Ch. 271..275: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 271-275

Chapter 271: Testimony

Astrid's POV

I paused at the doorway, my hand hovering over the handle as I turned back to face her. Anya's tone was urgent, but the firmness in her gaze sent a shiver down my spine.

Something in her eyes made me feel uneasy, as if she was about to reveal something I wasn't prepared to hear.

"Sure," I replied, my voice barely steady. I shut the door softly before moving to the corner of the room, putting some distance between Killian and us.

Anya took a step closer, her face softening ever so slightly. She hesitated for a moment, glancing at Killian -still unconscious on the bed, unaware of the conversation happening around him.

Anya looked back at me, her expression solemn. "Miss Astrid," she began, her voice quiet but laced with emotion. "There's something you should know. Something Killian hasn't said, but I believe you deserve to hear."

I frowned, confusion twisting in my chest as I waited for her to continue. "What is it?" I asked, dread creeping into my voice. What could Killian be hiding from me?

Anya swallowed, her fingers twisting together as if bracing herself for the weight of her words. "Alpha Killian misses you," she whispered. "More than you realize. All these years, he's been living with regret for everything he did to you."

I leaned back, disbelief washing over me as her words sank in. "What are you talking about? You must be mistaken.'

Anya's gaze softened further, her expression almost sympathetic. "Alpha Killian has been so lonely since you left. Not a day goes by that you don't cross his mind. In the years I've served him, I've never once seen him truly smile.

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Anya, you're new here, and that's why you're mistaken. You weren't around when Killian and I were still married. If you had been, you wouldn't think his loneliness has anything to do with me."

Anya stepped closer, her voice gentle but insistent. "You're right. I wasn't there to witness what happened between you two. But I'm certain about what I've seen."

"Alpha Killian doesn't love Giselle the way you think. He married her out of obligation, not love. She was pregnant, and he felt trapped. Beyond that, there's nothing," Anya added to allow her words to sink into my mind.

"How can you say that?" I shot back, frustration bubbling up. "Killian and I were married for five years, and we only shared the same bed once."

"If he wasn't drugged back then, I'd be the only divorced woman who is still a virgin," I scoffed. "He never took me out, never showed me the affection he shows Giselle. You can't tell me he doesn't love her. He made his choice."

Anya met my gaze, unflinching. "Are you sure, Miss Astrid? Are you sure Killian treats Giselle any differently than he treated you? Or is it just what you want to believe?"

I froze, her words hitting deeper than I expected. Before I could respond, Anya continued, her voice unwavering.

"If Alpha Killian truly loved Luna Giselle-if he treated her as his wife-do you think she would need to drug him just to get close to him? Just to make him stay?" Her eyes narrowed as she shot her questions

to me.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My mind raced, but I couldn't think of anything to say. Anya's words lingered, cutting through the confusion and disbelief swirling inside me.

"You're the only person he ever cared about," Anya said softly, stepping even closer. "It's been more than three years since you left, but Killian hasn't let go of you. He can't. His heart has always been with you, Miss Ástrid."

I stood there, my breath shallow, struggling to process everything she was saying. Killian-who had

treated me with nothing but coldness and distance-missed me? Regretted what he'd done? After all this time?

"I know this is hard to take in," Anya spoke up when she saw the conflict flickering in my eyes.

"I... I don't know what to believe," I whispered, my voice trembling.

"If Killian is not in love with you, would he come straight to your room after he was drugged? Wouldn't it

be easier if he just stayed and allowed Giselle to do whatever she wants to him?" Anya questioned me to lead me to the truth she wanted me to believe.

My eyes turned misty as a lump formed inside my throat.

Anya's eyes softened with

understanding, but she didn't waver. "I know it's hard to believe after everything you've been through. But the Killian I've seen, the man I've served he's haunted by you. Even when he's with Giselle, it's you he's thinking about. He's never truly moved on."

My heart pounded, emotions swirling in a storm of doubt, anger, and something else—something I hadn't felt in years.

"I'm not saying this to hurt you," Anya added gently. "But I think you need to know the truth. You're still in

his heart and I think he is still in your heart too, you just don't know how to admit it to yourself."

I flinched back when she finished her words, it's as if her words flipped a switch inside of me. I shook my head, finally waking up from the effects of her words.

