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

moment.

head. "Ryder has

understanding passing between us. I stood, leaning down to kiss each of my

here," I told them, my voice firm but gentle.

while Ryker gave

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

nodded, though my heart was

was alive with tension when we

a map spread out before him. He looked up as we approached, his expression as grim as the guard's

said, his tone sharp. "What

Killian's. "The rogue king's movements have changed," he

southern border last night. They were carrying supplies-enough for an extended

churned. "A siege?" I asked, stepping closer

reported seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself. He wasn't with the main group but was spotted further

gripped the edge of the table, his

he muttered, his golden

a diversion. The supplies heading south are meant to

closer to his

in my throat. "The children,"

nodded grimly. "It's

into the table,

steel. "We fortify the Packhouse, and we wait for him to

on our terms."

gaze flicking to me. "There's one more thing,"

is it?" I asked, my heart

scouts found traces of wolfsbane

Ardan is planning to use

let out a low growl, his fists clenching at his sides. "He's