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.

under the table. It was a silent promise, a reminder

at the door broke the moment. One of the guards stepped inside, his expression

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

glance, the unspoken understanding passing between us. I

my voice firm

but nodded, while Ryker gave me

to the war room, Killian's hand brushed against mine again. "Whatever

nodded, though my

war room was alive with

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

his tone

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

group of rogues heading toward the southern border last night. They

"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

hands gripped the edge of the table,

muttered,

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

moves closer to

breath caught in my throat. "The children," I

nodded grimly. "It's

dug into the table, leaving shallow

voice like steel. "We fortify the Packhouse, and we wait for him to come to us. If he wants

on our terms."

hesitated, his gaze flicking to me. "There's one

it?" I asked,

of wolfsbane near the eastern border,"

planning

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