Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 413: Price of Power

Astrid's POV

For a fleeting moment, I felt something I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever: amusement.

Cedric's words hung in the stale air, but they seemed hollow, ridiculous. My lips curled into a wry smile, and I shook my head.

"An Almega's life," I repeated, my voice carrying an edge of disbelief. "Well, that's interesting, Cedric, because in this world, there are only two Almegas: me and the rogue king."

I stepped closer, folding my arms as I stared him down. "And let's be honest- there's no way Ardan is willing to sacrifice his own life for the forsaken amulet.

So, unless you plan to offer him a lecture on hypocrisy, I'd say his plan has already failed."

Killian's golden eyes gleamed with approval at my confidence. "She's right," he said, his tone sharp and resolute. "Ardan won't risk his life. He'd rather destroy everything than make a sacrifice like that."

Cedric's lips twisted into a smirk, a cruel glint in his dark eyes. "Oh, Astrid," he said, his voice tinged with mockery. "You really don't understand, do you? The rogue king doesn't need his life to fix the amulet."

"If you think that I would ever be willing to sacrifice my own life to fix the amulet, then you are dreaming. The rogue king can never force me to fix the amulet. He will never be powerful enough to defeat me," I sternly told him.

Cedric chuckled. "You and the rogue king's are not the only person that can fix the amulet."

My amusement faltered, the air suddenly feeling heavier. A flicker of unease sparked in my chest.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice colder now, my confidence giving way to something far more dangerous.

Cedric tilted his head, his smirk widening as if he enjoyed every second of our confusion.

"The blood of an Almega doesn't end with you," he said, his tone almost teasing. "You may think you're untouchable, Astrid, but your children... your precious Ryker and Elara..... they have your blood running through their veins. They are just as much Almega as you are."

into me like a physical blow, shattering

the world seemed to

the word barely

however, exploded

grabbed Cedric by the collar,

close to

snarled, his

my neck tingled, as I felt his powerful wolf raise to the surface, his paternal instincts

as looks in my children's direction, I'll rip him

stared back at Killian,

voice hoarse but taunting. "You think your little family is safe? The rogue king plans everything, Killian.

fresh blood, but I quickly placed a hand on

chest tightening with fear and anger. "Don't let him

him back into

forward, glaring down at Cedric. "Why tell us this?" I demanded.

to use my children? What's your

chuckled weakly, blood dripping from his lip. "Because it doesn't matter," he said simply. "You can't stop him. You'll fail, just like everyone else. And when he gets what he needs, this world will

SV

by the

them at all times-inside and outside. No one gets close to them unless

left without question, their footsteps echoing in the stone

are all doomed," Cedric laughed, attracting all danger to

reached for his hand. I opened my mouth, but no

was nervous, too worried

to our children," Killian cut me off, his tone resolute. He