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

to be..."

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

thin line.

lot of

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

reassuring hand on my

Ryder's voice echoed down the corridor. "Luna

toward

I asked, my voice sharp with

eastern border," Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an attack. A small group

"Did

Ryder assured me. "Our warriors held them off. But

eyes flicked

"One of the rogues was captured. He's being

AQUAS

dread and determination coursing through me. "Does

the interrogation room. He wanted

with Asha, who gave me a small

she said. "I'll stay

you," I said, my voice heavy

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

we reached the interrogation room, the guards outside opened the

us.

stood inside, his golden eyes fixed on the rogue tied

bloody and bruised, his feral eyes

without turning, his voice low

locking onto the rogue. He was young,

a pup, but the hatred in his

you?" Killian demanded, his voice sharp

rogue spat blood onto the floor, a defiant sneer curling his lips.

jaw tightened,

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

I said. "If you

rogue laughed, the sound harsh and

but I placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to