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.

layered, each step calculated

route, the council meeting-it was all part of a larger plan, and I was determined to piece it together before it was too

silence as Alpha Damien of the Crimsonbane

the room, though his dark eyes betrayed

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

not just targeting our Packs-he's targeting the very

murmur spread through the room, and I stepped forward, raising a hand to quiet

proof enough of that.” The room erupted again, some Alphas voicing their doubts about

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

silent, and I felt a swell of pride at the commanding presence of my

making them feel like they could withstand anything with him

stepped closer to him, placing a hand on the table where the

move," I said, my tone measured. "If

target—and I believe it is—we have to outmaneuver

frowned, his brow furrowing. "Do you

gaze flicking over the gathered leaders. "I don't know. But I wouldn't put it past him

the thought of

that moment, Nova stepped into the chamber, her expression unreadable but

close behind her, his sharp gaze sweeping the room as if searching

surprised murmurs

thought you might need extra

I.ne

hadn't realized I needed. Nova's sharp instincts and Drystan's unyielding determination were a comfort in a time like

quietly. "Keep an eye out for

softening. "We'll keep them safe, Astrid. All of

Nova and Drystan exited, my mind returned to the council. Their words and expressions

and his ability to manipulate people