Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 416: Shadows of Fear

Astrid's POV

The morning light was weak as it filtered through the windows, the overcast sky casting a somber glow over the Packhouse.

The tension from the night before lingered in the air, thick and oppressive.

I sat at the dining table with Elara and Ryker, trying to focus on their cheerful chatter.

Elara was recounting a dream she'd had about flying on a dragon, her bright smile lighting up her face, while Ryker listened intently, his serious expression making him look far older than his years.

But my attention kept drifting. My eyes darted to the guards stationed outside the door, their rigid postures and sharp eyes a constant reminder of the danger looming over us.

Killian entered the room, his presence commanding as always.

His golden eyes immediately found mine, and he gave me a small nod, one that

was meant to reassure but only tightened the knot in my chest.

"Everything is in place," he said quietly as he took the seat beside me.

I nodded, managing a faint smile. "Good."

Elara tugged at my sleeve, drawing my attention back to her. "Mama, did you hear me? I said I dreamed about a dragon! It was pink and had sparkly wings!"

I smiled, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. "That sounds magical, sweetheart."

"And Ryker was there too!" she continued, her eyes wide with excitement. "He was riding a unicorn, and it had a rainbow mane!"

Ryker rolled his eyes but didn't protest, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

"You two have the best imaginations," I said, my voice soft.

reached over, his hand brushing mine under the table. It was a silent promise, a reminder

at the door broke the moment. One of

he said, bowing his head. "Ryder has returned. He's waiting for

exchanged a glance, the unspoken understanding passing between us. I stood, leaning down to

them, my voice firm

Ryker gave me a solemn look

room, Killian's hand brushed against mine

my heart

room was alive with tension

He looked up

Killian said, his tone

straightened, his dark eyes meeting Killian's. "The rogue king's movements have changed," he said

rogues heading toward the southern border last night.

churned. "A siege?" I

"That's not all. The scouts reported seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself. He wasn't with the main group but was spotted further east, moving

the edge of the table, his claws threatening

muttered,

a diversion. The supplies heading south are meant to draw

moves closer to

breath caught in my throat. "The children,"

grimly.

dug into the table, leaving

and we wait for him to come to

on our terms."

to me. "There's one more thing," he said, his

I

wolfsbane near the eastern

planning to use it against

a low growl, his fists clenching