Chapter 415: Mother’s Worries

Astrid's POV

The wind howled against the Packhouse walls, carrying an unnatural chill that seeped into my bones.

The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows through the windows.

I sat in the corner of Ryker and Elara's shared room, my knees pulled to my chest, watching their small forms rise and fall with each breath.

They looked so peaceful. So unaware of the storm brewing around them.

Killian had insisted I get some rest, but the thought of leaving them alone-even with the guards stationed outside the room-was unbearable.

Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind, sent a jolt of paranoia through me.

"You're not helping them by running yourself into the ground," Killian's voice came softly from the doorway.

I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed. His golden eyes, usually so fierce, softened as they met mine.

"They're just kids, Killian," I whispered, my voice trembling. "They don't deserve to be part of this war."

Killian stepped into the room, his boots making almost no sound on the wooden floor.

"I know," he said, sitting down beside me. "But they're also our kids. And that makes them strong."

I glanced at Ryker, his small hand clutching the edge of his blanket. Elara stirred

in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent before settling again.

"They shouldn't have to be strong," I whispered, the words catching in my throat. "They should be safe."

Killian reached out, his hand covering mine.

firmly. "I've doubled the guards around the Packhouse. Ryder is

not enough,” I said, shaking my head. "Ardan doesn't fight fair. He'll

his jaw tightening. "Then we'll find a way to stop him before he

believe him, but the weight of Cedric's words hung over me like a dark

always gets what

thought of Ardan coming for my children, of him using their blood for his twisted goals, made my stomach

been strong, Killian," I said finally, my

way. But when it comes

can't be strong. I'm weak when it comes to them. I won't survive it if

tightened around mine, his golden

me.

mother. That kind of love— it's

shook my head, my voice trembling. "But I'm scared, Killian. What if I fail

won't," he interrupted, his tone firm. "Astrid, you've been worrying so much, and

For them. They need you to be strong

but I blinked them away. "I'm trying," I whispered. "But the thought

his thumbs brushing against my cheeks. "Listen to me," he said softly, his voice

this. I'll protect them. I'll protect you. With everything I have. But

touch. "I trust you," I said quietly. "I just...

his golden eyes hardening. "Neither do I. That's why we'll stop him before he gets close. I promise you,

Both of us turned toward it, and to my surprise, Asha

still wearing the simple robe she must have thrown on in a

dark circles under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights, but her

asked, stepping forward. "What

said softly,

about everything Cedric said, and...

in my voice betrayed me. "Killian has already increased the guards, and Ryder

Asha said, her voice gentle but firm. She

you worry. I couldn't sit in my

but he said nothing, stepping back to give

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255