Page 46 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

Cagan's eyebrows knit in concern, his golden eyes clouded with worry as he turns to me. "This is… shocking. I thought they died after the raids." He reaches for my hand, enveloping it in his own palm. "But I will not leave you and Amira.”

I squeeze his hand, forcing a smile despite the storm brewing inside of me. "You must go to them. I know their survival brings you much joy." I want to be selfless, to not let him see me falter. But the thought of losing him carves a hollow ache in my chest.

Cagan studies my face, reading my turmoil though I try to bury it. He embraces me tightly, "You are too good, my love. I wish for you and Amira to accompany me. I want my father to meet his granddaughter...and the woman who holds my heart."

My breath catches at the thought. "I… I am not ready for that," I stammer, old fears rising like bile. I cannot face the potential judgment and scorn. "Your father may not approve of… someone like me."

Cagan cups my cheek gently. "You are the brightest spirit I know. But I will not force you. When you’re ready, we’ll go together." His eyes radiate only love and understanding, soothing my doubts.

As we embrace Amira one last time, she burbles and grabs at Cagan's face, sensing something momentous is occurring. He chuckles, kissing her cheeks. "I will return soon, little one. Be good for your mama."

Turning to me, emotion shines in his golden eyes. He kisses me deeply, imprinting himself on my soul. Then with a final look, he strides away to meet his familial duty.

As I watch his towering form disappear into the forest, a dark cloud of worry overtakes me. Our home feels cold and empty without his warm presence. I tidy up blankly, lost in thought. Amira whimpers for her father, her distress mirroring my own. I cuddle her close, breathing in her sweet scent. "Papa will be home soon, little one." But will he? What if his familial obligations keep him away? I fear his father may try to control him again, poisoning Cagan against me. He deserves familial connection, but at what cost to our family?

The days pass slowly without Cagan's steady presence. I keep busy with chores, but at night the enormous emptiness of our bed engulfs me. Amira's cries only echo my own hollowness. I hold her tighter, yearning for Cagan’s thick arms around us both.

One evening, Hera finds me weeping by the flickering fire, its light no match for my inner darkness. "What troubles you?" she asks softly, pulling me into a maternal embrace. Through sniffles I confess my ominous fears, that Cagan may never return to us.

Hera sighs knowingly, her voice gentle as a dove’s. "The pull of a clan can be stronger than vows of love. But Cagan's heart lies here with you. Have faith he will find his way back." Her words provide some solace, but uncertainty gnaws at me.

This waiting with no idea about what’s going on overwhelms me with despair. I take to sitting by the window each day, scanning the treeline for any sign of Cagan’s towering form. But none comes. Just endless silence and stillness.

Is this how it all ends? Did I lose the only love that truly saw me, honored me as an equal? Clutching Amira close as sobs rack my body, I pray to any god that will listen - please, let Cagan return to us once more. Let the forces trying to tear us apart prove weaker than the love we share. I cannot lose my heart again, not when I have finally glimpsed true happiness.

27

CAGAN

As I set out on my journey to see my father and sister at her new clan, my mind and body flood with conflicting thoughts and emotions. I am deeply distraught at leaving Hayden and our precious Amira behind at Burning Sun. I wish they could accompany me to see my family. But I know Hayden is not ready for that quite yet. I must respect her wishes and wait for the time to be right.

I also feel great relief that my father and sister were able to flee from the rebels. After the attack, agonizing scenarios plagued my mind. I imagined them captured and tortured, or stalked ruthlessly through the woods. Not knowing their fate has been an icy dagger of fear piercing my chest. Now, I can finally breathe easy knowing they are safe.

The path ahead seems endless as I continue my journey through the dense forest. My mind oscillates between eager anticipation at seeing my sister's smiling face again, and dread at facing my stern father.

Our relationship has always been...challenging. Ever since my mother passed, the light in his eyes dimmed to hard flint. He pushed me brutally in weapons training, demanded perfection in every task, shaping me to become the ruthless warrior-chieftain he envisioned. I understand why now - losing Mother left a yawning void within him, so he filled it with ambition and thirst for power. But that does not wholly excuse how he warped my mind and soul.

Finally, after days of travel, I finally reach the territory of my sister’s new clan. I barely make it through the front gate when my sister Sharog spots me. Her face instantly lights up with joy. She rushes to embrace me, gasping excitedly.

"Brother! I feared I would never see you again after the attack.”

I return her enthusiastic hug, relief washing over me. Her familiar scent and melodic voice are like a soothing balm. "It brings me a lot of relief to see you and father safe. I was so worried."

She leads me towards their home, chattering happily about life in the new clan. Inside, I see my father Malamute sitting grimly by the fire. He stands upon seeing me, his expression unreadable as always.

"Father, I..."

He cuts me off, his voice booming. "You are late. I expected you days ago."

I clench my jaw, reminding myself to be patient with him. Some things never change. "Sorry. I came as swiftly as I could. There is much I wish to tell you."

His stern gaze softens slightly. "No matter. You’re here now." He embraces me briefly, his touch stiff but well intentioned. "Come, sit. You must be hungry after your travels."

Over a simple meal, I recount the last week since the attack, explaining how I came to live at Burning Sun. My father listens silently, his face an impassive mask.

Suddenly, a wide grin splits his face. "My son, I have arranged something wonderful while you were away."

My stomach drops. What scheme has he concocted now? I blurt out, "Father, what do you mean?"