Chapter 745: The Choice She Made
Chapter 744: The Choice She Made
The medical facility was quieter than usual. The usual bustle of healers and trainees moving between rooms had faded into a subdued hum, and the air carried the faint scent of herbs.
Orion stood at the foot of the bed where Josiah lay restrained, his wrists and ankles bound to the posts with thick leather straps. The man’s chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm, his face slack and peaceful. He looked almost harmless like this, stripped of the desperate energy that had driven him to try and kill himself in the dungeons.
Lysander stood beside Orion, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. His eyes were fixed on Josiah’s face, studying the lines of tension that still lingered even in unconsciousness.
"I gave him a tonic to make him lose consciousness," he said quietly. "He was growing more agitated by the hour. Muttering, restlessness, the occasional shout. I thought it best to give him some peace."
Orion nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on Josiah.
"Has he done anything else throughout the day? Anything we should be concerned about?"
Lysander shook his head.
"Nothing beyond what I mentioned. The only thing he’s done is mutter about how he was telling the truth. How his wife and daughter are with Victoria. He repeats it over and over, like a prayer."
Orion’s jaw tightened.
"I doubt that. His family is likely long gone."
Lysander sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"I know. But try telling him that. He’s convinced he’s right."
He paused, his voice dropping lower.
"We have confirmation that Victoria used black magic on him, but we don’t know how to get rid of it. I don’t know how I’m going to help with that."
Orion turned to him.
"Don’t worry about that. I have a way."
Lysander raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in his expression.
"Really?"
Orion nodded.
"Yes. Noctis has knowledge regarding black magic. Perhaps that will help us."
Lysander was quiet for a moment, processing the words. Then he nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"Oh, Noctis was once with Dolion. He must have some knowledge about how black magic works."
Orion nodded.
"Exactly."
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling over them. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, they turned and began walking out of the room.
They had only taken a few steps when they noticed Annabeth standing close, her arms wrapped around herself.
She stepped forward as they approached, her gaze flickering between them.
"Can I speak with both of you?" she asked quietly.
Orion and Lysander exchanged a look.
"Is everything alright?" Lysander asked her.
She nodded, then added, "Everything is, but I just want to tell you both something, though I’d speak with Lysander in private first."
Then she turned to Lysander.
"Can I?"
Lysander’s brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded.
"Of course."
Orion inclined his head.
"I’ll excuse myself then. When you need me, you can come find me."
Annabeth nodded, a flicker of gratitude passing across her face.
"Thank you."
Orion walked away, his footsteps echoing softly against the floor.
Once he was out of sight, Lysander turned to Annabeth.
"What do you want to talk to me about?"
Annabeth took a breath, steadying herself.
"I want to take a break from learning to be a healer."
Lysander stared at her, his expression unreadable. His arms crossed over his chest, and he studied her for a long moment before speaking.
"I have things to say to you regarding this," he said carefully. "But I must hear your reason first before I say anything."
Annabeth nodded, her hands clasped in front of her.
"I’m only asking to take a break until after the war. I was once Alpha of my pack. We fought Victoria’s warriors whenever she sent them. I know how to fight. I know how to lead. And rather than being a trainee healer during this battle, I can be a warrior."
She paused, her voice dropping slightly.
"I may not be the best fighter, but I can help. I know it’s impromptu. I know it seems like I’m going back on the decision I made. But I... I want to help the way I know I can."
Lysander was quiet for a moment, his gaze searching her face. Then he shook his head slowly.
"I kind of understand you," he said. "We actually need as many warriors as we can get. And you would be an asset to them. You have experience leading, and you’ve faced Victoria’s warriors before."
Annabeth’s shoulders relaxed slightly, a flicker of relief crossing her face.
Lysander continued, his voice firm but kind.
"I appreciate you telling me. And you’re welcome to join us again once the war is over. I have high hopes for you as a healer."
Annabeth smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her features.
"Thank you. I will. And when the war is over, I’ll come back and finish my training."
Lysander nodded.
"I’ll take you to Orion. You want to tell him the same thing, right?"
Annabeth nodded, but a hint of uncertainty crept into her expression.
"I don’t know if he’ll accept me, though."
Lysander chuckled softly.
"Orion will. But if at all he doesn’t, then you should meet with Sophia. Or better still, Ronan."
Annabeth’s cheeks flushed at the mention of Ronan’s name, the color rising quickly. She looked away, suddenly interested in the wall.
Lysander’s smile widened knowingly, but he said nothing.
They walked together through the corridors, past the medical rooms and the storage closets, until they reached the entrance where Orion stood speaking with Marta.
Orion nodded at something she said, then turned as Annabeth and Lysander approached.
Orion turned to Annabeth, his expression curious.
"Do you want to talk in private too?"
Annabeth swallowed, her throat dry. She nodded, her fingers curling nervously at her sides.
"Yes," she said softly. "If you don’t mind."
Orion studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Of course."
Comments