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."

though his voice carried

words, but the knot in my stomach

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

door opened, and Valerie stepped in, her expression as tense as

us.

she asked, her gaze darting between Killian and

you are finally here," I spoke in relief

laugh, but when I turned to look at Killian, to

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

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

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

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

tone sharp with suppressed

into a thin line, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then she exhaled

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

expected. I swallowed the lump in

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

hand on my arm, her

a warrior. A mother always

turned back to us, his

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

en

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

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

me, her eyes earnest. "Astrid, your strength isn't