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."

first. Take the

finger on the map, tracing the path from the Packhouse

on

doesn't fight fair. He'll exploit any

flicked to me, a

are

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

us, make us spread ourselves too thin. That

He

think it's a

is real-he's definitely fortifying it. But it's

to keep us distracted while he moves

his voice laced with

he knows we'll do

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

at

the Packhouse is impenetrable. Triple the guards

trusted warriors to

"Consider it

"we

of rogues to other borders, hoping

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

a flicker of pride softening his intense

"And the stronghold?"

hit it hard and

we don't send everyone. A

stronghold while the rest of our forces stay back to

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

isn't just about strategy, Killian. It's about survival.

female general, is

respond, the door burst open, and a guard entered, his

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255