Ch. 326..330: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 326-330
Chapter 326: Source of Pain
Astrid's
POV
Nova and I was finally able to separate ourselves from the others, after a long catch up between all of us. Killian stayed to talk with his Uncle, whom I'm sure both would ask a lot of questions to each other.
Nova and I excused ourselves to finally talk together in private. I was planning to tell her everything - about the book, about what I'd read, about the curse that was my life.
Nova and I finally managed to separate ourselves from the others after what felt like hours of catching up with everyone.
Killian stayed back to talk with his uncle, and I could see from the way they were engaged that both had a lot of questions for each other.
It was a good moment for Nova and me to slip away, and we excused ourselves to find somewhere quiet, somewhere private.
I had been carrying this weight on my shoulders, the secret of what I'd read in the book, for what felt like an eternity, even though it had only been a short time.
The fear of what it all meant — of who I was becoming - had grown too heavy to bear on my own.
I couldn't carry this by myself anymore. I needed someone to talk to, someone I trusted with every part of
me.
Nova was that person. We are sisters, someone I knew would never betray me, no matter how dark or terrifying the truth was. I trusted her with my life.
She was family. And I knew that whatever I shared with her, it would stay between us.
She wouldn't tell Drystan or Killian. She wouldn't let this secret slip.
But there was something about the way she kept glancing toward Drystan that caught my attention.
I paused, studying her face, and suddenly, all my thoughts about the book, about my own problems, took a backseat.
There was something going on with her. Something I hadn't seen before. Call it a woman's sixth sense or something.
I was ready to pour my heart out, but it seems that Nova has some pouring out to do too.
"So..." I began, raising an eyebrow as I leaned forward, keeping my voice casual but laced with curiosity. "What's going on between you and Drystan?"
Nova's reaction was immediate. Her back straightened, her eyes widened slightly, and her hands fidgeted nervously in her lap.
She tried to brush it off with a laugh, but I could see the anxiety bubbling just beneath the surface.
"W-What do you mean?" she stammered, avoiding my gaze. "Nothing's going on."
I crossed my arms, leaning back, my eyes narrowing in amusement. "Nova, come on. I can tell when something's up. You're fidgeting like you've got ants in your pants. Just tell me."
Her shoulders slumped, and she let out a heavy sigh, her nervousness intensifying as she finally looked up at me.
I could see the fear in her eyes - fear of how I'd react, fear of my judgment. That only made me more curious.
"Okay," she muttered, biting her lower lip before speaking. "Drystan and I... we're dating."
The words hung in the air between us, and for a moment, I couldn't process them.
Dating? Drystan and Nova?
I blinked, trying to piece it all together. Drystan had been mates with Nova's older sister, who had died years ago.
He was like an older brother to Nova, always protective, always looking out for her. There was also a more than ten years age gap between them.
I stared at her, disbelief and shock
mingling in my chest. "Are you serious?" asked, my voice a little higher than I intended. "Nova, what about Michael? You literally just introduced him as your mate and boyfriend!"
Nova's face flushed deeper, and she looked down at her hands, clearly embarrassed.
"Michael... wasn't real," she admitted, her voice small. "He was an actor. I hired him to pretend to be my mate."
My mouth dropped open in shock. "You hired someone to be your mate?"
She winced. "I know it sounds crazy, but... it's because Drystan is my mate."
I felt the floor tilt beneath me. "What?"
Nova looked up at me, her expression pleading for understanding. "Drystan is my mate, Astrid. We found out three years ago."
I stared at her, my heart racing, trying to make sense of her confession. How could Drystan be her mate all along?
How could this be happening right in front of me? Didn't Nova leave the Pack to search for her mate?
She had been gone for three years because she was out there, looking for her mate just as what she told
me.
"You... you left the Pack for three
years," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "You said you had
to leave to look for your mate and then you came back with Michael."
Nova nodded, her face tightening with pain. "I only left because... Drystan rejected me and I couldn't face him.."
