Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 416

Astrid’s POV

The wind howled against the Packhouse walls, carrying an unnatural chill that seeped into my bones.

The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows through the windows.

I sat in the corner of Ryker and Elara’s shared room, my knees pulled to my chest, watching their small forms rise and fall with each breath.

They looked so peaceful. So unaware of the storm brewing around them.

Killian had insisted I get some rest, but the thought of leaving them alone—even with the guards stationed outside the room—was unbearable.

Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind, sent a jolt of paranoia through me.

“You’re not helping them by running yourself into the ground,” Killian’s voice came softly from the doorway.

I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed. His golden eyes, usually so fierce, softened as they met mine.

“They’re just kids, Killian,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “They don’t deserve to be part of this war.”

Killian stepped into the room, his boots making almost no sound on the wooden floor.

“I know,” he said, sitting down beside me. “But they’re also our kids. And that makes them strong.”

I glanced at Ryker, his small hand clutching the edge of his blanket. Elara stirred in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent before settling again.

“They shouldn’t have to be strong,” I whispered, the words catching in my throat. “They should be safe.”

Killian reached out, his hand covering mine.

“They will be,” he said firmly. “I’ve doubled the guards around the Packhouse. Ryder is organizing rotations to ensure there’s no lapse in protection. No one’s getting past them.”

“It’s not enough,” I said, shaking my head. “Ardan doesn’t fight fair. He’ll find a way, Killian. He always does.”

Killian exhaled, his jaw tightening. “Then we’ll find a way to stop him before he gets the chance.”

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of Cedric’s words hung over me like a dark cloud.

The rogue king always gets what he wants.

The thought of Ardan coming for my children, of him using their blood for his twisted goals, made my stomach churn.

“I’ve always been strong, Killian,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve endured betrayal, loss, and pain. I’ve fought through every battle that’s come my way. But when it comes to our children…” My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, forcing the words out.

“I can’t be strong. I’m weak when it comes to them. I won’t survive it if something happens to them.”

Killian’s hand tightened around mine, his golden eyes softening as he gazed at me.

“Astrid,” he said gently, “you’re not weak. You’re their mother. That kind of love—it’s not weakness. It’s strength. It’s what keeps them safe.”

I shook my head, my voice trembling. “But I’m scared, Killian. What if I fail them? What if—”

“You won’t,” he interrupted, his tone firm. “Astrid, you’ve been worrying so much, and I understand why.

But this—this constant fear—it’s not good for you. For them. They need you to be strong and calm.”