Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 179

Chapter 179

ZADE

I watched Ollie’s eyes flutter open, relief flooding through me as consciousness returned to his small face. For a moment, he just stared at the ceiling in silence, and I could see his mind working to piece together what had happened to him. Then tears began rolling down his cheeks, and he whispered a single word that made my chest tighten with sympathy.

“Riley.”

I immediately moved closer to his bedside, reaching out to brush the tears from his face with gentle fingers. “Hey there, little man,” I said softly, trying to project calm reassurance despite the turmoil churning in my own chest. “You’re going to be just fine. The spell has

been broken. You’re safe now.”

Ollie closed his eyes and shook his head weakly against the pillow. “I didn’t want them to break it,” he whispered, his voice so quiet I

had to lean closer to hear him.

I frowned in confusion, not understanding what he meant. The magical connection that had been draining his life force was gone – wasn’t that what we’d all wanted? “Ollie, what do you mean? You’re better now. You’re not sick anymore.”

He opened his eyes and looked at me with an expression far too old for his young face. “Where’s Mama?” he asked, completely ignoring my question about the spell.

I hesitated, my throat constricting as I thought about Lumina sitting in a cold cell below the pack house, waiting for a trial that would determine her fate. I couldn’t tell a child that his mother was imprisoned, that she might be exiled or worse because she’d tried to

save his life.

“She’s… she’s fine,” I said, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. “She’ll come see you soon, I promise.”

Ollie nodded slowly, accepting my words without question in the trusting way that only children could manage. Before I could say anything else, there was a soft knock on the door, and Dr. Lily entered with her usual professional smile.

“Well, look who’s awake!” she said cheerfully, moving to check his vital signs with practiced efficiency. “How are you feeling, Ollie? Any pain or discomfort?”

“Okay,” Ollie replied in a monotone voice that immediately caught the doctor’s attention.

–

single syllables She tried asking him several more questions about his physical condition, but every response was the same delivered without any emotion or enthusiasm. Even when she mentioned that he could probably go home soon, he just shrugged and

turned his face toward the wall.

Dr. Lily caught my eye and gestured for me to step aside with her. “I’m concerned about his mental state, she said quietly, keeping her voice low enough that Ollie couldn’t hear.

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Chapter 179

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“Physical trauma aside, he’s showing signs of depression or emotional withdrawal. It’s not uncommon in children who’ve experienced significant medical trauma, but he should probably speak with someone qualified to help him process what happened.”

I nodded, though my mind was already racing ahead to the events I needed to orchestrate in the next few hours. “I’ll make sure he gets whatever help he needs,” I promised.

Another knock on the door interrupted us, and Rivers stepped inside with a young woman I recognized as one of the pack’s most trusted caregivers. Talia had helped with several other children in similar situations, and I knew she’d be gentle with Ollie while I dealt with the nightmare unfolding in the rest of my territory.

“Ollie,” I said, returning to his bedside and crouching down so we were at eye level. “This is Talia. She’s going to stay with you while I take care of some important pack business. She’s really nice, and she knows lots of good stories.”

Ollie looked at Talia with polite disinterest, then turned his attention back to me. His behavior was a source of worry. This was someone who was usually very animated, even when angry with something he didn’t like. This wasn’t the kid who had bit him in anger after abandoning his father on the rainy road, or stood his ground and told me to back off from his mum, that she was spoken for. Even the boy who had sneaked into my office and called his father without permission, defying pack rules wasn’t found anymore.

The kid In front of me staring at me with empty eyes seemed devoid of happiness and actually truly depressed.

“When will Mama come?” he asked again.

“Soon,” I repeated, hating myself for the continued deception, but I knew that making Ollie even more upset by saying the truth was

going to cause more harm than good at this point. “I promise you’ll see her soon.”

Rivers cleared his throat meaningfully, and I knew my time was up. The pack would be gathering for the trial, and I needed to be

there to see this charade through to its conclusion.

“It’s time for the meeting,” Rivers said quietly. “Everyone has been assembled as you requested. They are all waiting for you. I should

warn you, Elder Simon is beside himself with anticipation. He is eagerly waiting for the events to unfold. Are you sure you are ready to do

this?”

I stood up, my legs feeling unsteady as the weight of what I was about to do settled on my shoulders. “Yes, I have already told the elders that I will prosecute the witch myself. I can’t be found backing down from this. Besides have you found all the evidence we

discussed?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Rivers replied with a slight smile on his face as he nodded his head briefly before adding. “Everything has been prepared exactly as you specified. As soon as you say the word, everyone will know just what sort of things have been going on behind their backs.”

I followed Rivers out of the hospital and toward the pack house, my mind focused on the performance I was about to give.

The main gathering hall was packed with pack members, all of them talking in hushed voices about the unexpected and sudden trial they were about to witness. The Witches trial had always been a rare event in our land because of the lack of witches. Well lack of witches

who broadcast their true self without hiding it.

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Reborn From Regret A Second Chance at Luna’s Heart