Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 414: Preparation and Paranoia

Astrid's POV

The weight of Cedric's words sat heavily in my chest as I paced the length of the council chamber.

The sun had barely risen, but the Packhouse was already alive with movement.

Orders were being given, warriors were being reassigned, and tension buzzed in the air like a live wire.

Killian stood at the head of the room, his golden eyes scanning a map spread across the table.

His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, the fingers twitching every so often. Ryder was beside him, his expression grim as he relayed information from the scouts.

"We'll triple the guards around the Packhouse," Killian said firmly, his voice cutting through the murmurs.

"No one enters without my approval. Double patrols along the eastern and northern borders. I want reports every two hours."

I stopped pacing, my arms crossing tightly over my chest. "It's not enough," I said, my voice sharper than I intended.

Killian looked up, his brows furrowing. "Astrid, we've covered every vulnerability

"No," I interrupted, stepping closer to the table. "Cedric warned us. He said Ardan always gets what he wants. If he's planning to use our children... if he's already planned for this..." My voice faltered, and I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. "Then we need to be smarter. Stronger."

Ryder exchanged a glance with Killian before stepping forward. "The guards assigned to Ryker and Elara are the best we have," he assured me. "They'll be shadowed at all times, even in the Packhouse."

"It's not just about the guards," I said, shaking my head. "Ardan doesn't play fair. He doesn't fight clean. If he wants them, he'll find a way."

he said gently, though his voice carried the same steel as his gaze. "We won't let him get

believe his words, but the knot in my stomach refused to loosen.

won't," he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine. "I promise

in, her expression as tense as the

us.

asked, her gaze darting between

goodness, you are finally here," I spoke in relief

bite back a laugh, but when I turned to look at Killian, to see what he had told her,

concerned gaze. "I need your perspective-not as a Luna, but

in surprise. "As a mother?" she echoed, glancing between Killian and

sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "We've received information that Ardan... the rogue king," he corrected, his voice

her chest. "Your children?" she

sharp

for a moment, she said nothing. Then she exhaled slowly, stepping closer

begin to imagine how terrifying this is for you," she said gently. But I do know what it's like to want to shield your children from the world, even when

me harder than I expected. I swallowed the lump in

like anyone we've

placed a hand on my arm, her grip steady. "Then you plan for

not a warrior. A mother always

turned back to us, his golden

Packhouse," he said firmly. "But if you

en

clearly uncomfortable in the midst of war talk, but

"but I know Ardan thrives on fear and chaos. He'll try to unnerve you, make you second-guess

to me, her eyes earnest. "Astrid, your strength