Zara frowned at the six orcs who stood before her, especially at Nadia. “All of you want to come?”

Nadia was the one to step forward She was the strongest of them, and as they were all around her age, it was clear she would lead. The Huuron clan wasn’t the type to put all their trust and power into those with more physical might, at least not wholly. To them, the mind, and spirit was just as important, which Zara agreed with.

She had heard of other, more tribal and traditional orc clans, and it seemed like a nightmare, especially those where the women were relegated to the positions of what amounted to housewives. Zara saw no problem in an orc who wanted that position or being in such a role, but she did look down on forcing them into it. On limiting their choices, and teaching them that it was their place.

The Huuron were far more her style. They allowed anyone to take what role they wished, so long as they had the skill and dedication to actually accomplish it to the best of their ability. She had to admit that Brooke’s father had done an excellent job in the creation of his clan. Sure, there were still some old orcish problems, one of which was their heightened suspicion of outsiders, although that could save them one day. Many orcs Brooke’s age had looked down on Rick, though she knew most now held respect for him. Mainly his dedication to training, and sheer force of will.

Zara was more concerned than proud, though she was proud. From lazy, unmotivated, and depressed, wallowing in a pit of misery and despair to this. A motivated, determined, capable, and strong person. It was quite the transformation, and it helped those who were around to see it. Brooke hadn't said it, but Zara knew Rick’s actions were urging her to push as well. Han was going further than she had, and even she herself was thinking of maybe improving her magic some more.

Seeing someone do what some would consider impossible or near impossible helped light a fire. It was why online videos of transformations gave hope and helped some find clarity. It helped some see that if they wanted it, they simply had to the distance and get it.

Zara shook the thoughts away as Nadia spoke. “No, but Brooke in no uncertain terms told us we were going, whether you objected or not. Now you can make this easy for us, or we can follow you.”

Zara sighed. Brooke meant well, and Zara knew it was the right thing. Sure, the Gilden were gone, but she’d overheard some of the orcs talking about the city’s criminals being far more active. She’d didn't think Annalee was going to try anything, not from what she sensed from the were, but still, there would be no harm in bringing them. From what the were had told her, it was a party get-together of three packs and some friends. She would be going as Annalee’s friend, and she supposed so would these orcs now.

“Fine, but no causing trouble.”

Nadia smiled. “Of course, so long as they don’t try anything on you.”

Zara wished someone would. She was ready for someone to try. With magic defenses, three charms, and some untested battle spells that could be defined as… brutal. Bursting a person's heart, or popping their head. Spells like that. Normally not her type, but after what had happened with the Gilden, she realized she needed some kill spells as certain practitioners called them. Spells with a singular purpose to kill. A fireball could kill, but it also caused destruction and could start fires. A lighting bolt could stun, and be chained to multiple targets. A heart burster spell killed, and that was it. Although, such a spell as a threat would be a great deterrent.

Move and I’ll burst your heart, or pop your head like a grape. Yeah, definitely one to make someone reconsider.

Together surrounded by her escort, they headed out of the compound, taking the main elevator up. It was busy up in the house, and they passed many orcs, a few giving them curious looks. Zara didn’t stop, at least not until they made it to the front of the house, and ran into a pair of orcs leading an elf.

Zara's eyes moved straight past the orcs and she felt her hands ball into fists as she got a better look at the elf. Dusky brown skin, dark eyes, and features not unsimilar to her own. He looked like her brother, which made sense, even if Zara didn't want it to.

The elf’s eyes widened, and the orcs in front of him looked from her cold gaze to the younger elf who looked eager. Zara didn’t like that, not that he looked so much like his father. She’d only seen pictures of Prince Azaran, but the elf in front was definitely his son and her half-brother.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Zara… this elf says he knows you,” One of the orcs said. “Do you know him?” It was clear the orc saw the resemblance, but from his nervousness, he knew some about her relationship with her elven family.

