Fell for the Alpha-less Queen

Chapter 539 Back to the Beat

At the same time, the energy crystals Tessa had sent began making their mark.

Xavier spent three full days and nights locked inside the formation simulation chamber, working with those shimmering, ice-blue stones.

When the modified Coldfang formations showed a 30% improvement in simulated battle outcomes, he found himself staring at the crystals-watching the energy swirling inside-and suddenly, he remembered a much younger Avery, cradling a guitar, humming and strumming with a look of pure joy. Those fingers... they were never meant to carry the scent of blood.

That evening, just as Avery and Scarface finalized next month's training plan, Xavier summoned his son to the study.

"Tessa was right," Xavier said, his voice lacking its usual steel. "The Coldfang Mercenaries don't need you to inherit. You really are better suited to music."

He looked at his son, a rare softness in his tone. "It was always something you never wanted. That wasn't fair."

me

-forcing this on you, dragging you into

Avery opened his mouth to speak, but Xavier raised a hand to stop him.

"Go," he said simply. "Go do what you love."

face the window, watching the Coldfang banner fluttering fiercely in the wind.

he walked out

still holding the training schedule they'd just finalized. The sunset filtered through. the window, casting a golden

inside it, pure elation flooding

Scarface's records, the tense moments under his father's

wolf-bone dagger was still there-but now, his fingers twitched as if they'd just brushed against familiar guitar strings, his heartbeat bouncing along in

he whispered to the empty

feels like to break free...

fingers flying across his phone screen as he typed a message-only realizing after hitting send that his hands were still shaking:

news."

at a café near the medical university. The moment Avery sat

dad... he really

Back to the

what you I his throat tightened and his Adam's apple bobbed hard. "Scarface's been officially promoted to deputy, commander. When my dad listened to his report today, he couldn't even keep a straight face - you were right. He knew all along who was better suited... he just didn't want

paused mid-stir with her coffee, then looked up with

untied."

a vow. "If you hadn't found those crystals, if you hadn't pushed me

cut him off with a grin. "No need for thank-yous. I just want you back in Avery