Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 276: Stuck with Him

Astrid's

POV

I held back the tears burning in my eyes, refusing to let them fall. I couldn't cry in front of Drystan, not

now.

This wasn't about me-it was about him, about setting him free. He needed to see that I wasn't the one for him, that holding onto me would only bring him misery.

I looked at him, my heart breaking as I saw the pain in his eyes, the confusion, the hurt I'd caused by not being honest sooner.

It felt like the walls were closing in on me, but I had to stay strong. He deserved better than this. Better than me.

"Drystan," I whispered, my voice trembling despite my best efforts. "You deserve a life of your own,

without waiting on me. I don't want you to waste any more time on someone who can't give you what you need. You have to live for yourself before it's too late."

He didn't respond right away, just stared at me, his fists clenched at his sides. I could see the battle raging inside him, the hurt colliding with the realization that I was right.

It was like watching him slowly fall apart, and knowing I was the cause tore me apart more than I'd ever admit.

he turned away, his jaw tight, his shoulders tense with anger. I knew he was heartbroken, but this had to be done. I couldn't let

happen.

out, but I didn't bother to stop him. I stared at his back as he

the weight of everything pressing down on me, my knees nearly gave way. The world

of leaves startled me, and I instinctively turned, my heart foolishly

his gaze fixed on me. The intensity in his dark eyes cut through the gloom, sending

anyone-least of

but filled with concern. He stepped forward, his figure moving gracefully through the garden's soft moonlight. "Why are you all alone out

head at first, unable

in a rush," Killian continued, his brows furrowing. "He didn't say a word. I came to find you after he

away, the ache in my chest sharp and relentless. "I had to let him go," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "It was the right

was silent for a moment, and I could feel his gaze burning into me, studying me as though he could see straight through

low, almost gentle. "And who told

froze, taken aback by the quiet intensity in his words. I stared at him, but

struggling to keep my voice steady. "This is about what's best for

His voice was softer now, the old familiar tone slipping back in. "What do

furrowed at

don't you?" he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "You sacrifice yourself for everyone else, thinking it'll make things easier. But has

from you?"

to keep my emotions in check. "It's not that simple, Killian.

everyone else. You think if you step aside, you'l make things better for them.