"It's too late, Anya. He's made

mistakes that cost me my son. If he truly regrets everything just like how you said he is, then I'm glad to hear that," I responded firmly. "If he is not in love with Giselle and if he is miserable with her, then I'm also happy to hear that. I was also

miserable when I was married to

him."

I turned around, planning to leave for real this time, when she grabbed my arm stopping me from taking

another step further.

"Why should you do this, Miss

Astrid? Why do you have to hurt

each other? I've already told you that

Alpha Killian is in love with you, and it's clear that you also have the same feelings for him. Why do you have to torture each other? Why can't both of you just be happy?"

Anya asked desperately, feeling for

our pain.

I forced a smile on my face as a tear escaped my eye. "Because no amount of regret can change

anything. This is the reality, Anya.

My son is dead

Killian is married

And they have a son.

I can't just turn a blind eye on those things."

 

Chapter 272: Lost Chance

Killian's

POV

I woke up like someone's pounding at my skull, like a hammer driving through my temples. The dim light in the room didn't help; it made everything blur together, and I could barely make out my surroundings. With a groan, I pushed myself up from the bed, my muscles stiff, my body protesting with every movement.

Pain shot through my head, making me wince. I gritted my teeth, trying to shake off the haze.

Before I could gather myself together, I heard the soft patter of footsteps rushing towards.

"Alpha, you're awake!" Anya's voice cut through the fog, she looked so relieved upon seeing my eyes open.

However, worry washed over her when she aw the pain I was in. Her hand hovered near me, hesitant, as if she was debating whether or not to help me sit up.

I waved her off, even though my head felt like it was going to split in two. "I'm fine," I muttered, though it was obvious I wasn't.

The throbbing intensified and I couldn't help but bring a hand to my forehead, pressing against the pain as if that could stop it.

Anya frowned, worry etched deep into her face. "You've been unconscious for hours, Alpha. You should rest."

"What exactly happened to me?" I asked her as I tried to remember what happened last night, but nothing came to my mind. All I could remember was leaving Giselle after our date.

After that, everything was hazy.

"You don't remember?" Anya asked me in surprise.

"Did something serious happened last night? Is there anything I have to know about?" I asked her while swinging my legs over to the side of the bed.

Anya stood close, her hands clasped together like she wanted to help but knew better than to try. "There's nothing to worry about, Alpha. I was with you the whole time and nothing serious happened," Anya answered, although her eyes looked like she was hiding something.

"You shouldn't push yourself, Alpha," she said softly, her eyes filled with concern. "The Pack Doctor said you needed to rest until the effects of the drug fades away. The pain you are feeling right now is normal. He said it's caused by withdrawal."

"What kind of drugs is it? Just how strong was it?" I muttered more to myself than her.

A drug potent enough to bring an Alpha to his knees... it made me wonder just how far someone had gone to make sure I stayed down.

Anya didn't answer immediately, her silence only adding to my unease. "It wasn't really a drug. The Pack Doctor explained it to me, and he said it was caused by a plant called Velaris.'

I froze, her words echoing in my mind. Velaris? My breath caught in my throat and I slowly turned to face her, disbelief tightening my chest.

Velaris wasn't poisonous, that much I knew. But it was notorious for something else - its ability to heighten a werewolf's sexual desire.

How could I have ingested that plant without realizing it? My mind raced, piecing together what had happened. Then it hit me.

The dinner. Giselle.

I clenched my fists, anger building slowly, cold and sharp. I had felt perfectly fine at the start of the evening, a little tense maybe, but

Эдля

that was normal.

I only started to feel off after the dinner. This could only be caused by her.

I need to talk to Ryder and ask him about this.

"Alpha, where are you going?" Anya's eyes widened when I fought off the pain and stood up.

The room tilted for a second, and I blinked to steady myself. I feel so weak and disoriented which is unusual.

This isn't the first time that it happened to me, but I didn't expect that it would happen again for the second time.

The first time, I felt this weak was when I slept with Giselle. Just like then, I also couldn't recall anything that happened to me last night.

I shut my eyes and winced. The pain, the symptoms, it felt so familiar. Both of them felt the same way. Back then, I didn't think much about it because I drank a lot of alcohol and it was normal to wake up with a hangover.

