Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

Her words made me flinch, but I didn't respond. Asha reached into her bag and pulled out a document, holding it out to me.

"This," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "is from our father. It's proof that he wanted you to lead the Shadowfang Pack. Not Andros."

I took the paper with trembling hands, scanning the words. My father's

handwriting, so familiar and yet so distant, stared back at me. The weight of his decision settled over me like a crushing burden.

I fell silent, I had no idea that despite my cold treatment towards him, he still chose to hand me his position before he died. Overwhelming grief enveloped my heart once again as I remember how he died.

"I can't do this," I said, shaking my head and thrusting the document back toward Asha. "I can't lead the pack."

"Astrid—” Asha began, but I cut her off.

"You don't understand," I said, my voice breaking. "My wolf... it's getting stronger. Harder to control. I can feel it-the power, the rage. One day, I'm going to lose control completely, and when that happens..."

I looked away, tears stinging my eyes. "When that happens, I'll be nothing but a killing machine. I can't risk that. I won't risk that."

Killian stepped closer, his expression pained. "Astrid, you're stronger than you think. You can fight this."

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "You don't understand, Killian. There's no hope for me. And I won't let Ryker be part of this nightmare."

His face darkened. "Ryker deserves to know who you are. He deserves to know his mother."

I clenched my fists, anger and sorrow battling within me. "No," I said firmly. “He can't know. He's safe with you, Killian, and that's how it has to stay. I'm going to die eventually, whether it's by Andros's hand or my own wolf. I don't want Ryker to go through the pain of losing me."

Killian stared at me, his jaw tightening. I could see the conflict in his eyes, but I refused to back down.

"I came here to hide, to protect everyone from what I've become," I said, my voice quieter now. "Please, just... leave me be."

Asha's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Killian's hands clenched at his sides, but neither of them moved.

My heart ached at the sight of them, at the love and worry etched into their faces. But I couldn't let them get closer. Not when I was so close to breaking.

Sharp sounds of shouts and footsteps outside shattered the tense silence.

Killian stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he turned towards the door. Asha moved closer to me, her face pale with worry.

What's going on?" I asked, dread pooling in my stomach.

Moments later, Alpha Damien's Beta bursts into the room, his expression grim. "Alpha, Alpha Andros is here. He has warriors with him... and Ryker."noveldrama

My heart stopped. "What?"

"He's threatening to harm Ryker unless we hand you over," he continued.

Killian's entire body went rigid, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"That bastard," he growled, his voice laced with fury/

Fear and guilt surged through me, my mind spinning. Ryker. My son. My innocent boy.

I pushed past Asha and Killian, rushing toward the door. "I'll go to him," I said, my voice trembling.

"No," Killian snapped, grabbing my arm. "You're not surrendering to him, Astrid." "If I don't, he'll hurt Ryker," I said, pulling free. I can't let that happen.

Damien stepped forward, his expression firm. "Astrid, we'll protecty Ryker. We'll defend the pack. You don't have to do this."

But I shook my head. "You don't understand. Andros will kill everyone here if he has to. He won't stop until he gets what he wants."

I turned to Killian, my chest tightening at the anguish on his face. "This is my fight," I said softly. "Please, protect Ryker."

When I stepped outside, Andros was waiting, a cold, smug smile on his face.

His warriors flanked him, their weapons gleaming in the fading light. And there, in his grasp, was Ryker

The sight of my son, his small face pale with fear, made my heart shatter.

"Let him go, Andros," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

He tilted his head, that infuriating smirk still on his lips. "And why would I do that, dear sister? You know the terms. Come with me, and the boy lives."

My fists clenched at my sides, anger boiling beneath the surface. I wanted nothing more than to rip him apart for daring to use Ryker as a pawn.

"Andros, don't do this," I said, my voice low but firm.

bet

"Don't do this?" he repeated mockingly, feigning shock. "You've forced my hand, Astrid. This is

the

only way to bring you in. You should

have come quietly."

Before I could respond, the sound of distant footsteps reached my ears. It was

faint at first but grew louder, accompanied by the clang of weapons.

Andros frowned, his smirk faltering as he turned toward the noise. Moments later, a new group of

warriors emerged from the trees, led by a tall figure I instantly recognized.

Drystan.

Beside him was Nova, her sharp gaze scanning the battlefield like a hawk. Their warriors poured in behind them, quickly surrounding Andros's troops and outnumbering them two to one.

Andros's face twisted in anger and surprise. "What is this?" he snarled.

"It's over, Andros," Alpha Drystan said coldly, stepping forward. "You're outnumbered. Surrender now."

"And how did you know—" Andros stopped mid-sentence, realization dawning on him. His eyes flickered with fury. "Damien," he spat.

It was clear now that Alpha Damien had sent letters to both Killian and Drystan.

My heart swelled with gratitude for the Crimsonbane Alpha's foresight, though the tension in the air was far from over.

"You think this changes anything?" Andros sneered. "I still have the boy."

He tightened his grip on Ryker, who whimpered in fear, and my restraint began to crumble.

"Andros!" I shouted, taking a step forward. "If you hurt him—"

"You'll do what, Astrid?" he snapped, his smirk returning. "You can't stop me."

Before anyone could respond, the battlefield erupted into chaos. Drystan's warriors clashed with Andros's, weapons colliding as shouts and growls filled the

air.

Andros tried to retreat with Ryker in tow, weaving through the chaos to make his escape.

My heart pounded as I fought to reach him, but the fighting around me slowed my progress.

"Ryker!" I screamed, my vision blurring with desperation.

Andros turned briefly, his cold smile returning as he dragged Ryker further away. "Too late, Astrid," he taunted.

"Mommy! Mommy help me!" Ryker yelled to me pleadingly with tears in his eyes