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

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

border, and that's when I smelled it. The

pick up on what he was sensing, and then I heard it too-low murmurs, hushed voices coming

whispered to the

moved together, slipping through the

back," one voice growled, deep

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

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

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

my throat. Killian

tone more impatient. "What about

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

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

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

his voice barely a whisper. "We need to get closer. I

the shadows. The rogues were gathered

recognized one of

Pack weeks ago. He was known for his brutality, and seeing him here confirmed our worst fears-this wasn't just a

This was preparation.

my ear. "We take them out. Quietly. No one leaves

to the warriors hidden around us. One by one,

position, waiting for Killian's

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

QUMS

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