Chapter 770: The Weight of Grief and the Hunger for More
Chapter 769: The Weight of Grief and the Hunger for More
13 Days To Go
Orion shook his head slowly, his gaze distant as he processed Sophia’s words.
"Though Josiah is pitiful, given the fact that his grief was used against him," he said quietly, "that doesn’t make him any less guilty."
He paused, his jaw tightening.
"And I find it hard to pity the man, to be honest. Grief is a powerful thing, but it doesn’t excuse everything."
Ronan nodded in agreement, his arms crossed over his chest. "What annoys me more is the fact that he was so blinded by grief that he didn’t even pause for a minute to see how his decisions would likely affect the people around him. He was so consumed by his own pain that he couldn’t see the pain he was causing others."
He shook his head, a bitter edge creeping into his voice.
"In a way, it was quite selfish. He didn’t think about the families he could be helping Victoria destroy. He didn’t think about the friends he was betraying. He only thought about himself and what he wanted."
Brynhild nodded slowly. "Grief can do that to a person. We all know that, and I’m sure we understand him. But yes, that doesn’t make the consequences any less real."
She paused, then straightened, her expression shifting.
"I have to go," she said. "Lysander is alone with Raina at the moment."
Sophia smiled faintly. "I miss her."
"Come visit sometime. I can’t say for certain, since I can’t communicate with her like we all do, but I think she’d appreciate it if you came," Brynhild told her.
"I’ll come visit. And after everything is over, I’m spending as much time as I can with her."
Brynhild chuckled. "You and me both."
"And me," Orion and Ronan said at the same time.
Brynhild chuckled again, then she waved at them.
Ronan lingered for a moment, glancing between Sophia and Orion. Then he stretched, letting out a long sigh.
"I’ll give you two some space," he said.
Orion gave him a mock salute. "Much appreciated, brother."
Ronan gave him the middle finger in reply, a wide grin spreading across his face. Then he turned and began walking toward his home, his footsteps crunching against the snow.
Sophia and Orion stood in silence for a moment, the cold air settling around them. Then Orion reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers.
"I’m sorry," he said quietly. "For leaving you with a bunch of work while I was unconscious."
Sophia shook her head immediately. "Don’t apologize. You would have done the same for me if I had been in your position. And besides, I’m your partner. I stand beside you. I should be able to do things like this when you’re unavailable."
Orion smiled at that, a warmth spreading through his chest. "I know. But still."
She squeezed his hand, her eyes meeting his. "You don’t have to carry everything alone, Orion. That’s what I’m here for."
He nodded slowly, letting her words settle into him.
They began walking toward his home, their footsteps falling into an easy rhythm. The snow had stopped falling, leaving the compound quiet and still.
Sophia spoke again, her voice thoughtful. "I must admit, though, it’s quite hectic. All the planning, the meetings, the strategies. I kind of understand why you run away from work sometimes."
Orion chuckled. "Did you think about running?"
She shook her head. "No. I thought about how to make the work less of a burden on you. So running away didn’t cross my mind at all. I just pushed through even when I was tired."
Orion’s chest tightened at her words. He stopped walking and turned to face her, his gaze steady.
"You’re incredible, you know that?"
Sophia blinked, caught off guard. Then she beamed. "I am, aren’t I?"
Orion tsked. "Quite cocky, shorty."
"Did you eat anything?" he asked after a brief pause.
Sophia nodded. "Everyone made sure I ate something. Just before the meeting this evening, Brynhild made sure I ate."
Orion sighed. "And here I thought I was going to feed you."
Sophia chuckled. "You missed your chance," she said to him. "Maybe if you had woken up earlier, it would have been quite different."
"Next time then," he replied.
They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, their footsteps crunching against the snow.
Then Sophia spoke again, her voice softer now. "You know, I never thought I’d have a family like the Nightshade Pack. Friends who look after me, who stand by me, who joke with me." She paused, her gaze distant. "I appreciate it a lot. Sometimes... sometimes I think it’s a dream. Like one day I’ll wake up and I’ll be back with Victoria."
She shuddered immediately.
"That would be a fucking nightmare."
Orion chuckled. "It really would."
He squeezed her hand gently.
"Tell me what happened today. I want to hear everything."
"I spent most of my morning in the library," she said.
---
Brynhild was almost to her home when she paused.
Her steps slowed, her head tilting slightly as her senses sharpened. Someone had been following her for a while now. They weren’t hostile—she could tell that much—but they were persistent.
She knew exactly who the person was. She recognized the scent, the rhythm of the the footsteps, and their breathing pattern too.
But she needed to know why.
Hopefully, it wasn’t another case of a traitor. Maybe Sophia hadn’t seen this one?
She stopped and turned in the direction of the follower.
"Come out," she said, her voice calm but firm. "And come up to me directly."
There was a beat of silence.
Then Laia stepped out from the shadows, her head bowed.
"I’m sorry for following you like a creep," she said quickly. "I didn’t mean to—I just—"
Brynhild raised a hand, cutting her off. "What’s the issue?"
Laia took a breath, steadying herself. "I hope it’s not too much to ask, but... could you train me?"
Brynhild’s brow furrowed. "What did you just say?"
Laia repeated herself, her voice stronger this time. "Could you train me, please?" she asked.
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