Ch. 191..195: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 191-195

Chapter 191: Love Confession

Astrid's POV

I watched as the range of emotions flickered across Drystan's face - the initial disbelief, the growing anguish, and now, the most unexpected response of all - understanding.

I thought he would hate me for breaking my promise. No reason can justify my betrayal. Drystan had asked me many times before this if I was really sure about my decision to stay at the Nightsong Pack with him, and I had always given him the same answer. I had lied to him many times. Drystan had always been so kind to me; he always had my back no matter what, and I chose to do this in return.

"I understand, Astrid," he murmured, his voice soft and steady. "You do not have to blame yourself. I know this has been hard on you," he continued, his words wrapping me like a warm embrace.

I was speechless. What have I done to deserve him?

"You don't have to hide anything from me. I'm always here for you Astrid. I'll support you no matter what you choose." I felt a surge of guilt wash over me as he spoke his kind words.

I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat, overwhelmed by the depth of his understanding.

"Drystan, I..." I began, my voice trembling with a mix of guilt and awe. "You don't have to do this," I spoke with tears in my eyes. "I don't know how long this would take. You don't have to-"

"I've told you, Astrid. I will always help and support you no matter what. That will also stand true for this," Drystan cut me off and answered stubbornly.

I shook my head. He had already done so much for me. He doesn't have to do this. "I can't let you get involved in this, Drystan," I muttered, hoping that he would listen to me.

I don't want him to be implicated because of me. I don't know how long and far this would take me. Fighting against the Silvermoon Pack has its own risks. Even if I had the Shadowfang Pack's support, there would always be some compromises.

I've chosen to have my revenge rather than live with him at Nightsong Pack in peace. I had already let him down. He doesn't have to go along the path I've chosen with me.

He doesn't have to keep waiting and supporting me. I'll only drag him down if he continues this.

"Listen to me, Astrid. It doesn't matter to me. I will always be here with you, no matter what. I'll wait forever if I have to. I'll go through everything as long as it's with you," Drystan's brows were pressed together as he looked at me intently.

"Drystan," my eyes widened at the seriousness of his words. "Don't you hear your own words? Once Alpha Theron had made the announcement, I can never go back. I'm planning to go against the Silvermoon Pack. If you continue to have ties with me, the Nightsong Pack could get in trouble."

Drystan shook his head, unswayed by my words. "It doesn't matter, Astrid—"

"You'll gain in nothing in siding with me!" I raised my voice to open his eyes. He's deliberately bringing disaster upon himself.

"I love you, Astrid!" Drystan blurted out as he grabbed me by my arms. "I've been secretly in love with you the whole time."

A lump formed inside my throat as I stared into his eyes. How could this be? How could he possibly fall in love with me?

"If this is what you want, I'm not

going to stop you. I'm willing to wait for you, Astrid, and I'm willing to help you get what you want. I know you don't share the same feelings as me and won't force you. Someday, when the time is right I'm going to ask you to be my mate and Luna."

I pulled back instinctively when I heard his words. Drystan had always been so nice to me, but I never thought that it was because he was secretly in love with me.

I thought he was just nice to me because I used to be his nephew's wife, and I also used to be his favourite student.

I was still a teenager when Drystan became my teacher. He witnessed how I grew into a mature adult and how I found and married my mate.

Just like Killian, he was also like an uncle to me. I wonder when and why he had fallen for me.

Drystan was surprised by my startled reaction, but he withheld himself from me.

My eyes blinked as I looked at him, not knowing what to say.

"You don't have to say anything, Astrid. I already expected that this will come as a shock to you. You don't have to mention anything." Drystan paused momentarily. My tense muscles turned relaxed, and I felt grateful that I didn't have to say anything.

"I hope nothing would change

between us now that you heard the truth," Drystan added with

uncertainty in his voice. "I hope that you will also stop pushing me away, Astrid. I'm fully aware of the dangers, allow me to do this."

I held myself together as I contemplated his words. "Fine," I answered defeatedly since he already made up his mind.

"However, you can leave if you

change your mind. You don't have to

foree yourself in staying."

There are a lot of uncertainties ahead of us, and things could get difficult in the future. There is a chance that Drystan might realize that I wasn't worth it after all.

Who knows? Drystan could meet his second chance mate along the way, and he would realize that she would be a far better Luna than me.

