Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 422: Meticulous Planning

Astrid's POV

The council chamber buzzed with an undercurrent of tension that made the air feel thick.

The weight of the looming meeting sat heavily on my chest, though I knew I couldn't let it show.

This was where Ardan would aim to make his statement, where he'd strike to spread chaos and fear.

I stood in the far corner, my eyes scanning the room as the Alphas and Lunas filed in one by one.

Their voices filled the space, low murmurs exchanging concerns over Ardan's growing influence and his unrelenting attacks.

Killian stood at my side, his presence as steady as a mountain. His golden eyes scanned the room, sharp and calculating, watching for any signs of danger.

Ryder had already slipped into the shadows, overseeing the security measures with a team of warriors stationed discreetly throughout the area.

"You've been quiet,” Killian said, his voice low, for me alone.

I turned to him, meeting his gaze.

"I'm thinking,” I admitted. “Ardan isn't just about brute force. If he has people here,

if he's planning something, we need to spot it before it happens."

Killian nodded, his jaw tightening. "He won't get the chance to catch us off guard. We've accounted for every angle."

But I wasn't convinced. Ardan was meticulous, and he thrived on misdirection.

he made was layered, each step calculated to leave us questioning what we thought

supply route, the council meeting-it was all part of a larger plan, and

as Alpha Damien of the

room, though his dark eyes betrayed the worry etched across his

why we're here," Damien began, his deep

not just targeting our Packs-he's targeting the very foundation of what binds us together.

room, and I stepped forward, raising a hand to quiet

infiltrate and destabilize. Cedric's betrayal is proof enough of

he growled, his golden eyes blazing. "We don't have the luxury of infighting. If we let him divide us,

felt a swell of pride at

had a way of rallying others, of making them feel like they could withstand

on the table where the map of our territories

anticipate his next move," I said, my tone measured. "If this

I believe it is—we have to outmaneuver

frowned, his brow furrowing. "Do you believe he has someone

gathered leaders. "I don't know. But I wouldn't put it past him

the thought of a traitor among us

into the chamber, her expression unreadable but

followed close behind her, his sharp gaze sweeping the

arrival drew surprised murmurs from

me, her voice low. "I thought you might need extra eyes. Drystan and I will be patrolling the perimeter while

I.ne

needed. Nova's sharp instincts and Drystan's

said quietly. "Keep an eye out for

"We'll keep them

Their words and expressions betrayed

us all, and his ability to manipulate people made everyone