Chapter 746
Chapter 745: Annabeth’s Request
Orion and Annabeth walked in silence for a while, their footsteps echoing softly against the floor.
Annabeth kept her gaze fixed ahead, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her shoulders were tense, her steps measured, as if she was carefully calculating every movement. Orion noticed the way her fingers twisted together, the way her jaw tightened with each passing second.
He gave her a side look, studying her profile.
“You’re nervous,” he said quietly.
Annabeth’s eyes widened slightly, and she turned to look at him.
“What p>
Orion met her gaze, his expression calm but curious.
“You’re nervous,” he repeated. “Are you scared of me p>
She shook her head immediately, a little too quickly.
“No. Of course not. Why would I be scared of you p>
Orion’s lips curved slightly.
“Then why are you nervous? You’re behaving like I’m going to bite you or something p>
Annabeth let out a breath, some of the tension leaving her shoulders.
“I have every right to be nervous, though. You’re the Alpha p>
Orion huffed a quiet laugh.
“You’re Alpha of your pack too p>
“Not anymore,” she said quietly.
Orion shook his head.
“That’s quite debatable. Though your people are with us, they still look to you first before they look to me. They’re more familiar with you. You’re still their leader, whether you want to acknowledge it or not p>
Annabeth was silent for a moment, processing his words. Then she nodded slowly.
“And I’m curious though, this isn’t the first time we are speaking, so why are you nervous now? I was the Alpha the other times we spoke too, you know p>
“Well, yes, but most conversations we had, there were others present,” Annabeth admitted. “It was never just the two of us, and that made me less nervous p>
Orion huffed a laugh at that.
“Fair enough p>
They walked a few more steps in silence before Orion spoke again.
“Did you want to speak with me regarding Josiah p>
Annabeth was quiet for a moment, her gaze dropping to the floor. She sighed, shaking her head.
“It’s not just that. There are other things I want to ask you. But regarding Josiah She trailed off, shaking her head again. “I did not expect it. I’m sorry something like this actually happened p>
Orion waited, letting her gather her thoughts.
“I never thought I’d bring a traitor to the pack,” she continued, her voice heavy with guilt. “I should have done a better job. I should have seen the signs. I should have p>
“Stop,” Orion said gently. “You couldn’t have known p>
Annabeth shook her head, but she didn’t argue. She stopped walking, and Orion stopped with her.
She took a breath, then met his gaze directly.
“Please help Josiah p>
Orion’s brow furrowed slightly.
Annabeth continued, her voice earnest.
“I know he’s a traitor. I also know that if not for Sophia’s gift, the outcome could have been worse. People could have been hurt because Josiah was in contact with Victoria. But I still hope that you don’t discard him. That you don’t treat him with contempt p>
She shook her head, struggling to find the right words.
“What I’m trying to say is—please get to the bottom of it. It’s disappointing and heartbreaking that Josiah, of all people, was a traitor. But I’m asking you to treat him as a prisoner, yes, but also with care p>
Orion was quiet for a long moment, studying her face. Then he nodded slowly.
“I can’t promise to treat Josiah with care,” he said honestly. “But I can promise to try my best p>
Annabeth let out a breath, relief flickering across her features.
“And I understand you too,” Orion added. “As much as I hate to admit it, Josiah is quite… pitiful. He’s being used by Victoria—I’m certain of it. She preyed on his grief and his love for his family. That doesn’t excuse what he did, but yes, it explains it p>
Annabeth nodded, her throat tight.
Orion tilted his head.
“What’s the other thing you wanted to ask me p>
Annabeth straightened, her expression shifting.
“Can I join the fight p>
Orion frowned slightly.
“You mean the war? As a warrior p>
Annabeth nodded.
“Yes p>
Orion studied her.
“Weren’t you training to be a healer p>
“I took permission from Lysander,” she said quickly. “I’ll resume my training after the war. But during the battle, I wouldn’t be much help as a trainee. I can be more useful fighting p>
She paused, her voice softening.
“I may not be the best fighter, but I can do something. I can help p>
Orion was quiet for a moment, considering her words. Then he shook his head slowly.
“Honestly, I’m not in charge of the warriors. I understand why you came to me, but you’ll have to meet with Brynhild. She’s the one who will determine if you join or not p>
Annabeth nodded, accepting that.
“And if she does accept you,” Orion continued, “you should know that you’ll have to join the training. And it will be brutal. Those in charge, especially Brynhild, do not go easy on anyone p>
Annabeth met his gaze steadily.
“I know that. I saw her with the others earlier today p>
Orion studied her for a moment longer, then nodded.
“Well, if you know and are still insistent on joining, then by all means, meet with Brynhild p>
Annabeth smiled, relief flooding her features.
“Thank you p>
“There’s no need to thank me. You’re fighting with us, and you’ve not been accepted yet,” he told her.
“I know, but still, thank you for hearing me out,” she told him.
She paused, then added,
“I’ll also tell my people to join. This war isn’t just for the Nightshade Pack. It’s for all of us. Victoria won’t stop until she’s destroyed everything. We all have to fight p>
Orion nodded slowly.
“Most have joined already. I’m certain that’s your doing, but if there are any others that can still join us… then speak with them. I’ll… we will appreciate that p>
Annabeth smiled at that, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Orion knew the issue with Josiah was weighing on her shoulders.
She turned to leave when he called out.
“Annabeth p>
“Yes?” she asked him.
“Give my idiot brother a chance when this is over,” he told her.
He didn’t need to call names. She knew exactly who he was speaking about.
She didn’t reply, but instead her steps quickened as she walked away.