Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 423: Closing In Astrid's POV The meeting dragged on, each word from the council weighing heavier on my mind. The tension in the room felt suffocating, like a rope tightening around my chest. Despite the conversation moving forward, my thoughts were locked on the reports Ryder had just delivered.

The eastern forest. A small group of scouts.

It wasn't unusual for Ardan's rogues to test our borders, but this felt... off. Too timed. Too deliberate.

Killian sat beside me, his golden eyes flicking between the Alphas as they debated strategies. Every so often, his hand would tighten into a fist on the table, his jaw clenching as tempers flared.

"We're wasting time," Alpha Damien growled, slamming a hand against the table. His dark eyes scanned the room. "Ardan's already moving against us, and we're sitting here bickering over details. We need decisive action- now." "Decisive action?" another Alpha countered, his voice sharp. "Like sending more warriors to die for nothing? Ardan's forces aren't just mindless rogues. They're organized, calculated. Rushing into battle is exactly what he wants." Killian's voice cut through the argument like a blade. "Enough." The room fell silent, all eyes turning to him.

"We're not here to argue," he said, his tone low but commanding. "We're here to protect our Packs. Ardan thrives on division-if we let him turn us against each other, he's already won." I watched the Alphas exchange uneasy glances, their arguments momentarily silenced. Killian's ability to command a room never ceased to amaze me, even in the face of such overwhelming tension.

But while they debated tactics and alliances, my mind was elsewhere.

The timing of the scouts' movements, the apparent vulnerability of the supply routes, the council gathering-it all felt like pieces of a larger puzzle. And Ardan was the one holding the key.

I leaned closer to Killian, lowering my voice so only he could hear. "Something doesn't feel right." His golden eyes met mine, sharp and attentive. "You think this is more than just a test?" I nodded, my gut churning with unease. "Ardan's playing a deeper game. The scouts... they're either a distraction, or they're preparing for something bigger. Either way, it's not just about the borders." Killian's gaze darkened, and he gave a subtle nod. "I'll send word to Ryder. He'll tighten the patrols and keep us updated." I glanced around the room, the unease in my chest growing. The council members were tense, distracted, their focus split between the debate and their own fears. Ardan's influence was already at work here, sowing doubt and division. And then it hit me.

The scouts weren't just testing our defenses they were watching us. Studying our responses, our movements. "Killian," I said, my voice sharper now. "The scouts. They're not just testing the borders-they're gathering information." He frowned, his brows knitting together. "What do you mean?" "They're watching us," I said, the realization sending a chill down my spine.

"Ardan doesn't need to infiltrate the council. He's already getting what he needs- through us." Killian's jaw tightened, his golden eyes narrowing. "You think someone's feeding him information?" "Maybe," I admitted. "Or maybe he's using the scouts to gauge our reactions. He's studying us, Killian. Every move we make, every decision-it's all giving him exactly what he needs." Killian leaned back, his expression grim. "Then we stop giving him what he wants." I nodded, determination hardening in my chest. "We need to act fast. If he's planning something, we can't wait for him to make the first move." Before Killian could respond, the door to the chamber opened, and Nova stepped inside, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto mine.

"Astrid," she said, her tone urgent but calm. "You need to cwith me." Killian rose to his feet, his golden eyes narrowing. "What's going on?" Nova hesitated, her gaze flicking between us. "It's about Elara." My heart stopped.

"Elara?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. "What happened?" "She's safe," Nova said quickly, raising a hand to reassure me. "But..... something's not right. A guard reported seeing a figure near her room-someone who shouldn't have been there." I didn't wait for an explanation. I was already moving, my feet carryingout of the chamber and down the hall with Killian and Nova close behind.

When we reached Elara's room, two guards stood outside, their faces pale and tense.

"Report," Killian demanded, his voice like steel.

One of the guards stepped forward, his hand clenched around the hilt of his sword. "Luna, Alpha.. we saw someone hear the window. They were gone before we could reach them, but it wasn't one of ours. The scent was... rogue." My blood ran cold.

Killian's claws extended, his fury barely contained. "How did they get this close?" The guard lowered his head, his voice trembling. "We don't know, Alpha. The patrols didn't see anything unusual until it was too late." I pushed past them, entering the room to find Asha sitting by Elara's bed, her hand gently brushing the little girl's hair. Elara was asleep, her face peaceful, unaware of the danger that had been so closer? "Asha," I said, my voice tight. "What happened?"

She looked up at me, her expression a mixture of relief and worry. cto check on her when heard the commotion. She hasn't stirred. She's safe, Astrid." But I didn't feel safe. Not with Ardan's shadow creeping closer, threatening to take what mattered most.

Killian stepped into the room, his presence grounding. "We'll tighten the perimeter," he said, his voice low but firm. "No one gets near this room without my approval." I nodded, my hand brushing Elara's cheek. "He's testing us, Killian. But we won't let him win." Killian's golden eyes locked onto mine, a silent promise passing between us. "Not now. Not ever."