I thought that's just what it all was - a hangover. What if it was also caused by the plant Velaris?

"I need to speak to Beta Ryder," I growled, shoving past Anya as I headed for the door.

"Alpha, you need to rest-" Anya moved to block my path, her voice pleading.

"I've reseted enough!" I snapped, cutting her off sharply.

Before I could even reach the door, it yanked open and Ryder barged inside, urgency written all over his face.

"Alpha," he began, breathless as if he had been running. "I've come to report - Drystan has arrived."

His words stopped me cold, the fire of my anger momentarily replaced with a new, darker weight.

I stepped back, my eyes locking with Ryder's. "Drystan?" I repeated, my voice low, controlled.

Ryder nodded, his jaw tight. "Yes, Alpha. He already met with Astrid."

I took a few steps backwards and slumped on my bed, my shoulders defeated.

I thought I could still have a few more days alone with Astrid, but he has arrived already.

I thought I could still have more time

to clear things with her. I was just waiting for the DNA result to finally fix everything once and for all, but Drystan had beat me to it again.

en FindNovel

With Drystan back, Astrid will no longer be bothered with me anymore.

 

Chapter 273: Silent Wish

Killian's POV

The chandeliers above casted a warm golden glow over the dining hall, but it did nothing to thaw the ice in my chest.

The room was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of easy conversation, but all I could hear was Astrid's soft voice. And him.

Drystan

Sitting there next to her, smiling like he belonged.

I gripped my wine glass tightly as I watched him. They sat close, whispering softly to each other between bites, completely at ease.

The way Drystan leaned towards her, his eyes lighting up everytime she spoke it made my jaw tightened.

"Alpha Killian," Damien's voice broke through my thoughts. The Crimsonbane Pack's Alpha raised his glass in a toast, "To new alliances and old friendships. It's good to have everyone gathered here tonight."

I noticed how Damien's eyes flicked between me and Drystan as if he sensed the shift in the air.

I averted my gaze, my jaw clenched as I forced myself to smile and raised my glass as well. "To alliances," I echoed, but the words tasted bitter. I downed the wine quickly, hoping it would drown the burning jealousy twisting inside me.

My eyes drifted back to Astrid and Drystan. The way she looked at him, her expression soft, trusting - it made something snap inside me.

Drystan had always been close to Astrid because of the relationship he used to have with her as Astrid's teacher. He used to be just Astrid's mentor, someone who used to stand on the sidelines.

Now, he was the one she turned to, the one she trusted. He is the one who is now close to her, more than close than I was to her.

My wolf stirred uneasily, as unsettled as I was. We both wanted to tear Drystan away from her, to take back what was ours. But the truth gnawed at me, even as I sat there pretending to be calm. Astrid had already changed.

Watching them together, seeing how easy it was between them, I couldn't shake the gnawing fear that maybe I had lost her completely.

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to look away, but i couldn't. Every time Drystan smiled at her, every time her gaze lingered on him a second too log, it felt like a knife in my chest.

The distance between us was growing by the second and I was powerless to stop it.

My stomach twisted at my thoughts. How I wish that I was him instead. The one that she trusted, the one that she is close to. I wish I could even sit beside her right one and be the one who could make her laugh. But as I watched them, something darker crept in a fear that twisted tight around my heart. What if she had already moved on completely from me. What if all the feelings that he had left for me is hate. I've done so many bad things, leaving her no room to love me.

The thought sent a cold wave of panic through me. What if there was no going back? What if I had lost the chance to fix things, to turn it all around?

Even if it turned out that I never slept with Giselle at all, even if Astrid managed to forgive me for the things that happened in the past. Would she still accept me back if Drystan had already won her heart? It's been three long years of them being together. Drystan has kept Astrid company all this time. He was nice to her, he was there at Astrid's lowest point in her life that I caused.

What if I have lost her completely to Drystan?

Giselle's hand rested on my arm, delicate and light, but her touch felt distant, like an anchor pulling me down.

As my wife, she had to sit right beside me. I wish Astrid is the person sitting right beside me instead. "Excuse me," I spoke, rising to my feet, the words sharper than I intended.

The room quieted, all eyes turning to me, but I only had one person in my sights.

Drystan looked up, his smile infuriatingly calm, as if he didn't notice - or didn't care - that I was unraveling inside.

