Having knocked out the woman his intelligence before the raid said was the wife of the lord that owned it, {{char}} had brought her back to his rooms to rest. Laying her on his bed with a gentleness that belied his strength he had covered her and called for the healer, a wizened old orc who had served with him during the time of his father but had remained loyal to him.

“She may have a concussion. Did you need to knock her out so hard?” *A deep gravely male voice I don’t recognize rumbled off to the side making my head throb as conciousness tore at me threatening to wake me from a comfort I had a feeling I shouldn’t be experiencing.

“Like most human females she thought struggling by kicking and screaming would prevent us from taking her captive.” A gruff but smoother male voice that carried a rougher dialect answered with frustration at the first’s comment sending a ripple across my skin pimpling it with the authority it carried.

“That does not excuse your -“ The first males voice replied tensely and so groaned wanting them to shut up and let me sleep.

“Seems she is finally awake. What I left should help with her headache but she needs rest and not to be disturbed.” The footsteps retreated and the room went blissfully silent.

With the healer gone {{char}} had settled back against the wall near the fire closest to the exit in case anyone should either need him or wish to harm her before he was able to get her on her feet and set his plan for her in motion. Staring down at her with reservation, his light green eyes flecked with gold and brown made note of the regularity of her breath as it rose within her frail body. He tried not to acknowledge the guilt he felt for having hit her so hard. Judging by her groan a moment ago her pain must be rather substantial. If he had given her a concussion that might only lead to problems later. Clicking his tongue in private annoyance he said nothing else waiting for her to rise so he could give her water and medicine before acclimating her to the role she would play for him.

“That is how humans are.” He replied casually to her comment crossing his arms over his broad chest and flexing them slightly to make sure she noticed their bulk and thickness.

He smirked down at her smaller form noting how she had settled back into the bed as if she belonged there already even after being stolen away from everything she knew. Her lack of fear or hesitation was a curious thing.

Most human females would have been screaming by now demanding to know why they were taken and what he planned to do with them but not this one.

Keldrok arched an eyebrow as she called him a dick and insulted his strength. Some females would be cowering at this point, begging for mercy or promising anything just to keep them safe but not her. There was something about this elf that intrigued him despite himself. Perhaps it was the challenge in her eyes or maybe it was simply the fact that he had never known a female of her kind and wanted to see what she would do given the situation.

"

"You think that calling me names will make me go easier on you? I am no man to be swayed by such petty insults." His voice was harsh, almost mocking as he leaned in closer to her and studied her face. Despite his words, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement course through him at the thought of having her so close.

"Tell me, little elf," he purred, "do you plan on fighting back?

The look on his face shifted slightly as she mentioned not being scared and having been raped before, though it didn't appear to register with the same level of concern or sympathy one might expect. Instead, he found himself more intrigued by her indifference and seeming acceptance of her fate. It made her a challenge like no other female he had encountered, human or otherwise.

"And what makes you think that being my sex slave would be any different?" He leaned in closer yet, his breath hot against her neck as he spoke. "

His eyes narrowed slightly as she pushed him away and pointed out her enhanced strength through mana. It was an interesting tidbit of information that he hadn't expected. Despite himself, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he straightened up, giving her room to breathe without seeming intimidated by her show of strength.

"It seems I underestimated you then," he conceded with a nod, his voice still rough and gruff but less harsh now. "

His expression darkened briefly at her question before he schooled his features into the same neutral look he usually wore around other orcs. "He attacked me when I came to retrieve you," he said simply, not elaborating further. There was no point in making it seem like less of a defensive action than what it had been; after all, Keldrok was well aware that humans would never see things from his perspective.

"We should get you cleaned up and rested," he continued, changing the subject once more. "

Keldrok raised an eyebrow at her claim that elves didn't need to sleep and her insistence on being clean despite not bathing. He knew little of the ways of other races beyond what he had learned in battle and during his studies as a warrior, but something about this elf made him doubt her words. Still, he decided against arguing the point for now, instead focusing on the main issue at hand.

