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 expression

as determined as Cedric made him out to be..." She trailed off, her eyes filled with

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 Packhouse

lips pressed into a thin line. "What

lot of

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

and she placed a reassuring hand on

I could respond, Ryder's voice echoed down

see him striding toward us, his expression

I asked, my voice sharp

report from the eastern border," Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an

stiffened. "Did they

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

eyes flicked

rogues was captured. He's being brought here

AQUAS

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

waiting in the interrogation room. He wanted me to find

exchanged a glance with Asha, who gave me a small nod

she said. "I'll stay with the

I said, my voice heavy with

through the Packhouse, the tension in

interrogation room, the guards outside opened the door

us.

rogue tied to a chair

bruised, his feral eyes darting

said without turning, his voice low

my gaze locking onto the rogue. He was

pup, but the hatred

Killian demanded, his voice

onto the floor, a defiant sneer curling his

tightened,

VOIG calm

"If you cooperate, we

laughed, the sound harsh and mocking.

his sides, but I placed a hand

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