The world stilled. The sound of the wind outside, the noise from the distant Pack members, even the faint rustle of leaves - all of it faded into nothing.
"He... rejected you?" I whispered, my throat tightening as the pieces of the story began to fall into place.
Nova hesitated, looking away, clearly
unsure of how much to reveal. "At
the time, he wasn't in love with me,"
she said softly. "He was in love
with... someone else."
I stilled. The world around me stopped moving, and my heart dropped into my stomach as the realization
hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Was it... because of me?" I asked, my voice barely audible, trembling with the weight of the truth I already knew.
Nova didn't answer, but the look in her eyes said it all.
There was no other woman that Drystan had ever made contact with except for me, and he had confessed to me that he had feelings for me. I could only be that person.
A tidal wave of guilt crashed over me. My breath hitched, and my chest felt like it was being crushed under the weight of it all.
I was the reason Drystan had rejected her. I was the reason she had left. I was the one who had caused both of them so much pain.
Tears blurred my vision, and I struggled to keep my composure, but the guilt was too much.
I had experienced that kind of pain first-hand with Killian, the way Giselle had come between us, how her
lies and manipulations had torn our lives apart.
And now, I realized, I had been the source of that pain for Nova.
Chapter 327: Sacrifice
Astrid's
POV
"I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice breaking as tears streamed down my face. "I'm so, so sorry. I never wanted this. I never wanted to hurt you."
Nova's eyes widened in shock. She had expected anger, maybe even disappointment, but not this. Not tears. Not this kind of raw emotion.
She quickly reached out, grabbing my hands, her own eyes shining with unshed tears.
"No, Astrid, don't do this," she said urgently, her voice shaking. "None of this is your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"But it is my fault!" I sobbed, unable to stop the flood of guilt that consumed me. "You've been hurting because of me. Drystan rejected you because of me. You ran away for three years because of me. I caused all of this "
"No!" Nova interrupted, her voice firm, though her hands trembled as they held mine tightly.
"None of this is your fault, Astrid. You didn't cause any of this. You didn't know, and even if you did, it doesn't change anything.
Drystan and I... we had our own journey. Please don't blame yourself for something you had no control."
I shook my head, tears still falling, but her words slowly began to sink in. I didn't want to believe her, but deep down, I knew she was right.
I hadn't asked for any of this. I hadn't known. But that didn't stop the guilt from gnawing at me.
And then, through the blur of my tears, anger flared. Not at Drystan. Not at myself. But at Nova.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded, my voice filled with hurt and frustration.
"Why didn't you tell me that Drystan was your mate when you found out? Instead, you ran away and left me for three years, Nova. You should have told me!"
Nova flinched at the anger in my voice, but she didn't let go of my hands. Her eyes softened, and her expression turned to one of regret.
"I... I thought I was doing the right thing," she admitted, her voice quiet.
I scoffed, how was she doing the right thing? "Nova, you had always been a fighter. When it comes to me, you were never afraid to step forward to protect me. Drystan is your mate, you should have fought for him even if it means fighting me."
Astrid bites her lower lip and then she averts her gaze, unable to look at me.
"Last time, you even encouraged me to give Drystan a chance. Why would you do that, knowing everything I've been through?" My voice wavered with emotion as I looked at Nova.
"You knew the pain I felt when Killian rejected me, when he chose someone else over me. You were there
- you saw what it did to me. I would never wish that kind of hurt on anyone, especially not on you."
I swallowed hard, the weight of betrayal settling in my chest. "How could you keep this from me? How could you hide the truth? If Drystan and I had ended up together, what difference would I be from Giselle?"
Nova's eyes widened now that she realized the weight of her mistake. "I'm sorry, Astrid. I—I didn't mean too. I thought I was helping.'
"At that time, all I wanted was for both of you to be happy," Nova said softly, her voice thick with emotion.
"Drystan had lost his mate, and you
had been rejected. You were both hurting in different ways, but I thought maybe you could heal
each other. He was in love with you, Astrid. And to me, you seemed
perfect for him."
