Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

The wind howled against the Packhouse walls, carrying an unnatural chill that seeped into my bones.

The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows through the windows.

I sat in the corner of Ryker and Elara's shared room, my knees pulled to my chest, watching their small forms rise and fall with each breath.

They looked so peaceful. So unaware of the storm brewing around them.

Killian had insisted I get some rest, but the thought of leaving them alone-even with the guards stationed outside the room-was unbearable.

Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind, sent a jolt of paranoia through me.

"You're not helping them by running yourself into the ground," Killian's voice came softly from the doorway.

I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed. His golden eyes, usually so fierce, softened as they met mine.

"They're just kids, Killian," I whispered, my voice trembling. "They don't deserve to be part of this war."

Killian stepped into the room, his boots making almost no sound on the wooden floor.

"I know," he said, sitting down beside me. "But they're also our kids. And that makes them strong."

I glanced at Ryker, his small hand clutching the edge of his blanket. Elara stirred

in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent before settling again.

"They shouldn't have to be strong," I whispered, the words catching in my throat. "They should be safe."

Killian reached out, his hand covering mine.

"They will be," he said firmly. "I've doubled the guards around the Packhouse. Ryder is organizing rotations to ensure there's no lapse in protection. No one's getting past them."

"It's not enough,” I said, shaking my head. "Ardan doesn't fight fair. He'll find a way, Killian. He always does."

Killian exhaled, his jaw tightening. "Then we'll find a way to stop him before he gets the chance."

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of Cedric's words hung over me like a dark cloud.

The rogue king always gets what he wants.

The thought of Ardan coming for my children, of him using their blood for his twisted goals, made my stomach churn.

"I've always been strong, Killian," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I've endured betrayal, loss, and pain. I've fought through every battle that's come my way. But when it comes to our children..." My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, forcing the words out.

"I can't be strong. I'm weak when it comes to them. I won't survive it if something happens to them."

Killian's hand tightened around mine, his golden eyes softening as he gazed at

me.

"Astrid," he said gently, "you're not weak. You're their mother. That kind of love— it's not weakness. It's strength. It's what keeps them safe."

I shook my head, my voice trembling. "But I'm scared, Killian. What if I fail them? What if "

"You won't," he interrupted, his tone firm. "Astrid, you've been worrying so much, and I understand why.

But this this constant fear-it's not good for you. For them. They need you to be strong and calm."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them away. "I'm trying," I whispered. "But the thought of losing them... it terrifies me."

Killian cupped my face, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks. "Listen to me," he said softly, his voice steady.

"You're not alone in this. I'll protect them. I'll protect you. With everything I have. But you have to trust me. You have to let yourself breathe."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch. "I trust you," I said quietly. "I just... I don't trust him."

Killian nodded, his golden eyes hardening. "Neither do I. That's why we'll stop him before he gets close. I promise you, Astrid, he'll never touch our family."

We pulled apart from each other when the heavy door creaked open. Both of us turned toward it, and to my surprise, Asha stepped into the room.

Her hair was pulled back hastily, and she was still wearing the simple robe she must have thrown on in a rush.

The dark circles under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights, but her expression was calm and steady.

"Asha?" I asked, stepping forward. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on the children," she said softly, her gaze flicking between me and Killian.

"I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking about everything Cedric said, and... I had to see them. To make sure they're safe."

My chest tightened at her words. "They're fine," I said quickly, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me. "Killian has already increased the guards, and Ryder is overseeing the patrols."

"I know," Asha said, her voice gentle but firm. She stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my arm.

"But you're their mother, Astrid. And I know how much you worry. I couldn't sit in my room knowing how much this must be eating at you."

Killian's expression softened, but he said nothing, stepping back to give us space.

I exhaled shakily, my shoulders sagging.noveldrama

"I feel like I can't breathe," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Every time I think about them-about what Ardan might do I feel like I'm drowning." Asha's gaze softened, and she gently guided me to a nearby chair, sitting beside

me.

“Astrid, listen to me," she said firmly. “I also love your children as if they were my own. Ryker's stubbornness, Elara's bright smile... they're a part of my heart too."

Her words hit me like a balm on an open wound, soothing yet stirring emotions I'd buried beneath the weight of my fear.

"I know," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I know you love them. But I'm their mother. If anything happens to them, I—" I broke off, swallowing hard.

Asha reached out, taking my hands in hers. "Astrid, you don't have to carry this alone.

You're allowed to lean on the people who love you. And you're allowed to let me help protect them."

Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them back. “You already do so much for them, Asha. They adore you. Elara keeps asking why you don't live here with us."

Asha's lips curved into a soft smile. "That girl... she's a light in the darkest places. She reminds me so much of you."

I shook my head, a faint smile

tugging at my lips despite the fear still curling in my chest. "She's

stronger than I ever was at her age. And Ryker-he has Killian's fire. He's fearless."

"And that's because of you," Asha said gently. "You and Killian have given them everything they need to thrive, Astrid. And you'll keep giving them that. Together."

Killian stepped forward then, his golden eyes locking onto mine.

"She's right, Astrid," he said quietly. "You've always been our strength But worrying yourself into exhaustion won't help them. You need to rest. Trust that we'll protect them-together."

I looked between them, my heart aching with gratitude. "Thank you," I whispered,

my voice trembling. "Both of you."