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."

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

in my stomach refused to loosen. "I'm not doubting you, Killian. I just... I can't lose them. I

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

and Valerie stepped in, her expression as tense as

us.

she asked, her gaze darting between Killian

finally here," I spoke in

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

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

surprise. "As a mother?" she echoed, glancing between Killian and me. "What's going

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

chest. "Your children?" she whispered, her voice trembling

I answered, my tone sharp with suppressed fear.

and for a moment, she said nothing.

you," she said gently. But I do know what it's like to

expected. I swallowed the lump

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

a hand on my arm, her grip

think like a mother, not a warrior. A mother always finds a

us, his golden eyes

firmly. "But if you think there's

en

uncomfortable in the midst of war talk, but her voice didn't

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

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