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 leave us

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

room fell into a hushed silence as Alpha Damien of the

commanding presence seemed to silence the tension in the room, though his dark eyes betrayed the worry etched

Damien began, his deep

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

the room, and I stepped forward, raising a hand

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 voicing their doubts about Cedric,

eyes blazing. "We don't have the luxury of infighting. If we let him divide us,

felt a swell of pride at the commanding

way of rallying others, of making them feel like they could

hand on the table where

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

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

"Do you believe he

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

thought of a traitor among us weighing heavily on

moment, Nova stepped into the chamber,

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

arrival drew surprised murmurs from

"I thought you might need extra eyes. Drystan

I.ne

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

I said quietly. "Keep an eye

keep them safe, Astrid.

mind returned to the council. Their words and expressions betrayed their fear, their

and his ability to manipulate people