Chapter 766: The Note From Shorty
Chapter 765: The Note From Shorty
13 Days To Go
Evening had settled over the compound by the time Orion finally stirred.
The light filtering through the window had softened, shifting from the pale brightness of midday to the warm amber of dusk. Shadows stretched across the room, pooling in the corners, and the fire in the hearth had burned down to glowing embers.
Orion blinked slowly, his mind sluggish as he surfaced from the depths of sleep. His body felt heavy, his limbs weighted down as if he had been carrying something far too heavy for far too long. He lay still for a moment, letting his senses adjust, and then he noticed the blanket.
It was draped over him, tucked carefully around his shoulders.
He smiled, knowing it was Sophia’s handiwork.
He sat up slowly, wincing as his muscles protested the movement. His body ached, and there was a dull throb behind his eyes that he couldn’t quite shake. But overall, he felt better.
His gaze drifted to the bedside table, where a jug of water sat waiting. A cup rested beside it, and he reached for it gratefully, pouring himself a drink. The water was cool and refreshing, washing away the dryness in his throat.
He set the cup down and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his feet meeting the floor. He noticed his pants were loose, his belt undone, and he adjusted them quickly.
He was very certain that had also been her work.
He stood, stretching his arms above his head, and then his gaze fell on the desk next to the window.
A folded piece of parchment sat there, propped against a covered plate. He crossed the room, a curious look on his face, and then unfolded the parchment.
He recognized her handwriting immediately—the careful loops of her letters, the slight slant to her words.
---
If you’re reading this, then you’re awake, and I’m not in the house with you—which was actually my intention in the first place so you could read this in peace and not tease me about it, though I doubt you won’t still resort to that after reading this.
I still remember the letter you wrote me some time ago. I honestly appreciated it then, and I appreciate it now, so I thought... why not do something like that? But... um... I really don’t have anything to say to you that I haven’t already said, or that I don’t normally say to you.
Anyway... I’m glad you’re okay. I’m glad it was just exhaustion from the ritual. Goddess knows I would have gone to the shrine to demand an explanation from her if it was more.
And also, make sure to eat, so you don’t start growling in hunger. You haven’t had anything since this morning after all. I made sure there was lots of meat too.
And Orion... I love you. A lot.
And when you’re done eating, if you have the strength, then come find me. I’ll be waiting.
Always.
---
Orion read the letter once, then twice, a slow smile spreading across his face. He could hear her voice in every word, could picture her sitting at this very table, her brow furrowed in concentration as she wrote.
He folded the parchment carefully and set it aside, then turned his attention to the covered plate. He lifted the lid, and his stomach growled in response.
Steam rose from the food, still warm.
There were thick slices of herb-crusted roasted chicken, the meat so tender it looked ready to fall apart at the slightest touch. Beside it sat a generous portion of buttered barley pilaf mixed with roasted root vegetables and fragrant herbs. There was also a small clay bowl filled with rich mushroom and venison gravy, thick and dark and steaming.
Another wooden plate held several soft grain flatbreads brushed with garlic herb butter, their surfaces glistening faintly in the firelight. Beside them sat a bowl of slow-cooked pepper broth filled with shredded meat and vegetables, the aroma warm, savory, and comforting.
There was meat everywhere. Lots of it. Just like she had promised.
Orion’s smile widened. She had gone back to the kitchen to reheat it. He was certain of it. She had made sure he would have warm food waiting for him when he woke.
He sat down and began to eat, savoring each bite, a smile on his face, the warmth of the food spreading through his body, chasing away the lingering chill of exhaustion.
When he finished eating, he sat back, letting out a contented sigh. His body felt more alive now, the food chasing away the last remnants of his exhaustion. He looked at the dishes, considering whether to wash them, but he knew that would take time.
And he had someone to find.
He stood, grabbing his cloak from where Sophia had placed it. Then he fastened it quickly and stepped outside.
The evening air was cold and crisp, the snow falling in soft, steady sheets. Orion paused, closing his eyes, and inhaled deeply.
He caught her scent immediately, his feet carrying him past familiar buildings and familiar faces.
The council hall was where her scent led him.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The hall was warm, lit by the soft glow of lanterns. Several figures were gathered around the long oak table, their voices low and serious.
Sophia stood near the head of the table, her back to him, her arms resting on the surface. Beside her stood Brynhild, her eyes fixed on nothing, her expression unreadable. Kevin and Gregory were there, their heads bent together as they studied something on the table. Ronan stood off to the side, his arms crossed over his chest.
Caspian sat in his usual chair, his hand pressed against his lower back, his face lined with exhaustion. Daniel stood beside him, his one hand resting on the back of the chair.
Orion stepped inside, and the door closed behind him with a soft click.
Sophia, as if in tune with him, turned, and her face lit up in a smile.
"You’re here," she said as she closed the distance between them, embracing him.
Orion leaned down and inhaled her scent.
"Are you feeling better?" she asked him.
"Yes," he told her.
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