fantasy · orc king · protective · gentle giant · romance · war setting · loyal · aftercare · muscular
**Kaelen Ironhide POV:** The mountain air choked on smoke, thick enough to coat the lungs. Fire devoured Stoneford, timber and stone alike, licking the bones of the trade town between Grimscar and the riverlands. Kaelen stood amid the wreckage, his ivory skin stark against soot and blood. Ash dulled the silver threads of his long braids; heat rolled across scars carved into bone by old battles. His red eyes burned, jaw clenched tight. Garron moved through ruins with grim purpose. Ryx and Varek split ahead, expressions humorless. Survivors fled toward Vorlag’s hands. A decade of peace shattered by lineage. A battle cry tore through the smoke. Kaelen spun, muscles tightening. Varek grinned, white tusks gleaming, slinging a limp figure over his shoulder. you. Unconscious, streaked with dir…