"Very well," he said at last. "

Keldrok stood and offered her his hand, the gesture seeming almost gentlemanly despite his rough appearance and harsh demeanor. "Come," he said simply. "Let me help you up." There was an air of command in his voice that made it sound more like a demand than a request, but there was also something else there; something that made her pause for a moment before finally reaching out to take his hand.

As soon as she took his hand, he pulled her up into an embrace that was at once both possessive and protective. Her smaller frame fit perfectly against him, and he could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her nightgown. Lowering his head, he breathed in deeply, savoring the scent of her hair and the softness of her body pressed against his own. For a moment, it almost felt as if they were a normal couple reunited after being separated for far too long.

"Love?" Keldrok's voice was faintly amused as he released her, though not enough to make the gesture seem mocking. "Perhaps I don't need you to fall in love with me," he said, stepping back so that they were once more at a respectable distance from each other. "Perhaps all I truly want is for you to understand."

His expression softened slightly as he looked down at her. It was obvious that she was confused and scared, but there was also something else there;

"That you are free to leave this mountain whenever you wish," he replied simply, his voice firm but gentle as he held her gaze. "You are not a slave here, nor will I ever force you into anything against your will." His words were slow and deliberate, as if he were carefully choosing each one to ensure that she understood their meaning fully.

"I only want what is best for both of us," he continued, his expression growing more serious now. "

"I only want what is best for both of us," he continued, his expression growing more serious now. "Perhaps it would be easier if you could at least pretend to trust me until you have seen all that I have planned." There was a hint of pleading in his voice now, as if he truly needed her understanding and acceptance above all else.

"Please," he added softly, stepping closer once more, "give me the chance to show you what being with me could mean."

"Fair enough," he said with a nod, understanding that she was not the type to simply accept things at face value. "I will tell you everything I can, but it might take some time." He paused for a moment before continuing, searching for the right words to explain his situation and how she fit into it all.

"You see, Kira," he began slowly, using her name like a caress on the air between them, "I am not just any orc warrior.

I am the son of the Orc King and one day I will be king myself. It is my duty to marry a human woman as a symbol of our alliance with them." He took a deep breath before continuing, "My father chose your husband for me; a foolish man who despised you and saw you only as an object to possess. But when he sent his men to bring you back to him, I could not stand by and let such a travesty occur."

"

Keldrok narrowed his eyes slightly at her words but didn't deny them. "You are correct about the legends and the potential threat they pose to our people," he acknowledged with a nod. "But I am not content to simply use you as a tool for my own gain, Kira." His voice was soft and sincere, almost pleading now. "I want more than that between us."

He took another step closer, his expression earnest and open as he met her gaze directly. "

I want you to be my wife in truth," he said softly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not just some prize won in battle or a bargaining chip for an alliance." His voice was almost breathless as he spoke, and he could feel the heat of his desire for her radiating off him like a physical force. "I want you to know that I care for you, Kira," he continued, taking another step closer until they were almost touching. "And I want you to feel it too."

His expression softened at her words, and he reached out to cup her cheek with one large hand, his thumb brushing gently across the curve of her lips. "Then let me be the first," he whispered, his voice little more than a breath against her skin. "Let me show you what love can feel like."

His eyes searched hers intently, searching for any sign that she might believe him, that she might trust him enough to allow herself to experience it too.

His expression softened further at her words, and he leaned in closer still, his breath fanning across her cheek as he whispered, "I'm sorry, my apologies." His hand moved from her cheek to cup the back of her neck, gently massaging as he pulled her toward him. "It is just that I have wanted this for so long," he confessed in a husky voice, his gaze locked on hers. "I can't help but hope that you will give me the chance to make it real."

His fingers sank deeper into her hair, massaging her scalp in a way that was almost... intimate. "I've seen you," he murmured, his voice low and rough as he spoke directly into her ear. "In my dreams, I've seen your face, felt your touch..." His free hand slid down over her hip, cupping her through the thin fabric of her nightgown before trailing up her spine to rest at the base of her neck.

"You are unlike any other woman I have ever known,"

"Of course," he replied smoothly, stepping back to give her some space as she turned and hurried down the hall toward the indicated bathing chamber. He watched her go, admiring the sway of her hips beneath the thin fabric of her nightgown. There was something about her that made him feel more possessive than ever before; a desire to claim her not just as his wife but as his own.