She paused, her eyes glistening as she tried to explain. "I didn't want to be selfish. I convinced myself that
if the two of you could find happiness together, then it would be worth it.
I thought as long as you were both happy... I could live with it. Even if it meant stepping aside."
I let out a shaky breath, my chest tight with the overwhelming emotions coursing through me.
I wanted to be angry at her for making this decision by herself without even thinking of what I or Drystan
would have felt about it, but at the same time, I understood.
I know what it's like to wish someone happiness even if it means sacrificing your own.
Tears filled my eyes again, but this time, they were less about guilt and more about the love I had for her
- my best friend, my sister in everything but blood.
I wrapped my arms around her tight and then she hugged me back. After a long hug, I pulled back slightly.
"You silly," sniffed, lightly punching
her arm, though my voice was still
thick with emotion. "Don't do that again. Don't ever sacrifice anything for me when I'm not even asking it."
en FindNovel
Nova let out a soft laugh, the kind that comes when emotions run too high and all you can do is release it somehow.
"I promise," she said, her voice gentle but sincere. "I won't act on my own again. You're stuck with me." We sat in silence for a few seconds, the quiet settling over us like a warm blanket.
There was a peace between us now, but as the calm lingered, I could feel the weight of what I hadn't said pressing down again.
I took a deep breath, my heart already pounding in my chest as I prepared to tell her.
She had been the one person I trusted with everything, and I knew I needed her now more than ever.
"Nova, there's... something else," I started, my voice quieter now, my hands fidgeting in my lap as I tried to find the right words. "Something I've been meaning to tell you."
Her brows furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly, her expression shifting from relief to concern. "What is it, Astrid?"
I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten as the reality of the situation came crashing down again. "It's about me. About... the book I found in Giselle's room."
Nova blinked, her worry deepening as she straightened in her seat, giving me her full attention. "What did you find? What's wrong?"
I hesitated, my fingers tightening
around the edge of my shirt as I
gathered the strength to say it. "
think
think I'm not just any
werewolf, Nova. I'm something far more dangerous."
Chapter 328: Dark Secret
Astrid's POV
I sat on the bench, my face buried in my hands, my body trembling as sobs wracked through me.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, soaking my palms as I cried harder than I had in years.
Everything I had been holding inside the fear, the uncertainty, the hopelessness - it all poured out of me in that moment.
I had just finished telling Nova everything, and now that the words were out in the open, the weight of it was unbearable.
Nova sat beside me, her hand gently patting my back, offering silent comfort.
She hadn't said much after I told her about the Almega, the book, and the curse that loomed over me, but her presence was enough.
Just knowing she was here, that I wasn't alone in this, helped steady me, even if just a little.
I wiped my eyes, trying to calm the sobs that wouldn't stop coming.
"I don't know what to do," I whispered between shaky breaths. "I'm so scared, Nova. I don't want to become... that."
Nova's hand stilled on my back for a moment, and then she wrapped her arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a gentle hug.
"Astrid, listen to me," she said softly, her voice filled with determination. "There must be something we can do. The book... it's old, right? Maybe back then, there was no cure. But that doesn't mean there isn't one now."
Her words settled over me like a small spark of hope, igniting something deep in my chest.
I sniffed, lifting my head slightly, my tear-filled eyes meeting hers.
"You think there could be a cure now?" I asked, my voice small, barely above a whisper.
Nova nodded, her expression firm. "I do. We can't give up so easily. You've been through too much to let this defeat you. You're strong, Astrid. You always have been. And I believe you'll find a way through this too."
Her belief in me, the confidence in her voice, made something shift inside me.
I had been so consumed by fear, by the thought that there was no way out, that I had forgotten who I was.
I had been through a lot. I had survived heartbreak, betrayal, and pain that most people couldn't imagine.
I couldn't give up now. Not without a fight.
