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."

first. Take the stronghold and stop him before

a finger

all our attention on the stronghold, we're leaving

fair. He'll

me, a flicker

are you

map, my mind racing. “Ardan

us, make us spread ourselves

too perfect. He wanted us to

"You think it's a

entirely. The stronghold is real-he's definitely

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

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

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

leverage. If we move on the stronghold without securing our defenses here,

exhaled sharply, his claws twitching at

puzzle. "First, we need to ensure the Packhouse is impenetrable. Triple the guards around Ryker and Elara,

trusted warriors to

nodded. "Consider

I continued, my voice firm, "we need to anticipate

other borders,

avoid overcommitting. I want scouts stationed at each border with strict

brows lifted slightly, a flicker of pride softening

"And the stronghold?"

it hard and fast,"

don't send everyone.

rest of our forces stay

long moment, his golden

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

Luna and a female general, is what developed

open, and a guard entered, his face pale. "Alpha, Luna, there's movement