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."

silent attempt to calm me. "Astrid," he said gently, though his voice carried the same steel as his gaze.

in my stomach refused

he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine. "I promise you, Astrid. We'll protect them. All

stepped in, her expression as tense

us.

summoned me?" she asked, her gaze

goodness, you are finally here," I spoke in

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

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

her lips parting slightly in surprise. "As a mother?" she echoed, glancing between Killian and

rogue king," he corrected, his voice tightening, "may target Ryker and

children?" she whispered, her voice

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

lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she

I can't begin to imagine how terrifying this is for you," she said gently. But I do know what it's like to

harder than I expected. I swallowed the lump in my throat and

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

her grip steady. "Then you

a warrior. A mother always finds a

turned back to us, his

doubled the guards around the children and fortified the Packhouse," he said firmly. "But if you

en

war talk, but her voice

she admitted, "but I know Ardan thrives on fear and chaos. He'll

"Astrid, your strength