Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 470

Chapter 470

SHAWN

“You almost lost control?” Ollie asked, concerned.

“Some bullies pushed me, I admitted. “I got angry and my plasma abilities activated. But these kids-they saved me. Used liquid nitrogen to quench the radiation before I could hurt anyone.”

“Strategic intervention,” Riley approved. “Liquid nitrogen would effectively counter plasma heat signatures. Smart.”

We walked toward where Lumina was waiting with the car, and I felt something settle in my chest. The day had been hard, overwhelming, full of challenges I hadn’t anticipated.

But I’d survived. Made it through without major incident. Found potential allies who understood what I was dealing with.

That was progress.

“Shawn, Ollie said suddenly. “Those bullies. Are they going to keep bothering you?”

“Probably,” I admitted.

“Then I’ll tell Grandma,” he declared. “She’ll make them stop.”

me.”

“I appreciate that,” I said. “But I need to handle this myself. Figure out how to deal with conflict without always having Silvia rescue

“That’s very mature,” Riley observed. “Though tactically speaking, utilizing available resources-like intimidating grandparents-is a valid strategy.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, smiling despite myself.

We reached Lumina, who took one look at me and immediately asked, “How bad was it?”

“I melted a locker and almost plasma-blasted half the junior class,” I said. “But I also made some friends and didn’t get expelled, so overall I’m calling it a win.”

“You melted a locker?” Lumina asked.

“Accidentally. While being harassed by alpha bullies. It’s fine now. Mostly.”

She studied my face for a long moment, then sighed. “Get in the car. We’ll discuss appropriate responses to bullying that don’t involve destroying school property.”

1/4

The drive home was filled with the boys recounting their day in exhaustive detail. Ollie talked about his teacher and the classroom pet hamster. Riley provided analysis of the educational curriculum and identified areas where it could be improved. Lake described the cafeteria food with the kind of dramatic horror normally reserved for actual tragedies.

I listened, participating when appropriate, but mostly just absorbing the normalcy of it. This was family. Complicated and chaotic and somehow mine.

When we got home, Silvia was waiting in the kitchen. She took one look at me and immediately said, “Who do I need to threaten?”

“Nobody, I said quickly. “I handled it.*

“Did you handle it by melting school property?” she asked.

“How did you-‘

“I have sources,’ she said mysteriously. “And before you ask, yes, I’ve already made calls to ensure there are no disciplinary consequences. The locker was old anyway. Consider it a donation to the school renovation fund.”

“You can’t just fix everything with phone calls,” I protested.

“Watch me,” she said. “Now tell me about these bullies.”

I explained the morning encounter, the plasma activation, the near-disaster. Silvia listened with the kind of focused attention that suggested she was cataloging information for future strategic use.

“Do you want me to intervene?” she asked when I finished.

“No,” I said firmly. “I need to figure this out myself. Learn how to handle conflict without always having backup.”

“That’s admirable,” she said. “But Shawn? There’s a difference between handling things yourself and suffering alone. If the situation escalates, if you need help, tell someone. Pride isn’t worth getting hurt over.”

“I know,” I said.

“Good.” She pulled me into an unexpected hug. “I’m proud of you. First day of school is hard for anyone, but especially for someone dealing with your unique circumstances. You did well.”

Coming from Silvia-who rarely gave direct praise-that meant something.

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, then froze. “Sorry. I meant-”

“Mom is fine,’ she interrupted, her voice suddenly thick with emotion. “You can call me Mom. If you want to.”

“I want to,” I confirmed.

2/4

Chapter 470

She held me tighter for a moment, then released me with suspiciously bright eyes.

“Now go do homework or whatever teenagers do after school,’ she said, her usual brisk tone returning. And if those bullies bother you again, remember that there are many ways to make someone regret their choices that don’t involve plasma manipulation.

‘I’m not learning psychological warfare tactics from you,’ I said.

“Your loss,” she said cheerfully. “Samuel and I are excellent teachers.”

I headed upstairs to my room-my actual room in this house that was becoming home-and collapsed on the bed.

First day of school: survived.

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