Reclaiming My Broken Luna

Astrid's POV

I watched as the range of emotions flickered across Drystan's face - the initial disbelief, the growing anguish, and now, the most unexpected response of all - understanding.

I thought he would hate me for breaking my promise. No reason can justify my betrayal. Drystan had asked me many times before this if I was really sure about my decision to stay at the Nightsong Pack with him, and I had always given him the same answer. I had lied to him many times. Drystan had always been so kind to me; he always had my back no matter what, and I chose to do this in return.

"I understand, Astrid," he murmured, his voice soft and steady. "You do not have to blame yourself. I know this has been hard on you," he continued, his words wrapping me like a warm embrace.

I was speechless. What have I done to deserve him?

"You don't have to hide anything from me. I'm always here for you Astrid. I'll support you no matter what you choose." I felt a surge of guilt wash over me as he spoke his kind words.

I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat, overwhelmed by the depth of his understanding.

"Drystan, I..." I began, my voice trembling with a mix of guilt and awe. "You don't have to do this," I spoke with tears in my eyes. "I don't know how long this would take. You don't have to-"

"I've told you, Astrid. I will always help and support you no matter what. That will also stand true for this," Drystan cut me off and answered stubbornly.

I shook my head. He had already done so much for me. He doesn't have to do this. "I can't let you get involved in this, Drystan," I muttered, hoping that he would listen to me.

I don't want him to be implicated because of me. I don't know how long and far this would take me. Fighting against the Silvermoon Pack has its own risks. Even if I had the Shadowfang Pack's support, there would always be some compromises.

I've chosen to have my revenge rather than live with him at Nightsong Pack in peace. I had already let him down. He doesn't have to go along the path I've chosen with me.

He doesn't have to keep waiting and supporting me. I'll only drag him down if he continues this.

"Listen to me, Astrid. It doesn't matter to me. I will always be here with you, no matter what. I'll wait forever if I have to. I'll go through everything as long as it's with you," Drystan's brows were pressed together as he looked at me intently.

"Drystan," my eyes widened at the seriousness of his words. "Don't you hear your own words? Once Alpha Theron had made the announcement, I can never go back. I'm planning to go against the Silvermoon Pack. If you continue to have ties with me, the Nightsong Pack could get in trouble."

Drystan shook his head, unswayed by my words. "It doesn't matter, Astrid—"

"You'll gain in nothing in siding with me!" I raised my voice to open his eyes. He's deliberately bringing disaster upon himself.

"I love you, Astrid!" Drystan blurted out as he grabbed me by my arms. "I've been secretly in love with you the whole time."

A lump formed inside my throat as I stared into his eyes. How could this be? How could he possibly fall in love with me?

"If this is what you want, I'm not

going to stop you. I'm willing to wait for you, Astrid, and I'm willing to help you get what you want. I know you don't share the same feelings as me and won't force you. Someday, when the time is right I'm going to ask you to be my mate and Luna."

I pulled back instinctively when I heard his words. Drystan had always been so nice to me, but I never thought that it was because he was secretly in love with me.

I thought he was just nice to me because I used to be his nephew's wife, and I also used to be his favourite student.

I was still a teenager when Drystan became my teacher. He witnessed how I grew into a mature adult and how I found and married my mate.

Just like Killian, he was also like an uncle to me. I wonder when and why he had fallen for me.

Drystan was surprised by my startled reaction, but he withheld himself from me.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

My eyes blinked as I looked at him, not knowing what to say.

"You don't have to say anything, Astrid. I already expected that this will come as a shock to you. You don't have to mention anything." Drystan paused momentarily. My tense muscles turned relaxed, and I felt grateful that I didn't have to say anything.

"I hope nothing would change

between us now that you heard the truth," Drystan added with

uncertainty in his voice. "I hope that you will also stop pushing me away, Astrid. I'm fully aware of the dangers, allow me to do this."

I held myself together as I contemplated his words. "Fine," I answered defeatedly since he already made up his mind.

"However, you can leave if you

change your mind. You don't have to

foree yourself in staying."

There are a lot of uncertainties ahead of us, and things could get difficult in the future. There is a chance that Drystan might realize that I wasn't worth it after all.

Who knows? Drystan could meet his second chance mate along the way, and he would realize that she would be a far better Luna than me.