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 is it, Astrid? You've had that

to find the words to explain the weight pressing

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

sighed, his hand brushing against mine. "We've reinforced every vulnerable spot. The warriors are

shaking my head. "But it doesn't feel

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

hand on my shoulder. "Astrid, we're

him.

the knot in my chest refused to

the doorway, and my thoughts drifted to Elara and Ryker. The memory of Cedric's words still haunted me: He'll come for the

to check on them," I said abruptly, stepping away

didn't stop me. "You don't have to," he said gently. "The guards are watching over them. They're

know," I replied. "But I'll feel better if I see

Later That Night

were unusually quiet as I made my

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

outside their door straightened as I approached, their postures rigid. I nodded to them before gently pushing the

the room,

in their beds, their small faces

her lips parted slightly as she murmured

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

their

had followed me all day felt sharper now,

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

look so

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