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

finger on

on the stronghold, we're leaving ourselves

He'll

a flicker of curiosity cutting

are you

“Ardan

us, make us spread

It's too perfect. He wanted

think it's

definitely fortifying it. But it's not the

elsewhere to keep us distracted while he moves toward

Killian said quietly, his voice laced

"And he knows we'll

stronghold without securing our defenses here, he'll

his claws twitching at his sides.

we need to ensure the Packhouse is impenetrable. Triple the guards

warriors to patrol every

nodded. "Consider it

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

of rogues to other borders, hoping to draw us

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

brows lifted slightly, a flicker of pride

"And the stronghold?"

hard and fast," I said,

"But we don't send everyone.

team can infiltrate the stronghold while the rest of our forces stay back to protect the

a long moment, his golden

isn't just about strategy, Killian. It's about survival. Ardan thinks he knows how to

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

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