Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Khorrek’s breathing settled into the deep, even rhythm of sleep, but Thea remained motionless against his chest, staring into darkness.
He trusts me. Believes I’ll be safe.
Her throat tightened. She’d lied to him, not directly, but through omission and careful deflection. It was the same way she’d seen Lasseran manipulate truth into something twisted and dangerous.
I’m nothing like him. This is different. This is necessary.
She repeated the justification to herself over and over like a mantra, but it didn’t ease the guilt gnawing at her chest.
The runes had been painfully, terribly clear. She’d read them three times, checked her translations and searched for alternative interpretations, but the Old Language left no room for misunderstanding. The words were precise. Absolute.
Cleansing requires balance. What was taken must be returned. Life for life. Blood for blood. Willing sacrifice to restore what was stolen.
Her stomach churned.
She’d considered telling Khorrek, had nearly confessed a dozen times throughout the day.
But every time she opened her mouth, she saw his face. The fierce protectiveness. The absolute refusal to let her face danger alone.
He would try to stop me. Or worse, he’d offer himself instead.
The thought was unbearable.
He’d spent his entire life being used, being treated as a tool. A weapon. Something disposable. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—allow him to become another sacrifice on Lasseran’s altar of ambition. Even if it meant sacrificing herself instead.
Besides, I’m the one chosen for this. The runes called me here. Pulled me through the portal. The Old Gods want me specifically.
The logic was sound, rational, but it didn’t ease the ache in her chest as she listened to Khorrek’s heartbeat beneath her ear.
Strong. Steady. Alive.
I love you. Gods, I love you so much it terrifies me.
She’d never expected this, never imagined falling so completely for someone. Her life on Earth had been consumed by academic pursuits. Research. Knowledge. The safe, controlled world of books and theories.
Romance had seemed… irrelevant. A distraction from more important things. Then she’d collided with a massive orc in the middle of nowhere, and everything had changed.
Khorrek. My mate. My everything.
She blinked against the burning in her eyes.
Don’t cry. If you start now, you won’t stop.
Carefully, so carefully, she extracted herself from his embrace. He stirred slightly and reached for her. She held her breath, frozen in place. But his hand settled on the warm spot she’d left behind and his breathing remained steady.
Enchanted sleep. Jaella promised it would keep him resting peacefully until sunrise.
The knowledge should have been comforting. Instead it felt like another betrayal.
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. But I can’t let you stop me. Can’t let you sacrifice yourself for me.
She dressed in the simple white dress Jaella had provided. White for purity. For new beginnings.
For sacrifice.
Her hands shook as she fastened the ties.
Stop it. You’re a scientist. You’ve made difficult decisions before. This is just… data analysis. Risk assessment. Logical conclusion.
But her heart refused to accept the clinical reasoning, because this wasn’t just data. It wasn’t an abstract theory. This was her life. Her future.
The male sleeping peacefully behind her was everything she’d never known she wanted.
And I’m walking away from him.
She pushed her glasses up her nose and squared her shoulders.
Not walking away. Walking towards. There is a difference.
If the ritual worked—if the sacrifice was accepted—the balance would begin to restore. The corruption would start to heal. And Khorrek would have a future, a real future. Not as Lasseran’s weapon, but as a free male capable of building something beautiful.
He’s worth it.
She slipped from the tent as silent as the mist blanketing the camp. The camp was eerily still, not the natural stillness of sleeping warriors. This was different, heavier, as if the entire world held its breath.
Enchanted. Protected. Frozen in time.
Thank you, Jaella, for giving me this chance. For understanding what needs to be done.
The fire still burned, low but steady, two figures sat beside it. Waiting. Lyric looked up as Thea approached, her expression sad. Jaella simply studied her, ancient silver eyes reflecting firelight.
“Couldn’t sleep?” Lyric asked softly.
“No.”
“Neither could we.”
Thea settled beside them and drew her knees to her chest. For a long moment, no one spoke. The only sound was the crackle of flames and the whisper of wind through grass.
Then Lyric reached out and squeezed her hand.
“You read the final runes.”
Not a question.
“Yes.”
“And you’re going through with it.”
“I have to.”
“Does he know?”
She shook her head, unable to force the words past the lump in her throat.
“He’ll be furious,” Lyric said.
“I know.”
“Heartbroken.”
“I know.”
“But you’re doing it anyway.”
