Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 254: Affectionate Child

Astrid's

POV

Ryker barged into the room, taking everyone by surprise. All eyes turned to his small figure, momentarily stunned by his sudden entrance.

Full of energy just moments before, Ryker suddenly froze when he saw us, his throat constricting as he took in the unfamiliar faces.

The weight of our gazes seemed to pin him down, and I could see his breath quicken, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features.

Before his emotions could consume him, his gaze suddenly landed on mine. I gazed softly at him and gave him a warm smile to encourage him and calm him down.

As soon as he recognized who I was, a flicker of calm washed over him, and I watched as he focused intently on me, the tension in his body beginning to ease.

After my encounter with him in the garden, I did some research about autism and learned about several symptoms and tendencies that autism might exhibit.

Ryker and I had only crossed paths a few times, but something about him drew me in, igniting a desire to understand him better.

One of the things I discovered was that crowds could trigger overwhelming feelings, leading to emotional distress. I learned that helping him focus on one thing could improve his clarity of mind.

I felt a surge of relief that I was able to help him find that focus. My research was not in vain.

at her son standing before us. Her brows furrowed when she realized the negligence that had allowed him to wander

breathless

tired already," she gasped, trying to catch

chase after him again, Ryker took off, darting toward my side. I sensed the sudden shift in the room as his nanny's eyes widened, taking in the gathering. Her eyes almost bulged out of their sockets when she realized what they had

by surprise when Ryker suddenly tugged at my shirt, looking up at

around me; they looked back at me with interest, their expressions a mix

a glare that could have melted steel-her protective instincts flaring up at the sight of her

my negligence,

I've been trying to chase after him, but he's so fast! He

as he held up a shiny rock, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He wanted me to take it, and I gently reached out

the heart-shaped stone in my palm, a smile spread across my face. "Is this for me?" I

his expression serious yet

"It's beautiful," I told him, holding the rock up to the light to showcase

my words, the anxiety from earlier dissipating as he took in

there? Go and take Ryker out of here. You are disturbing the guests,"

Ryker and Giselle. She hurriedly moved to take Ryker away, but I instinctively

take the child away. He came here to give me a gift," I said, defending Ryker as I held up the heart-shaped stone for everyone

up, his voice cutting through the tension. "This is new! Ryker never

let

from him. Yet here he is,

truly was. It filled me with