Weight of Purpose

Orion held Kairen’s gaze for a long moment, letting the silence stretch between them. The cold wind swept across the field, rustling the snow around their feet, but neither of them moved. The only sounds were the distant murmur of the pack and the soft whisper of snow shifting in the breeze.

“If you think fighting is the only way to be useful,” Orion said finally, his voice steady and calm, “then you’re wrong.”

Kairen nodded.

“Given what plans Sophia has for us, you have a use. A very important one. And I’d rather you do it well than not do it at all.” Orion paused, letting the words sink in. “Though if you still want to fight, you’re welcome to join. Just know that your work with the plant is just as valuable as anything you’d do on the battlefield.”

Kairen swallowed, his throat dry.

His work was valuable.

He didn’t need to be involved in fighting.

He straightened his shoulders, a new resolve forming in his chest. He would prove that he was worthy of this chance. He would do everything he could to help this pack, to show them that their trust was not misplaced.

“I’ll focus on the plant,” he said, his voice firm and steady. “I’ll do my task well. After all, like you said, it’s better to do what I can do well than nothing at all.”

Orion studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. There was something in his gaze that looked almost like approval.

“That’s all we ask.”

Kairen turned to Sophia then, his expression softening.

“I’ll do my role well,” he said.

Then he hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment before lifting again.

“And… I’m sorry for everything you went through.”

Sophia frowned, confusion flickering across her face.

“What do you mean?”

Kairen’s jaw tightened.

“Being Victoria’s daughter must have been difficult. I know my apology doesn’t hold any weight, but still… I’m sorry.”

Sophia was quiet for a moment, his words settling into her chest.

For some reason, this apology felt different.

Perhaps because it came from someone who understood, someone who had also been a victim of Victoria’s cruelty.

Then she smiled, a small, genuine expression that reached her eyes.

“I appreciate the gesture,” she said softly. “And… thank you for all the help you’re giving us.”

Kairen nodded, a hint of relief crossing his face.

He had not expected forgiveness, but this…

This was enough.

Sophia turned and walked away, Orion falling into step beside her.

He moved to support her, his hand hovering near her elbow, but she shook her head.

“I’ll cope,” she said, though her voice carried a hint of exhaustion.

Orion raised an eyebrow.

“You sure? You look like you’re about to collapse.”

Sophia grumbled under her breath.

“Brynhild didn’t even go easy on me.”

Orion chuckled.

“You knew she wouldn’t. You walked into that training knowing exactly what you were getting into.”

Sophia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.

“I knew. I just… I can’t even lie, I knew it was going to be this brutal.”

They walked in silence for a few steps, their boots crunching against the snow. The compound was quiet around them, the distant sounds of the pack fading into the background.

She paused, her steps slowing.

The weight of the day pressed down on her, the exhaustion finally catching up.

“I’m still not good enough.”

Orion stopped walking and turned to face her.

His expression was serious, but there was no cruelty in his eyes.

Only honesty.

“That’s true,” he said simply.

Sophia’s head snapped up, her eyes widening.

Without thinking, she punched him in the stomach.

Orion let out a pained sound, doubling over slightly.

“What was that for?”

“You’re supposed to comfort me, you oaf!”

Orion straightened, a grin spreading across his face.

“I was speaking the truth. You’re not good enough yet. But you’re better than you were before.”

Sophia glared at him, but there was no heat in it.

She knew he was right.

She knew she still had so much to learn, so much to improve.

“You injured Brynhild,” Orion continued, his voice softening. “Even if it was just a little, you managed to draw blood. Do you know how many people can say that?”

Sophia was quiet, her gaze dropping to the snow.

“Not many,” Orion answered for her. “And I must say, I’m proud of you for doing so. Brynhild is strong—extremely strong. But you did your best to stand against her. You didn’t back down. You didn’t give up.”

Sophia looked up, her eyes searching his.

“But it’s not enough for what’s coming.”

Orion stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

He reached out and placed a soft kiss on her hair, his lips lingering for just a moment.

“You’re not fighting alone, shorty,” he murmured against her hair. “And honestly, there’s only so much one can do in such a limited time. There’s only so much one can do to get stronger. But there are people around you. You’re not fighting alone.”

Sophia leaned into him, her eyes closing for a brief moment.

“I know. I just… I want to be able to protect everyone.”

“And you will,” Orion said. “But you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve told you before, but I’ll say it again. Use me, shorty.”

Before she could respond, he bent down and scooped her into his arms.

Sophia laughed, the sound bright and genuine.

“I suspected you were going to do that.”

Orion chuckled, adjusting his grip on her.

“You need to prepare for tomorrow, and I’d rather you get some rest. You can’t do that if you’re walking around exhausted.”

Sophia didn’t argue.

She relaxed into his arms, her head resting against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing her.

“You are the one doing all the work tomorrow though—you and Noctis,” she told him.

“True, but still, you have to be well-rested. Josiah collapsed yesterday and honestly… I just want you to be well-rested,” he told her.

Sophia chuckled, then leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips.

“Now, shorty,” he groaned. “That was way too short.”

Sophia only beamed in reply.