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

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

few scattered sightings, but no real attacks? It's deliberate. Ardan's planning

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

shaking my head. "But it doesn't feel like

come at us head-on. He'll find

expression softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Astrid, we're not

stop him. You're not alone

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

to Elara and Ryker. The memory of Cedric's

I

to," he

I'll feel better if I see

Later That Night

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

flickering torchlight cast long shadows on the walls, and every creak

I approached, their postures rigid. I nodded to them before gently

of moonlight bathed the room, and my heart ached at the

their beds, their small faces peaceful

lips parted slightly

draped over the edge of his bed, as though ready to defend her even in his

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

all day felt sharper

sleep should have brought me comfort, but it

do you look

me, and I turned to see Elara's eyes fluttering open. She blinked