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.

step calculated to leave us questioning what we thought

plan, and I was determined to piece

fell into a hushed silence as Alpha Damien of the

tension in the room, though

began, his deep

has declared war on everything we stand for. He's not just targeting our Packs-he's targeting the very foundation

I stepped forward, raising a

"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 voicing their doubts about Cedric, others debating how deeply the rogue king's

his golden eyes blazing. "We don't

and I felt a swell of pride at the commanding presence of

of rallying others, of making them feel like they could withstand anything

placing a hand on the table where the map of our territories

anticipate his next move," I

target—and I believe it is—we have to

"Do you believe he

"I don't know. But I

of a traitor among us weighing heavily on

stepped into the chamber, her expression unreadable but her presence

behind her, his sharp gaze sweeping

arrival drew surprised murmurs

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

I.ne

Nova's sharp instincts

you," I said quietly. "Keep

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

words and expressions betrayed their fear, their unease, and I

and his ability to