Chapter 219: The Small Things

The soft slosh of water was the only sound that filled the quiet room. The steam rose gently from the tub, blurring the edges of the small brick walls and catching the light that spilled through the half-open window.

Orion’s hand stilled on the rim of the tub as he realized Sophia had stopped responding to him. He leaned slightly, studying her face. Her long lashes framed her cheeks, and her breathing was slow and deep, her head tilted slightly against the wooden rim.

A faint smile curved Orion’s lips.

"So tired you couldn’t even make it to bed, huh?" he murmured, his voice low and threaded with amusement.

He wasn’t even surprised that she fell asleep before he was done bathing her. She had pushed herself to the point of exhaustion, after all.

He reached for a clean towel hanging nearby, still warm from being close to the hearth. He crouched beside her, careful not to wake her as he slipped his arms under her. Her head fell gently against his chest, damp hair brushing his neck.

"You’re hopeless," he whispered, wrapping the towel around her.

She stirred faintly, muttering something against his collarbone. He tried to make sense of what she was saying, but it was just mumbles. Nothing that made sense.

"Who are you arguing with? What are you dreaming about?" he asked her.

Her only response was a small, soft snore.

Orion paused, his brows lifting slightly. Sophia never snored.

That alone told him how tired she truly was.

Still smiling faintly, he carried her out of the washroom and into the main part of the small house. The morning sunlight slipped through the narrow window, painting the room in soft gold. The scent of smoke and damp soap hung in the air.

He set her gently down on the bed and grabbed the folded clothes sitting neatly on the stool. But as he reached to help her dress, she stirred again.

Her eyes cracked open just a little, still hazy with exhaustion. She blinked at him, confused, then frowned faintly.

"Wh—what’re you doing?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Getting you dressed," Orion said simply, holding up the tunic.

She squinted, still half asleep. "I can dress myself, you ogre," she said, pushing him away but making no attempt to take the tunic from him. Instead, she made herself comfortable on the bed.

Orion rushed and held her back. He adjusted her, and she opened her eyes again, squinting at him.

"You are an ogre," she said sleepily.

Orion chuckled. "At least I know you are dreaming about me and cursing me out too, it seems."

Her eyes closed as she went back to sleep, not before calling him an annoying ogre once more.

Orion barked out a quiet laugh. "Still mouthy," he muttered. "Even when you can barely keep your eyes open."

He placed the tunic over her to make sure she was warm, then laid her softly on the bed against the pillow.

He adjusted the blanket, and she sighed softly and reached out to him, her hand brushing against his arm. She inhaled deeply, his scent and the warmth of him, and then let out a small, content sound before drifting back into sleep.

The chuckle that left him this time was softer, gentler. He brushed a few damp strands of hair from her forehead and tucked the blanket firmly around her.

He turned toward the hearth next, crouching to make sure the fire stayed alive. He added two more small logs, watching the flames curl upward and fill the little house with warmth. The faint morning breeze slipped in through the window, carrying the sounds of distant voices—the chatter of pack members.

When he was sure the fire would hold, he stood, letting his eyes drift over her one last time. Her hair fanned across the pillow, her breathing slow and even. The stubborn set of her brow had eased at last.

He allowed himself one small smile before heading for the door. He paused, making sure to check if there was anyone nearby before crossing to his own home.

He peeled off his damp clothes and reached for a fresh tunic, still half-thinking about the sight of Sophia curled up and snoring quietly.

He had just finished pulling the tunic over his head when a knock sounded on his door.

Orion frowned. "Already?"

He knew who was at the door, and it was like the boy planned it, which he knew wasn’t true anyway.

"Good morning, Alpha Orion," Garrett said in greeting. "I... I wasn’t sure if... I mean, there’s work to do, and you were not at the training grounds and..."

Orion chuckled lightly. "Garrett, I’m not running from work. You don’t need to explain to me why you are here."

"Right," Garrett said nervously.

Orion grabbed his cloak and made his way out of his home.

They began walking toward the office. The scent of freshly baked bread drifted from the dining hall nearby, mingling with the cool air. The pack was already busy; everyone had a job to do.

They were nearly at the office when Orion slowed, glancing toward the dining hall as a few pack members stepped out with trays and steaming bowls.

And suddenly, it hit him.

He hadn’t left anything for Sophia to eat when she woke up.

He muttered a curse under his breath.

Garrett looked at him, confused. "Is something wrong?"

Orion shook his head. "No. Just—" He stopped himself and adjusted his tone. "Can you do something for me?" he asked him.

"Yes, sir!"

"No need to be so eager," Orion said with a laugh. "Go to the kitchen and meet with the cook. Ask her if she can prepare porridge for me. I suddenly have a craving."

"Do I... do you want it now?" Garrett asked him.

"No," Orion shook his head. "Tell her I’ll come for it later."

He was sure when Sophia woke up that she would be hungry, so he was going to make sure she had something to eat when she did. And given how easily she had fallen into a deep sleep, he doubted she’d wake up anytime soon.

"Okay," Garrett said as he made his way to the kitchen, while Orion made his way to the office—to a bunch of work that always seemed to increase and never reduce.