Chapter 338: Promises Made in Falling Snow

Chapter 337: Promises Made in Falling Snow

While Sophia and Eldric were making their way to the shrine, Orion was in the office.

He was making preparations with Garron and some others regarding the placement test that was coming up. He hoped Sophia had taken the herbs he had asked her to get from Rita.

He knew her bones would ache from how brutal the training had been, but he had to do it. The Forest of Nirvana wasn’t friendly to anyone. It was extremely dangerous, and with the increased sightings of rare beasts normally found in the deepest parts, he had to make sure she walked in there strong—strong enough to stand her ground.

After the meeting, he sent Garrett to call for Micah. Garrett didn’t waste any time and left the office immediately. Once he did, Orion was left alone with his thoughts and the same unsettling feeling that had plagued him for a month now. Although the reason for the feeling... he didn’t know.

Micah was halfway through cleaning one of his axes when Garrett found him. They had just finished eating moments ago, and Micah was about to take a rest after finishing up when Garrett approached him.

"Alpha Orion wants to see you," Garrett said simply.

Micah’s stomach dropped.

Now?

His hands went clammy almost instantly, sweat breaking out along his spine despite the cold. His mind spiraled, leaping straight to the worst possible conclusion.

Sophia.

The medical facility.

The confession.

His chest tightened.

"Did he... say why?" Micah asked, trying—and failing—to sound casual.

Garrett shook his head. "I’m not really privy to Alpha Orion’s thoughts. If I could read his mind half the time while we work, maybe my job would be easier. He didn’t tell me why—he just said I should get you."

That did nothing to help. At all.

Micah wiped his hands on his pants, set his axes aside, and followed Garrett through the compound, every step feeling heavier than the last.

By the time they reached Orion’s office, Micah’s thoughts were a tangled mess. He replayed that moment in the medical facility over and over—every word he’d said to Sophia, every line he might have crossed.

He swallowed hard and stepped inside.

Orion looked up.

"You’re here," he said.

Micah nodded stiffly. "Yes, Alpha."

Orion stood from behind the desk, tall and imposing even when he wasn’t trying to be. "Garrett, just give me a moment. I’ll be right back, and we can continue with what we were doing."

Garrett was so shocked that Orion had even said anything about coming back to work that the only thing he could do was nod.

Orion turned to Micah and gestured toward the door. "Walk with me."

Micah’s throat went dry. "Of course."

They stepped outside into the compound, snow falling in slow, lazy drifts around them. The cold air bit at Micah’s cheeks, but he barely felt it.

They walked in silence for several moments before Micah couldn’t take it anymore.

"If this is about what happened with Sophia," he blurted out, words tumbling over each other, "you don’t need to worry. I’m not going to pursue her. She made it clear she isn’t interested in me, and I respect that. I swear, I wouldn’t—"

Orion stopped walking.

Micah halted immediately, heart hammering.

Then Orion chuckled.

It was soft, almost amused.

Micah blinked in shock.

"That’s not why I called you," Orion said, turning to look at him fully.

Micah stared, stunned. "It’s... not?"

"No."

Relief hit him so fast it nearly made his knees buckle.

They resumed walking, heading toward a quieter section of the compound where only a few people passed by.

"During the placement test," Orion said calmly, "I’ll be staying behind in the pack, waiting for you all to come back. There will be instructors in the forest, of course, but I won’t be out there."

Micah frowned slightly. "Okay...?"

He didn’t understand why Orion was telling him this.

Orion stopped again, this time in a secluded clearing where snow-covered stone benches sat unused.

"I know you are the best trainee in the pack right now," Orion said plainly.

Micah stiffened. "I—"

"I’m not asking for false humility," Orion cut in. "I’ve seen the reports. I’ve watched you train. You’re the best fighter among the trainees. You’ve improved a great deal too."

Micah didn’t know what to say to that. His mouth opened, then closed.

"I don’t know if you’ll be in the same group as Sophia," Orion continued. "The placements aren’t finalized. But I want you to promise me something."

Micah’s chest tightened again. "What is it?"

Orion met his gaze squarely. "Help me ensure that Sophia remains safe during the test."

The words landed heavier than Micah expected.

"She isn’t supposed to be taking the test," Orion went on. "Not truly. To the rest of you, it’s about measuring your progress and getting into the positions you’ve dreamed of for so long. But for Sophia, it’s about measuring her improvement. About seeing if she can protect herself if something goes wrong."

Micah hesitated. "I don’t mean to be rude, but Sophia is more than capable of taking care of herself."

Orion nodded. "I know that."

They stood facing each other, snow settling on their shoulders.

"But anything can happen out there," Orion said quietly. "And I don’t want another situation where she ends up in the medical facility for a week."

Micah’s expression softened. "I understand."

"Then promise me," Orion said. "Promise me she’ll be safe."

Micah didn’t answer immediately.

Then he nodded once, firm. "I promise."

He paused, then added, "But why come to me? Especially after... everything."

Orion laughed, sharp and unbothered. "You confessed, yes. But you don’t stand a chance."

Micah winced despite himself.

"And more importantly," Orion continued, "I know you. You take the role of protector seriously when it comes to your friends. That’s why I came to you. I know you’ll make sure she’s safe."

Micah nodded. "I will. You don’t even need to ask. I promise to ensure the safety of all my friends." He met Orion’s eyes. "Sophia included."

Orion studied him for a long moment, then gave a small, genuine smile.

"Good."

He stepped closer and placed a hand briefly on Micah’s shoulder. "I’m still a bit mad that you had the guts to confess to my mate," he added lightly, "but I won’t hold it against you."

Micah blinked. "You... won’t?"

"No," Orion said, already turning away. "Just don’t make me regret it."

With that, he walked back toward the office, leaving Micah standing alone in the falling snow.

Micah didn’t move for a long time.

He stared at the spot where Orion had stood, heart pounding—not with fear this time, but with something heavier.