Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POVnoveldrama

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?"