The chieftain claims his bride after every alliance task. The ledger woman stays to help deliver the blood tribute even as the rival threat grows stronger each day.
Every inventory check or cache search ends with him claiming her on the furs. He claims her deep and speaks of filling her with his child. He reminds her of the child she will carry with every claim. The ritual grows bolder with each success. Each time he demands more from her body as the deadline approaches.
The fragile alliance has become essential to both their survival. The settlement's seizure looms if they fail. The chieftain fears betrayal from the one person who could save him. She could end the partnership with one word. She has never said it.
He closes the door for their guarded night.
