Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian)
Chapter 226: Game Master

Andros's POV

I let out a heavy sigh as my gaze lingered on Asha from a distance. The wind danced around her, caressing her hair and blowing her dress like whispers of the past as she stood before our mother's womb.

I headed to her room before this, thinking that she would be there throwing a tantrum. When I found her room empty, I instantly knew where to look next, and I wasn't mistaken.

I knew deep down that she would be drawn to the quiet solace of our mother's resting place, seeking comfort in the memories that lingered there.

I softly approached Asha, stopping just inches behind her. My gaze fell on the fresh flowers adorning our mother's tomb, their vibrant colors standing out against the cold stone.

Asha glanced over her shoulder before turning her gaze back again to the ground, ignoring my presence.

I watched her, framed by the gentle sway of the wind. "People are out there celebrating while you're here choosing to mourn by yourself," I muttered to steal her attention.

Asha turned slightly, her expression resolute. "Let them celebrate. I came here to be with our mother. I know she's sad, seeing our father's illegitimate child sharing the same position as us." Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings.

"Asha, I think Mother would be sad to see you sulking like this, and she would be more disappointed if she had known what you had done," I spoke.

Asha's gaze finally snapped at me when she heard my serious words. "Is that what you think?" she questioned me coldly.

I sighed. "Mother raised us together. She taught us to be kind and obedient and to become an honorable and righteous leader. What you did to Astrid's dress is against what mom had taught us." Asha's jaw clenched. "I only did what has to be done to protect our mother's legacy. I told you already that Astrid is planning to take away everything from us. I'm trying to protect our mother's legacy."

I could see the determination in her eyes, including her fierce loyalty toward our mother

"What you did is the opposite, Asha," I muttered with my brows furrowing together. "Your mistake caused the father to lose trust in you, and you almost earned yourself a punishment. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be standing here right now. You would have been punished according to pack laws, tarnishing your name."

Asha scoffed. "Dad would never punish me. I knew what I was doing. The reason why I was so unafraid to destroy Astrid's dress was because I knew I could get away with it without being punished," Asha answered boldly.

"Look at you. You still haven't

realized your mistake," I scoffed.

"You had no idea what happened to the grand hall as soon as you left. Astrid was trying to convince father to give you heavy punishment to teach you a lesson. Luckily, was there to defend you, and I was able to convince the Father to take my side."

Asha's eyes widened when she heard my words. She looked at me in disbelief. "Is that true? Is that really what happened?" she questioned me.

I sighed and averted my gaze from her. "It's true. Do you now see where your mistake nearly led you?"

"That bitch!" Asha cursed under her breath as she balled her hands into fists.

I held back a smile that threatened to stretch my lips. "It's true," I answered coldly, and Asha blindly believed my lies, drawing more animosity between her and Astrid.

"If only you listened to me. I told you to drop this and stop opposing Astrid. You are only putting yourself in danger," I reprimanded her.

Asha's shoulders heaved as she

took in short, rapid breaths. "This cannot be! We can't just watch her take away everything from us. Don't you see? She's trying to disconnect us from father. I'm afraid this is just the beginning of her plans," Asha spat out angrily.

"How? What made you say that Astrid is trying to disconnect us from Father? What made you say that she's having evil plans?" I questioned her words to make her realize how absurd she sounded even if she were telling the truth.

"Weren't you the one who destroyed her dress? Didn't you hate Astrid, that's why you did that? Why are you putting all the blame on Astrid when you are the one reaping coals above your head?"

"Brother!" Asha raised her voice when I started accusing her.

"Don't you see now, Asha? The more you act like a villain, the more you'll bring trouble to yourself." Asha fell silent, absorbing my words after I parted her with wisdom.

"Astrid is a smart person, Asha. For sure, by now, you already know just how capable and cunning she is," I added.

"You are right," Asha answered defeatedly when she finally realized her mistake. "I made a big mistake. I shouldn't have underestimated her and her influence over her father. I should have listened to you."

I glanced at Asha, whose eyes were now downcast as she reflected on her mistakes.

I placed a comforting hand over her shoulder. "From now on, don't you ever think of harming Astrid ever again, okay?

Asha paused for a moment before giving a careful nod. I hoped my words gave her an idea of how to make her next move.