Chapter 749: Josiah, The Experiment
Chapter 748: Josiah, The Experiment
Orion held Madam Tyler’s gaze, his expression steady despite the weight of her warning. "That’s exactly why I’m going to experiment first," he said.
Sophia’s head snapped toward him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Orion just stared at her, and then her eyes widened.
"You are going to use him?" she asked.
Orion nodded.
"Who?" Tobias asked, though he got no reply from either of them.
"You’re serious?" Sophia asked Orion.
Orion nodded. "It was Noctis’s idea."
"Really?" Ronan asked.
"Do you know who they are talking about?" Eldric asked him as he adjusted his glasses.
"I do not have a fucking clue," Ronan replied.
"It’s Josiah," Orion informed them.
"Oh," Ronan said in realization.
"Do you think that’s a good idea?" Eldric asked Orion.
"I do," he said. "And the reason we are using Josiah is so that if anything goes wrong, we can correct it before we use it on Shorty here."
"That’s actually a smart choice," Tobias said, nodding in agreement. "Josiah is a criminal, so..."
"...basically use the criminal as a scapegoat," Sophia concluded.
*Orion,* Noctis called out again.
Orion’s attention shifted inward. *Yes?*
*We need both Sophia and Madam Tyler’s help,* Noctis said. *Since Madam Tyler said she knows the herb and that they have it, we can begin tomorrow morning.*
Orion frowned slightly at that.
*Why not today?*
*Do you think this is going to be easy?* Noctis asked, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. *We need enough rest before we even attempt this. It will drain a lot of energy.*
Orion sighed, but he didn’t argue. You’re in charge. I’ll listen to you.
*Good,* Noctis said. *But Madam Tyler will need to do the preparations today. She must ensure the herbs are prepared and everything needed for a purging ritual is available.*
Orion nodded slowly. *I’m curious though—why must Sophia be present?*
*She is the one who detected the black magic in Josiah. Her connection to the goddess allows her to sense it, to track it. When I begin to draw the magic out of Josiah, I will need her to guide me. She will see the threads of it that I might miss. She will be my eyes for what I cannot see.*
Orion considered this, then nodded. *That makes sense.*
He straightened and focused his attention back on the group.
"So... Noctis has a plan," he said.
"We figured he did if he asked you to find the herb," Ronan muttered dryly.
Orion ignored him and focused his gaze on Madam Tyler.
"We’ll begin the process tomorrow. But could you prepare everything by tomorrow?" he asked her.
"What do you need?"
"The herb available and ready, and everything for a purging ritual."
Madam Tyler nodded slowly. "Okay, I can do that."
"I’m curious about something," Eldric said, adjusting his glasses. "Sophia found the trace of black magic in both herself and Josiah, right?"
Orion nodded.
"Then why is Orion the one doing the ritual? Shouldn’t it be Sophia?" Eldric asked.
---
At the same time, Brynhild was at home, Raina cradled in her arms. The baby was content, her tiny fingers curled around Brynhild’s thumb, her eyes half-closed in a peaceful state when a knock sounded at the door.
Brynhild’s head tilted slightly, her senses already picking up the familiar scent. She rose from the chair, Raina still in her arms, and crossed the room.
When she opened the door, she found Annabeth standing there, her movements and even her breathing nervous.
Brynhild frowned. "Annabeth?"
Before Annabeth could reply, Brynhild continued.
"I thought Lysander was at the medical facility? I hate to disappoint you, but if this is about anything medical, I cannot help you," she said.
Annabeth smiled faintly. "That’s not why I’m here. I spoke with Orion earlier."
Brynhild raised an eyebrow. "Okay?"
"I’m taking a break from training at the medical facility," Annabeth said. "I want to join the warriors."
Brynhild tilted her head, her gaze moving over Annabeth. "You want to join the warriors?"
"Yes," Annabeth said. "I know I’m not the best fighter, but I can help. I was Alpha of the Silver Creek Pack. I led my people through attacks from Victoria’s warriors. I know how to fight. I can extend the little help I have."
Brynhild was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Are you serious?"
Annabeth met her gaze steadily. "Yes."
Brynhild shifted Raina in her arms, considering. "We need the help. There’s no denying that. But I’m not going to put anyone in who’ll be dead weight."
"I’m not dead weight," Annabeth said firmly.
Brynhild’s lips curved slightly. "I’ll be the judge of that."
Annabeth nodded, accepting the challenge.
"There’s a batch of warriors training tomorrow morning," Brynhild continued. "Join them. But know this—if you cannot impress the trainers tomorrow, you’re not joining at all."
Annabeth straightened, a new resolve settling into her shoulders. "I understand."
She hesitated, then asked, "Will the warriors from my pack be there too?"
Brynhild shook her head. "It’s in batches. Some will be there, but not all. Everyone who will be fighting directly needs to get familiar with each other. We can’t afford to have groups that don’t know how to work together."
Annabeth nodded slowly. "That makes sense."
Brynhild adjusted Raina in her arms, the baby letting out a small, contented sound. "Get some rest. You’ll need it."
Annabeth smiled, a flicker of gratitude crossing her face. "Thank you, Brynhild. I won’t let you down."
Brynhild’s expression softened, just a fraction. "I hope you don’t. We need all the help we can get."
Annabeth nodded once, then turned and walked away, her steps lighter than they had been before.
Brynhild watched her go for a moment, then closed the door and returned to her chair. Raina stirred slightly, her tiny fingers tightening around Brynhild’s thumb.
Raina made a soft sound, and Brynhild smiled. She hoped that Annabeth would be as useful as she claimed to be.
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