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They took a short break, then played again, Brogis in the goal once more.
He was fierce and agile, his reflexes like lightning. The red team’s score slowly inched higher, but the play was vicious, players tumbling across the sand before rising to spring toward the net. Blood flew from the impact of claws, and at one point, one of the red team’s orcs was knocked unconscious. They carried him off the field, and someone from the bench took his place.
One powerhouse shot followed another until it was clear the green team was going to win.
The smell of sweat hung in the air, mingling with the scent of exotic foods. The air was alive with a cacophony of noises unlike anything I’d heard before. My veins churned with excitement and anticipation. Would the green team win, or would the red team find a way to even the score?
Every time Brogis made a save, the entire crowd seemed to roar in unison, everyone appreciating his skill even if it kept their own team from winning.
When the second session ended, orcs jumped to their feet, screaming and waving their arms.
“They won. They won!” Jarum lifted me and gave me a heady kiss while his parents jumped around, their faces bright with pride-filled grins.
“Whoa,” I said when everyone finally sat back down. “That was unbelievable.”
The two teams formed lines facing each other again, then dropped forward in deep bows. After, they embraced each other, giving back-pats, nudges, and cheers.
“Will we see your brother later?” I asked Jarum as we left the arena, streaming down the stairs with everyone else.
“Maybe.” He shot me a huge grin. “If I know him, he’ll be celebrating with the team for a while. This is a big win, an international championship. I don’t imagine his feet will land back on the ground at least until tomorrow. He’ll stop by after that. I assume we’ll see him before we leave to go home.”
Home. It had been wonderful visiting—minus the test and his cranky mom—but a fun stay overall. Spending last night with Jarum had made the time amazing.
We took a carriage home, arriving late afternoon.
His mother paused in the front entry and faced us, her face solemn. Her gaze fell on me. “Prepare yourself, Kassia. It’s time for your second test. May you pass and be welcomed into this family.”
Chapter 18
Jarum
“You must cook, prepare, and serve a traditional meal,” my mother told Kassia as we sat together in one of the front parlors.
Kassia shot me a smile, her shoulders softening. My mate loved cooking.
This would be an easy task. I nodded to my mom in thanks.
Diesel sat on Kassia’s lap, watching the conversation. He’d met us at the door when we returned, and it was clear from the adoration on the face of the orc staff woman who’d supervised the pet that he’d had a wonderful time with her while we were gone. Kassia fed him treats and brought him into the parlor with us.
“I assume you’d like me to prepare the evening meal?” Kassia placed Diesel on the floor and rose from the sofa.
“Yes, I would,” Mother said.
“It sounds wonderful,” Dad said cheerfully, grinning at Kassia. “I can’t wait to taste what you serve us.”
Kassia hopped with excitement, Diesel yipping as he leaped along with her. “I’ll get started right away. Can we dine in three hours?”
My mother dipped her head forward. “Of course. We’ll meet you in the dining room at that time.”
Kassia rushed from the room and down the hall toward the kitchen with Diesel racing behind.
“I’ll supervise,” I said, getting up off the sofa.
“No,” my mother said firmly. “She must do this alone. You gave her hints during the axe test, which wasn’t fair.”
“She’s human, not an orc.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
