Chapter 714: Preparations and New Beginnings

Chapter 713: Preparations and New Beginnings

Ronan and Orion were in the office now. Ronan had settled into the chair across from the desk while Orion sat behind the desk, his fingers drumming lightly against the wood.

"Brynhild is with Kevin, Gregory, and Ethan," Ronan said. "They’re making plans for the war. Brynhild said she’d come report to us when they’re done."

Orion nodded, his drumming fingers slowing.

"These plans... do they involve continuous sparring or going into Nirvana to fight beasts?"

Ronan shrugged.

"She didn’t say. Though I suspect it may involve both, and given the situation, we need enough manpower."

Orion nodded at that.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea, and maybe that would even help reduce the number of beasts in Nirvana before the war occurred.

"And also, Lysander said he’s going to have a meeting with the healers," Ronan added. "He wants to push up the tests... I’m certain you understand why."

Orion nodded again. They would need enough healers for what was to come. He could risk injuries and exhaustion for his people, but he was not going to let anyone die, and if the healers could help prevent that, then it would be highly appreciated.

Ronan nodded.

"Also, we need to inform the Silver Creek members and the ones from the black market about the census. The one we talked about. To keep track of everyone."

"I know that."

Orion paused, then gave Ronan a look.

"Are you bringing this up so you have an opportunity to speak with Annabeth?" he asked.

Ronan smiled at that.

"You really know me so well, brother."

Then he added, almost as an afterthought,

"Construction on the new houses is already underway too. I think before the end of next week we’ll be able to get at least four ready for some members to move into."

"And hopefully those houses stand upright even after the war," Orion added.

The office fell quiet for a moment.

Then Ronan leaned forward, his grin fading into something more curious.

"What did you and Sophia go do anyway? Her hair was wet when you came back. And I saw a few white strands."

Orion sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

"We went to the beauticians. Olga insisted on taking her there."

"For her hair?"

"Yeah. They tried to get the dye out. But, um... yeah, it didn’t work. Like you saw, only a few strands changed. Most of it is still black."

Ronan frowned.

"So what now?"

Orion dropped his hand.

"Sophia’s going to meet with Madam Tyler. We think it might be related to black magic."

Ronan groaned, throwing his head back against the chair.

"Of course it is. Victoria might as well change her name to Black Magic at this point. Everything she touches is rooted in it."

Orion didn’t disagree with that.

"I’m wondering... that faction Tobias spoke of, the ones that do not worship the goddess... what if Victoria is a part of them?" he asked.

Ronan was quiet at that.

Before he could reply, Tobias opened the door.

Ronan looked at Tobias dryly.

"And my baby brother may have forgotten his manners," he said. "You do know one knocks before entering, right?"

Tobias rolled his eyes.

"I’m very certain you both knew I was heading this way from even a mile away. And besides, why should I knock when I’m here to see my older brothers?"

He dropped into the chair next to Ronan, opposite Orion.

Ronan rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything.

"I just finished talking with Jarek," Tobias informed them.

Orion leaned back.

"About?"

"We have a name for the faction that doesn’t worship the goddess."

Ronan straightened.

"What is it?"

"The Black Circle," Tobias said.

Orion’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes sharpened. Ronan let out a low whistle.

"The Black Circle," Ronan repeated. "Sounds dramatic."

"They’ve been around a long time," Tobias said. "Maybe even before any of us were born. They’ve got elders too. People who make decisions. Jarek heard a rumor that one of them belonged to the Duskveil Pack, but he doesn’t know if it’s true. Jarek did say, contrary to what I thought, they are not quiet. They do rituals, collecting children, animals, and whatever they can without permission."

Ronan’s jaw tightened.

"And the Enclave never did anything about them?"

Tobias shrugged.

"The Enclave is... well, the Enclave. But that’s not why I’m here. I may need help, depending on the circumstances."

Orion nodded.

"That’s not an issue. Any assistance you want, you’ll get."

---

Meanwhile, Annabeth and Felicia walked through the snow toward the medical facility. The path had been cleared earlier, but fresh flakes were already starting to settle. Felicia pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

"You don’t have to come with me," Felicia said.

"I’m going for myself and not for you," Annabeth said to her.

Felicia smiled.

"You finally want to pursue your dream?"

Annabeth nodded.

"It’s time I did so," she said softly.

The medical facility was warm when they stepped inside. The smell of herbs hit them immediately.

Lysander was standing near a table covered in jars and bundles of dried plants, speaking with Marta. They both turned when they heard the door open.

Lysander’s brow furrowed.

"Is something the matter?"

Felicia shook her head quickly.

"No. Nothing’s wrong."

Lysander’s gaze shifted to Felicia. Marta watched quietly from beside him.

Felicia swallowed, then spoke.

"I was wondering if it would be possible to work with you. Here. I’m a healer, and I don’t want to just sit around doing nothing. I want to help."

The room was quiet for a moment.

Then Lysander’s frown eased. He looked at Marta, then back at Felicia.

"And you?" Marta asked Annabeth.

"I want to learn," she said.

Lysander stared at her in shock.

"You want to be a trainee?"

She nodded.

"Is that an issue?" she asked him.

Lysander shook his head.

"Not really. I just didn’t think you’d be interested in learning about healing, that’s all."