Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 419: Fortress of Deceit

Chapter 79: Tension Rising

Astrid's POV

The weight of the fragment of the forsaken amulet lingered in my mind as Killian, Ryder, and I exited the war room.

Every step I took felt heavier, like the realization of Ardan's plan was manifesting into a physical burden.

The hallways of the Packhouse were unusually quiet, the tension gripping everyone like a silent warning.

I could feel the watchful eyes of the guards stationed at every corner, their hands never straying far from their weapons.

The air was thick with unease, and I couldn't shake the cold fear that curled in my chest.

"I don't like this," I said softly, breaking the silence as Killian walked beside me. “The fragment..... what is he doing with them? How exactly would he fix the amulet..."

Killian's jaw tightened, his golden eyes fixed straight ahead. "He won't get far. We'll intercept him before he completes the amulet."

"And if we don't?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Killian, we don't know what's going on in his mind. We're not just dealing with the rogue king anymore. We're facing something far worse."

Killian stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His hands gently cupped my shoulders, grounding me.

"Astrid, listen to me," he said firmly. "We're not going to let that happen. He might have plans, but so do we. You're not alone in this."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I know. But it's not just us anymore, Killian. Ryker and Elara-" My voice broke, and I had to pause, taking a steadying breath.

"They're part of this now. And I can't stop thinking about how close he's come."

edge of his fury giving way to

him," he said quietly. "Because we have more to protect than he could

nodded, though the knot in my stomach

they didn't erase the image of the fragment Ryder had placed on the table. If Ardan

We turned to see a young scout hurrying

it?" Killian asked, his voice sharp as he

eastern border," the scout reported, his

spotted, but they retreated before our patrols could engage.

unfolded it, his golden eyes narrowing as he read. I

know what we want. Give it up before you suffer the

hastily, the ink smudged in places, but the message was

ran down my spine as I read it, my mind

the note in his

working," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. My eyes darted to the scout. "Was there

were careful, but we're certain they were rogues. The patrol is doubling back to make sure there aren't

him with a nod, his expression dark. As the scout disappeared down the hallway, I turned to Killian, my chest tight

a warning," I said. "It's

a reassuring hand on my back, guiding me toward the Packhouse's living quarters. "Then we make sure they never get the chance to act

reached Ryker and Elara's room, where two guards stood

entry, Inside, the children were playing near the fireplace, their laughter a stark contrast to the dread that

looked up first, his face

he called, rushing over to throw his

curls bouncing as she

finish your meeting?" she asked, her voice bright

scooped her up, his expression softening as he held her

said, pressing a kiss to