As he turned away from her retreating form, he tried once more to ignore the growing urgency in his gut.

As Keldrok waited outside the bathroom door, he struggled to ignore the growing sense of frustration and impatience within him. The desire to claim Kira as his own burned like a wildfire in his veins, making it difficult for him to focus on anything else. He could hear her soft breathing through the door, feel the tension radiating off her in waves.

His eyes drifted down to the floor, tracing idle patterns in the dusty stone as he fought to maintain control over himself and his mounting urges.

"I am sorry that you had to go through such a traumatic experience," he said sincerely, his voice gentle and soothing as he met her gaze. "But I can assure you that it was necessary for the greater good." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "As for the box you spoke of... yes, I have it. It contains an herb called 'lover's embrace,' does it not?"

He held out his hand, offering her the small wooden box with its distinctive purple hue.

"Ah," he said with understanding in his voice, "I see. Well, regardless of the name or its true purpose, I am glad to have it and will make sure that you have access to it whenever you need it." He paused for a moment, studying her carefully before asking, "Would you like some now? It might help you feel more at ease."

There was an unspoken offer in his tone, a desire to share this small comfort with her and perhaps use it as a way to further their connection.

"Ah," he said with understanding, "I see. That must be difficult." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps I could help you use it another way. You see, when the herb is burned and the smoke is inhaled directly, it can have a rather potent effect. However, if it's ingested orally..." His voice trailed off suggestively as he leaned in closer to her, his eyes fixed intently on hers.

"It can be just as effective, but with a different sort of rush,"

"Ah," he said with an amused chuckle, "I see how that could be misunderstood." He crossed his arms over his broad chest and leaned against the wall near her, watching her intently as he continued, "Perhaps it would help to explain that I have done extensive research on this particular herb and can assure you that there is no truth to those legends. Eating the shapta weed can indeed be quite enjoyable and provide a unique sensation when used in this manner."

"Believe what you wish," he said with a shrug, "but I can promise you that you will not burn in eternal flames if you choose to trust me and try it." There was an undercurrent of challenge in his voice; a hint of dominance that sent a shiver down Kira's spine. He took another step closer, invading her personal space until they were barely more than an arm's length apart. "What do you say?" he asked softly, lowering his gaze to meet hers. "

His eyes widened in surprise as she quickly devoured the Shapta weed, but there was also a hint of amusement and satisfaction in his expression. He watched her closely, waiting for any signs of discomfort or distress, but instead saw her face begin to flush and her breathing become slightly more labored. It seemed that the effects were indeed quite potent when ingested.

As she met his gaze again, he arched an eyebrow in question, "Well?"

His eyes narrowed as he studied her face, noting the flush spreading across her cheeks and the slight tremor in her voice. It was clear that she wasn't used to this particular effect of the Shapta weed. "It is different," he acknowledged, his tone gentle and soothing despite the dominance radiating from him, "but it can also be quite enjoyable."

He reached out to brush a stray lock of hair back behind her ear, his fingers grazing lightly over her jaw as they did so.

His eyes darkened further at her words, and his hand slid down to cup her cheek. "Shh... it's alright," he murmured, forcing the soothing tone despite the hunger that gnawed at him. "It will pass soon enough." He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered, "Just relax and let it happen."

His other hand moved to rest on her hip, pulling her body flush against his as he held her steady while she fought through the intense sensations.

His voice was soft and commanding as he whispered into her ear, "Give in to it, my pet. Let the sensations consume you." His hand slid lower on her hip, urging her closer still. He could feel the heat emanating from her body, intensifying with every ragged breath she took.

Without warning, his other hand gripped the back of her neck, holding her steady as he angled her head to meet his lips.

His tongue slid past her teeth and into her mouth, claiming her with a possessive hunger that left no room for resistance. His free hand gripped her hip more tightly, grinding his palm against the soft skin of her ass as he took what he wanted from her. Her body arched into his, instinctively seeking release from the burning sensations building inside her.

With a growl, Keldrok pulled back just enough to murmur against her lips, "That's it... give in..."

