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."

expression grim. "Then we'll strike first. Take the stronghold and stop him before he

simple," I said, shaking my head. I placed a finger on

all our attention on the stronghold, we're leaving ourselves

fair. He'll exploit any weakness

me, a flicker of curiosity cutting through

"What are

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

us

perfect. He wanted us to find

think it's a

real-he's definitely

I'd stage smaller diversions elsewhere to

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

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

If we move on the stronghold

at his sides.

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

warriors to patrol every

"Consider it

continued, my voice firm, "we need to anticipate

rogues to other

each

lifted slightly, a flicker of pride softening

"And the stronghold?"

and fast," I said,

"But we don't

can infiltrate the stronghold while the rest of our forces stay

studied me for a long moment, his golden eyes thoughtful.

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

and a female general, is what developed my instincts in

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