Nova's voice softened as she continued, "You can't give up, not when Ryker still needs his mother.
Killian... you two are just starting to build a life together. You can't let it all end without trying. You have too much to fight for."
I swallowed hard, her words resonating deep within me. She was right.
I couldn't let this curse, this darkness, take everything from me. Ryker needed me. Killian needed me. And I needed to believe that there was still a chance. That I wasn't doomed to become the monster the book had described.
"You're right," I said quietly, my voice steadier now. "I can't give up. Not yet. Not when there's still hope." Nova squeezed my shoulder, a small smile appearing on her face. "Exactly. We're going to figure this out, Astrid. But I think you need to start by going to your father."
I blinked, confused for a moment. "My father?"
"Alpha Theron," Nova explained, her
ve
expression turning serious. "If anyone knows something about this... if anyone can help you, it's him. Show him the book. Ask him for help. He's the Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, he has all the money, all the resources and I know he'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
My heart skipped a beat at the thought. I almost forgot about Alpha Theron... my father. It's been so long since I had seen him, since I last made contact with him.
Nova was right. If anyone knew about this, if anyone had the resources and knowledge to help me, it would be him.
"I'll go to him," I said, my voice stronger than it had been all day. "I'll show him the book. I'll ask him for help.
Nova nodded, her eyes shining with support. "Good. You're not alone in this, Astrid. You have people who care about you. We're all going to help you get through this."
I fell silent when she uttered the word "we".
The thought of Killian or even Drystan finding out... it was too much. I don't want them to cause an unnecessary worry.
I turned to Nova, taking a deep breath as I gathered the courage to ask her something more.
"Nova," I said softly, meeting her gaze. "I need you to promise me something."
She blinked, her expression shifting from concern to curiosity. "What is it?"
"I need you to promise me that you won't tell anyone about this," I said, my voice low and steady. "Not Drystan, not Killian. No one. Not until I've figured out what to do. I need to handle this on my own for now." Nova's eyes widened, and I could see the hesitation in her face immediately.
"Astrid... are you sure?" she asked cautiously, her voice tinged with worry. "This is a huge deal. Keeping this from Killian, from everyone - it's... I don't know if that's the right thing to do."
I swallowed hard, knowing she was right to be concerned. But I couldn't I bear the thought of Killian knowing just yet, of seeing the fear in his eyes, or worse, the possibility that he'd want to protect me from Something he couldn't.
This was something I had to figure out before I dragged anyone else into it. And if I fail to figure things out, I'll deal with everything on my own without anyone knowing.
"I know it's a lot to ask,” I admitted, my voice softening. "But I need time. I don't want to worry anyone until I'm sure of what's happening. Please, Nova. Just promise me you'lDkeep this between us for now."
Nova's brow furrowed, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she processed my request.
I could tell she was struggling with the decision, torn between her instinct to protect me and the weight of the secret I was asking her to keep.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she let out a small sigh and nodded.
"I don't like it," she said quietly. "But... I promise. I won't tell anyone. Not Drystan, not Killian."
Relief washed over me, and I reached out to squeeze her hand, grateful beyond words. "Thank you,
Nova. I just need time to figure things out. Once I know more, I'll tell them. But not yet."
Nova nodded again, though I could still see the worry lingering in her eyes.
"Okay," she said softly. "But you know where I am if you need me. You don't have to go through this alone."
"I know," I said, managing a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."
Chapter 329: Farewell
Astrid's
POV
Nova and I walked back into the lounge, where Killian and Drystan were seated, deep in conversation. Drystan was casually sipping tea while Killian held a steaming cup of coffee in his hands.
They looked so relaxed, like two old friends catching up on lost time. But as soon as they saw us enter, both of their gazes shifted.
Drystan was the first to react. He stood up immediately, his eyes flickering to Nova before he smiled and excused himself.
"Come on, Nova. Let's give them some space."
I didn't say anything, but I couldn't help but stare at Drystan as he moved to leave.
