Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 412

Chapter 412

LUMINA

I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close while he cried against my shoulder. “They know,” I said softly. “They’re very aware of the danger they’re in. But they also know that showing fear would give their captors power over them. So they chose to be defiant instead. To show

strength through humor.”

“But what if they die?” Ollie asked, his voice muffled. “What if the last thing I ever see is Grandma making jokes about caskets?”

“Then you’ll know she died on her own terms,” I said. “Still herself, still strong, still protecting her family the only way she could in that

moment. That’s not nothing, Ollie. That’s everything.”

Riley had moved closer, his expression carefully controlled but his hands shaking slightly. “What are the actual odds of a successful rescue?

Based on available intelligence and our current resources?”

“I’m not going to lie to you,” I said. “It’s dangerous. There are a lot of variables we can’t control. But your father is brilliant, Zade is

experienced, and they have the best warriors from both packs. If anyone can pull this off, it’s them.”

“That’s not a percentage, Riley pressed.

“Because I don’t have one,” I admitted. “This isn’t a math problem with a calculable solution. It’s a fluid situation that depends on dozens

of factors we won’t know until we’re in the middle of it. But I believe-genuinely believe-that they’re coming home. All of them.”

Lake had been quiet, but now he spoke up. “I could help. With my portals. I could open emergency exits if someone gets hurt, or create

escape routes if the main plan fails.”

“You already are helping,” I reminded him. “You brought Zade’s entire team here instantly, saving hours of travel time. That’s huge. And yes, having emergency portals ready is part of the plan. But you’re not going into the combat zone. That’s non-negotiable.”

“But-”

“Lake,” I said firmly, “your father would never forgive himself if something happened to you during a rescue operation. And honestly? Samuel and Silvia would never forgive him either. They’d haunt him from the afterlife. Do you really want to be responsible for your grandparents becoming vengeful ghosts?”

That surprised a wet laugh out of Ollie. “Grandma would be a terrifying ghost.”

“She’d definitely critique everyone’s life choices,” Riley agreed, a small smile flickering across his face.

“And Grandpa would laugh at inappropriate times,” Lake added.

“See?” I said. “They’re going to be fine. Because the universe knows better than to try to keep Samuel and Silvia Blackwood contained. They’re too stubborn to die.”

We sat together for a few minutes, the boys gradually relaxing as the immediate shock of the video call faded. I could hear Xenois and his team in the office, their voices carrying the distinctive cadence of people engaged in serious tactical planning.

“Luna Lumina?” Shawn’s hesitant voice came from the doorway. He looked even younger than his seventeen years, still dirty and exhausted despite the food and water. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I just… I don’t know where I’m supposed to be.”

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“You’re supposed to be wherever you feel safest,” I said immediately. Though if you want a suggestion, maybe take a shower and get some clean clothes? Lynn mentioned you’ve been wearing the same outfit since the attack.”

‘I don’t have other clothes,” Shawn admitted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Everything I owned was in the bags they took when they captured Samuel and Silvia.”

“Ollie,” I said, “why don’t you show Shawn where the bathroom is and find him something to wear? Give him something from your dad’s closet or Thorne’s guest room. It will size him better.”

“Really?” Ollie perked up, clearly eager for something useful to do. “Yeah, my dad has tons of stuff. Come on, Shawn. I’ll get you set up.”

He bounced off the couch and grabbed Shawn’s hand, pulling the older boy toward the stairs with enthusiasm that was probably overwhelming but also oddly comforting. Shawn followed, looking bewildered but grateful.

That left me with Riley and Lake, both of whom had returned to studying their communication equipment with focused intensity.

“You don’t have to pretend you’re okay for my benefit,” I said quietly know you’re scared.”

Riley’s hands stilled on the laptop keyboard. “If I stop moving, if I stop being useful, I’m going to fall apart,” he admitted. “So I’m choosing

to focus on what I can control instead of what I can’t.”

“That’s a valid coping mechanism,” I acknowledged. “Just make sure you give yourself time to process later. Suppressing emotions doesn’t

make them go away-it just delays the inevitable breakdown.”

I’ll process after Samuel and Silvia are safe,” Riley said firmly. “After the crisis is over. After everyone’s home.”

Lake wasn’t even pretending to work anymore. He was staring at the blank laptop screen with an expression that suggested he was seeing

something very different from what was actually there.

“Lake?” I prompted gently. “What are you thinking?”

“I was in a cell like that,” he said quietly. “At the facility. Stone walls, minimal lighting, chains. I know what it feels like to be trapped like

that. To have people deciding whether you live or die, and there’s nothing you can do to stop them.”

My heart broke a little. Of course this would be triggering for Lake. Hed spent years as a prisoner, helpless and afraid, before finally

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