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

determined as Cedric made him out to be..." She trailed off,

reinforcing the borders and increasing patrols, but we can't

thin line. "What can I

her question. "You've been spending a lot of time

thought too painful to finish. "Stay with

she placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "I

voice echoed down the

to see him striding toward us, his expression

I asked, my voice

report from the eastern border," Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an attack. A small group of rogues tried to breach

stiffened. "Did they

off. But there's something else." "What?" Asha asked,

eyes flicked

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

AQUAS

pulse quickened, a mix of dread and determination coursing through me. "Does

interrogation room. He wanted me

who gave

said. "I'll stay

I said, my

quickly through the Packhouse, the tension in the air growing

room, the guards outside opened the door

us.

the rogue tied to a chair in the center

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

without turning, his voice low and

gaze locking onto the rogue. He was young, barely

hatred in his eyes

you?" Killian demanded, his voice sharp

the floor, a defiant sneer curling

tightened,

I stepped forward, my VOIG calm but

I said. "If you cooperate, we might consider

harsh and mocking. "Mercy? From you Alphas?

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