Chapter 134

** Ryder’s POV ** The quiet after everyone leaves feels heavier than it should. The rain outside has slowed to a drizzle, barely making a sound against the windows. Outside, I can hear the buzz of pack life returning to normal. It’s strange how the world keeps moving when you’ve just balanced on the edge of death. That’s the truth of it, though. If I’d died last night, the pack would have mourned, maybe lit a fire in my name, shared stories for a week or two. Then life would’ve gone on. Patrols would still run. The moon would still rise. The world wouldn’t stop spinning just because I wasn’t in it. The thought hits harder than I expect. It’s humbling, and it’s terrifying. I’m not untouchable, no matter how much I’ve tried to pretend otherwise. One stupid mistake, and I almost left everything that mattered behind. My brother. My friends. My mate. My son. All because I got careless. I thought I was strong enough to handle anything. The guilt sinks in deep. I should’ve known better. I sho