Chapter 3
Lila
I wake to warmth. That's the first thing I notice, the fact that I’m not cold.
The second is that this isn't my bed, and the third is that I'm wearing a shirt that could fit four of me.
Sunlight spills through the window, catching dust motes that drift in the golden light. I stretch beneath the fur blanket, get up, and find my clothes hanging by the fire, dry now. A note rests on the table beside a steaming cup.
Stay inside. Don't open the door for anyone. -Thane
Blunt and bossy and—against all logic—it makes me smile.
The tea tastes earthy and wild. I like it.
I investigate the space. For a guy who lives alone, Thane keeps things remarkably tidy. Hand-carved furniture. Dried herbs hanging from the rafters. A rack of knives that look ceremonial.
Where is he? I find myself longing for his presence, wanting him near.
He's probably hunting. Or doing whatever mysterious mountain men orcs do before breakfast.
I wander to the window, drawn by the silver-blue brightness outside. The storm's over. Snow stretches endlessly, sparkling under a pale sun. I catch my reflection, the messy hair, soot-smudged cheek, and his shirt slipping off one shoulder. I look like the heroine of one of my own books.
If I let my thoughts drift too far in that direction, I’ll start fantasizing about all the things I’d love for Thane to do to me. Mmm.
But that’s a dangerous line of thought, and it could get me into lots of trouble. I need a distraction…
The smart thing would be to obey the note. But I’ve never been good at following rules.
A cloak hangs by the door, heavy and fur-lined. I wrap myself in it, shove my feet into my boots, and crack the door. The air bites immediately, sharp enough to steal my breath. But the view… wow. The landscape looks sculpted in white and silver.
Snow squeaks under my boots as I step onto the porch. I should go back. Instead, I wander into the clearing, pulling the cloak tighter.
That’s when I feel it… someone is watching me. The hairs rise on the back of my neck.
I turn and see movement at the treeline. It’s another orc, even larger than Thane, watching from the shadows. His hair is long, braided down his back. A spear crosses his shoulders and he moves with the kind of stillness that means power.
He doesn't growl or threaten. Just watches. Measuring. Still, a shiver of fear rolls through me. I’m safe with Thane. Am I safe with this orc?
"Hi," I say, too bright.
His reply is low, even. "You are the human I smelled."
Smelled? I try not to take that personally.
"I’m Lila,” I say. “You must be one of Thane’s kin?”
“I am his brother.” He hesitates for a moment before adding, “My name is Garruk.”
I force a friendly smile onto my face, still unsure if I am in danger from this orc. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He ignores that. “Thane allowed you to be outside alone?”
I bristle at that, wanting to tell Garruk that I make my own decisions. But I quickly realize that arguing with him is probably not a good idea. And Thane clearly had good reason to ask me not to wander outdoors.
"He told me to stay inside," I admit. "You must be the reason why."
His mouth twitches. "I’m sure I’m not the only reason. Humans are fragile. They can get hurt or freeze to death.”
"I don’t intend to do either."
“Are you trying to run away?”
I blink at that. “Run away? From Thane?”
Garruk nods.
“Absolutely not. Why would I run from Thane? He’s wonderful.” Embarrassment colors my cheeks as I realize I’ve said too much.
Something softens in his expression. "The others say it can work. Humans and orcs. I’m still not certain I believe them."
"The others?”
He nods. "Our brothers. Drak, Varn, Kroy. They have chosen their mates. But Thane..." His brow furrows. "He is young. Wild. He follows his heart before his head."
I smile faintly. "That's not always a bad thing."
He looks at me for a long moment, then glances at the horizon where clouds gather. "The storm will return by nightfall. Stay close to him. The mountain is always testing us, making us stronger.”
"I'll try not to fail."
That almost earns a smile. Then he turns, vanishing into the trees as silently as he appeared.
When I step back inside, I warm myself by the fire. A few minutes later, Thane comes in through the side door, snow dusting his hair, eyes bright gold in the dim light. He stops when he sees me. His eyes flick down to the boots I’m still wearing.
"You went outside." Not a question.
Busted. "Only for a minute. But I met Garruk."
His shoulders tense. "He didn't frighten you?"
"No. He warned me about the storm."
Thane exhales, some of the tension draining. "He means well. He's... protective."
"Of you?"
"Of all of us." His voice drops. "He still thinks our peace is fragile. He's not wrong. There are many who would wish us harm."
I study him—the broad shoulders, the snow melting on his collar, the tension that never quite leaves. "Are you mad at me for going outside?”
His gaze snaps to mine. "I am not angry. But Garruk is right; another storm is coming. So, please stay inside. You shouldn't be out there alone. Not yet."
"Not yet," I echo softly. "So... someday?"
He hesitates, and I see something flicker in his eyes—hope, fear, both tangled. "Maybe. If you learn to read the mountain, to adapt to the weather. If you decide to stay."
The word settles between us like an ember refusing to die. "Stay?"
He steps closer, close enough that his heat drowns the chill still clinging to my skin. "This isn't your world, Lila. But it could be."
For one breathless, impossible heartbeat, I realize I want it to be.
I can’t explain it. Maybe I’m drawn to him because he rescued me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been dreaming of a hero… one who is more than human… my whole life. Whatever the reason, it’s crystal clear to me that what I want—all I want—is Thane.
I open my mouth to tell him that, but he’s already turned his back to me, busying himself with chores.