There was something I wanted to say to him—something I felt I needed to talk to him about - but when
he noticed my gaze, he simply gave me a gentle, knowing smile before turning away.
His arm slipped around Nova's waist as they disappeared through the door, leaving me alone with Killian.
A quiet stillness filled the room as I turned back to him.
Killian took a long sip of his coffee before placing the cup down on the table.
His gaze settled on me, soft and warm, and I could already see the curiosity in his eyes.
"What were you two talking about?" I asked, sliding into the chair across from him, trying to keep my voice casual.
Killian leaned back slightly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Drystan and I were just catching up on a few things. I told him everything — about Giselle, the lies she fed us, and what happened between us two. He also knows that you and I have reconciled and that we're planning to start over... with Ryker."
His eyes softened even more as he said Ryker's name, and I could feel the warmth spread through me just at the thought of us finally being a family.
But there was something else in his expression, something that told me there was more to the conversation.
I tilted my head, watching him closely. "And?"
Killian chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "Drystan made me promise that I'd never hurt you again.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Drystan being so protective of me still. It made my heart ache with gratitude.
I small smile played on my face as I awaited his answer. "And what did you say?" I asked, my voice soft. He paused for a moment, his eyes locking onto mine. "I told him that if I do, he has full permission to kill
me.'
His words made my heart swell. For so long, I had felt like we were broken beyond repair, that the pieces of us would never fit together again.
But hearing him say those things - seeing the conviction in his eyes - I believed him. I felt the strength of his promise, the sincerity in every word.
I stood up and moved toward him, my heart pounding as I crossed the room.
When I reached him, I leaned down, placing my hands on either side of his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips.
"I believe you," I whispered, my voice filled with all the love and hope I had for us. "I believe in us."
Killian reached up, his hands gently covering mine, his thumbs brushing over my skin as he looked up at
me.
"I love you, Astrid," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I never stopped loving you."
I leaned in, closing the distance between us as our lips met in a soft, tender kiss.
It was slow, filled with the promise of everything we had been through and everything we still had ahead of us.
When we finally pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, his breath warm on my skin.
For a moment, it felt like nothing could ever break us again.
But then the weight of what I had to do came crashing back, and the reality of it all settled over me like a heavy cloud.
I pulled back slightly, my hands falling to his shoulders as I straightened up.
"Killian," I began softly, my voice wavering just a little. "I have to leave."
His brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "My father asked me to come. I need to visit him. It's... it's important," I lied.
Killian's eyes searched mine, the confusion deepening as he tried to process what I was saying. "Your father? You mean Alpha Theron?"
I nodded, unable to meet his gaze
fully. "Yes. It's been so long since I've
seen him. I had to go back, I need to tell him everything that has happened to ease all his wories.”
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Killian sat up straighter, concern
flashing in his eyes. "I'll come with et
you," he offered quickly, his voice filled with certainty. "We'll goo together."
But I shook my head, trying to keep my voice steady. "No need. You have a lot of things you need to take care of. I can do this alone, Killian."
His frown deepened, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. "How long will you be gone?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
"I'm not sure," I admitted, feeling the weight of my decision pressing down on me. "But I need to leave today. I'll ride with Drystan and Nova."
Killian looked down at his coffee cup, his hands tightening around it.
"Today?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why so soon? Can't we wait until tomorrow? I can drive you..."
I shook my head again, feeling the heaviness in my chest grow. "It's urgent. I have to leave now."
His face fell, and the sadness in his eyes nearly broke me. His jaw clenched, and he looked down at the table, clearly trying to process everything.
I reached out, my hand covering his, hoping he would understand. But the look in his eyes when he finallydifted his gaze to mine told me how much this was hurting him.
"We have just reconciled and you're already leaving," he whispered, his voice filled with pain. "I'll miss
you."
I swallowed hard at his words. "I'll miss you too."
He stood up slowly, his movements heavy, and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.
I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Come back to me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"I will," I whispered back, though I couldn't shake the weight of the uncertainty that clung to me.
