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."

was eerily quiet as we approached the western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive

by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting, but it

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

strained my ears, trying to pick up on what he was sensing, and then I heard it too-low murmurs, hushed voices coming from beyond

whispered to the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid,

moved together, slipping through the shadows, until the voices became

holding back," one voice growled,

war," another replied, calmer but no less menacing.

tall, broad- shouldered, and carried himself

leaders are divided. It won't be

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

impatient. "What

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

Rowena. I glanced at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists

won't see the rest of it coming," the second voice said, a hint

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

stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a

recognized one of

was known for his brutality, and seeing him here confirmed our worst

This was preparation.

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

hidden around

position, waiting for

descended on them, swift

QUMS

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