Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 407: Secret Identity

Astrid's POV

Killian halted mid-step, his shoulders stiffening as he turned to face me. His brow knitted together, the golden hue of his eyes darkening with unease.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low, guarded.

I hesitated for just a heartbeat before the words poured out, tumbling over each other in a rush.

"Alpha Cedric," I said, my voice tight with urgency. "At the council meeting-he stood up, questioning us, doubting our leadership, our decisions."

Killian's brows pinched together as he processed my words.

"What if... what if it wasn't just him being confrontational? What if it was

intentional? Designed to sow distrust, to divide us?" I asked him

Killian's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing as he digested my words. A flicker of understanding crossed his face, followed by something colder, harder.

Slowly, he nodded. "I've been thinking the same thing," he admitted, his tone heavy with thought.

"When Andros suggested there could be a traitor, Cedric was the first person who came to mind. His words earlier—they weren't just challenges. They were aimed to make everyone question us, to stir doubt. And his timing..." He shook his head, his jaw clenching. "It's like he's trying to turn the others against us."

couldn't think of anyone aside from him. So far, he's the only one who has

and they pointed in a damning direction, but doubt gnawed

I won't be easy on him. He will be publicly punished to set as a warning to the others," Killian

voice it. "But what if we're wrong, Killian?"

We can't just suspect him because of the words he had said in the council meeting. We can't afford to act on assumptions. If we accuse him without proof, we'll prove his point-that our judgment is flawed. And if he's loyal..." I trailed off, the weight of that possibility pressing

a thin line. For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustle

finally. "We can't act on suspicion alone. If we're wrong, accusing him will do more harm than good. But if we're right..." His voice faltered, and he inhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "If we're right, we can't

exhaled slowly, my heart

I said firmly, meeting his

evidence-letters, meetings,vel

have

the determination in them unwavering. "Then we'll find it," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "I will send someone

He w

that he is being followed, he wouldn't even know that we

suspicious of him."

nodded, though the unease in my chest refused to dissipate. "You should send the best man to investigate. We need to find the truth as

said decisively. "He's discreet

Ryder brought a flicker of reassurance,

any missteps," I reminded him, my voice low but firm. "The longer this drags on, the more damage Cedric-or whoever the traitor

eyes darkened. "I know," he said, his voice sharp with determination. "Ryder will report to me directly. No