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."

nodded, his expression grim. "Then we'll strike first. Take the stronghold and stop him before he gains any more

said, shaking my head. I placed a finger on the map, tracing the path from the Packhouse

focus all our attention on

fight fair. He'll exploit any weakness

to me, a flicker of curiosity cutting through

are you

stared at the map, my mind racing. “Ardan thrives on chaos,” I began,

to divide us, make us spread

He

frowned. "You think it's a

is real-he's definitely fortifying it. But it's not

smaller diversions elsewhere to keep us

his voice laced with anger. "He'll come for Ryker

"And he knows we'll

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

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

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

trusted warriors to

nodded. "Consider it

voice firm, "we need to

small groups of rogues to other borders, hoping

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

slightly, a flicker

"And the stronghold?"

hard and fast," I said,

unwavering. "But we don't

can infiltrate the stronghold while the rest of our forces stay back to

for a long moment, his golden eyes thoughtful. "You've already

strategy, Killian. It's about survival. Ardan thinks

and a female general, is what

entered, his face