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.

furrowing. "What

hesitated, trying to find the words to explain the weight

A few scattered sightings, but no real

reinforced every vulnerable spot. The warriors are ready, the borders are

I said, shaking my head. "But it doesn't feel like enough. He's not

us head-on. He'll

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

we'll stop him.

wanting to believe him, but the

to Elara and Ryker. The memory of Cedric's words still haunted

I said abruptly, stepping away from the

frowned but didn't stop me. "You don't have to," he said

know," I replied. "But I'll feel

Later That Night

as I made my way toward Ryker

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

guards outside their door straightened as I approached, their postures rigid.

of moonlight bathed the room, and my heart

Elara lay in their beds, their small faces peaceful

stuffed wolf tightly, her lips parted

his arm draped over the edge of his bed, as

near their beds, folding

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

sleep should have brought me comfort, but it only reminded me of how fragile their

do you look

eyes fluttering open. She