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.

brushing mine under the table. It was a silent promise, a reminder that we would protect

door broke the moment.

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

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

my voice firm but gentle. "I'll be

pouted but nodded, while Ryker gave me

Killian's hand brushed against mine again. "Whatever Ryder has found, we'll handle it," he said, his

my heart

was alive with tension when we

him. He looked up as we approached, his expression

tone

dark eyes meeting Killian's. "The rogue king's movements have

the southern

"A siege?" I

scouts reported seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself.

hands gripped the edge of the table, his claws threatening to

he muttered, his golden eyes

“And we believe he's trying to create a diversion. The supplies heading south are meant to

moves closer

caught in my throat. "The children," I

nodded grimly.

claws dug into the table, leaving shallow

we don't take the bait," he said, his voice like steel. "We fortify the Packhouse, and we wait for him

on our terms."

"There's one more thing," he said, his

is it?" I asked,

of wolfsbane near

Ardan is planning

out a low growl, his fists clenching at