"I'd like to welcome Drystan back to the Silvermoon Pack," I announced, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's good to have my uncle back... after all this time."

Drystan was banned from the Pack. He was unwelcomed to enter because of the misunderstanding that happened before.

He once told us before that Astrid's unborn child was his and it made me question if Astrid had always remained faithful to me.

I thought they've been having an affair. Drystan is my uncle and Astrid was my wife and Luna. Such a serious crime, cannot be let go of unpunished.

That's why Drystan was cut off from our family and was banned from entering the Pack.

Now that they are helping us in strengthening our military defenses for possible rogue attacks, I had to lift the ban and put everything under the bridge.

Drystan met my gaze, his smile

widening just a fraction, as if he understood.exactly what was going through my head. "It's good to be back, Kittian," he replied smoothly. "But only came here to see Astrid,” his hand lingered on Astrid's as he gazed at her.

My wolf bristled inside me, wanting to rip him away from her, but I held myself back.

Astrid looked up then, her eyes meeting mine. For a brief moment, something flickered between us, but just as quickly, it was gone.

She turned away, her attention back on Drystan, leaving me standing there with a hollow ache in my chest.

Damien raised his glass again, "I'm afraid I have to apologize to everyone," he began, his tone as light as ever. "I won't be able to stay for the rest of the evening."

A few murmurs rose from the

guests as his gaze shifted to me and

he offered a slight nod. "Killian, if you don't mind, I'd like to excuse myself and Astrid. It's been... quite some time since we've had a proper catch-up."

Every muscle in my body tensed.

Damien and Astrid? Catching up? In private? The thought was enough to tighten the knot coiling in my gut. I looked at Astrid, who seemed surprised but didn't hesitate to smile in agreement.

Her gaze flickered to Damien, then to me, as if she was waiting for my response.

I wanted to say no. To tell Damien he could take anyone - anyone but her. But I couldn't. Not without looking like a jealous fool in front of everyone.

I forced a tight smile, though the words felt like ash in my mouth. "Of course. You're welcome to catch up." Damien's grin widened he lend a hand to Astrid as she stood gracefully, not a hint of hesitation. She had no idea what was boiling inside me.

As they made their way out, I took a step forward to follow them, failing to control myself this time. Giselle's finger brushed my arm which made me stop. "You have to stay, Killian. As the hosts, we needed to be the last person to level here."

 

Chapter 274: Attachments

Astrid's POV

A small smile tugged at my lips as I tilted my head back, gazing up at the moon above us. Its soft, silvery glow offered me a soft silence and peace that I really needed right now.

Wrapping my arms around myself, I shivered slightly as the cool breeze brushed against my skin.

I missed the late night walks that I used to have back at Nightsong Pack when my life was more free and easy, without any responsibilities to think about.

I was grateful Drystan had pulled me out of there. The bright lights, the endless chatter, I never liked those types of things. I always preferred the silence that loneliness offers than the noise of the crowd.

Finally, I could be out here in peace, I never liked attending any gatherings.

Out here, under the stars, in the quiet of the night, everything seemed simpler. I found solace in the calm that the night provided.

I glanced at Drystan, walking beside me, his smile easy and genuine. His steps were light, as though just being near me was enough to fill him with contentment.

He didn't need to say it - I could feel it. His presence had always been a comfort, a steady warmth beside me. Even now, I could sense the quiet reassurance he offered without words, as we strolled in silence, the moonlight painting a soft glow over the path ahead.

The Silvermoon Pack's grand estate loomed in the background, fading as we walked further from the noise and the people.

Out here, it felt as though the world had shrunk to just the two of us. Under the stars, beneath the moon, the weight of everything seemed to lessen, just for a while.

I had always found comfort in Drystan's company, and it felt the same, even now.

"What are your next plans now?" Drystan's voice broke the quiet, his tone soft but deliberate.

I blinked, pulled out of my calm reverie by his question. I hadn't really been thinking about that lately, at least not as much as I should have.

I turned to look at him, catching the glint of anticipation in his eyes. "The birthday party is coming up soon," he continued after a beat, his words slow and careful. "It's the perfect opportunity... for revenge." Revenge. The word lingered in the air between us, sharp and heavy, and I felt a sudden discomfort in my chest.

