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."

nocturnal hum of insects

I followed close behind, flanked by a small group of

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

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

whispered to the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid,

moved together, slipping through the shadows, until the

back," one voice

replied, calmer but no

shouldered, and carried himself with a confidence that set my

their leaders are divided. It won't be long before

threatening to escape my throat.

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

part well. She's keeping them distracted, just like the

I glanced at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists betrayed his

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

his voice barely a whisper. "We need to get

careful to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a

recognized one

who had been spotted during an attack on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was known for his brutality, and

This was preparation.

voice was low and steady in my ear. "We take them out. Quietly.

nodded, signaling to the warriors hidden around us. One by

position, waiting

descended on them, swift and lethal. I stayed close to Killian, my

QUMS

over one of the fallen rogues,