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."

"Astrid," he said gently, though his

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

tightening around mine. "I promise you, Astrid. We'll protect them. All of

in, her

us.

her gaze

you are finally here," I spoke in relief as I pushed Killian

bite back a laugh, but when I turned to look at

gaze. "I need

her lips parting slightly in surprise. "As a mother?" she echoed,

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

hand instinctively flying to her chest. "Your children?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

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

lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then she exhaled slowly, stepping

But I do know what it's like to want to shield your

harder than I expected. I swallowed the

But Ardan... he's not like anyone we've faced before. He's

hand on my arm, her

like a mother, not a warrior.

to us, his golden

firmly. "But if you think there's something we're missing, Valerie,

en

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

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

her eyes earnest. "Astrid, your strength