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 any trace

breath hitched, and the world

whispered, the

however, exploded

one swift motion, he grabbed Cedric

close to his

his voice a

neck tingled, as I felt

as looks in my children's

flinch. He simply stared back at Killian,

stop him?" he asked, his voice hoarse but taunting. "You think your little family is safe? The

I quickly placed

with fear and anger. "Don't let

back into the chair. Cedric coughed but

Cedric. "Why

Ardan plans to use my children? What's your

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,

SV

to the guards stationed by the door, his

security on Ryker and Elara," he ordered. "I want warriors guarding them at all times-inside and outside. No one gets

without question, their footsteps

are all doomed," Cedric laughed, attracting

my voice softer now as I reached for

nervous, too

me off, his tone resolute. He gripped my hand tightly, his golden