Chapter 30. Chaos

Avery’s POV

The hospital was still standing, though just barely. The once-pristine white walls were stained with grime and streaks of red, and the air reeked of antiseptic mingled with the metallic tang of blood. People rushed past me, their faces pale and drawn, clutching makeshift bandages or supporting loved ones. The chaos was overwhelming, a stark reminder of how far the Golden Ridge Pack had fallen.

My heart pounded as I weaved through the crowded hallways, scanning the worn faces for someone familiar. Charles had always been here, healing the wounded, using his skills to save lives. Surely, he’d still be here—where else would he go?

“Excuse me,” I asked a nurse, her uniform splattered with blood. “I’m looking for Charles.”

She barely glanced at me, her focus on stabilizing the bandage of a limping man. “Haven’t seen him in days,” she muttered. “Might’ve left when the worst of it started.”

Left? Charles wouldn’t leave, not unless something