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

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

to be ready for 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

thin line. "What can I do to

been spending a lot of

I swallowed hard, the thought too

and she placed a reassuring hand on

I could respond, Ryder's voice echoed

see him striding toward us, his expression grim.

it?" I asked,

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

stiffened. "Did

them off. But there's something else." "What?"

flicked between

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

AQUAS

a mix of dread and determination coursing

in the interrogation room. He wanted me

exchanged a glance with Asha, who gave

"I'll stay with the

said, my voice heavy with

through the Packhouse, the tension in the air growing thicker

the interrogation room, the guards outside

us.

the rogue tied to a chair in the center

his feral eyes darting

without turning,

onto the rogue. He was

hatred in

sent you?" Killian demanded,

the floor, a defiant sneer curling

jaw tightened,

I stepped forward, my VOIG calm but

I said. "If you cooperate, we

laughed, the sound harsh and mocking. "Mercy? From you Alphas? That's

claws flexed at his sides, but I placed a