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.

a silent promise, a reminder that we would protect them no matter

door broke the moment. One of the guards stepped inside,

his head. "Ryder has returned. He's waiting for you

understanding passing between us. I stood, leaning

voice firm but gentle. "I'll be back

pouted but nodded, while Ryker gave me a solemn look that mirrored

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

nodded, though my heart

war room was alive with tension when we

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

his tone sharp. "What

dark eyes meeting Killian's. "The rogue king's movements have changed," he said without

rogues heading toward the southern border last night. They were carrying supplies-enough

siege?" I asked, stepping

seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself.

gripped the edge of the table, his claws

he muttered,

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

moves closer to his real

in my throat.

grimly.

dug into the

and we wait for him to come to us. If he wants a fight, he'll get

on our terms."

one more thing," he said, his voice

I asked,

found traces of wolfsbane near the eastern

think Ardan is planning to use

growl, his fists