I remember the moment I was born. It was a cold dreary night, rain pelted between the leaves of the thick canopy above us. I remember a solitary droplet landing on my forehead moments after I emerged from my mother's birth canal.

That piercing cold feeling was the first I experienced, it made me feel alive. I suppose your first interaction with the world is an important moment in any persons life.

My mother didn't survive my birth. That sadness was the second feeling I had in the world.

It's not rare for those of our race. In the six months I've been alive I have witnessed around 20% of women succumb to birth. But that number decreased as my power spread amongst them.

My birth and rapid growth prompted a change in those around me. The once unorganized tribe of savages, now hunted in groups. This hugely increasing our survival rate. Cannibalism that was once rampant is now non-existent. Even the thought of it now makes most queasy. They understand each other as individuals now. They understand more than just a lust for blood now.

That doesn't mean everything went perfectly of course.

In the first month, a few expressed concern over my ability to lead the tribe. They were quickly quieted when the tribe's former leader was beaten to death though. They understand my strength at the very least.

It was an obvious victory really. Only one person in this world can defeat me.

The mere thought of meeting that person makes my heart flutter.

That's right. I understood quickly after my birth that I was different, I understood what I was. And it didn't take long to discover my purpose, the humans spouted about it quite loudly whenever they saw us walking with proper posture.

Half of the tribe is out hunting and gathering medicinal herbs when one of the older women in the camp began chanting frantically in Orcish.

It's times like these I wonder if perhaps I should have focused more time on learning Orcish, but I didn't learn language to speak with them. Common seemed the smarter choice, and it was surprisingly easy to learn.

She repeats a word I understand a few times.

'Wave'

But I still don't understand her meaning. Something about the beach?

As I begin to brush it off as meaningless I notice the sound of crashing water and shattering wood. The noise sounds like a billion twigs being crushed in a strong hand. Quickly screams and terror are mixed into the clamor. A less refined version of myself becomes excited by the thought of war and carnage.

But the true smell of blood brings me back. It was sickeningly pure and fresh. Its volume must be massive.

But the others haven't noticed? No one has said anything regarding it. This would bring any normal orc into a frenzy.

"Would someone lead me southeast?"

The sound of someone standing quickly and stepping towards me indicates I was heard.

"Yes, ma'am."

He extends a hand towards me and I grip at his wrist once I feel fabric.

"Grunk?"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Ah, so it was you. Thank you. But you know you don't have to call me ma'am."

"But isn't that what one calls a female of higher standing?"

"Yes, but I also taught you my name I believe."

"Yes... My apologies names are still a foreign concept to this one."

"You mean 'to Grunk'."

"Yes, names are still a foreign concept to Grunk."

"That's incorrect, speaking about yourself in the third person makes you sound stupid."

"Wha... Bu... Do you ever teach us the right thing?'

"Hmm?"

"Nothing."

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Grunk remains silent so I allow him his verbal escape. We walk a far distance in the direction I had once forbidden. The sounds slowly became more defined as we near closer to the city. Finally, either the scent or the sound enters Grunk's field of awareness.

"This... What happened?" He asks stopping in place and nearly tripping me.

I had been curious how he would react, now the smell of blood is surely noticeable in the air. Could the high orc inside him resist, or would his lower desires overwhelm him?

"Grunk?"

"Aa... Yes?"

"You ok?"

"Yes I am okay, but what happened here?"

"I don't kno..."

A new smell mixing among the blood, bile, and feces suddenly changes the bouquet, completely distracting me from my answer. Once horrid and gag-inducing, the smell takes on a fresh tingling.

The smell grows alluring. Arousing even.

"Ma'a..."

"Quiet, I need to concentrate I smell something."

He answers with silence so I raise my head to the stagnant wind, inhaling deeply.

The tingle grows stronger as the minutes pass. I've never smelled anything like it.

What is this?

Why is it so irresistible?

Am I really just a lowly Orc after all, turned on by the smell of this disaster?

The sound of a snapping twig in the distance sets the smell aside in my head.

"Right up here, Captain." A voice softly whispers, mixing with the sound of the trees easily.

"Thanks, Good work El, Coya. This makes things much easier."

The source of both the smell and voice steps out from behind a distant rock. Grunk, finally noticing the new presences jumps in front of me growling softly.

"Wait Grunk don't that's..."

"So you are the Orc King?"  The demon lord says with disdain steeping his voice. Had I already done something to displease him? My heart sinks at the words, I wonder if the sadness is visible on my face. "And what's that? Your prize?"

"Are you here to kill the Orc King?" Grunk asks with a disdainful voice of his own.

"And if I am?"

"Then I am the Orc King." Grunk lies pridefully. "Come at me."

But the man doesn't come. I expect if he wanted he could destroy Grunk instantly. I suppose maybe he did but Grunk is still standing? In any case, my hand is still gripping the cloth of his shirt.

"And what if I'm not here to kill the Orc King?"

Ah, this is my cue then?

Can I even speak? My whole body feels frozen, breathing even feels like a chore.

"I am the Orc King," I say releasing my grip from Grunk's cloak and stepping past him.

For me to take an unassisted step is strange so he reaches out to stop me but I brush his hand away.

"You are..." The demon king says blankly.

"Yes, I am aware. I am a girl, and I am also blind. I'm weak, I can understand if you..."

"You're beautiful."

"I... Wha... "

I've never heard that word used before, much less for myself. Am I really?

That's impossible.

But, I didn't hear a trace of deceit in his voice, so was what he said really true?

This person thinks I'm beautiful?

How am I even supposed to reply? After a silent moment, I realize even my breathing has stopped, my knees weaken and give out completely.

Just as I topple towards the forest floor I am caught by strong arms and lifted into a firm chest. The smell is even better up close, it's intoxicating.

Ah, this is even better than I dreamed.

"Don't pass out, I wanted to get your help..." He says in a whisper as I drift into unconsciousness.

Ah, I am already neglecting his commands. I am a terrible Orc King after all aren't I?