Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 417: Final Gambit Chapter 77: Shadows on the Horizon Astrid's POV The Packhouse had turned into a fortress.

Guards patrolled every corner, their presence constant and unyielding.

The sound of boots on the wooden floors, the clang of weapons being readied, and the hum of whispered orders filled the air.

Despite the precautions, a sense of unease clung tolike a second skin.

Killian was in the war room, finalizing defense strategies with Ryder and the other warriors.

I had just left Ryker and Elara's room after checking on them for the third tthat morning.

They were playing together, their laughter echoing softly in my mind, but it wasn't enough to ease the fear curling in my chest.

I walked briskly down the corridor, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. Ardan's movements were calculated, his methods ruthless.

Ryder's report about the wolfsbane on the eastern border was still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder what else he had planned.

Turning a corner, I nearly collided with Asha. She looked as tense as I felt, her expression pinched with worry. "Asha," I greeted, my voice tighter than I intended.

"Astrid," she said softly, her eyes searching mine. "I was just about to find you." "What is it?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat.

She hesitated, glancing around to ensure we were alone.

"I overheard sof the warriors talking," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're worried, Astrid. They don't think Ardan will cthrough the front lines. They think he'll find another way in." I exhaled sharply, the knot in my stomach tightening.

"I've been thinking the sthing," I admitted. "Ardan doesn't fight fair. He's too cunning for that." Asha nodded, her expression grim.

"And if he's as determined as Cedric made him out to be..." She trailed off, her eyes filled with unspoken fears. "We have to be ready for anything," I said firmly, more to myself than to her. "Killian's reinforcing the borders and increasing patrols, but we can't afford to let our guard down inside the Packhouse either." Asha's lips pressed into a thin line. "What can I do to help?" I paused, considering her question. "You've been spending a lot of twith Elara and Ryker," I said finally. "They trust you. If something happens-" I swallowed hard, the thought too painful to finish. "Stay with them. Keep them safe." Her gaze softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "I will, Astrid. You have my word." Before I could respond, Ryder's voice echoed down the corridor. "Luna Astrid!" I turned to see him striding toward us, his expression grim. My heart sank.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice sharp with worry.

"We've received a report from the eastern border," Ryder said, his tone clipped. "There was an attack. A small group of rogues tried to breach the perimeter." I stiffened. "Did they succeed?" "No," Ryder assured me. "Our warriors held them off. But there's something else." "What?" Asha asked, stepping closer.

Ryder's eyes flicked between us before settling on me. "One of the rogues was captured. He's being brought here for questioning AQUAS My pulse quickened, a mix of dread and determination coursing through me. "Does Killian know?" Ryder nodded. "He's waiting in the interrogation room. He wantedto find you." I exchanged a glance with Asha, who gavea small nod of encouragement.

"Go," she said. "I'll stay with the children." "Thank you," I said, my voice heavy with gratitude.

Ryder and I moved quickly through the Packhouse, the tension in the air growing thicker with each step. When we reached the interrogation room, the guards outside opened the door for us.

Killian stood inside, his golden eyes fixed on the rogue tied to a chair in the center of the room.

The rogue was bloody and bruised, his feral eyes darting around the room like a caged animal.

"Astrid," Killian said without turning, his voice low and dangerous.

I stepped inside, my gaze locking onto the rogue. He was young, barely older than a pup, but the hatred in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Who sent you?" Killian demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.

The rogue spat blood onto the floor, a defiant sneer curling his lips. "You think I'll tell you anything?" Killian's jaw tightened, but he didn't move. I stepped forward, my VOIG calm but cold. "You're already caught," I said. "If you cooperate, we might consider mercy." The rogue laughed, the sound harsh and mocking. "Mercy? From you Alphas? That's rich." Killian's claws flexed at his sides, but I placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stay composed.

"What's your plan?" I asked, my tone m steady. "Why attack the eastern!! border? What's Ardan after?" The rogue's sneer widened. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Killian's patience snapped. He the rogue by the collar, or TIL yanking him forward. "Tell us, make sure you regret it." The rogue's smirk faltered, but he didn't answer.

"Killian," I said quietly, my voice laced with warning.

He released the rogue, shoving him back into the chair. The rogue coughed, glaring up at us.

"You're already too late," he said hoarsely. "Ardan always gets what he wants."

I stiffened, the rogue's words cutting throughlike a blade. "What does he wants' demanded. The rogue chuckled weakly. "You'll find out soon enough." Killian's golden eyes burned with fury, but his voice was icy when he spoke. "Take him to the cells. We'll deal with him later." The guards stepped forward, dragging the rogue away as he continued to laugh, the sound echoing in my ears long after he was gone.

I turned to Killian, my chest tight. "We need to be ready," I said my voice trembling with resolve. Killian placed a hand on my shoulder, his golden eyes meeting mine. "We will be," he said firmly. "I won't let him win." But as I stared at the empty chair where the rogue had sat, unease coiled tightly in my chest.

Ardan was moving, and I knew we were running out of time.