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."

Then he turned to face the window, watching the Coldfang banner fluttering fiercely in the wind. "Didn't you say you loved singing? Then go sing."

And with that, he walked out of the study without looking back.

Avery stood there frozen, still holding the training schedule they'd just finalized. The sunset filtered through. the window, casting a golden glow across his face- warm and almost unreal. He really... accepted it?

His heart jolted like something had burst inside it, pure elation flooding through his veins. He nearly laughed aloud.

The sleepless nights of doubt, the meticulous breakdown of Scarface's records, the tense moments under his father's cold stare... all of it melted into a rushing wave of relief.noveldrama

He looked down at his palm-the callus from years of gripping a 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 -rhythm.

"Dad..." he whispered to the empty room, voice trembling with emotion.

So this is what it feels like to break free... like a caged wolf catching the scent of open plains.

He practically ran out of Coldfang Mercenaries' base, fingers flying across his phone screen as he typed a message-only realizing after hitting send that his hands were still shaking: "Tessa, meet me. I've got goo

news."

They met at a café near the medical university. The moment Avery sat down, he slapped the training schedule onto the table, eyes sparkling.

"It's done! My dad... he really let me go!"

Chapter 539 Back to the Beat

He retold everything from the study, and when he reached the part where Xavier sald, Go do 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 to admit it."

Tessa paused mid-stir with her coffee, then looked up with a soft smile. "Told you-no knot that can't be

untied."

"It's all because of you," Avery said, eyes serious, like he was making a vow. "If you hadn't found those crystals, if you hadn't pushed me to track Scarface's results..."

"Stop." Tessa cut him off with a grin. "No need for thank-yous. I just want you back in Avery Band. That's where you belong."

"Tessa..." Avery's voice caught.

Even now, all she thought about was his dream.

"Steven and the others are still waiting at the villa," she said, nudging his coffee cup closer. "Don't keep them hanging. Of course, if you've changed your mind, that's up to you. No one's going to force you."

"I'm going back," he said, without hesitation.

He once thought that farewell concert was the end-but now, more than ever, he knew: Avery Band wasn't just a memory. It was something etched into his bones. “That's more like it.” Tessa smiled with her eyes. "Come on. Want me to go with you?"

"Yeah.” Avery stood up, but paused halfway and scratched his head awkwardly. "Actually... I was just thinking on the way here-will people say we're just doing this for attention? Like, we disbanded and now we're 'getting back together..."

"Who cares what they say?" Tessa slung her bag over her shoulder with a shrug. "You're Avery Band-not the 'Fan Opinion Task Force.""

Avery stared at her walking ahead-and suddenly burst out laughing.

Yeah... what was there to be afraid of?

As long as the five of them were still here, what did it matter what anyone else

thought?

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