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."

the sharp edge of his fury giving way

he said quietly. "Because we have more to protect than he could ever take from

though the knot in my stomach refused

image of the fragment

called, cutting through the stillness. We turned to see a young scout hurrying toward us,

his voice sharp as he stepped

movement near the eastern border,"

group of rogues was spotted, but they retreated before our patrols could engage. We found... this." He held out a folded piece of parchment,

and unfolded it, his golden eyes narrowing as he

time is running out. You know what we want. Give it up before you suffer the

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

chill ran down my spine as I read it,

taunting us," Killian growled, crumpling the note in his

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

careful, but we're certain they were rogues. The patrol is doubling back to

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

a warning," I said. "It's a

Packhouse's living quarters.

Ryker and Elara's room, where

stepping aside to allow us entry, Inside, the children were playing near the fireplace,

face

called, rushing over to throw his arms around my

bouncing as she

meeting?" she asked, her voice bright

her up, his expression softening as

kiss to her forehead.