Chapter 711: Finding Their Place

Everyone present fixed their gaze on Annabeth. She waited until she was certain every eye was on her before she continued.

"We have been in this pack for some time now," she said. "And I know it’s not too long, but it is long enough to know what kind of place this is."

She paused, letting her gaze sweep across the gathered members. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Honestly, if no one is making plans to leave—and from the looks of it, no one is—then I must suggest that we try to get along with the pack members. And I don’t mean just coexisting, but actually working with them."

"Just like Felicia plans to meet with those at the medical facility," Annabeth continued, "the rest of you should try to do the same. Find a department. Offer your skills, and don’t even deny that you have skills because I know you do... we do. And don’t just offer your skills, learn from them too."

She gestured broadly toward the compound around them.

"The Nightshade Pack is organized. Even more organized than our pack ever was, even before Victoria began her attacks. They have departments for almost everything. Healing, smithing, carpentry, hunting, guarding, weather, record keeping, beautification—you name it, they have a place for it."

A few people exchanged glances.

"So instead of isolating yourselves," Annabeth said, "instead of sitting in your homes waiting for something to happen, go out and do something. Involve yourselves. Let them see that we are not burdens. Let them see that we are willing to contribute."

She stepped closer to the group, her voice softening but not losing its edge.

"The best way to show that we are appreciative—for the shelter, for the food, for the safety—is to work with them. Not separate from them. Not above them. But beside them."

Josiah shifted his weight, his arms still crossed, but his expression had changed. The hard line of his jaw had softened just slightly.

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. It was quiet at first, then grew as more voices joined in.

---

Meanwhile, at another part of the pack compound, Tobias walked with Sam toward a home.

Sam had insisted on not coming with him because this was something that Tobias had to do on his own. She did not need to be involved.

But Tobias had been persistent—insistent, even—and ever since she had agreed to officially be his partner, he had been around her any chance he got.

And honestly, she enjoyed the attention he gave her. She had thought people would talk, but to her surprise, they had not talked as much as she had feared. Perhaps that was because the pack had been consumed by the drama surrounding Sophia. The revelation about Victoria’s daughter had overshadowed almost everything else.

Tobias stopped in front of a home. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the windows glowed with warm light from within.

"Here we are," he said.

Sam raised a brow, but before she could even say anything, the door swung open and a small body launched itself at Tobias.

"Owl!"

Tarin wrapped his arms around Tobias’s legs, his face split in a wide grin. Tobias laughed, bending down to ruffle the boy’s hair.

"How are you?" Tobias asked him.

Tarin beamed. "I am fine. Maya says I eat too much, but I am fine."

From inside the house, a girl’s voice called out.

"That is because you do eat too much!"

Maya appeared in the doorway, her hair pulled back in a messy braid. She smiled when she saw Tobias, and he reached down to scoop her up.

"Owl!" she squealed. "Put me down!"

"Not until you say please."

"Please!"

Tobias laughed and set her down gently. Maya immediately darted past him and stopped in front of Sam, her eyes wide.

"You are pretty," Maya said.

Sam blinked, caught off guard. "Thank you. You are pretty too."

Tarin snorted. "That is a lie. Maya is not pretty."

Maya whirled around. "What did you say?"

"I said you are not pretty!"

"You take that back!"

"Never!"

Maya lunged at him, and Tarin took off running around the house, laughing as she chased him. Their voices faded into the back room, leaving a trail of giggles and shouted insults in their wake.

Tobias shook his head, still smiling.

Jarek stepped out from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a cloth. He was dressed simply, in a tunic and trousers, his feet bare against the floor. His eyes were filled with warmth, and he had a small smile on his face too.

He bowed his head when he saw Tobias.

Tobias waved him off immediately. "Please do not bow to me. We are not in the black market. And besides, I am not Orion. I do not need people bowing to me."

Jarek chuckled, straightening.

Tobias glanced at Sam, then back at Jarek.

"Can we come in? I have something to ask you."

Jarek nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. "Of course. You can ask me anything."

Tobias stepped inside first, then turned to take Sam’s cloak from her shoulders. She gave him a look but said nothing, allowing him to hang it on a hook near the door.

Jarek led them to a wooden table near the hearth and pulled out two chairs. Tobias sat, and Sam sat beside him. Jarek took the seat across from them, folding his hands on the table.

"So," Jarek said, "what do you want to ask me?"

Tobias leaned back slightly, his expression shifting from casual to thoughtful.

"Rather than ask," he said, "I need your help."

Jarek nodded without hesitation. "I will do anything. You know that."

Tobias did not address the statement. Instead, he met Jarek’s gaze and asked,

"What do you know about the faction that does not worship the Moon Goddess?"

The room went quiet at that. The only sound that could be heard was that of Tarin and Maya as they ran around the house.

Jarek stared at Tobias. He had not been expecting the question at all.