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."

western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive silence that made my wolf stir

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

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

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

to the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid, with

slipping through the shadows, until the voices became

voice growled,

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

view, barely visible in the moonlight. He was tall, broad- shouldered, and carried himself with a confidence that set my nerves

faltering. Their alliances are weak, and their leaders are divided.

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

his tone more impatient. "What about the medallion? Did they take

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

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

"We need to get closer.

to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a small fire,

recognized one of

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

This was preparation.

"We take them out. Quietly.

the warriors hidden around us. One

waiting

had time to react before we descended on them,

QUMS

over one of the fallen rogues, searching his belongings. He pulled something