“I don’t,” Zara said. “No really, but… he is my half-brother. Though, I have no idea what he’s doing here.”

“I came to meet you,” the elf said, stepping forward and bowing. It was low to Zara’s surprise, and his smile hadn't faltered despite her cold tone and gaze. “I’m Abir, though you can call me Kai. It’s mother’s preferred name for me. She told me a bit about you.”

“She did?” Zara knew why. Her mother had always tried to get her to talk with some of her siblings. It had never ended well save for one talk with a sister by the name of Jade, but even that had been awkward, to say the least. The girl had been too eager, and it had put Zara off.

The elf nodded. “She wanted me to get to know you, and…” As he spoke about their mother's request, Zara let her gift leap from her and to Kai. She expected to find the truth and that his smile was a mask, but to her surprise, she found no such hint. The excitement, happiness, and nervousness were all connected, and none of it had any insidious origin, at least it didn't seem so.

“...And, well, here I am,” he finished, shrugging. “I just thought maybe we could talk, or something? Here, or somewhere in the city? I bet you know a place.”

“Maybe,” she said, slightly caught off guard. If he really was just here at their mother's request to meet her, then she should act a bit more polite. Her next words weren't warm, but neither were they cold. “Not today, though. I have some business I need to get to.”

“Oh, then tomorrow?”

She hesitated, but there was no harm in it, so long as it was here or somewhere she could trust. Just because he was sincere didn't mean there wasn’t anything going on behind the scenes. “Tomorrow, come back here around the afternoon.” It would be late during Rick’s training time and maybe he would come along with her. She didn't usually watch him training anymore. She preferred not to watch him torture himself. Maybe, he did have a good reason, not that he#d told her what, but she didn't like seeing him like that.

Kai smiled, and for a second he looked nervous, his arms moving. Then, he moved in and it looked like he was about to hug her. He didn't get that far before Nadia and three other orcs were on him. His arms were pinned behind his back, and suddenly there were two pistols to his chin, and another sighted on his head. His eyes were wide, and she felt the fear coming from him.

“Let him go,” she hissed. “He was just trying to hug me.”

Nadia didn't move for a long moment, then she waved a hand and everybody moved back, putting their weapons away. Kai let out a breath and took a few steps. “I-I’ll see you tomorrow, sister.” He turned and left. For a second she thought he might be angry as his fists were closed, but she couldn't sense any anger.

“A bit much,” she said, turning on Nadia.

“Maybe,” Nadia said. “But I won’t be taking any risks with you. Brooke made it very clear she wanted you protected and safe.”

“Just don’t do that in public,” Zara sighed, heading out of the building.

“If we don’t need to, we won’t,” Nadia replied, quickly moving in front of her, and toward one of the cars in the front yard. The others retook potions around her, and Zara decided not to fight them, or complain. It wouldn't change anything, and there was a small part of her that was glad at the allies watching her back.

She chuckled. They were watching more than just her back. Their eyes were fixed on everything.

****

Kai let out a sigh as the two orcs finally left him. They'd escorted him out of the orc-claimed area, and grilled him for a minute about which route to take next time, and to bring no weapons. He’d listened, and paid attention, but most of his mind had been focused on the object in his right hand. An object he’d failed to put on Zara.

His father was not going to be pleased, even if Kai knew this wasn’t the only plan. A failed plan now. He opened his right first and glanced down at the small paper-thin disc. It attached to anything and then would camouflage itself from many senses. It was costly, mainly due to what it was made of. Some outlet plane creature that was rare.

Maybe he could get it on her tomorrow if his father didn’t scrap the plan. His mother would be happy that he had made contact and that it hadn't turned out bad. He would see her first, and maybe she could lessen some of the anger his father would have at his error. But how was he to have known the orcs would be so defensive? From what he’d been told, she was just a friend to the clan. Apparently, a very close friend.

He pulled out his phone and called one of their drivers to pick him up.