Page 18 of The Savage Vow
“That is unjust. They should have written the contract in a language that both parties could read,” Nargol stated.
Orlena shrugged and pointed to the road where they would take the next turn.
“It is the way of life. I was put under the contract when I was very young,” she said softly. It was as if she were almostembarrassed to admit it. Orlena bit her lip and avoided Nargol’s gaze.
Kraz, she would definitely stop by and speak with this Yambul.
Nargol studied her then—not as the archer who’d bested her, or the beautiful woman who had ignited something reckless inside her—but as someone caged by words she couldn’t read.
“What will you do when it ends?” Nargol asked.
Orlena’s steps slowed again. Her voice grew soft as a distant look overtook her.
“I wanted to find my family. I haven’t heard from them in years. Then I want to travel. I want to see the ocean. I want to go to Udenia and see the castle.”
“That is quite a list.” Nargol smiled despite the feelings of anger that rested inside her.
“I’ve had time to dream, and that is something that can be done whenever,” she said.
Nargol looked at her then—truly looked at her. There was a quiet fire in her eyes and an unspoken strength in her. It had taken much courage to enter an archery contest knowing that she didn’t belong there.
Nargol was in awe of the woman beside her.
By the time they reached the human quarters, the streets had narrowed. Homes pressed close together, simple rectangular structures built for efficiency and not beauty. The air even smelled different here. The scent of woodsmoke, bread, and spices filled the air.
Even here, they were watched.
This time by the humans who sat outside their houses on the steps, or the ones traveling to their own places. Their gazes were wary, curious, and some were even disapproving.
Nargol ignored them all. Orlena stopped in front of a short walkway that led to a small olive-green dwelling.
“This is me,” she said.
Nargol nodded and followed her to the home. They stopped in front of the door and stared at each other.
Nargol wasn’t ready to leave, but she knew she couldn’t overstay her welcome. Besides, she was sure Makhel was wondering where she’d disappeared to. She had to get back to the inn.
“May I see you tomorrow?” Nargol asked.
Orlena hesitated. Her gaze swept the neighborhood, coming back to her. She studied her a moment longer before she responded.
“I will be at the shop. I take my lunch at noon.”
Nargol smiled and nodded. It was all she needed. She took a step back.
“I’ll remember.”
Orlena’s gaze swept over her once more, then she turned to the door and slipped her key inside the lock. She pushed the door open and stepped in. She paused and offered Nargol a smile, then she shut the door.
Nargol stood there, the warmth of Orlena’s smile washing over her.
Tomorrow.
That would be enough.
For now.
Nargol didn’t remember the walk back to the inn.
