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."

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

words didn't register. I blinked, my mind struggling to process what I'd just heard.

papers from Ryder's hands and started skimming through it

but he pressed on. "Giselle. She's not Ryker's biological

I stared at the paper showing that Ryker was right. The

voice rising. "How is that possible? I married her because of him. I

DNA test as soon as Ryker was born, Ryder. I was told Ryker was my son! I married her because I thought she

how, but it's true. Giselle isn't

step, my heart thudding so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. "She lied," I whispered, the realization hitting me like a freight train. "She tricked me. She lied

stomach churning. All these years, I had built a life based on

out of duty, stayed with

—

I was doing the right thing by keeping the family together, but it had all

myself than to Ryder. "How could she lie about

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

"What do you

else about the test," he said, his voice dropping lower, more serious now. "The

the first revelation. "Of course he is.

is," Ryder interrupted, his tone grave. "That's the thing, Killian. Giselle isn't

room suddenly felt

the full weight of what he

is she?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "If Giselle isn't his mother, then who is?" Ryder shook his head. "We don't know yet, but we

I stumbled back to my chair, collapsing into it as the shock of the situation overwhelmed

a son with no mother? Who was the woman who had given birth to him? And why