Chapter 192: The Letter

Nova's POV

My earbuds pulsed with the rhythm of my steps as I jogged to my apartment, lost in my own thoughts.

Ever since I left the Pack, it became dangerous for me to shift to my wolf anytime I want. Having morning jogs everyday, helped in controlling and calming my wolf better.

As I reached for my keys, I saw Mrs. Perkins out of the corner of my eye looking at me with that wrinkled smile on her face.

Mrs. Perkins is my landlord and she's so nice and sweet.

"Nova, dear, you have a letter," she called out after me, showing a crisp white envelope.

I paused, tugging out my earbuds. "A letter? For me?" I asked in surprise. In the three years that I left the Pack, I have never received a single letter from anyone other than the bills and the occasional catalog.

"Yes, just arrived this morning, but you were out for your jog," Mrs. Perkins answered with a warm smile. "I thought I'd catch you before you go inside."

"Thank you, Mrs. Perkins," I replied, accepting the envelope.

I studied the familiar handwriting on the front, my heart suddenly racing. "It's from Astrid!" I beamed happily.

"Astrid? Well, isn't that lovely?" Mrs. Perkins spoke, matching my excitement. "I'll let you get to it then. Have a wonderful rest of your day, dear."

"You too, thank you!" I called after her as I hurried inside my apartment.

Once I was safely inside, I tore open the envelope, a grin spreading across my face as I unfolded the letter. I never thought Astrid would ever write back to me.

On the day I left, things were bad between us. I never stopped writing her letters, hoping that it would ease her anger. However, it still took her three years to write back to me.

Dear Nova,

How have you been, my dear friend? I hope everything is well with you and still having fun as always. I'm always glad when I receive letters from you. Seeing the pictures that you sent and hearing good news from you, always bring a smile to my face. I enjoy reading your letters too much.

I apologize that I never responded to your letter - it's not because I was upset with you, but I've been so incredibly busy in the Pack. I'll tell you everything when you come back. Life is so difficult here. Sometimes, I wish I could leave everything behind and follow after you.

Let me guess, you still haven't found your mate, have you? If you have, I'm sure you would have told me all about it. You should be looking for your mate, but you are treating this like a special vacation. If you focused on finding your mate, than exploring the world it wouldn't have took you a year to find your mate.

I already miss you, Nova. I never thought it would take you three years and until now you still haven't found what you are looking for.

You need to come back, Nova. Next week, I'll be having my introduction ceremony and you had to be there You promised you'd be there for me, Nova, and I'm holding you to that promise. I'll never forgive you if you don't show up!

So please, my dearest friend, make the journey and come celebrate this special occasion with me. I miss you terribly and I want nothing more than to see your pink hair again. All my love,

Astrid

The wide smile I had on my face turned sorrowful after I read the letter. It's been three years and Astrid doesn't know how much have changed ever since.

When I left, I never dyed my hair strawberry blonde again. I let it grow into my natural hair which is the same honey brown hair that my sister used to have.

It's true that I spent more time

17.

exploring the world and enjoying myself than looking for my mate. was afraid to meet my second chance mate after I was rejected by my one true mate. That's why I still haven't met him until now.

With so many changes that happened to me, I wonder how many changes had happened there also?

Astrid is now having her introduction ceremony. I guess the Shadowfang Pack are finally going to announce her real identity.

I wonder if Drystan is fine with that.

I stood up and grabbed my pen and paper to write back another letter to Astrid.

Dear Astrid,

After three years, finally I heard back from you! I was so worried, I thought you still hated me, but I'm so glad that I was wrong the whole time.

First and foremost, let me put your mind at ease: you were completely wrong in your guess about me not finding a mate! In fact, I just recently met the most wonderful man, and I can't wait you to meet him.

He's smart, funny, and absolutely perfect for me. I know you're going to love him. I was about to write you a letter about him, but since I'm coming back, I guess I didn't have to.

And of course, I promise you that I

will be at your introduction ceremony, no matter what. I would never ever let you down, Astrid. This is such an important day for you, and won't miss it for the world. I'm so excited to be there by your side to celebrate with you.

I hope you tell me everything after we meet and I will tell you all of my stories that I have too. So get ready, my friend, because I'll be there before you know it.

