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

to be..." She trailed

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

into a thin line. "What can I

question. "You've been spending a lot of time with Elara and

the thought too painful to finish.

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

voice echoed

to see him striding toward us, his expression grim. My heart

asked, my voice sharp with

border," Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an

"Did

assured me. "Our warriors held them off. But there's something else." "What?"

flicked between

the rogues was captured. He's being brought

AQUAS

mix of dread and

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

a glance with Asha, who gave me

"I'll stay

I said, my

Packhouse, the tension in the air

interrogation room, the guards outside opened the door

us.

the rogue tied

rogue was bloody and bruised, his feral eyes darting around

without turning, his voice low and

locking onto the

hatred in his eyes was

you?" Killian demanded, his voice sharp

spat blood onto the floor, a defiant sneer curling his lips. "You think

jaw tightened,

my VOIG calm but cold. "You're

you cooperate, we might

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

at his sides, but I placed a hand on his