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

to believe his words, but the knot in my stomach

he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine.

and Valerie stepped in, her expression as tense as the rest

us.

asked, her gaze darting between Killian and

finally here," I spoke in

glance with each other. I saw Valerie bite back a laugh, but when I turned to look

stepped forward, meeting her concerned gaze. "I need your

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

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

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

sharp with suppressed fear. "Cedric confirmed

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

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

I expected. I swallowed the lump

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

on my arm, her grip

not a warrior. A

back to us, his

the children and fortified the Packhouse," he said firmly.

en

of war talk, but

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

her eyes earnest. "Astrid, your