Chapter 58. Bound by Duty

Avery’s POV

I stood amidst the wreckage of what was once my home, the weight of the past six months pressing heavily on my shoulders. The aftermath of the battle had left scars deeper than the physical wounds—homes were reduced to rubble, the smell of blood still lingered in the air, and the people of the Golden Ridge Pack wandered through the destruction, their expressions hollow. It would take years to rebuild, but even so, I could not turn my back on them now.

Julian’s voice was soft yet insistent. “Come with me, Avery. You don’t owe them anything.” He said.

I turned to face him. His golden eyes held sincerity, and for a moment, I was tempted. Something about him drew me in, and I knew I would be safe with him, I would be free from the chains of my past, able to start anew. But freedom at the cost of abandoning my people? I couldn’t do it.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Julian,” I said, my voice steady. “But this is my Pack. My respons