Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 317

Astrid’s POV

The cold earth pressed against my bare skin as I curled tighter into myself, the night air biting at my exposed flesh.

My body trembled uncontrollably — not just from the chill, but from the fear that clung to me like a second skin.

The pain of the shift still rippled through me, a constant reminder of the monster lurking inside.

I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to disappear, to sink into the ground and escape everything.

The forest around me was eerily quiet, the only sound my own ragged breathing. I had no idea where I was, only that I had run far. Too far.

But not far enough.

Footsteps.

My heart lurched in my chest. It had to be them — the attackers, or maybe the rogues.

My mind conjured up every possible danger lurking in the shadows of this unknown place.

My pulse quickened as the footsteps grew louder, closer. I didn’t have the strength to fight. I didn’t even have the strength to stand.

I pulled my knees tighter against my chest, curling up as small as I could.

Maybe if I stayed still enough, they wouldn’t see me. Maybe I could just vanish into the forest floor.

“Astrid?”

His voice broke through the darkness like a shockwave, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I knew that voice.

Killian.

Slowly, I raised my head, my breath hitching in my throat.

There he was, standing just a few feet away, his eyes wide with concern, a blanket in his arms.

His figure blurred slightly through the haze of tears I hadn’t even realized I was crying.

“Astrid,” he repeated, softer this time, as if he was afraid his voice would startle me. “It’s just me.”

I wanted to speak, to tell him to stay back, to leave, but all that came out was a broken sob.

He took a step forward, but I scooted away, dragging my body over the dirt and leaves, my voice hoarse and desperate. “No! Please, stay away!”

He froze, his face tightening with emotion. “Astrid, I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I’ll hurt you,” I choked out, shaking my head. “I’ll lose control. You have to leave. Just—just go before I—”

Killian’s jaw clenched, and he stepped forward again, this time more determined. “I’m not going anywhere.”

My heart raced, and the wolf inside me stirred, a low growl rumbling through my chest.

I squeezed my eyes shut, terrified of what might happen next. “You don’t understand! I can’t control her! You saw what happened! I almost— I almost hurt Ryker. I can’t—”

My voice broke, tears falling freely now. “I’ll put you in danger.”

His footsteps were slow, cautious, but unrelenting. He knelt down a few feet in front of me, close but not close enough to touch.