Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 364: Taunts Astrid's POV The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Pack's central courtyard.

The faint scent of pine lingered in the air as laughter echoed from the grassy clearing near the training grounds. For the first tin what felt like weeks, I wasn't caught up in Pack meetings, rogue threats, or endless strategy sessions.

I could finally spend stwith my children at last. I missed them so much.

Ryker and Elara darted around the clearing, their playful giggles warming the heavy ache in my chest.

Ryker, now eight, was tall and quick, his movements already showing hints of the warrior he'd one day become. Elara, only four, struggled to keep up but refused to give in, her fierce determination remindingso much of myself.

"Elara, you're supposed to tag me!" Ryker teased, effortlessly dodging her tiny hands.

"I will, Ryker!" she declared, her little face scrunched in determination as she lunged at him.

I couldn't help but smile. For a moment, the world outside the Pack seemed to melt away.

I wish Killian is here with us, sitting besidewatching our children play.

He had to leave and check on the eastern territory to make sure that the rogues weren't planning on something again.

"You're getting faster, Elara," I called, crossing my arms and leaning against a tree. "But next time, watch his shoulders. They'll tell you where he's going." Elara paused mid-chase, turning towith wide eyes. "Really, Mama?" I nodded, beckoning her closer. "Chere. Letshow you." Ryker groaned, flopping onto the grass tically. "Great. Now she'll really catch me." "She's your sister," I teased, ruffling his hair as he sat up. "You should be helping her." "I do help!" he argued, though the mischievous grin on his face betrayed him.

As I knelt to show Elara how to anticipate her brother's movements, Asha approached from the Packhouse. Her expression was warm but tinged with guilt, a shadow that had been following her ever since she'd taken on more responsibilities with the children.

"You're better at this than I am," she said softly, her hands clasped in front of her. "They listen to you." I stood, brushing off my hands. "They adore you, Asha. And I don't know what I would've done without you these past few weeks." She shook her head, her gaze falling to the ground. "I wish I could do more, Astrid. With everything going on... the rogues, the Pack... I feel useless. I don't know how to rule, and I can't take any of this off your shoulders." I stepped closer, placing a hand on her arm. "You've done more than enough. You've kept my children safe, happy, and loved. That's no small thing." Her lips curved into a faint smile, but the weight in her eyes remained. "I just wish I could help you the way you've helped me." "You are helping," I reassured her. "And I'll need you now more than ever. Things are getting worse." As if on cue, the distant sound of werwolves approaching reached my ears. My wolf stirred, sensing Killian's return before I saw him.

Ryker's ears perked up at the sound, and he leapt to his feet, his face lighting up. "Dad's back!" Elara squealed with excitement, racing toward the path leading from the eastern territory. "Papa! Papa!" I turned, watching as Killian and his warriors emerged from the treeline.

He looked weary, his clothes dusted with dirt and his face drawn with tension.

But when he saw the children running toward him, a small smile softened his expression.

He quickly scooped Elara into his arms as Ryker tugged at his side "Careful, little one," he said, his voice warm despite the exhaustion lacing it "Did you fight the bad wolves, Papa?" Elara asked, her tiny hands clutching his shirt.

"I did," Killian said, his eyes flicking briefly to me. "But don't worry. You're safe." Asha approached, gently taking the children by the hands. "Con, you two," she said softly. "Let's give your parents stto talk." Ryker looked reluctant, but he nodded, following Asha with a maturity that surprised me. Elara, on the other hand, pouted. "But I want to stay with Mama and Papa" en "You can play with us later, Elara," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"I promise." With a final pout, she let Asha lead her and Ryker away, leavingalone with Killian.

I stepped closer to him, my gaze searching his face. "What happened?" Killian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It wasn't just a raid. The rogues are playing a different gnow. They're not just attacking for territory. They're taunting us, daring us to make the first move." "What do they want?" I asked, my voice low.

"Power," he said simply. "This isn't about survival for them. It's about dominance.

They want us to make a move against them." I felt a familiar tension tighten in my chest.

Every rogue attack, every ambush, was pulling us closer to the brink.

If we weren't careful, we'd fall right into their hands.

"We need answers," I said firmly. "We can't keep reacting to their moves. We need to know what they're planning, why they're doing this." Killian nodded, his jaw tightening. "Agreed. But how?" I hesitated, knowing he wouldn't like my suggestion. "We need to go to Rowena."

Killian's eyes darkened, his frustration immediately surfacing don't think she would be of any help."

"She has a history with the rogues, Killian. If anyone know what they're planning it's her." He was silent for a long moment, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "I don't trust her." "Neither do I," I admitted. "But we're running out of options."

Finally, he nodded, his expression grim. "Fine. We'll speak to her. But if she's hiding anything, I'll deal with her n myself." I nodded, my resolve hardening. The stakes were growing higher, and the shadows around us were closing in.

If Rowena had answers, we had to find them-before it was too late.