Chapter 56. The People She Never Wanted to See Again

ASTRID

We finally left Atlas's pack. Most of the people I had become friends with came out to send me on my way. They looked emotional and were reluctant to let me go.

The only person who didn't come out was Atlas himself, and I could understand why. He was hurt and maybe angry that I'd decided to follow Magnus home. I wouldn't have believed he'd go so far as to keep me in his pack until he and Magnus had fought.

It was better that I left, even if it hurt his feelings. I knew very well how kind Atlas had been to me when I was lost and helpless. He took me in, cared for me and gave me a home. I found something I'd never known in his pack: true acceptance and love.

It was addicting, which was why I didn't want to go in the first place. Every day, I craved more and more of it. I feared leaving Atlas' pack would end that feeling because I didn't think I fit in anywhere else. Yet, I had to trust Magnus.

As we walked on, I glanced at Magnus.