Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

The Packhouse buzzed with urgency, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

I stood at the head of the war room table, my fingers tracing the lines of the map spread out before me.

Every detail had to be perfect. Every possibility accounted for.

Killian stood across from me, his golden eyes sharp as he listened to Ryder's report.

The scout had just returned with a worn piece of parchment, its edges frayed and stained.

"This was intercepted near the northern border," Ryder said, placing it on the table. "One of Ardan's rogues was carrying it."

Killian grabbed the parchment, his eyes scanning the words with a growing scowl.

I leaned closer to read over his shoulder.

"The amulet's fragments are within reach. Secure the northern stronghold. The Almega's blood will ensure victory. Prepare the way for our future.”

The words sent a chill through me. The knot of fear in my chest tightened, but I forced myself to remain calm, to think.

I couldn't afford to let emotions cloud my judgment.

Killian's jaw tightened, his hand curling around the hilt of his blade.

"The northern stronghold," he muttered. "We assumed it was abandoned."

"It's not," Ryder confirmed grimly. "Scouts have reported rogue activity. They're fortifying it—laying traps, building defenses. It's clear they're preparing for something big."

I straightened, my eyes narrowing as I processed the information.

"This isn't just about the amulet anymore," I said, my voice steady despite the unease twisting in my stomach. "Ardan is using the stronghold as his base. He's consolidating his forces there, preparing for an attack."

Killian nodded, his expression grim. "Then we'll strike first. Take the stronghold and stop him before he gains any more ground."

"It's not that simple," I said, shaking my head. I placed a finger on the map, tracing the path from the Packhouse to the stronghold.

"If we focus all our attention on the stronghold, we're leaving ourselves exposed.

Ardan doesn't fight fair. He'll exploit any weakness he finds."

Killian's golden eyes flicked to me, a flicker of curiosity cutting through his

frustration. "What are you thinking?"

I stared at the map, my mind racing. “Ardan thrives on chaos,” I began, organizing my thoughts aloud.

"He'll try to divide us, make us spread ourselves too thin. That intercepted

message? It's too perfect. He wanted us to find it."

Ryder frowned. "You think it's a trap?"

I nodded. "Not entirely. The stronghold is real-he's definitely fortifying it. But it's not the only target.noveldrama

If I were him, I'd stage smaller diversions elsewhere to keep us distracted while he moves toward his true goal."

"The children," Killian said quietly, his voice laced with anger. "He'll come for Ryker and Elara."

"Exactly," I said, meeting his gaze. "And he knows we'll do everything to protect them.

That's his leverage. If we move on the stronghold without securing our defenses here, he'll exploit it."

Killian exhaled sharply, his claws twitching at his sides. "Then what do you suggest?"

I tapped the map, my thoughts falling into place like pieces of a puzzle. "First, we need to ensure the Packhouse is impenetrable. Triple the guards around Ryker and Elara, not just in their room but throughout the Packhouse. Ryder, assign

most trusted warriors to patrol every entry point."

Ryder nodded. "Consider it done."

"Second," I continued, my voice firm, "we need to anticipate diversions. Ardan will

send small groups of rogues to other borders, hoping to draw us away.

We'll reinforce those areas but avoid overcommitting. I want scouts stationed at each border with strict orders to observe and report no engagements unless absolutely necessary."

Killian's brows lifted slightly, a flicker of pride softening his intense expression.

"And the stronghold?"

"We hit it hard and fast," I said, my

voice unwavering. "But we don't send everyone. A smaller,

specialized team can infiltrate the stronghold while the rest of our forces stay back to protect the Packhouse."

Killian studied me for a long moment, his golden eyes thoughtful. "You've already thought this through."

I nodded, forcing myself to stay composed. "This isn't just about strategy, Killian. It's about survival. Ardan thinks he knows how to break us, but we won't let him."

My years of being a Luna and a female general, is what developed my instincts in battle.

Before Killian could respond, the door burst open, and a guard entered, his face pale. "Alpha, Luna, there's movement near the eastern border."

I turned sharply, my instincts flaring. "Rogues?"

"Yes," the guard confirmed. "A small group. They haven't crossed yet, but they're lingering."

"It's a diversion," I said immediately, looking at Killian. "Ardan wants us to panic, to pull our forces away from the Packhouse."

Killian nodded, his jaw tightening. "Ryder, double the patrols along the eastern border. Keep them contained but don't engage unless they cross."

Ryder bowed and left to carry out the orders. Killian turned back to me, his hand brushing mine briefly.

"We'll stop him, Astrid," he said softly. "We'll protect our family."

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of Cedric's words lingered in my mind. Ardan always gets what he wants.

I exhaled slowly, grounding myself in the resolve burning in Killian's gaze. "Then

let's make sure he learns how wrong he is."

Later That Night

The Packhouse was quiet, but my mind refused to rest.

I stood outside Ryker and Elara's room, watching the guards stationed at their

door.

Asha had insisted on staying with them, her presence a small comfort against the storm brewing in my chest.

Killian joined me, his golden eyes soft as they met mine. "You've thought of everything," he said quietly. "But you need to rest, Astrid."

I shook my head, my voice a whisper. "I'll rest when I know they're safe."

Killian placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch warm and steady. "They will be. You've made sure of that. Now let me take care of you."

For the first time that day, I allowed myself to lean into his strength, drawing from

the unwavering resolve in his eyes.

Together, we would face whatever came next.