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."

expression softened, the sharp edge of his fury

quietly. "Because we have more to protect than

nodded, though the knot in my stomach refused to

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

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

his voice sharp as he

the eastern border," the scout reported,

engage. We found... this." He held out a folded piece of

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

we want. Give it up before you suffer the

were scrawled hastily, the ink smudged

as I

crumpling the note in his fist. "Trying to rattle

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

his head. "No, Luna. They were careful, but we're certain they were rogues.

dismissed him with a nod, his expression dark. As the scout disappeared down the

warning,"

back, guiding me toward the Packhouse's living quarters. "Then

reached Ryker and Elara's room, where two guards

we approached, stepping aside to allow us entry, Inside, the children were

first, his face lighting

to throw his arms

her curls bouncing

meeting?" she asked, her voice bright

her up, his expression softening

pressing a kiss