Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 417

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 to me like 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 time that 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 some of the warriors talking,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re worried, Astrid. They don’t think Ardan will come through 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 same thing,” 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 time with 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.”