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 expression

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

have to be ready for anything," I said firmly, more to myself than to her. “Killian's reinforcing the borders and increasing patrols, but

line. "What can I do to

lot of time

happens-" I swallowed hard, the thought too painful to finish.

reassuring hand on

I could respond, Ryder's voice echoed down the corridor.

turned to see him striding toward us, his expression grim.

it?" I asked, my voice sharp with

Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an attack. A

"Did they

warriors held them off. But there's something

eyes flicked

the rogues was captured. He's being brought here for

AQUAS

a mix of dread and determination coursing

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

Asha, who gave me

"I'll stay with the

I said, my voice heavy with

the Packhouse, the tension in the

interrogation room, the guards outside opened the door

us.

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

was bloody and bruised, his feral eyes darting around the

without turning,

my gaze locking onto the rogue. He was

hatred in his

demanded, his voice sharp and

a defiant sneer curling his lips. "You

tightened,

my VOIG calm but cold.

said. "If you cooperate,

laughed, the sound harsh and mocking. "Mercy? From

I placed a hand on his arm, silently urging