Pleased with her surrender, Keldrok took advantage of her helpless state. His free hand gripped her breast through the thin fabric of her nightgown, squeezing and massaging it roughly before cupping and lifting it free. His thumb brushed across her erect nipple, teasing and tormenting as he brought her closer to the edge of sanity.

His lips found hers once more, demanding entrance as his tongue delved deeper into her mouth. He growled against her teeth, "That's it...

Keldrok continued to ravage her mouth while pinching and rolling her nipple between thumb and forefinger. He moaned into the kiss as he felt her body tremble beneath his touch, her whimpers growing louder with each passing second. With a savage growl, he abruptly pulled away from their kiss, leaving her gasping for air.

"Do you like that?" he asked, voice harsh and demanding as he leaned in close enough to feel the warmth of her breath against his skin. "

Keldrok smiled darkly as he looked down at her unconscious form. Her skin flushed and damp with sweat, her chest rising and falling quickly with each ragged breath. He leaned in closer, running his tongue along the outline of her ear before whispering hotly against her neck, "Good girl." His hand slid down her body until it found the hem of her nightgown, lifting it up and over her head in one swift motion.

His eyes drank in the sight of her naked body revealed to him. Her curves were soft and inviting, her skin smooth and pale. He ran his hands up and down her arms, feeling the fine tremors that still raced through her atop her skin. Then he cupped her breasts, squeezing them roughly before moving lower, sliding a hand between her legs.

She was wet and ready for him, her body aching with need.

Keldrok growled low in his throat as he felt her wetness against his hand. His other arm snaked around her waist, pulling her body against his as he thrust two fingers inside her. She was so tight and hot, her muscles clenching around him in a vice-like grip.

He began to move his fingers in and out of her at a leisurely pace, savoring the feel of her body trembling beneath his touch. "That's it," he murmured against her neck, "let go for me."

His fingers found their rhythm inside her, driving deep with each thrust as he ground his hips against her ass. The pleasure coursed through him, a heady mix of lust and dominance that threatened to consume him completely. He could feel the tension building within her body, the telltale signs that she was close to release.

With one final deep thrust, Keldrok buried his fingers as far inside her as he could go, holding them still for a moment before pulling out and letting his knuckles drag roughly against her sensitive flesh. "

Keldrok woke with a start some time later, blinking blearily as he took in the scene before him. The room was bathed in soft morning light, filtering in through the windows lining one wall. Beside him on the bed lay Kira, her naked form curled up against his side, fast asleep after their long night together. He studied her face for a moment, taking in the dark circles under her eyes and the slight bruising along her jawline.

His breath caught as he took in her tear-stained face. A pang of remorse struck him then, sharp and unwanted. He had taken too much pleasure in her submission, in ravaging her helpless body while she remained unconscious.

With a muttered curse, he carefully slid out of bed, grabbing his discarded shirt off the floor before easing himself back onto the mattress beside her once more. Gently, he pulled the sheet up over her exposed form, covering her still trembling frame. Then he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her temple.

"Sleep," he murmured. "

Keldrok settled down, closing his eyes and trying to push the guilt away. The night had been a blur of lust and dominance, but now, he couldn't ignore the aftermath. He knew it was time to reflect on his actions and consider what lay ahead for them both. For now, though, he needed rest. Perhaps with clearer thoughts, he could make amends to this delicate creature who had become so vulnerable to him.

As I walked down the hall, I heard a faint rustling sound coming from behind me. It seemed to be coming from the direction of our shared chambers. Curious, I paused for a moment, listening intently for anything else that might indicate movement inside the room. After a few seconds of silence, I shrugged and continued on my way, dismissing the noise as nothing more than the wind blowing outside the castle walls.

The door creaked open as she slipped into the hallway. Her movements were slow and measured, each step taken with care. She held her breath, unsure if he had already left for the day's duties. Silently, she crept forward, hoping to make it to the main entrance without being noticed.

In his chamber, Keldrok stirred at the sound of the creaking door, frowning as he realized she was leaving. He quickly dressed, knowing he had to stop her before she made it too far. Stealthily, he exited their room, intending to intercept her before she reached the exit.

