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.

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

the words to explain the

real attacks? It's deliberate. Ardan's planning

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

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

us head-on. He'll find

on my shoulder. "Astrid, we're not letting our

planning, we'll stop him. You're not alone

the knot in my chest refused

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

on them," I said abruptly, stepping away from the

didn't stop me. "You don't have to," he said gently. "The

"But I'll feel better if I

Later That Night

were unusually quiet as I made my

shadows on the walls, and every

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

the soft glow of moonlight bathed the room, and my heart ached at the sight

Elara lay in their beds, their small faces peaceful in

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

of his bed, as though ready to defend her

in the chair near their beds, folding my arms tightly

all day felt sharper

it only reminded me of how fragile their safety

you look so

soft voice startled me, and I turned to see Elara's eyes fluttering open. She blinked sleepily, her small hand clutching

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