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.

doing here?" Giselle asked, worry etched across her face as she looked at her son standing before us. Her brows furrowed when she

finished speaking, another person rushed into the room, breathless and flustered.

tired already," she gasped, trying to catch her

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

looking up at me with a bright smile

at everyone around me; they looked back at me

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

negligence, Alpha

in fear. "Ryker and were just taking a walk outside when he suddenly ran off. I've been trying to chase after him, but he's so fast! He looked like he was searching for something; I

shiny rock, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He wanted

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

expression serious yet proud. I felt

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

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

just then, Giselle's voice cut through the warmth. "Why are you just standing there? Go and take Ryker out of

flinched, her eyes widening in fear as she glanced between Ryker and Giselle.

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

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

anyone, let alone gives

him. Yet here he is,

his gesture truly was. It filled me with