Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 279: Grand Deceit

Killian's POV

I sat in my chair, the weight of guilt still pressing down on me, my mind spiraling with thoughts of Astrid. Regret felt like a physical thing, constricting my chest, refusing to let go. I rubbed my temples, trying to block out the voices in my head, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

I didn't want to deal with anyone right now. Not after everything. But the knock came again, more insistent. With a sigh, I forced myself to speak.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Beta Ryder stepped in, his face alight with excitement, practically beaming.

I blinked, surprised by the energy radiating from him. He was rarely this enthusiastic, and I wasn't in any mood to deal with whatever news had put him in such a good mood.

"Killian," Ryder began, unable to contain his grin. "I've got something important to tell you."

I tried to mask my exhaustion, but it was a losing battle. "Ryder, now's not really the time="

"No, you'll want to hear this," he cut in, stepping closer. "The results... the DNA test you've been waiting for."

I froze. The DNA test.

In an instant, my fatigue vanished, and I sat up straighter. My heart rate quickened. "The test?"

Ryder nodded, his grin widening. "It's out, and... you're not going to believe this." His voice dropped, almost conspiratorial, drawing out the suspense.

I stared at him, every nerve in my body on edge. "Ryder, just tell me."

gleaming with excitement. "The test came back negative. Giselle isn't Ryker's

the words didn't register. I blinked, my mind

and started skimming through it to check if he is saying the

confusion on my face, but he pressed on. "Giselle. She's not Ryker's biological mother. The test came back conclusive. There's no

as I stared

my voice rising. "How is that possible? I married her because of him. I My mind raced,

I was told Ryker was my son! I married her because I thought she was his mother! How could this be a

shook his head. "I don't know how,

might burst from my chest. "She lied,"

stomach churning. All these years, I had

married a woman out of duty, stayed with her, raised

—

I thought I was doing the right

she do this?" I muttered, more to myself than to Ryder. "How could

cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. "That's not all,

do you mean that's

lower, more serious now. "The test confirmed that Ryker is your biological son, without a

the first revelation. "Of course he is. I've known

his tone grave. "That's the thing, Killian. Giselle isn't his mother.

suddenly felt too

breathe. My heart pounded in my chest as the full weight of what he was saying

barely above a whisper. "If Giselle isn't his mother, then who is?" Ryder shook his head. "We don't know yet,

chair, collapsing into it

How could I have a son with no mother? Who was the woman who had given birth to him? And why hadn't