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."

sharp edge of his fury giving way to something

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

in my stomach refused to

the fragment Ryder had placed on the table. If Ardan truly had

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

Killian asked, his

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, his hand

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

You know what we want. Give it

smudged

spine as I read it, my mind racing

note in his fist. "Trying

voice quieter than I intended. My eyes darted to the scout. "Was there anything else?

but we're certain they were rogues.

expression dark. As the scout disappeared down the

isn't just a warning," I said.

a reassuring hand on my back, guiding me toward the Packhouse's living quarters. "Then we make sure they

Elara's room, where two guards stood

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

first, his face lighting up

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

bouncing as

did you finish your meeting?" she asked, her

scooped her up, his expression softening as he

a kiss to her forehead.