Chapter 80. Unraveling Truths

Dylan’s POV

The coldness in Avery’s eyes was like a physical barrier, a wall I couldn’t seem to penetrate. Every word I uttered seemed to dig the chasm between us deeper. She was right, of course.

My explanations sounded hollow, even to my own ears. How could I expect her to understand the machinations of pack politics, the brutal dance of power, when all she felt was the searing pain of loss?

She turned to leave, her back rigid, every line of her body screaming rejection. I couldn’t let her go. Not like this. Not again. A wave of panic surged through me, a primal fear of losing her, of her slipping away forever. I lunged forward, my hand instinctively grasping hers.

“Avery, wait,” I pleaded, my voice rough with desperation.

Her hand tensed in mine, her fingers rigid. She didn’t turn, but I could feel the tremor running through her, a fragile vulnerability beneath the hardened exterior. “Let me go, Dylan,” she said, her voice low and dangerous.