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.

chill that seeped into my bones.

chattered so

welcomed his cold gaze as I stood there, dripping wet and shivering in front

this was going to happen. I've been expecting this all along!" Giselle interjected, her voice gaining

really believed that you've

is how you repay us!" Giselle spoke up, using every opportunity to frame

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

tide of discontent as I felt the stares of the crowd

the sound cutting through the tension like

leaned over and picked up the floating toy from the pond that had caused Ryker to lose

his toy that fell into the water," I said,

jumped into the

I couldn't believe

being accused of

they processed my words. I could see the flicker of doubt in their eyes, the realization that maybe Giselle got it all

shouted, frustration lacing her voice. It was as if she was trying to convince the crowd to take her

saw

planning something," she continued, her tone accusatory. “You think you can just

everyone except me!

you're

clinging to the