Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 376: Shadows at the Border

Astrid's POV

The cool night air felt sharp against my skin as I stood on the balcony of the Silvermoon Packhouse, staring out at the dark line of trees marking the western border.

The medallion Rowena had left on the council table earlier still weighed heavy in my mind. The intricate symbol, unfamiliar yet menacing, seemed to pulse with a foreboding energy I couldn't shake.

Killian's voice behind me broke my thoughts. "They're too close."

I turned to face him. He stood in the doorway, his expression hard, his shoulders tense. It wasn't like him to let the strain show, but tonight, even he couldn't hide it.

"Scouts?" I asked.

He nodded, stepping closer. "A dozen, maybe more. They've crossed into the borderlands."

"That's not a coincidence," I said. "Not after the rogue's little performance tonight. They're testing us."

Killian leaned on the railing, his jaw tight. "They want to see how far they can push before we snap. We need to make a move, and fast, before this turns into something bigger."

"Then let's go," I said without hesitation.

Killian hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. "Astrid..."

I knew what he was going to say before the words left his mouth. "Don't even start," I cut him off. "You're not leaving me behind. I'm coming with you."

His eyes met mine, dark and steady. "This could be dangerous."

I crossed my arms. "When is it not? We're stronger together, Killian. You know that."

He didn't argue, just gave a single nod. "Fine. But stay close to me."

we approached the western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive silence that

flanked by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting,

a clearing just shy of the border, and that's when I smelled

pick up on what he was sensing, and then

out,” Killian whispered to the warriors. "Stay hidden.

moved together, slipping through the shadows, until the voices became

back," one voice growled, deep

start a war," another replied, calmer but no less menacing. "We're here

himself with a confidence that set my nerves on edge. His voice was steady and

are divided.

threatening to escape my throat. Killian placed a hand on

spoke, his tone more impatient. "What

playing her part well. She's keeping them distracted, just like the Rogue

at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists

of it coming," the second voice said,

"We need to get closer.

moved around the edge of the clearing, careful to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a small fire, their faces partially illuminated

recognized one

who had been spotted during an attack on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was known for his brutality, and seeing him here confirmed our worst fears-this

This was preparation.

steady in my ear. "We take them

hidden

position, waiting for Killian's

over in seconds. The rogues barely had time to react before we descended on them, swift and lethal. I stayed close to Killian,

QUMS

once more. Killian crouched over one of the fallen rogues, searching his belongings. He pulled something from the man's pocket-a piece of paper,