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."

the stronghold and stop him before he gains

a finger on the map, tracing

attention on the stronghold, we're leaving ourselves

fight fair. He'll exploit

flicked to me, a flicker of curiosity cutting through

are you

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

to divide us, make us spread ourselves

too perfect. He wanted us

"You think it's a

The stronghold is real-he's definitely fortifying

to keep

Killian said quietly, his voice laced with anger. "He'll come for

his gaze. "And he knows we'll do everything to

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

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

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

to patrol every entry

"Consider it

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

of rogues to other borders, hoping to

I want scouts stationed at each border with strict

brows lifted slightly, a flicker

"And the stronghold?"

hard and fast," I said,

unwavering. "But we don't send

rest of

me for a long moment, his golden eyes

about survival. Ardan thinks he knows

a Luna and a female general, is what developed my instincts

the door burst open, and a guard entered, his face pale. "Alpha, Luna, there's movement near the eastern