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.

calculated to

plan,

a hushed silence as Alpha Damien of

in the room, though his dark eyes

here," Damien began, his deep voice echoing through

declared war on everything we stand for. He's not just targeting our Packs-he's targeting the very foundation of what binds us together.

and I stepped forward, raising

unity against us," I said, my voice firm. "He's exploiting the trust we've built to infiltrate and destabilize. Cedric's betrayal is proof enough of that.” The room erupted again, some Alphas

blazing. "We don't have the luxury

swell of pride

them feel like they could withstand anything

him, placing a hand on the table

need to anticipate his next move," I said, my tone measured.

it is—we

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

the gathered leaders. "I don't know. But I wouldn't put

the thought of a traitor among us weighing heavily

moment, Nova stepped into the chamber, her expression unreadable

gaze

arrival drew surprised murmurs from

extra eyes. Drystan and I will be patrolling the perimeter while you're

I.ne

hadn't realized I needed. Nova's sharp instincts

"Keep an eye

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

Drystan exited, my mind returned to the council. Their words and expressions betrayed their fear, their unease, and I couldn't blame

all, and his ability to manipulate people made everyone