All my love,

Nova

 

Chapter 193: Cold Gaze

Astrid's POV

"What? Is Asha still not joining us for today's breakfast?" Alpha Theron asked as his gaze swept across the table, landing at the empty seat where it should have been.

Since the special banquet took place, Asha had never appeared to us. She's been purposefully avoiding us like the plague.

Alpha Theron hoped that she would have been over with the incident by now, but it seems that she still held resentment towards us.

"She had stopped dining with us all together and I haven't seen hide nor hair of her. She couldn't possibly be hating us until now, does she?" Alpha Theron questioned Andros since he was the only one who could reach and talk to Asha.

"You know how stubborn Asha could be, father. She's always been like this since we were little. If she doesn't get what she wants, she always throws a tantrum. In the end, you always couldn't bear it and you always give in to her," Andros replied with a smile on his face. I stopped when I heard what Asha was like as a child. Since I never grew up with them, I don't really know much about them.

Alpha Theron scoffed as he was reminded of Asha's childish antics in the past. "Things are different now! She's no longer a child. She should have matured enough already. What? Is she going to keep on doing this until she dies of hunger?"

Andros offered his father a conciliatory smile. "Don't worry father. I'll bring some food to her room after this and try to talk some sense into her."

Alpha Theron's frown deepened. "It's been two days. How long does she intend to carry on like this? Haven't you talked to her already?"

I glanced sidelong at Andros, waiting to hear his response. I knew Asha was upset, but I didn't expect that she'd continue to avoid us until now. I thought she would have at least stopped sulking by now already.

"Asha just needed time, father," Andros replied pleadingly. "Although I wasn't able to change her mind, at least she's still willing to talk and listen to me. I'm confident that I can get through her. I'm sure she can finally join us here tomorrow," Andros answered enthusiastically.

Alpha Theron sighed heavily, the worry etched into the lines of his face. "She better be, or this will complicate matters. Astrid's ceremony is just days away, and Asha can't continue ignoring us like this.

Andros nodded, sharing his father's burdens. "I'll make sure to talk some more sense to her," he assured.

"Speaking of which," Alpha Theron shifted the subject, his expression shifting to one of serious focus. "How are the preparations going?"

"The preparations are going well, father. We've already sent out all the invitations, and a number of the guests have already sent their reply," Andros answered with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Since Alpha Theron only gave

everyone a week to finish the

preparations, everything had to be

done fast. The invitations were already sent out right after I gave Alpha Theron my consent to have this ceremony so that the guests could have one week to fix their schedule.

Even so, a one-week notice would still be too much for all the leaders of the Pack, whose schedules are normally already filled for more than a month.

However, because my father is the Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, this is the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the Packs are waiting for to know more about the Shadowfang Pack.

The Shadowfang Pack had never opened their doors until today. Of course, no one would miss their chance to come.

"It's good that all the invitations were already sent, how about the preparations for the event?" Alpha Theron asked.

"Don't worry, father. I've asked

everyone to postpone all their tasks and to prioritize the preparation for the upcoming event. Everyone are working together to ensure the success of the event," Andros answered confidently.

"Oh, and just this morning, father. I received news from our crew of seamstresses. They had just informed me that they already finished Astrid's dress for the event. They worked night and day to create the most wonderful dress for Astrid ever since I gave them Astrid's sizes. Would you like to check the dress with us, father?" Andros invited.

Alpha Theron nodded his head eagerly and beamed at his request. "Of course! Of course I will!" He answered enthusiastically.

Andros glanced at me and gave me a small smile, surprising me. I smiled back, thankful for the unconditional kindness he had shown me.

I could only imagine how much trouble this has given him and the entire Pack. They had to rush the preparations of a grand event with so many important guests invited in just a week.

Yet, Andros never held grudges against me because of that.

"Astrid the ceremony is just in a few days, are you excited?" Andros asked.

Excited? I particularly don't feel anything special about it. Once the ceremony is back, there would be no turning back for me.

"Yes, I am," I answered and feigned a look of excitement to convince him.

A cold chill went down my spine when I felt something different in Andros's gaze.

He is smiling warmly at me, but somehow, his eyes feel cold, which contrasts with his smile. Before I could read more into it, Andros suddenly turned his head away and faced Father like nothing happened. Maybe I was just imagining things myself.

