Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 383: The Siege Astrid's POV The Emberwood ruins were eerily silent as the last rays of sunlight bled into the horizon.

The warriors moved like shadows among the crumbling walls, setting traps and reinforcing defenses.

Every sound seemed amplified-the crunch of boots on gravel, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the faint metallic clink of weapons being prepared.

Killian stood at the edge of the ruins, his gaze fixed on the darkening forest.

His shoulders were tense, his posture rigid, but his voice was steady as he issued commands.

"They'll hit us hard and fast," he said, his tone calm but carrying the weight of authority. "Hold the line. Protect the Amulet. Do not let them break through." I nodded, standing by his side. "The rogues won't stop until they have it. But we won't let them win." He glanced at me, his jaw tight. "No matter what happens, Astrid, promiseyou'll make it out of this." I reached for his hand, squeezing it briefly. "We both will." The first howl cut through the stillness like a blade.

My wolf tensed, her instincts flaring as the sound was joined by another, then another, until the forest was alive with the chilling cries of the rogues.

"They're here," Nova said, her voice low and grim.

The warriors snapped to attention, forming a defensive line at the edge of the ruins.

I could see the fear in sof their eyes, but it was tempered by determination. They knew what was at stake.

The rogues emerged from the shadows, their forms barely visible in the dim light. At first, it was a trickle-scouts testing our defenses. But then the flood came.

"Hold the line!" Killian roared, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The warriors met the attack head-on, claws and teeth clashing in a storm of violence.

The air was filled with snarls, the sickening crunch of bones, and the metallic tang of blood.

I stayed near the Amulet, my eyes scanning the battlefield. Its faint glow seemed to pulse in twith the battle, as though it was feeding off the chaos.

"Don't let them get near it!" I shouted, slashing at a rogue that had slipped past the front line.

Nova and Drystan were in the thick of it, their movements deadly and precise.

Nova fought with a ferocity that belied her injuries, her claws tearing through any rogue that dared approach her.

Drystan was a whirlwind of power, his wolf unleashed as he protected those around him.

As the battle raged on, the rogues seemed to grow more desperate, their attacks more coordinated.

My wolf snarled as another wave broke through the defenses, forcingto fight them back with everything I had.

"Nova, watch your left!" I shouted, seeing a rogue lunge toward her.

She spun just in time, her claws slicing through its neck. But the movement left her open, and another rogue took advantage, slashing at her side.

"Nova!" I screamed, rushing to her side.

She staggered, her hand pressed to the deep wound in her ribs.

Blood seeped through her fingers, her face pale but her eyes still blazing with determination.

"I'm fine," she muttered, though her voice was strained.

"You're not," I said firmly, grabbing her arm.

Drystan appeared beside us, his face dark with worry. "She's done enough," he said, his voice roug.nete וויו" get her out of here." "No," Nova protested, trying to pull away. "I can still fight." "Stop being stubborn," I said, my voice softening. "We need you alive, Nova. Let Drystan take you to safety." For a moment, she hesitated, her gaze flicking between us. Then, finally, she nodded.

Drystan lifted her into his arms, his expression fierce as he turned to me. "Keep them alive," he said, his voice low.

"Go," I replied, watching as he carried her away.

The rogues pressed harder, their numbers seemingly endless. My muscles burned, my breath coming in ragged gasps, but I refused to stop.

Killian fought beside me, his claws and teeth a blur as he tore through our enemies.

"They're trying to overwhelm us," I said, panting as I drove my claws into a rogue's chest.

"That's what they do," Killian replied grimly. "But they won't win." His words were steady, but I could see the strain in his movements. We were all reaching our limits.

The ground beneath us trembled suddenly, a deep rumble that sent a chill down my spine.

"What was that?" I asked, my voice sharp.

Killian's gaze snapped to the forest, his expression darkening. "He's here." The Rogue King stepped into the clearing, his presence commanding, his eyes glowing with a sinister light.

He moved with purpose, his warriors parting to let him pass.

"Killian," he said, his voice smooth and mocking. "You've done well to hold put this long. But it ends here." Killian stepped forward, his claws flexing. "We'll see about that." The Rogue King smiled, his sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. "et don't need the Amulet to you. But I'll enjoy taking it nonetheless." His words sent a ripple of unease through the warriors, but Killian stood firm.

"Everyone, fall back to the center!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the tension.

We regrouped around the Amulet, forming a protective circle as the Rogue King advanced.

"You're outnumbered," he said, his tone almost amused. "Andoutmatched. Surrender now, and I might spare a few of you." "Not a chance," I said, stepping forward to stand beside Killian.

The Rogue King tilted his head, his gaze settling on me. "Astrid," he said, his voice almost puking. "You've always intrigued me. So much power, so much potential. And yet, yott follow him." "Save your breath," I snapped. "You won't win." He laughed, a deep, chilling sound that echoed through the ruins. "We'll see."