Chapter 13 - Passing the Torch
With the past fully addressed and peace restored to the valley, Bennett felt a deep sense of completion. His role had not been to fight Jax’s battles, but to stand as a guardian until the family could stand on its own feet.
One evening, Bennett met Jax at the edge of the property overlooking the river. The water flowed steadily over smooth stones, reflecting the moonlight above.
"I owe you my life, Bennett," Jax said quietly, looking out over the water. "And Toby’s future."
"You don't owe me anything, Jax," Bennett replied, leaning against the wooden post. "You did the hard work. You chose to stay when running would have been easier."
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"It wasn't easier," Jax corrected softly. "Running was killing me slowly. Staying brought me back to life."
They shared a quiet moment of mutual respect—two men who understood the weight of responsibility and the price of peace.
