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."

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

stomach refused to loosen. "I'm not doubting you, Killian. I just...

he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine.

stepped in, her

us.

summoned me?" she asked, her gaze darting between Killian and

finally here," I spoke in relief as I pushed Killian away

and Killian shared a glance with each other. I saw Valerie bite back a laugh, but when I turned to look at Killian, to see what he had told her, he had

stepped forward, meeting her concerned gaze. "I need your perspective-not as a Luna, but as a

brows furrowed, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "As a mother?"

his dark hair. "We've received information that Ardan... the rogue king," he corrected, his voice tightening, "may target Ryker

children?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Astrid, Killian... are

I answered, my tone sharp with suppressed fear. "Cedric confirmed

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

imagine how terrifying this is for you," she said gently. But I do know

I swallowed the

I trust him to protect them. But Ardan... he's not like anyone we've faced before. He's ruthless, and

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

a warrior. A mother always finds

to us, his golden eyes

Packhouse," he said firmly. "But if you think there's something we're missing, Valerie, I'd like to hear

en

midst of war talk, but her voice didn't waver when

admitted, "but I know Ardan thrives on fear and chaos.

"Astrid, your strength isn't just