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."

softened, the sharp edge of his fury giving

quietly. "Because we have more to

the knot in my

of the fragment Ryder had placed

voice called, cutting through the stillness. We turned to see a young scout

is it?" Killian asked, his voice sharp as he

border," the scout reported, his voice

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

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

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

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

I

us," Killian growled, crumpling the note in his fist.

intended. My eyes darted to the scout. "Was there

his head. "No, Luna. They were careful, but we're certain they were rogues. The patrol is doubling back to make sure there aren't

the scout disappeared down the hallway, I turned

a warning," I said.

living quarters. "Then we make sure they never get the chance to act on

Elara's room, where two guards stood

bowed their heads as we approached, stepping aside to allow us entry, Inside, the children were

face lighting up when

Papa!" he called, rushing over to throw his arms around my

curls bouncing as she ran

you finish your meeting?" she asked,

scooped her up, his expression softening as he held her

he said, pressing a kiss