

"I will find you in the waking world, Cassia," I vow possessively. "I will free you no matter the cost."

But then she pulls back, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "But, Gorthak...I don't even know where I am."