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.

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

part of a larger plan, and I was determined to piece it together before

into a hushed silence as Alpha Damien of the

room, though his dark eyes betrayed

we're here," Damien began, his deep

we stand for. He's not just targeting our Packs-he's targeting the very foundation of

murmur spread through the room, and I

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

his golden eyes blazing. "We don't have the luxury of infighting. If we

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

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

hand on the table where the map of our territories

I said,

I believe it is—we have to

"Do you believe

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

the thought of a traitor among us weighing heavily on

into the chamber,

sharp gaze sweeping the room as if

unexpected arrival drew surprised murmurs from

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

I.ne

brought a sense of relief l hadn't realized I needed. Nova's sharp instincts and Drystan's unyielding determination were a comfort in

I said quietly. "Keep

nodded, her gaze softening. "We'll keep

council. Their words and expressions

all, and his ability to manipulate people made everyone