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.

was a silent promise, a reminder that we would protect

broke the moment. One of the guards

has returned. He's

a glance, the unspoken understanding passing between us. I stood, leaning down to kiss each of my children on the

my voice

Ryker gave me a solemn look that

way to the war room, Killian's hand brushed against mine again. "Whatever Ryder has found, we'll handle it," he said,

nodded, though my heart was

room was alive with tension when

of the table, a map spread out before him. He looked up as we approached, his expression

his tone sharp. "What is

rogue

southern border last night. They

"A siege?" I asked, stepping closer to

nodded, his jaw tight. "That's not all. The scouts reported seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself. He wasn't

gripped the edge of the table, his claws threatening to

he muttered, his golden

trying to create a diversion.

he moves closer to his real

in my throat.

grimly.

claws dug into the table, leaving shallow

the bait," he said, his voice like steel. "We fortify the Packhouse, and we wait for him

on our terms."

one

is it?" I asked, my heart

wolfsbane near the eastern border," Ryder

They think Ardan is planning to use

out a low growl, his fists clenching at his