Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Nova's POV

As the stillness of the night and the chillness of the air calmed my mind, I found myself drawn outside, my feet carrying me to the most private part of the Packhouse, away from the noise and attention of other people. Today is my birthday, but no one knew about it except for Drystan. Everyone is preoccupied with Astrid's recovery, and I couldn't just steal all the attention and say, 'Hey! It's my birthday today!'

That would be so insensitive of me to do so, and I don't want Astrid to be worried about me. It would be better for Astrid to focus on her recovery.

A part of me was relieved that only Drystan knew it was my birthday. I had never been one for grand celebrations or the unwanted attention that came with them.

The idea of being the center of focus, of having all eyes on me, filled me with a sense of unease. I preferred the solitude, the peace and calmness of the night. And so, I stared up at the twinkling stars that kept me company, and I felt a deep sense of contentment wash over me.

The cool night air caressed my skin, and the gentle hush of the world around me soothed my restless soul.

This is exactly what I needed to be alone, to revel in the simple pleasure of my own company.

However, as I remained alone with my thoughts, I found them drifting towards Drystan, who still hadn't greeted me with a happy birthday until now.

I'm not sure if he still remembers my birthday or not. Drystan had remained steadfastly by Astrid's side all day.

I know how much he cares for her, how his heart had been irrevocably in love with her.

sister. Her unwavering

Astrid all day, so he probably forgot about my

way, I'm still glad that my birthday had gone unnoticed, for I could only imagine the

focus - his heart belonged to Astrid now. And truthfully, I cannot hate him for that. Astrid is truly a remarkable woman, one who reminded me of my sister I had lost. The kindness, the resilience, the unwavering spirit - it

me as well. Though we had not known each other for so long,

stars, I wished Astrid was Drystan's second mate. It

sister is Drystan's true mate, and with the huge gap in our age, my feelings are

from my seat. "Drystan! W-What are you doing here?" I stuttered in surprise. I was just thinking of him when he suddenly surprised me behind my

back. "You think

rolled my eyes at him as I grabbed the present from his hands. "Of course not, I've been expecting

only went out here to sulk because you thought I forgot, didn't you?" Drystan continued to tease me until he earned a glare from me. "Suit yourself and believe what you want to believe in,"

are you doing out here on your own then?" Drystan questioned

I was just waiting for my birthday," I

on 11:59 PM. If you came out just a few seconds late, you would have been born on July 29," Drystan explained,

about me. He always surprises me with how much he knows me. I couldn't believe that he knew about

"What's this?!"exclaimed when I