 

Chapter 194: Pretentious Acts

Andros's POV

With a stoic expression on my face, I silently stood by the side, my keen eyes observing their interaction with my usual detached demeanor.

I watched as a beaming grin spread across the sewing manager's face as my father's discerning eyes swept over the elegant dress before him. The dress before us is a stunning creation, as expected from our team of talented seamstresses.

The dress has a bloody red hue, an arresting contrast against the pristine white walls of the chamber. Every intricate detail has been meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of our selected Pack seamstresses.

The delicate fabric was handpicked for comfort and design. Its lightweight and silky feel created a graceful fluidity that defied the limitations of textiles.

Delicate embroidery danced across the surface, the threads weaving an intricate tapestry that could only have been achieved through painstaking manual labor.

The delicate fabric and thread used also left the seamstresses with minimal error. The weight of the hand could ruin the whole dress and design, which could put all the expensive materials to waste.

Still, they were able to stitch intricate patterns of swirling vines and delicate flowers that looked so realistic they could almost pop out of the dress to life.

Even the smallest embellishments, such as the delicate beading that adorned the necklines and cuffs, had been carefully applied by hand.

Of course, everything in this dress had to be hand-stitched. A sewing machine could disrupt the delicateness of the fabric.

No wonder why the sewing manager couldn't hold back his beaming expression. He is very confident about their work. Maybe he's also expecting to receive praise from his father.

I glanced at my father, and he suddenly sighed after taking a good look at the dress. I was expecting to see a smile on his face and a proud look in his eyes, but instead, I saw a lack of satisfaction in him. The sewing manager's smile instantly disappeared. His eyes widened as he held his breath, waiting with bated anticipation for my father's verdict.

"I really like the dress," my father muttered as he held up a fabric.

The smile on the sewing manager's face is back again.

"However... I don't like the color. Everything is fine, but the color."

The sewing manager's face instantly paled when he heard the rest of what my father was thinking.

"B-but, Alpha," the sewing manager stammered. "We chose red to make Miss Astrid to stand out among the crowd just as you wanted."

My father let out a deep breath. I know he also feels bad for the dress and the work that our Pack seamstresses poured down for it, but he just didn't like it because it was red.

"I don't like red... any color will do except red," My father responded firmly.

The sewing manager's eyes widened; he looked like he was about to go crazy because of my father's unreasonable explanation.

"Alpha, please try to reconsider." The sewing manager instantly bowed his head. "Our team spent day and night to finish this dress in such a short time. Our team poured our heart and soul into this creation. Please see our dedication," he begged with half of his body lowered before my father.

"You still have another three days to finish your task. If you are able to finish such a design in a short time, I'm sure you can do it again," my father answered heartlessly.

I held back a smile that threatened to appear on my face when I heard my father's stubborn reply. Of course, there's no way he would go through with this dress.

The color red, after all, held a

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complicated and often ominous symbolism in the Pack. It was shade associated with passion, power, and the spilling of blood emotions and imagery that, while undeniably potent, also carried with

them a sense of danger and

unpredictability.

It was my idea to make the dress red. I never directly suggested the sewing department choose red, but I made it clear to them that they should choose a color that would make Astrid stand out from the crowd.

The color yellow or orange would have done that, but red will always be the best color for the job.

Out of all the Pack's departments, the sewing team had been the first to complete their assigned task. Hand-stitching a whole dress from scratch is not an easy task. Our skilled seamstresses had worked tirelessly both day and night, only for their work to be unappreciated.

"Sir Andros, please help us convince

your father. Altour seamstress poured their time and efforts on this dress. Everyone are now exhausted and some of us even fell sick from lack of sleep. I'm afraid that we won't be able to make another dress on time for the event." The sewing manager suddenly turned to me for help, which I hadn't expected at all.

I glanced at my father after the sewing manager placed me in a difficult situation.

Father locked gazes with me without saying anything as he waited for what I was going to do.

The sewing manager dared to ask me to defy my father in front of him. Just judging the look in my father's eyes, he was curious about how I was going to react.

Father has always been concerned with his people. In this situation, I know he would be more pleased if I tried to help the sewing manager out. However, I do not want to defy my father.

I'm afraid that if I try to reason out with him, my father would be convinced to change his mind and ruin my own plans.