For now, all I could do was hold on to this moment, hoping it wouldn't be the last.
Chapter 330: Book
Astrid's POV
The journey to the Shadowfang Pack was quiet but comforting. I sat in the backseat with Nova beside me, her hand resting on mine as if to silently reassure me.
Drystan was focused on the road, his hands gripping the wheel firmly. Occasionally, he would glance back in the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with silent encouragement.
As we pulled up near the Packhouse, Drystan turned to me.
"Are you sure you don't want us to come in with you?" he offered, his voice warm but concerned. Before I could respond, Nova playfully smacked him on the shoulder.
"Drystan, stop it! It's embarrassing enough to show up uninvited. Astrid will be fine." She winked at me, her lips curving into a reassuring smile.
I couldn't help but laugh, grateful for her lightheartedness. I reached over, wrapping my arms around her for a goodbye hug.
She leaned in, her voice a soft whisper in my ear. "Promise me you'll tell me everything when this is done.'
I nodded against her shoulder, whispering back, "I will."
We pulled apart, and I watched them as they drove off, waving until the car disappeared down the long, winding road.
The weight of my purpose here settled back on my shoulders, and I took a steadying breath before turning toward the Packhouse.
There, standing just outside the doors, was my father. His gaze locked onto mine the moment I approached, his expression warm and steady.
It had been so long since I'd seen him, yet his presence was as powerful as ever.
A little distance away, arms crossed with an unmistakably annoyed look, stood Anya. The moment I drew closer, her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Well, well," Anya said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "So, she finally decides to visit. No calls, no messages... nothing for ages, and now here she is, back out of the blue. I suppose you're only here because you need something."
I flinched, her words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. But before I could respond, my father stepped forward, his tone gentle yet firm.
"That's enough, Anya." He didn't raise his voice, but his meaning was clear. His gaze softened as he looked back at me, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I'm just glad you're back, Astrid."
I hugged him tightly, letting the comfort of his presence wash over me.
"I'm sorry," I murmured, my voice muffled against his shoulder. "I should've reached out. I've just been... busy."
He pulled back slightly, one eyebrow raised in surprise. "Busy? They are not giving you a hard time, aren't they?"
I nodded, managing a small smile. "I've been made the new general of the Silvermoon Pack."
Anya's eyes widened slightly, her irritation giving way to mild surprise. But she quickly masked it, her expression unreadable as she looked away.
My father's face lit up with pride, and he placed his hands on my shoulders, his gaze filled with warmth. "General, huh?" he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You've done well, Astrid."
I smiled, feeling a little lighter despite everything. "Thank you."
I took a deep breath, looking up at him. "C-Can we talk privately?"
Anya scoffed, crossing her arms tighter over her chest.
"I knew it," she muttered, her voice barely loud enough to hear. "Only comes around when she needs something."
I ignored her, though her words
stung. My father turned to her, his gaze calm but firm, silencing her with a single look before he returned
his attention to me.
"Of course, Astrid," he said, his voice gentle. "Let's go to my office."
He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and guided me toward the Packhouse.
I felt Anya's gaze burning into my back, but I focused on my father, the steady rhythm of his footsteps, the warmth of his presence beside me.
It was the comfort I needed right now, and I held onto it, letting it carry me forward.
As we stepped into his office, he closed the door behind us, blocking out the world outside.
He gestured for me to sit, taking the chair across from me, his gaze steady and attentive. "All right, Astrid. Tell me what's on your mind."
I took a deep breath, the weight of the book heavy in my hands. I placed it on his desk, watching his face as he glanced down at it, then back up at me.
"I found this... back at the Silvermoon Pack," I said slowly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think you should read it."
His eyes widened, a flicker of
recognition flashing through them
the moment I placed the book on his desk. His gaze shifted from the worn leather cover to me, his expression tense.
But instead of asking what it was, he leaned forward, his voice low with a mixture of urgency and dread. "Where did you get this?"