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."

of insects and rustling leaves

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

the border, and that's when I

strained my ears, trying to pick up on what he was sensing,

out,” Killian whispered to the warriors. "Stay

together, slipping through the shadows,

voice growled, deep and

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

carried himself with a confidence that set

alliances are weak, and their leaders are divided. It won't be long before the Rogue

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

more impatient. "What about the medallion? Did

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

at the mention of Rowena. I glanced at Killian,

second voice said, a hint of cruel satisfaction

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

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

one of

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

This was preparation.

in my ear. "We take them out.

hidden around

position, waiting for

barely had time to react before we descended on them, swift

QUMS

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