 

Chapter 195: Behind the Mask

Andros's POV

"Father, it would be such a pity if we don't put this dress to use. The materials took a lot from our Pack funds," I tried to reason out to my father with fingers crossed.

I had no choice but to help him since he asked for my help in front of my father, and I knew what answer my father was expecting from me.

My father had always been clear to me about what kind of leader he expected to rule the Pack.

Since I was little, my father always emphasized that a great leader loves the people he leads and would take care of them more than how he values his own life.

Standing up for this sewing manager who made things difficult for me is the only way out of the dilemma he has given me.

"Yes, Alpha! Sir Andros is right. If we are going to make another dress, it will cost us another fortune," the sewing manager suddenly spoke up in support.

I fought back the scowl that threatened to appear on my face as I glanced at this thick-skinned person who didn't know shame.

"It doesn't matte. I'll be responsible for the Pack funds. You don't have to make the dress as elaborate as this. Something simple will do," my father replied. His answer placed me at peace.

If Astrid had been here, I'm afraid that she would have convinced Father to accept the red dress already, ruining my plans.

Asha was right. Astrid is truly ungrateful towards her father. She didn't even come here with us to take a look at the dress.

I don't know what act she's playing. Earlier at breakfast, I asked her if she was excited about her introduction ceremony, and she didn't hesitate to say yes. It's clear that she's ambitious, but she acts like she couldn't care less at the same time.

She couldn't even come with us to take a look at the dress. I think it's a part of her act to make us lower our guards. She's stupid to believe that Asha and I would be easily fooled by her pretentious acts.

Although father is going along with her, I'm sure he could also sense that something is off with her.

My father had been an Alpha for a long time. He is all too familiar with the schemes in the Pack. Astrid's little schemes won't get through to Father.

Father is just treating her nicely because he wants to make up for the lost time he should have had with her.

If Astrid continued to be cold towards my Father, my father would soon wake up and realise that Astrid had just, indeed, been using him.

"B-but A-Alpha-" the sewing manager stammered, not willing to give in.

"Don't worry, the sewing department will be well taken care of. Just tell us everything you need and we will provide it for you," I spoke up, interrupting him before Father could change his mind. The sewing manager snapped his gaze at me. Protests filled his eyes, but he couldn't say anything as I pinned him down with a stern gaze.

It's important for me to get this dress delayed. I can't let him ruin my plans.

A satisfied smile crossed my father's face when he heard my words. "Don't worry, for this effort that you made, you and your team shall be rewarded," my father spoke up.

The sewing manager's face lighted up again when the word "reward" was mentioned. "However, you still have to finish your work in time. Have I made myself clear?" father asked him.

The sewing manager's eyes

squinted as he hated to say yes.

Even though there would be a reward, making another dress is too difficult of a task. "Y-Yes, Alpha," he gave in with a weak voice.

He has no choice but to follow the Alpha's orders.

"Father, now that everything is settled here, can I take my leave?" I spoke up, stealing my father's attention.

"Of course, I shouldn't hold you up. I know there are other things you need to check into," my father answered gladly.

"Thank you, father," I responded with a short bow before leaving.

Now that the dress has been delayed, it's time for Asha to do her part of the job.

I knocked at Asha's room when I finally arrived.

"Come in," her small voice sounded inside her room.

"Asha, did you ate your breakfast?" I asked her as soon as I stepped inside her room.

Asha glanced at me as she softly brushed her hair in front of her vanity mirror. At the corner of her room, +saw her empty food tray. She ate all of the food I delivered to her room earlier.

"Asha, dad has been worried about you. When are you going to stop avoiding us?" I asked her as I sat loftily at the edge of her bed.

Asha sighed. have nothing against

you and father, I just don't want to see her. Just thinking of her ruins my moo already. I don't think I can eat calmly while she eats in front of me," Asha spoke begrudgingly, her hands turned rough as she combed through her hair.

"Father is getting the wrong idea, you know. You can't avoid Astrid forever, you know? She's about to be a part of our Pack," I responded nonchalantly.

Asha slammed her hairbrush on the table angrily. "If only I can do anything to delay this, I would have done already. I'll do everything just to push her away from the Pack."

A small smile formed on my face when I heard her words; however, Asha was too angry to notice them.