I had thought Drystan called me out just to escape from the gathering and have some peace and quiet.

I thought he really just called me out to catch up as he said. But now it was clear he had something else on his mind - my plans. He wanted to talk about what I would do next, that's why he called me out in private, away from prying eyes and ears.

I sighed, trying to shake off the strange unease that had crept up on me after the topic was brought up.

I had already laid out my plans, meticulously, piece by piece. I had thought I would feel eager to talk about them, to see them unfold. But now, standing here in the moonlight, I wasn't sure anymore.

"I'm planning to use the party," I replied, my voice steady despite the twist of in my stomach that gnawed at me.

Drystan smiled at my answer, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. He mistook my hesitation for something else. He thought I was feeling uneasy because I could no longer wait to see my plans in action.

"You can't wait, can you?” His voice was low, almost conspiratorial. He stepped closer, his gaze full of the same anticipation I had seen before. "Just a few more days, Astrid. Just a few more, and you won't have to act kind toward them anymore the people who wronged you, the ones who betrayed you."

He paused, his eyes searching mine, as if looking for the fire he expected to find there. "You won't have to stay in this place that's filled with bad memories. You'll finally get to show them what they deserve."

His words that were meant to comfort and encourage me, only deepened the knot in my stomach. Once, I might have felt a thrill at the thought of bringing Silvermoon to its knees. But now... now I wasn't so sure.

What had once been a burning desire to exact revenge felt strangely hollow. Why wasn't I more excited? Why wasn't I feeling the satisfaction I had expected?

I had been doing this for my son, and not for myself. Guilt seized me, a cold and merciless grip, as I realized that I'm letting my son down again.

The anger that had once fueled me felt distant, almost unreachable, and in its place was a growing discomfort - a doubt that hadn't been there before.

I swallowed hard as I reached into my pocket. my fingers closing around something small and smooth. Slowly, I pulled out a heart shaped stone. The one that Ryker had given it to me.

I clutched the rock in my hand, and rubbed it with my hand. This rock was his way of showing me how much he trusts me and how he likes me.

His innocent gesture also made me draw closer to him. Even though Giselle is his mother and harming him is the best way to have my revenge, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I'm just not as vicious and cruel as Giselle. I couldn't hurt someone innocent.

My plan is to just cause chaos on the day of Ryker's birthday party. I have no plans of harming him, but even that, I'm hesitating to do it.

I couldn't hurt Ryker's feelings by ruining his birthday. As I held the stone in my hand, the weight of my hesitation pressed down on me even more.

This wasn't part of the plan. I wasn't supposed to care. I wasn't supposed to feel this... attachment. But I

did.

And that was the problem.

Ryker trusted me. He saw me as

к

someone who cared for him. How could I break his trust? How could I destroy everything, knowing that in the process, I would be hurting an innocent child who had done

nothing but offer me his friendship?

I felt bad for Ryker, for having a mother that is nothing like him.

 

Chapter 275: Waiting Time

Drystan's POV

I watched Astrid closely as she stared down at the heart-shaped rock in her hand, her expression distant, brows furrowed together as though the small stone held the answers to all her questions.

The cold breeze swept through the night, rustling the leaves and sending a shiver down my spine, but I ignored it. My focus was solely on her.

"What's that?" I asked, trying to break the silence that had settled between us.

But she didn't respond. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice me. I watched as her fingers absentmindedly traced the shape of the stone, and something in her posture felt different-uneasy, troubled.

"Astrid," I called again, this time louder. "Are you alright?"

She blinked, as though she was suddenly pulled back to reality. "What?" she asked, her eyes darting to

me for the first time in what felt like minutes. "Oh... yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Her answer was vague, and I wasn't convinced, but I didn't press further. Instead, I took a step closer, hoping my presence would somehow ease whatever was weighing on her mind.

Before I could say anything else, a sudden tightness gripped my chest, and I coughed sharply, struggling to catch my breath for a moment.

My Doctor tried to stop me from leaving, telling me that I couldn't leave just yet. My body has not yet fully recovered and I have to rest, but I was too eager to leave so I could meet with Astrid.

Now, I'm finally starting to feel my body weighing down on me after pushing myself so hard.