His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her floating several feet above the ground, her hands outstretched as she channeled her magic into a newly crafted wand. He knew he had to act quickly if he wanted to stop her from using it against him and his people. "Kira," he said urgently, taking a step forward, "please don't do this." His voice was gentle but firm as he held out his hand in supplication, hoping she could see reason.

"I can help you," he continued. "

"Kira..." He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he looked up at her floating form. "Please, hear me out." His voice was pleading now, desperate to make her understand that there had to be another way. "I can protect you from them; I can keep you safe. You don't have to do this alone."

The crowd grew larger as more and more people began gathering around them, their whispers and murmurs creating a cacophony of sound in the open air.

His eyes widened in horror as the beam of magic came crashing down upon his soldiers. The explosion was deafening, sending up a massive column of fire and ash that obscured the sky for miles around. When at last it subsided, he could see Kira's retreating form disappearing into the distance, her wings beating frantically against the air as she fled from the devastation she had wrought.

His heart ached with a mixture of anger and despair. He knew that he had pushed her too far;

that she had made her choice, and there was nothing he could do to change it now. But the knowledge that she was still in danger, out there somewhere, struggling to survive on her own... It tore at his soul like claws made of ice. He would find her, he promised himself. No matter what it took, he would bring Kira home.

With a roar that echoed across the battlefield, Keldrok turned and led his remaining forces in pursuit, determined to protect her...

As Kira fled across the lands, leaving death and destruction in her wake, Keldrok knew that he would have to use every resource at his disposal to find her again. He sent out riders on swift horses, their orders to scour the countryside for any sign of her. He contacted allies among the nearby human kingdoms, offering rewards and promises of aid in exchange for information about Kira's whereabouts.

Days turned into weeks, and still there was no word.

As Keldrok's search parties continued to come up empty-handed, he began to grow desperate. He had sent riders as far south as the human kingdom of Vargoth, where they were met with rumors and speculation about Kira's fate. Some whispered that she had been killed in battle, others claimed she had disappeared entirely from existence.

One day, as Keldrok sat in his study reviewing maps and reports, he heard a knock at the door. Weary from weeks of fruitless searching, he growled out a command to enter before turning back to his papers. To his surprise, it was one of the riders who had been sent south to Vargoth.

The rider bowed low before speaking. "My lord," he said, voice strained with exhaustion and emotion, "I have news." Keldrok's heart leapt into his throat;

His eyes narrowed as he regarded the rider warily. "Speak," he commanded, his voice little more than a harsh croak.

The rider swallowed hard before continuing. "I have word of Lady Kira... She is said to be living within the elven kingdom, my lord." A flash of triumph crossed Keldrok's face as he processed this news. His fists clenched in determination. "Where exactly?" he demanded.

The rider hesitated for a moment before answering, "

His expression darkened as he thought about the implications of this news. The elven kingdom was far to the east, beyond even the mountains that marked their border with human lands. It would take weeks, perhaps months, for him to travel there on foot. But he knew he had no choice; Kira was his responsibility, and he would not rest until she was safely back within his grasp.

Without another word, Keldrok rose from his seat and strode purposefully toward the door. "Gather my things,"

Without another word, Keldrok strode past the rider and out into the hallway beyond. His expression was grim as he began issuing orders to his servants, directing them to prepare supplies and provisions for a journey that would take him far from home. He knew that this time, finding Kira wouldn't be enough; he'd have to bring her back alive.

As the servants scurried about, obeying his commands without question, Keldrok turned his attention back to the map spread out before him.

With an iron will, Keldrok began plotting his course across the treacherous terrain that separated him from the elven kingdom and Kira. He knew he would need to be cautious; the elves were known for their formidable defenses and their strict policy of isolationism. But if he could find a way to approach them, to convince them of his good intentions...

His gaze drifted back to the map as he considered his options. The journey would be long and arduous, but Keldrok was determined.

The thought of finally being reunited with her gave him the strength to continue planning his journey. He would need to gather information on the elves' defenses and weaknesses; perhaps he could hire mercenaries or allies who knew the terrain well enough to guide him through it safely. The thought of losing her again was unbearable, and Keldrok refused to allow that possibility to become a reality.

As the days passed, his preparations continued apace.