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."

approached the western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling

followed close behind, flanked by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting, but it didn't ease the tension coiling

the border, and that's when I smelled it. The faint, acrid tang of

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

whispered to the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid, with

slipping through the shadows, until the

back," one voice growled,

calmer but no less menacing. "We're here to

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

weak, and their leaders are divided. It won't be

threatening to escape my throat. Killian placed a hand

figure spoke, his tone more impatient. "What about the medallion?

her part well.

heart sank at the mention of Rowena. I glanced at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists betrayed

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

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

of the clearing, careful to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a small fire, their faces partially

one

during an attack on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was

This was preparation.

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

hidden

waiting for

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 for

QUMS

clearing was silent once more. Killian crouched over one of the fallen rogues, searching his belongings. He pulled something from the