Page 11 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

I make my way to the waterfall, my favorite spot. The rush of water drowns out the constant hum of fear in my head. Mist cools my skin as I approach. I close my eyes, breathe deep. For a moment, I can almost forget the scars, the pain, the years of abuse.

The rocks are slippery under my feet as I pick my way closer to the falls. I've learned every safe foothold, every treacherous patch. My body moves on autopilot, muscle memory taking over where constant vigilance usually reigns.

I reach my usual perch, a flat stone jutting out over the pool below. Sitting down, I let my legs dangle over the edge. The spray from the falls tickles my toes. It's almost... peaceful.

My shoulders relax, tension I didn't even realize I was carrying melting away. When was the last time I felt this at ease? I can't remember.

I lean back on my hands, tilt my face up to the sky. Sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling my skin with warmth. A breeze rustles the leaves, carrying the scent of water and earth.

For once, I don't feel the need to constantly scan my surroundings. My knife stays sheathed at my hip. My body isn't coiled, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Is this what safety feels like?

The water's cool against my skin as I wade into the pool beneath the falls. It's a rare luxury to feel this clean, this free. I've been wearing the same clothes for days, caked with dirt and sweat. But not anymore.

I strip off the makeshift garment - a tattered flag I found while scavenging two days ago. It's massive, clearly meant for some orc clan's display. Their loss, my gain. I bunch it up in my hands, submerging it in the clear water.

The fabric's surprisingly soft despite its rugged appearance. As I scrub, flecks of dirt cloud the water around me. I can't help but wonder about its history. Which clan did it belong to? Why was it abandoned?

Not that it matters now. It's mine, repurposed into the closest thing to proper clothing I've had in a while. Large enough to cover my body, it offers a small measure of dignity I'd almost forgotten.

I lift the fabric, watching water cascade from its folds. The original design is barely visible now, just hints of color peeking through the grime. Good. The last thing I need is to accidentally advertise allegiance to some orc clan.

My hands work methodically, wringing out excess water. The rhythmic motion is almost meditative. For a moment, I let myself imagine I'm just a normal woman doing laundry. Not a survivor. Not prey. Just... me.

The illusion shatters as quickly as it forms. My eyes scan the treeline, old habits impossible to break. The forest remains still, but I know better than to trust the quiet.

I drape the damp fabric over a nearby rock to dry. The sun's warm on my bare skin as I sink deeper into the pool. Might as well enjoy this moment of peace while it lasts.

My fingers trace the scars that mark my body. Each one a reminder of what I've endured, what I've survived. I close my eyes, letting the sound of the waterfall wash over me. For just a heartbeat, I allow myself to feel something other than fear or anger.

Hope. Fragile and fleeting, but there all the same.

The water embraces me like an old friend, cool and inviting. I can't remember the last time I allowed myself this simple pleasure. Diving beneath the surface, I open my eyes, marveling at the way sunlight dances through the ripples above.

For once, I'm not Hayden the survivor. I'm just a woman enjoying a swim.

I surface, gasping, and shake droplets from my hair. A laugh bubbles up from my chest, foreign and almost startling. When was the last time I laughed?

Emboldened by the rare moment of joy, I dive again. This time, I push off the rocky bottom, propelling myself through the water like some aquatic creature. My muscles sing with effort, a pleasant burn after years of constant tension.

I break the surface once more, floating on my back. The sky above is a perfect blue, dotted with wispy clouds. It's hard to believe that such beauty can exist in a world that's been so cruel.

My guard is down. That's my only excuse for what happens next.

"Hey!"

The voice shatters my peace like a rock through glass. I whirl around, water splashing, heart pounding. How did I not hear someone approach?

There, on the bank, stands a figure. My vision blurs with panic as I try to focus. Orc or human? Friend or foe?

6

CAGAN

The trees blur as I rush through the forest, frustration still coursing through my veins. Damn him. My boots pound the earth, matching the thundering in my chest.

I break through the treeline, skidding to a halt at the edge of our borders. The abrupt stop nearly sends me tumbling down the slope, but I catch myself just in time. My breath comes in ragged gasps as I survey the scene below.