Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

The morning light was weak as it filtered through the windows, the overcast sky casting a somber glow over the Packhouse.

The tension from the night before lingered in the air, thick and oppressive.

I sat at the dining table with Elara and Ryker, trying to focus on their cheerful chatter.

Elara was recounting a dream she'd had about flying on a dragon, her bright smile lighting up her face, while Ryker listened intently, his serious expression making him look far older than his years.

But my attention kept drifting. My eyes darted to the guards stationed outside the door, their rigid postures and sharp eyes a constant reminder of the danger looming over us.

Killian entered the room, his presence commanding as always.

His golden eyes immediately found mine, and he gave me a small nod, one that

was meant to reassure but only tightened the knot in my chest.

"Everything is in place," he said quietly as he took the seat beside me.

I nodded, managing a faint smile. "Good."

Elara tugged at my sleeve, drawing my attention back to her. "Mama, did you hear me? I said I dreamed about a dragon! It was pink and had sparkly wings!"

I smiled, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. "That sounds magical, sweetheart."

"And Ryker was there too!" she continued, her eyes wide with excitement. "He was riding a unicorn, and it had a rainbow mane!"

Ryker rolled his eyes but didn't protest, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

"You two have the best imaginations," I said, my voice soft.

Killian reached over, his hand brushing mine under the table. It was a silent promise, a reminder that we would protect them no matter what.

A soft knock at the door broke the moment. One of the guards stepped inside, his expression grim.

"Alpha, Luna," he said, bowing his head. "Ryder has returned. He's waiting for you in the war room."

Killian and I exchanged a glance, the unspoken understanding passing between us. I stood, leaning down to kiss each of my children on the forehead.

"Stay here," I told them, my voice firm but gentle. "I'll be back soon."

Elara pouted but nodded, while Ryker gave me a solemn look that mirrored Killian's.

As we made our way to the war room, Killian's hand brushed against mine again. "Whatever Ryder has found, we'll handle it," he said, his voice steady.

I nodded, though my heart was pounding.

The war room was alive with tension when we entered.

Ryder stood at the head of the table, a map spread out before him. He looked up as we approached, his expression as grim as the guard's had been.

"Ryder," Killian said, his tone sharp. "What is it?”

Ryder straightened, his dark eyes meeting Killian's. "The rogue king's movements have changed," he said without preamble.noveldrama

"Our scouts intercepted a group of rogues heading toward the southern border last night. They were carrying supplies-enough for an extended siege."

My stomach churned. "A siege?" I asked, stepping closer to the table.

Ryder nodded, his jaw tight. "That's not all. The scouts reported seeing someone they believe to be Ardan himself. He wasn't with the main group but was spotted further east, moving quickly."

Killian's hands gripped the edge of the table, his claws threatening to pierce the

wood. "He's moving," he muttered, his golden eyes narrowing.

"Yes," Ryder confirmed. “And we believe he's trying to create a diversion. The supplies heading south are meant to draw our

attention, while he moves closer to his real target."

My breath caught in my throat. "The children," I whispered.

Ryder nodded grimly. "It's possible."

Killian's claws dug into the table, leaving shallow grooves.

"Then we don't take the bait," he said, his voice like steel. "We fortify the Packhouse, and we wait for him to come to us. If he wants a fight, he'll get one—

on our terms."

Ryder hesitated, his gaze flicking to me. "There's one more thing," he said, his voice quieter now.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"The scouts found traces of wolfsbane near the eastern border," Ryder said.

"Fresh. They think Ardan is planning to use it against us."

Killian let out a low growl, his fists clenching at his sides. "He's getting desperate,"

he said. “If he thinks wolfsbane will give him the upper hand, he's wrong."

I placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. "Desperate or not, we can't

underestimate him," I said. "We need to be ready for anything."

Killian nodded, his golden eyes meeting mine. "We will be," he said firmly. "This

ends here, Astrid. No more games. No more threats."

Ryder looked between us, his

expression resolute. "I'll increase

patrols along the eastern border and

have the scouts keep tracking the

rogue king's movements. We'll stay

one step ahead of him."

"Good," Killian said. "And make sure the children are never left unguarded. I want eyes on them at all times."

Ryder nodded, bowing slightly before leaving the room.

As the door closed behind him, I turned to Killian, my chest tight with fear and determination. "Do you really think we can stop him?"

Killian placed his hands on my shoulders, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Yes,"

he said simply. "Because we have to."

I nodded, drawing strength from his certainty. But as I looked at the map spread

out before us, the weight of the battle ahead pressed heavily on my heart.

Ardan was coming. And we had to be ready.