Page 4 of Caged By the Orc
With a final snarl, I turn on my heel and stalk towards the door, my heavy footsteps leaving indents in the worn wooden floor. The cool night air hits my face as I step outside, carrying the scent of desperation and secrets. Josie's out there somewhere, and I intend to uncover whatever she's hiding.
I storm out into the night, the cool air doing nothing to quell the fire in my veins. That human girl has no idea what's coming for her. I'll teach her what happens when you cross an orc.
In no time, I find myself in the bustling market district where vendors hawk their wares and customers move in dense crowds all around me. The air is thick with the stench of unwashed bodies and overripe fruit. I push through whoever dares cross my path, my blood boiling hotter with each step. Humans scatter like frightened animals, sensing the unbridled rage radiating off me. I don't give a shit about their fear. My eyes scan the sea of faces, searching for that little thief who dared to cross me.
Then I see her. That scrawny tavern girl, standing at a vendor's stall, her dirty brown hair hanging limply around her face. My chain glints in her hand as she gestures wildly, no doubt trying to pawn off my precious possession. My vision goes red, a primal growl rumbling in my chest.
"You!" I roar, my voice carrying over the din of the market.
Her head whips around, those big eyes of hers going wide with terror. For a split second, our gazes lock, and I see the realization dawn on her face. She bolts like a startled dae, weaving through the crowd with surprising agility. But I'm faster, my long strides eating up the distance between us. The chase is on, and by all the gods, she won't escape me this time.
She darts down an alley, and I grin, a predatory thrill coursing through my veins. Stupid girl. She's trapped herself like a dae in a hunter's trap. My heavy footfalls echo off the stone walls as I follow, savoring the hunt.
I round the corner, finding her pressed against the wall, chest heaving, those big eyes of hers wide with fear. The alley's so narrow my shoulders nearly touch both sides, blocking any hope of escape. Perfect. The stench of rotting garbage and her fear mingles in the air, feeding my anger.
"Thought you could steal from me, huh?" I snarl, looming over her. My tusks gleam in the dim light as I bare my teeth. "You've got some fucking nerve, human. Did you really think you'd get away with it?" I slam my palm against the wall besideher head, relishing how she flinches. "I oughta crush you right here for even trying."
She tries to look defiant, but I can smell her fear, the acrid scent mingling with the alley's stench. Her pulse races, visible at her throat. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammers, voice quavering despite her attempt at bravado.
I slam my fist into the wall beside her head, relishing her flinch. The impact sends a jolt through my arm, dust and debris showering down. "Don't play dumb," I snarl, baring my tusks. "I saw my chain in your grubby little hands. You think I'm blind as well as stupid?"
Her eyes dart around, looking for an escape. There isn't one. I've made damn sure of that, my bulk blocking any chance of slipping past. She's trapped like a rodan, and we both know it.
"You owe me your life now, girl," I growl, leaning in close enough that my hot breath stirs her hair. My voice drops to a menacing rumble. "Do you understand? Your pathetic existence belongs to me. Every breath you take from this moment on is because I allow it."
She spits in my face, her saliva hot and wet against my cheek. "I'd rather die than owe you anything, orc," she hisses, her eyes blazing with defiance.
I wipe the spit away with the back of my hand, chuckling darkly. The sound rumbles deep in my chest, a promise of retribution. "Oh, you've got fire, little thief. I'll enjoy breaking that spirit of yours." My lips curl into a savage grin, baring my tusks.
Without warning, I grab her wrist, my massive green hand engulfing her delicate arm. I twist sharply, relishing her cry of pain as the chain slips from her grip and clatters to the floor. I snatch it up quickly, then yank her close enough that I can smell the fear beneath her silly little defiance.
"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into," I growl, my breath hot against her ear. I can feel her trembling against me, her pulse racing beneath my fingers. "But don't worry, girl. You'll learn soon enough."
4
JOSIE
Istare up at Sarod, my heart pounding in my chest. His massive form looms over me, those amber eyes boring into mine with an intensity that makes me want to shrink away. But I can't. I'm trapped here in this dank alley with an angry orc who could snap me like a twig.
"You little thief," he growls, baring those sharp tusks. His hot breath washes over me, reeking of ale and something metallic. "Did you really think you could steal from me and get away with it? In my own damn territory?"
My voice comes out as a pathetic squeak, barely audible over the pounding of my heart. "I-I'm sorry. Please, I didn't— I was just so hungry. I didn't know what else to do." My excuses sound hollow even to my own ears.
"Shut up." He cuts me off with a snarl, slamming his meaty fist against the wall beside my head. I flinch, cowering further into the corner. "I don't give a shit about your reasons. You owe me your life now, girl. And I intend to collect." His amber eyes gleam with a predatory light that makes my blood run cold.
A chill runs down my spine, icy tendrils of fear creeping through my veins. What does he mean by that? Images of torturechambers and dark dungeons flash through my mind, each more terrifying than the last. My imagination runs wild with horrific scenarios, and I can almost feel the cold bite of shackles on my wrists.
"To pay your debt, you'll serve in my home," Sarod declares, his voice as unyielding as stone. "Starting tonight."
"What? No!" The words burst out before I can stop them, my voice shrill with panic. "I can't—I have a family, my mother, I—" My thoughts race, picturing my frail mother waiting for me at home, wondering where I've gone. How can I abandon her?
His hand shoots out, gripping my arm so tight I gasp in pain. His fingers dig into my flesh like bands, and I'm sure I'll have bruises later. "You don't have a choice," he growls, his face inches from mine. "Unless you'd prefer I turn you over to the authorities? I'm sure they'd love to make an example of a filthy human thief." His breath is hot on my face, and I can see the cruel glint in his amber eyes. The threat hangs in the air between us, heavy and suffocating.
"No, but?—"
"Do you really think they'll believe anything you say? Your word versus mine? You're fucked and you know it." Sarod's voice drips with cruel satisfaction, and I feel my stomach twist into knots.
Tears sting my eyes as the reality of my situation sinks in. I'm completely at his mercy, trapped in his vicious coils. And from the cruel glint in Sarod's amber eyes, I don't think he has much mercy to spare. My mind races, searching desperately for a way out, but every path leads to a dead end.