“Yes.”
Lyric’s smile was gentle, understanding.
“Good. That’s what makes you perfect for this. You understand the cost. The weight of sacrifice. And you choose it anyway.”
“I don’t feel perfect. I feel terrified.”
“Fear and courage aren’t opposites. They’re companions.” Jaella said steadily, ancient wisdom wrapped in kindness. “True bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s acting despite it.”
“I’m not brave. I’m just… desperate.” She pushed her glasses up again. “Lasseran will destroy them, all of them, unless the balance is restored. Unless someone stops him.”
“And you believe you’re that someone.”
“The runes called me here. Pulled me through the portal. Gave me the knowledge I needed.” She looked at her hands. Calloused from holding reins. Stained with ink from endless studying. “I have to believe there’s a reason. That I’m meant to do this.”
“You are,” Lyric said quietly. “I’ve seen it. You’re the key, Thea. The one who can restore what was broken.”
“But at what cost?”
“That’s not for me to say.”
She gave a bitter laugh.
“Of course not. The gods love their mysteries.”
“They love their champions more.” Jaella stood and moved to a small bundle near the fire. “We’ve prepared what you’ll need.”
She returned with a handful of items. The carved wooden bowl Vorlag had given Thea back in Kel’Vara, carved with symbols that now made sense. A small jar of honey, the scent of herbs and flowers wafting from it. A clay pitcher filled with pure water, reflecting firelight like liquid silver.
“The bowl for mixing. The honey to sweeten the sacrifice. The water to cleanse.” Jaella’s voice was formal. Ritualistic. “Together they represent the balance. Earth. Life. Purity.”
She accepted them with trembling hands.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us yet.” Jaella’s expression was serious. “What comes next will test you, challenge everything you think you know about yourself.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
“I…” She hesitated. “I know it requires sacrifice. I know the cost might be my life.”
“Life is only one form of sacrifice.” Jaella touched her chest, and then her head. “Sometimes we sacrifice other things. Futures. Dreams. The person we thought we’d become.”
The words settled like stones in Thea’s stomach. What else could they want? What could be worse than dying? But she didn’t ask, couldn’t ask, because deep down, she suspected she didn’t want the answer.
“When do we go?” she asked instead.
Lyric glanced at the horizon. It was still dark, but the faintest hint of grey touched the eastern sky.
“Soon. Before the others wake. Before he realizes what you’re doing.”
“He’ll try to stop me.”
“He’ll fail. The enchantment will hold until sunrise,” Jaella said quietly. “But you should say goodbye. In your heart, if not in words.”
She looked back at the tent where Khorrek slept.
Goodbye. How did you say goodbye to someone who’s become your entire world?
She wanted to run back, to curl against his warmth one more time, and to memorize the feel of his arms around her.
But she couldn’t.
If I go back now, I’ll never leave. I’ll choose my happiness over his future. Over all their futures.
Instead she closed her eyes and reached for the comforting warmth of the mate bond. It thrummed between them, a living connection that transcended distance and time.
I love you. More than words can express. More than I ever thought possible.
She poured everything into that feeling, every ounce of fierce, protective love.
You changed my life. Gave me purpose. Showed me what it means to truly live.
Tears tracked down her cheeks, silent and unstoppable.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be honest. Couldn’t tell you the truth. But I know you would have tried to take my place. And I can’t allow that.
She drew a shaky breath.
You deserve a future, Khorrek. A real future, free from Lasseran’s manipulation, free to choose your own path.
The bond pulsed, warm and comforting, as if he heard her, felt her.
I hope you can forgive me. I hope you understand. I hope you live a long, beautiful life surrounded by people who see you for who you truly are.
She opened her eyes and found Lyric watching her sympathetically.
“Ready?”
“No. But I’m going anyway.”
“That’s the spirit.” Lyric stood and offered her hand.
She accepted it and let herself be pulled to her feet. Her legs felt weak, unsteady, but she forced herself to move. To walk towards the Stone Circle.
Lyric and Jaella flanked her, offering silent support.
The mist thickened as they walked, curling around their ankles and rising like ghostly fingers. Magic. Old power stirring.
Her academic mind catalogued the phenomenon even as her heart raced with fear.
Atmospheric conditions didn’t explain it. The temperature and humidity were wrong. It was something else entirely. Something beyond scientific explanation.