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."

strike first. Take the stronghold and stop him before he

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

our attention on

fair. He'll exploit any weakness he

to me, a flicker

are

mind racing. “Ardan

try to divide us, make us spread ourselves too thin.

too perfect. He

think it's a

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

smaller diversions elsewhere to keep

laced with anger. "He'll come for Ryker and

"And he knows

the stronghold without securing our defenses

at his sides. "Then what do

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

to patrol every entry

"Consider it

firm, "we need to anticipate diversions. Ardan

of rogues to other borders, hoping to draw us

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

brows lifted slightly, a flicker

"And the stronghold?"

hard and

unwavering. "But we don't send everyone.

the stronghold while the rest of our forces stay back to protect the

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

to stay composed. "This isn't just about strategy, Killian. It's about survival.

and a female

and a guard entered, his