Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 425: Nightmares Astrid's POV The unease had taken root deep in my chest, twisting tighter with each passing moment.

The Packhouse bustled with warriors and scouts moving in and out, delivering updates and taking orders, but it didn't soothe the gnawing feeling in my gut.

It felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for the inevitable plunge.

I stood in the war room, pretending to focus on the reports spread across the table.

Maps marked with patrol routes and potential rogue movements stared back at me, but none of it felt real.

My eyes kept darting to the door, half-expecting someone to rush in with news of an attack.

Killian was on the other side of the room, speaking with Ryder. His golden eyes burned with intensity, and the tension in his stance betrayed his own worries, though he'd never admit them outright.

Killian always bore the weight of leadership with unwavering strength, but I knew he felt the strain just as much as I did.

"The eastern border," Ryder said, his voice carrying across the room. "That's where the most recent sightings have been. Scouts reported tracks leading deeper into rogue territory, but no direct signs of an attack." Killian nodded, his tone clipped as he responded. "Send another team to investigate. If they're gathering there, I want to know why. Make sure the warriors are prepared for an ambush." Ryder bowed slightly before turning to leave. As he passed me, he offered a brief nod, but I barely registered it. My focus was on Killian, who finally turned his gaze to me.

"You've been quiet," he said, crossing the room to stand beside me.

"I've been thinking," I replied, my voice softer than I intended.

Killian studiedfor a moment, his brow furrowing. "What is it, Astrid? You've had that look all day." I hesitated, trying to find the words to explain the weight pressing on me. "It's too quiet," I said finally.

"The rogues... their movements don't make sense. A few scattered sightings, but no real attacks? It's deliberate. Ardan's planning something, Killian, and it's not going to be small." Killian sighed, his hand brushing against mine. "We've reinforced every vulnerable spot. The warriors are ready, the borders are secure. We're prepared." "I know," I said, shaking my head. "But it doesn't feel like enough. He's not going to cat us head-on. He'll find a way to blindside us." Killian's expression softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Astrid, we're not letting our guard down. Whatever he's planning, we'll stop him. You're not alone in this." I nodded, wanting to believe him, but the knot in my chest refused to loosen.

My gaze shifted to the doorway, and my thoughts drifted to Elara and Ryker. The memory of Cedric's words still haunted me: He'll cfor the children.

"I'm going to check on them," I said abruptly, stepping away from the table.

Killian frowned but didn't stop me. "You don't have to," he said gently. "The guards are watching over them. They're safe." "I know," I replied. "But I'll feel better if I see them." Later That Night The halls of the Packhouse were unusually quiet as I made my way toward Ryker and Elara's room.

The flickering torchlight cast long shadows on the walls, and every creak of the wooden floor seemed amplified in the silence.

The guards outside their door straightened as I approached, their postures rigid. I nodded to them before gently pushing the door open.

Inside, the soft glow of moonlight bathed the room, and my heart ached at the sight before me.

Ryker and Elara lay in their beds, their small faces peaceful in sleep.

Elara clutched her stuffed wolf tightly, her lips parted slightly as she murmured something in her dreams.

Ryker, ever the protector, had his arm draped over the edge of his bed, as though ready to defend her even in his sleep.

I sat down in the chair near their beds, folding my arms tightly across my chest.

The unease that had followedall day felt sharper now, coiling around my heart.

Watching them sleep should have broughtcomfort, but it only remindedof how fragile their safety was. "Why do you look so worried, Mama?" The soft voice startled me, and I turned to see Elara's eyes fluttering open. She blinked sleepily, her small hand clutching at her blanket.

I forced a smile, leaning closer to her. "I'm not worried, sweetheart. Just making sure you're okay." She frowned, her little brows knitting together. "I had the bad dream again." "What dream?" I asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the stuffed wolf in her arms. "The wolves with glowing eyes;" she with whispered. "They were everywhere. They tried to takeaway, but Ryker wouldn't let them." I stiffened, my heart skipping a beat. "It was just a dream," I said softly, though the words felt hollow. "You're safe, Elara. No one's going to take you." Her small fingers gripped mine tightly. "Promise?" "I promise," I said, my voice firm. "Your papa and I will always keep you safe."

She nodded, her eyes growing heavy again. As she drifted back to sleep, I felt a sharp pang of determination cut through my fear. Whatever Ardan was planning, I wouldn't let him touch my children.

While I stayed near Ryker and Elara, Ryder and his team patrolled then eastern border. The scent of rogues lingered faintly in the air, but the forest was otherwise silent. "This doesn't feel right," Ryder muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

"Too quiet." His second-in-command nodded, his eyes scanning the treeline. "You think it's a trap?" Ryder frowned, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. "Not a trap," he said slowly. "A diversion. But for what?" The answer ctoo late.