Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 257: Hateful Mother

Astrid's POV

Giselle's words hung in the air, heavy with accusation, yet I stood my ground, the storm of emotions swirling around us. "Witnesses? They saw me jump in to save him, not to harm him! Don't twist this into something that it's not!"

I met her gaze with unwavering resolve, my expression hardening at her words.

People began to turn their heads, drawn in by the rising tension. Whispers spread like wildfire, eyes darting between us as Giselle's fury spilled into the air. "You don't get to turn this around on me! You tried to drown my son, and I won't let you twist the truth to escape your punishment!"

Just then, Killian's loud voice erupted, slicing through the chaos. "What's going on here?!"

He strode forward, positioning himself between us, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. He glanced from me to Giselle, the intensity in his gaze sharpening as he tried to assess the situation. Behind him, Alpha Damien and his wife, Vanessa, followed closely with concerned expressions etched on their faces.

"Killian, I'm so glad you're here!" Giselle exclaimed, her voice dripping with urgency as she approached him. "Astrid pushed Ryker into the pond, and he almost drowned! You have to help us," Giselle spoke grievously, tears forming in her eyes and amplifying her desperation.

Killian's eyes widened, and a wave of worry washed over his features as he turned to look at his son, who was trembling in the cold and dripping wet. "Is he okay? Was he hurt?" His voice trembled slightly, a crack forming in his usually composed demeanor. No one had seen him this distressed before.

"Ryker wasn't hurt," Giselle answered. "Luckily, I arrived on time or else..." Giselle's lips quivered, and a tear escaped her eyes. "I would have found him dead, not knowing what had truly happened."

With that, tears flowed freely down Giselle's face as she finally sobbed, her anguish spilling out like a broken dam. The sight of her grief tugged at the hearts of those watching, drawing sympathetic murmurs from the crowd.

Even I nearly felt bad for her plight.

"Astrid, is this true?" Killian asked, his tone cold as he turned his piercing gaze on me.

off the chill that seeped into

so violently that I could barely form

gaze as I stood there, dripping wet and shivering in front of

this was going to happen. I've been expecting this all along!" Giselle

he really believed that you've

you back into our pack. This is how you repay us!"

should I do for you to forgive me?" Giselle asked,

as I felt the stares of the crowd piercing into me, their glares sharp

scoffed at Giselle's words, the sound cutting through the

picked up the floating toy from the

into the water," I said, holding up the kite for all to see.

even jumped

save him. I couldn't believe

being accused of harming him

the crowd as they processed my words. I could see the flicker of

carefully constructed facade beginning to crack. "You're twisting things!" she shouted, frustration lacing her voice. It was as if she was trying to convince the crowd to take her

saw you

continued, her tone accusatory. “You

everyone except me!

you're

to the