Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 420

Astrid’s POV

The Packhouse buzzed with urgency, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

I stood at the head of the war room table, my fingers tracing the lines of the map spread out before me.

Every detail had to be perfect. Every possibility accounted for.

Killian stood across from me, his golden eyes sharp as he listened to Ryder’s report.

The scout had just returned with a worn piece of parchment, its edges frayed and stained.

“This was intercepted near the northern border,” Ryder said, placing it on the table. “One of Ardan’s rogues was carrying it.”

Killian grabbed the parchment, his eyes scanning the words with a growing scowl.

I leaned closer to read over his shoulder.

“The amulet’s fragments are within reach. Secure the northern stronghold. The Almega’s blood will ensure victory. Prepare the way for our future.”

The words sent a chill through me. The knot of fear in my chest tightened, but I forced myself to remain calm, to think.

I couldn’t afford to let emotions cloud my judgment.

Killian’s jaw tightened, his hand curling around the hilt of his blade.

“The northern stronghold,” he muttered. “We assumed it was abandoned.”

“It’s not,” Ryder confirmed grimly. “Scouts have reported rogue activity. They’re fortifying it—laying traps, building defenses. It’s clear they’re preparing for something big.”

I straightened, my eyes narrowing as I processed the information.

“This isn’t just about the amulet anymore,” I said, my voice steady despite the unease twisting in my stomach. “Ardan is using the stronghold as his base. He’s consolidating his forces there, preparing for an attack.”

Killian nodded, his expression grim. “Then we’ll strike first. Take the stronghold and stop him before he gains any more ground.”

“It’s not that simple,” I said, shaking my head. I placed a finger on the map, tracing the path from the Packhouse to the stronghold.

“If we focus all our attention on the stronghold, we’re leaving ourselves exposed. Ardan doesn’t fight fair. He’ll exploit any weakness he finds.”

Killian’s golden eyes flicked to me, a flicker of curiosity cutting through his frustration. “What are you thinking?”

I stared at the map, my mind racing. “Ardan thrives on chaos,” I began, organizing my thoughts aloud.

“He’ll try to divide us, make us spread ourselves too thin. That intercepted message? It’s too perfect. He wanted us to find it.”

Ryder frowned. “You think it’s a trap?”

I nodded. “Not entirely. The stronghold is real—he’s definitely fortifying it. But it’s not the only target.

If I were him, I’d stage smaller diversions elsewhere to keep us distracted while he moves toward his true goal.”

“The children,” Killian said quietly, his voice laced with anger. “He’ll come for Ryker and Elara.”

“Exactly,” I said, meeting his gaze. “And he knows we’ll do everything to protect them.

That’s his leverage. If we move on the stronghold without securing our defenses here, he’ll exploit it.”