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."

her

out to be..." She trailed off, her eyes

be ready 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

pressed into a thin line. "What

"You've been spending a lot of time with

thought too

softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "I will, Astrid. You

Ryder's voice echoed down the corridor.

to see him striding toward

it?" I asked, my

Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an

stiffened. "Did

held them off.

eyes flicked

rogues was captured. He's being brought here

AQUAS

dread and determination coursing through me. "Does Killian

interrogation room. He wanted me to

a glance with Asha, who gave me a small nod

"I'll

my voice heavy with

moved quickly through the Packhouse, the tension in the air growing thicker

we reached the interrogation room, the guards outside opened the

us.

rogue tied to a chair in the center

and bruised, his feral eyes darting around the

turning, his

stepped inside, my gaze locking onto the rogue. He

but the hatred in his eyes

Killian demanded, his voice sharp

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

jaw tightened, but

stepped forward, my VOIG calm but cold. "You're

said. "If you cooperate,

harsh and

his sides, but I placed a hand on his arm, silently