Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 425: Nightmares

Astrid's POV

The unease had taken root deep in my chest, twisting tighter with each passing moment.

The Packhouse bustled with warriors and scouts moving in and out, delivering updates and taking orders, but it didn't soothe the gnawing feeling in my gut.

It felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for the inevitable plunge.

I stood in the war room, pretending to focus on the reports spread across the table.

Maps marked with patrol routes and potential rogue movements stared back at me, but none of it felt real.

My eyes kept darting to the door, half-expecting someone to rush in with news of an attack.

Killian was on the other side of the room, speaking with Ryder. His golden eyes burned with intensity, and the tension in his stance betrayed his own worries, though he'd never admit them outright.

Killian always bore the weight of leadership with unwavering strength, but I knew he felt the strain just as much as I did.

"The eastern border," Ryder said, his voice carrying across the room. "That's where the most recent sightings have been. Scouts reported tracks leading deeper into rogue territory, but no direct signs of an attack."

Killian nodded, his tone clipped as he responded. "Send another team to investigate. If they're gathering there, I want to know why. Make sure the warriors are prepared for an ambush."

Ryder bowed slightly before turning to leave. As he passed me, he offered a brief nod, but I barely registered it. My focus was on Killian, who finally turned his gaze to me.

"You've been quiet," he said, crossing the room to stand beside me.

"I've been thinking," I replied, my voice softer than I intended.

his brow furrowing. "What is it, Astrid? You've had that

words to explain the weight pressing on me. "It's too quiet,"

movements don't make sense. A few scattered sightings, but no real attacks? It's

his hand brushing against mine. "We've reinforced every vulnerable spot. The warriors are ready, the borders are secure.

shaking my head. "But it doesn't feel

come at us head-on. He'll find a way

expression softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder.

him.

to believe him, but the knot in my chest refused to

thoughts drifted to Elara and Ryker. The memory of

them," I said abruptly,

"You don't have to," he said

replied. "But I'll

Later That Night

the Packhouse were unusually quiet as I made my way toward Ryker and Elara's

torchlight cast long shadows on the walls, and every creak of the wooden floor

outside their door straightened as I approached, their postures rigid. I nodded to

bathed the room, and my heart ached at the sight before

and Elara lay in their beds, their small faces

stuffed wolf tightly, her lips parted slightly as she murmured something

of his bed, as though

the chair near their beds, folding my arms tightly across my

unease that had followed me all day felt sharper now, coiling around my

comfort, but it only reminded me of how fragile their safety

do you look so worried,

and I turned to see Elara's eyes