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."

eerily quiet as we approached the western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive silence that made my wolf stir

his senses sharp. I followed close behind, flanked by a small

clearing just shy of the border, and that's

to signal a stop. I strained my ears, trying to pick up on what he

the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid, with

through the shadows, until

voice growled, deep and

to start a war," another replied, calmer but no

himself with a confidence that set my nerves on edge. His

weak, and their leaders are divided. It won't be long before the Rogue King

wolf bristled at his words, a low growl threatening to escape my throat.

tone more impatient. "What

well. She's keeping them distracted, just

mention of Rowena. I glanced at Killian,

it coming," the second voice said, a hint of cruel satisfaction in

a whisper. "We need to get closer. I need to see

and together we moved around the edge of the clearing, careful to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a small fire,

one of

ago. He was known for his

This was preparation.

in my ear. "We take them out. Quietly. No

warriors hidden around us. One by one,

waiting for Killian's

moment came, it was over in seconds. The rogues barely had time to react before we descended on them, swift and lethal. I stayed close to Killian, my claws tearing through one rogue as he lunged

QUMS

the last body hit the ground, the clearing was silent once more. Killian crouched over one of the fallen rogues, searching his belongings. He pulled something from the man's pocket-a piece