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."

The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an

his steps light but deliberate, his senses sharp. I followed close behind, flanked by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting,

shy of the border, and that's when I

trying to pick up on what he was sensing, and then I

Killian whispered to the warriors.

the shadows, until

back," one voice

calmer but

figure stepped into view, barely visible in the moonlight. He was tall, broad- shouldered, and carried himself with a confidence that set my nerves on edge. His voice

and their leaders are divided. It won't be long before the

his words, a low growl threatening to escape my throat. Killian placed a hand

tone more impatient. "What about the medallion?

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

Rowena. I glanced at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his

won't see the rest of it coming," the second voice said, a

need

nodded, and together we moved around the edge of the clearing, careful to stay in the shadows.

one

on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was known for

This was preparation.

was low and steady in my ear. "We

the warriors hidden around us.

waiting

the moment came, it was over in seconds. The rogues barely had time to react before we descended on them, swift and lethal. I

QUMS

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 of