Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 417: Final Gambit

Chapter 77: Shadows on the Horizon

Astrid's POV

The Packhouse had turned into a fortress.

Guards patrolled every corner, their presence constant and unyielding.

The sound of boots on the wooden floors, the clang of weapons being readied, and the hum of whispered orders filled the air.

Despite the precautions, a sense of unease clung to me like a second skin.

Killian was in the war room, finalizing defense strategies with Ryder and the other warriors.

I had just left Ryker and Elara's room after checking on them for the third time that morning.

They were playing together, their laughter echoing softly in my mind, but it wasn't enough to ease the fear curling in my chest.

I walked briskly down the corridor, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. Ardan's movements were calculated, his methods ruthless.

Ryder's report about the wolfsbane on the eastern border was still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder what else he had planned.

Turning a corner, I nearly collided with Asha. She looked as tense as I felt, her expression pinched with worry.

"Asha," I greeted, my voice tighter than I intended.

"Astrid," she said softly, her eyes searching mine. "I was just about to find you."

"What is it?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat.

She hesitated, glancing around to ensure we were alone.

"I overheard some of the warriors talking," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're worried, Astrid. They don't think Ardan will come through the front lines. They think he'll find another way in."

I exhaled sharply, the knot in my stomach tightening.

"I've been thinking the same thing," I admitted. "Ardan doesn't fight fair. He's too cunning for that."

nodded, her expression

to be..." She trailed off, her eyes filled with unspoken

for anything," I said firmly, more to myself than to her. “Killian's reinforcing the borders and increasing patrols, but we can't afford to let our guard down inside the Packhouse

into a thin line. "What can I do

considering her question. "You've been spending a lot of time with Elara and Ryker,"

trust you. If something happens-" I swallowed hard, the thought too painful to

reassuring hand on my arm. "I will, Astrid. You have

respond, Ryder's voice echoed

toward us, his expression grim.

asked,

tone clipped. "There was an attack. A small group of rogues

stiffened. "Did they

off. But there's something else."

eyes flicked

me. "One of the rogues was captured. He's being brought here for

AQUAS

pulse quickened, a mix of dread and determination coursing

nodded. "He's waiting in the interrogation room. He wanted me

Asha, who gave me a small nod

said. "I'll

my

the Packhouse, the

the interrogation room, the guards outside opened the door

us.

stood inside, his golden eyes fixed on the rogue tied to a chair in

bruised, his feral eyes darting around the room like a caged

without turning, his voice

my gaze locking onto the rogue. He was young,

but the hatred in his eyes

Killian demanded, his

onto the floor, a defiant sneer curling his lips. "You think I'll tell you

jaw tightened, but

VOIG calm but cold. "You're

you cooperate, we might consider

the sound harsh and mocking. "Mercy? From you Alphas?

I placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him