Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

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 ofin 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, pullinginto 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 overlike 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 becthe 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 promisesomething." She blinked, her expression shifting from concern to curiosity. "What is it?"

"I need you to promisethat you won't tell anyone about this," I said, my voice low and steady. "Not m 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 protectfrom 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 promiseyou'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 protectand 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 tto 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." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1