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.

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

explain the weight pressing on me. "It's too quiet," I said

few scattered sightings, but no real attacks? It's deliberate. Ardan's planning something, Killian, and it's not going to

vulnerable spot. The warriors are

head. "But it doesn't feel

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

expression softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Astrid, we're

him.

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

and my thoughts drifted to Elara and Ryker. The memory

check on them," I said

me. "You don't have to," he said gently. "The guards are watching over

know," I replied. "But I'll

Later That Night

as I made my

walls, and every creak of the

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

soft glow of moonlight bathed the room,

in their beds,

tightly, her lips parted slightly as she murmured something

edge of his

sat down in the chair near their beds, folding my arms

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

but it only reminded me of how fragile their

look so worried,

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