Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

The Packhouse felt like it was holding its breath.

The soft rustle of papers, the distant murmur of warriors preparing for their assignments, even the steady crackle of the fireplace-all of it felt muted under the weight of what was coming.

I stood at the center of the war room, the maps and reports spread before me like pieces of a puzzle I hadn't yet solved.

My mind raced through the details, analyzing each thread of information, trying to see the bigger picture that Ardan had laid out for us.

We had a plan—an effective one by all accounts. But something gnawed at me, a persistent itch in the back of my mind that refused to be ignored.

This was too easy. Too obvious. And when it came to Ardan, nothing was ever straightforward.

The rogues had proven time and again that they were more than just a mindless army.

They adapted, improvised, and somehow always managed to stay two steps ahead.

If we underestimated them now, the cost could be devastating.

The door creaked open, and Killian stepped inside, his golden eyes immediately locking onto mine.

His presence, as always, was steadying-a reminder that I wasn't alone in this fight.

“The warriors are in position,” he said, his voice low but firm. “We're ready to strike at the supply routes the moment you give the word."

I nodded, my gaze flickering to the map.noveldrama

Ryder's work was meticulous as always, marking every potential choke point along the rogue king's supply lines.

But instead of feeling reassured, I felt an unsettling sense of unease.

"It's a good plan," I said, though my voice lacked conviction.

Killian caught the hesitation immediately, his brow furrowing as he stepped closer. "But?"

I turned to him, my thoughts churning like a storm. "It's too straightforward," I admitted, tracing a line along the map with my finger.

"Ardan isn't reckless. He thrives on manipulation, misdirection. If he's letting us see this if he's making it this obvious-then he wants us to act on it."

Killian's jaw tightened, and he leaned over the table, his hands pressing against the edge. "You think the supply routes are a trap?"

I nodded slowly. "I think they might be. He knows we'll target his resources-it's the most logical move.

But the question is, why let us? What's he hiding while we're focused here?"

Killian tilted his head slightly, his golden gaze studying me. "What are you thinking?"

I stared at the map, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to shift into place. Ardan wasn't just trying to win a battle; he was trying to send a message.

Every move he made was calculated to dismantle the Packs from the inside out.

If the supply routes were bait, then the real target had to be something far more significant.

"What if he's using the supply routes to divert us?" I said aloud, my voice gaining strength. "What if he's trying to lure our forces away from something more important?"

Killian's brows furrowed. "Like what?"

I straightened, my heartbeat quickening as the answer crystallized in my mind.

"His goal isn't just to weaken us-it's to destroy the foundation of the Packs. To shatter the unity that holds us together.

If he's going after something critical, it has to be symbolic.

Something that represents everything he wants to tear down."

Realization flickered in Killian's eyes, and he stepped closer, his voice low. "The council gathering."

"Exactly." I tapped a spot on the map where the council would meet tomorrow.

"He knows the Alphas and Lunas are meeting to discuss a united response. If he strikes there, it's not just an attack-it's a statement. A declaration that the Packs can't protect themselves or each other."

اظا

Killian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "That would explain why he's letting us see the supply routes.

If we take the bait, he'll have the opportunity to hit the council while we're focused elsewhere."

I leaned back, my thoughts racing. "We need to act quickly. Ryder and his team will still target the supply routes to maintain the illusion, but we can't commit our full forces.

We need to bolster security at the council gathering without making it obvious that we're onto him."

Killian's hand brushed against mine, a quiet reassurance. "You've thought of everything," he said, his voice steady.

I met his gaze, my lips curving into a faint smile despite the weight on my shoulders. "Not everything," I admitted. "But enough to give us a chance."

Killian's confidence in me shone

through his golden eyes, and he straightened, determination radiating from him. "Then let's move. I'll inform Ryder and the warriors. You focus on the council."

As he turned to leave, I couldn't help but call after him. “Killian.” He paused, glancing back at me.

"I know we'll stop him," I said, my voice firm. "But... if he's targeting the council it's not just about strategy. It's about making a point. We need to show him that his fear tactics won't work." en

Killian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "We'll make sure of it, Astrid. Together."

As the door closed behind him, I let out a slow breath, my thoughts drifting to Ryker and Elara.

Their innocent smiles, their laughter, their small hands reaching for mine-it was all at stake.

Ardan thought he could manipulate us, that he could use fear and chaos to win.

But if he thought I'd stand by and let him, he was about to learn just how wrong he

was.

I stepped out of the war room, the resolve in my chest burning brighter than ever.

This wasn't just a battle for survival—it was a battle for everything we stood for. And I would make sure we didn't lose.