Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 419

Chapter 78: A Chilling Revelation

Astrid’s POV

The air outside was still, an eerie contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. The rogue’s words echoed in my mind: Ardan always gets what he wants.

The Packhouse was alive with activity as I made my way to the war room.

Warriors were moving in and out, relaying reports and receiving orders. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to taste.

Killian was already there when I arrived, standing at the head of the table with Ryder at his side.

The map was spread out in front of them, marked with red circles and lines denoting potential weak spots in our defenses.

He looked up when I entered, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.

“Astrid,” he said, his tone softer than it had been moments ago in the interrogation room.

“Do we know anything new?” I asked, stepping closer to the table.

Ryder shook his head, his expression grim. “The rogue we captured is a low-ranking pawn. He doesn’t know anything valuable, or if he does, he’s not talking.”

Killian clenched his jaw, his claws twitching at his sides. “Ardan’s planning something. We just don’t know what.”

I studied the map, my gaze settling on the eastern border where the attack had occurred.

“He’s testing us,” I said quietly, my thoughts forming as I spoke. “He’s looking for weaknesses, seeing how we respond.”

Ryder nodded. “That’s what we thought too. But there’s more.”

Killian exchanged a glance with him before turning back to me. “Ryder’s patrol found something near the border.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What is it?”

Ryder pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pocket, placing it on the table. “This was found on one of the rogues. It’s addressed to Ardan.”

Killian unfolded the parchment, and I stepped closer to read over his shoulder.

The handwriting was jagged, almost frantic, and the words made my blood run cold.

“The eastern perimeter is holding, but they’re stretched thin. We’ll weaken them with smaller attacks before moving in. The children are the key. Without them, she’ll break.”

I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the edge of the table. “The children,” I whispered.

Killian’s claws dug into the parchment as his golden eyes darkened.

“He’s targeting Ryker and Elara directly now,” he said, his voice a low growl. “He’s trying to break you, Astrid.”

I straightened, forcing myself to stay composed.

“He won’t break me,” I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly. “But we need to tighten security even further.”