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.

each step calculated to leave us questioning what we thought we

meeting-it was all part of a larger plan, and I was determined to piece it

silence as Alpha Damien of the

in the room, though his dark eyes betrayed the worry

we're here," Damien began, his deep voice echoing through the

stand for. He's not just targeting our Packs-he's

I stepped forward, raising a hand to

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

cut through the chaos. "Enough," he growled, his golden eyes blazing. "We don't have the luxury of infighting.

I felt a swell

rallying others, of making them feel like they

placing a hand on

I said, my tone measured. "If this

a target—and I believe it is—we

his brow furrowing. "Do you believe

gaze flicking over the gathered leaders. "I don't

room, the thought of

chamber, her expression unreadable but

behind her, his sharp gaze sweeping the room as if

surprised murmurs from the

might need extra eyes. Drystan and I will be

I.ne

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

quietly. "Keep an eye out for anything

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

Nova and Drystan exited, my mind returned to the council. Their words and expressions betrayed their fear, their unease, and I

ability to manipulate people