Astrid immediately turned toward me, her eyes widening with concern. "Drystan, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I managed, waving her off. But she wasn't convinced. She moved closer, her hand already reaching for my wrist.

I tried to pull my hand back, but Astrid was faster, her fingers wrapping around my wrist with a gentle but firm grip.

Her touch sent a jolt through my spine as she gently pressed her fingers against my pulse.

"You're not fine," she muttered, her voice laced with worry. "Your pulse... it's weak. Why didn't you tell me you were unwell?"

"It's nothing," I said, trying to brush it off. "Just tired."

"No," she insisted, her brow furrowing deeper. "It's more than that. Your wolf... it feels weak."

I tried to pull away, but she wouldn't let go, her grip firm as she checked my pulse again, her serious expression softened when she saw how serious my condition was.

"This is my fault, is it?" Her voice was soft but filled with guilt. She looked at me with a torn expression on her face, making my heart twist.

I sighed, my chest tightening again, but not from the cough this time. "Of course not! Don't worry, this is nothing serious. I just needed to rest and my body will recover. I told you, Astrid. I'll wait as long as it takes. I promised you that."

Her face fell at my words, and for a moment, I saw something shift in her eyes - guilt, regret, maybe both. She shook her head slowly, her fingers still wrapped around my wrist. "You need to stop, Drystan." The words hung in the air between us, heavy and final.

I frowned, not understanding. "Stop? What do you mean?"

"Don't wait for me anymore," she said, her voice barely a whisper, but the weight of it hit me hard. "You're waiting for something that isn't going to happen."

My heart sank, but I forced myself to keep my voice steady. "Astrid, don't say that. You know how I feel. I told you I'd be here, no matter what."

"I know," she said, her eyes meeting mine, filled with sadness. "But that's the problem. I don't have anything left to give you, Drystan. I'm pulling your hopes up for nothing."

Her words were a knife to my chest, but I didn't say anything. I couldn't. I just stared at her, trying to make sense of it all. She looked away, her gaze returning to the heart-shaped stone in her hand.

"You've been hurting yourself because of me," she whispered. "Your wolf... it was damaged because of me. Because I was unsure I made you wait. I've been selfish."

"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "You didn't make me do anything. This was my choice, Astrid. I wanted to wait for you."

"I know," she said again, softer this time. "But it's not fair to you. To you, I'm the most important thing in your life, but to me you are not. You deserve someone who will also put you first. I'm only dragging you down with me."

I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me. "You're not dragging me down. I want to be with you, Astrid. I've always wanted that."

"But I can't give you that," she said, her voice breaking ever so slightly. "You are the best person I've ever met in my life. You have always treated me with kindness, you are perfect, but even with all of that, I couldn't give you my heart.

Her words hit me like a blow to my chest, stealing the air from my lungs. I swallowed hard, trying to keep

my composure. My heart twisted painfully at her confession and for a moment, I couldn't bring myself to speak.

Astrid let out a shaky breath, her hand slipping from my wrist. She took a small step back, her eyes filled with guilt and sorrow.

"This is my fault, Drystan. I should

have never let things get this far. I should have told you the truth and made things clear with you from the start. didn't want to hurt you so`l gave you false hopes. In trying to avoid it, I've only made it worse," her Voice broke.

I felt the sting of her words, the truth cutting deeper than I was prepared for.

"I was only lying to myself, it was my selfishness that made me do this. You deserve someone who can give you everything, not someone who's too consumed by revenge to love you back." Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked away.

My throat tightened, but I forced myself to speak. "I don't care about that. I care about you."

She closed her eyes for a moment, her grip loosening on the stone in her hand. "And that's why I can't let you keep waiting. You've been hurting yourself because of me, and I can't let that happen anymore."

I wanted to argue, to tell her that waiting for her was worth it, that I didn't care about anything else as long as I had her.

But deep down, I knew she was right. My wolf had been growing weaker, and I had ignored it, thinking that waiting for her would make everything better.

But now, looking at her, I realized that holding on to that hope had been hurting me more than I had ever admitted.

I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "So... what now?"

Astrid looked at me, her eyes filled with a sadness that I wasn't sure I'd ever seen before. "You need to let me go, Drystan. For your own sake."

The finality of her words settled in my chest like a weight, and for the first time, I realized that maybe... maybe it was time to stop waiting.