Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 420: Astrid’s Plan

Astrid's POV

The Packhouse buzzed with urgency, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

I stood at the head of the war room table, my fingers tracing the lines of the map spread out before me.

Every detail had to be perfect. Every possibility accounted for.

Killian stood across from me, his golden eyes sharp as he listened to Ryder's report.

The scout had just returned with a worn piece of parchment, its edges frayed and stained.

"This was intercepted near the northern border," Ryder said, placing it on the table. "One of Ardan's rogues was carrying it."

Killian grabbed the parchment, his eyes scanning the words with a growing scowl.

I leaned closer to read over his shoulder.

"The amulet's fragments are within reach. Secure the northern stronghold. The Almega's blood will ensure victory. Prepare the way for our future.”

The words sent a chill through me. The knot of fear in my chest tightened, but I forced myself to remain calm, to think.

I couldn't afford to let emotions cloud my judgment.

Killian's jaw tightened, his hand curling around the hilt of his blade.

"The northern stronghold," he muttered. "We assumed it was abandoned."

"It's not," Ryder confirmed grimly. "Scouts have reported rogue activity. They're fortifying it—laying traps, building defenses. It's clear they're preparing for something big."

I straightened, my eyes narrowing as I processed the information.

"This isn't just about the amulet anymore," I said, my voice steady despite the unease twisting in my stomach. "Ardan is using the stronghold as his base. He's consolidating his forces there, preparing for an attack."

Take the stronghold

head. I placed a finger

we focus all our attention on the stronghold, we're leaving ourselves

fair. He'll exploit any weakness he

golden eyes flicked to me, a flicker of curiosity cutting

are

at the map, my mind racing. “Ardan

try to divide us, make us spread ourselves

perfect. He wanted

think it's a

"Not entirely. The stronghold is real-he's definitely fortifying it. But it's not

I were him, I'd stage smaller diversions elsewhere to keep us distracted while

voice laced with anger. "He'll come

he knows we'll do everything to protect

we move on the stronghold without securing our defenses here, he'll

sharply, his claws twitching at his sides. "Then what do you

pieces of a puzzle. "First, we need to ensure the Packhouse is impenetrable. Triple

trusted warriors to patrol

"Consider

continued, my voice firm, "we need to anticipate diversions.

of rogues to other borders, hoping

overcommitting. I want scouts stationed at each border with strict orders to observe and report no engagements unless absolutely

flicker of pride softening

"And the stronghold?"

hard and fast," I

unwavering. "But we don't

rest of

his golden eyes thoughtful. "You've

myself to stay composed. "This isn't just about strategy, Killian. It's about survival. Ardan thinks he knows how to break us, but

years of being a Luna and a female general, is what developed my instincts

Killian could respond, the door burst open, and a guard entered,