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."

hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive

ahead, his steps light but deliberate, his senses sharp. I followed close behind, flanked by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting, but it didn't ease

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

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

out,” Killian whispered to the

together, slipping through the

holding back," one voice growled,

war," another replied, calmer

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

leaders are divided. It won't be long before the Rogue King

at his words, a low growl threatening to escape my throat. Killian placed a hand on my arm, a silent reminder to

more impatient. "What about the medallion?

one replied. "Rowena's playing her part well. She's keeping them distracted,

mention of Rowena. I glanced at

see the rest of it coming," the second voice said, a

"We need to get

the clearing, careful to stay in the

recognized one

on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was known for his brutality, and seeing him here confirmed

This was preparation.

voice was low and steady in my ear. "We take them out. Quietly. No one

to the warriors hidden around us. One by one, they

waiting for Killian's

react before we descended on them, swift and lethal. I stayed close to Killian, my claws tearing through one rogue as he

QUMS

of