Reclaiming My Broken Luna 2

Astrid's POV

The cool night air felt sharp against my skin as I stood on the balcony of the Silvermoon Packhouse, staring out at the dark line of trees marking the western border.

The medallion Rowena had left on the council table earlier still weighed heavy in my mind. The intricate symbol, unfamiliar yet menacing, seemed to pulse with a foreboding energy I couldn't shake.

Killian's voice behind me broke my thoughts. "They're too close."

I turned to face him. He stood in the doorway, his expression hard, his shoulders tense. It wasn't like him to let the strain show, but tonight, even he couldn't hide it.

"Scouts?" I asked.

He nodded, stepping closer. "A dozen, maybe more. They've crossed into the borderlands."

"That's not a coincidence," I said. "Not after the rogue's little performance tonight. They're testing us."

Killian leaned on the railing, his jaw tight. "They want to see how far they can push before we snap. We need to make a move, and fast, before this turns into something bigger."

"Then let's go," I said without hesitation.

Killian hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. "Astrid..."

I knew what he was going to say before the words left his mouth. "Don't even start," I cut him off. "You're not leaving me behind. I'm coming with you."

His eyes met mine, dark and steady. "This could be dangerous."

I crossed my arms. "When is it not? We're stronger together, Killian. You know that."

He didn't argue, just gave a single nod. "Fine. But stay close to me."

The forest was eerily quiet as we approached the western border. The usual nocturnal hum of insects and rustling leaves was replaced by an oppressive silence that made my wolf stir uneasily.

Killian moved ahead, his steps light but deliberate, his senses sharp. I followed close behind, flanked by a small group of our warriors. Their presence was comforting, but it didn't ease the tension coiling in my chest.

We reached a clearing just shy of the border, and that's when I smelled it. The faint, acrid tang of rogues.

Killian froze, his hand going up to signal a stop. I strained my ears, trying to pick up on what he was sensing, and then I heard it too-low murmurs, hushed voices coming from beyond the tree line.

"Spread out,” Killian whispered to the warriors. "Stay hidden. Astrid, with me."

We moved together, slipping through the shadows, until the voices became clearer.

"They're holding back," one voice growled, deep and rough.noveldrama

"We're not here to start a war," another replied, calmer but no less menacing. "We're here to deliver a message."

A figure stepped into view, barely visible in the moonlight. He was tall, broad- shouldered, and carried himself with a confidence that set my nerves on edge. His voice was steady and cold as he continued.

"Silvermoon is faltering. Their alliances are weak, and their leaders are divided. It won't be long before the Rogue King takes what's his."

My wolf bristled at his words, a low growl threatening to escape my throat. Killian placed a hand on my arm, a silent reminder to stay quiet.

Another figure spoke, his tone more impatient. "What about the medallion? Did they take the bait?"

"Yes," the first one replied. "Rowena's playing her part well. She's keeping them distracted, just like the Rogue King wanted."

My heart sank at the mention of Rowena. I glanced at Killian, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists betrayed his anger.

"They won't see the rest of it coming," the second voice said, a hint of cruel satisfaction in his tone.

Killian leaned closer to me, his voice barely a whisper. "We need to get closer. I need to see who we're dealing with."

I nodded, and together we moved around the edge of the clearing, careful to stay in the shadows. The rogues were gathered near a small fire, their faces partially illuminated by the flickering flames.

I recognized one of them

immediately. A rogue who had been spotted during an attack on the Shadowfang Pack weeks ago. He was known for his brutality, and seeing him here confirmed our worst fears-this wasn't just a Scouting party.

This was preparation.

Killian's voice was low and steady in my ear. "We take them out. Quietly. No one leaves this clearing."

I nodded, signaling to the warriors hidden around us. One by one, they moved

into position, waiting for Killian's command.

When the moment came, it was over in seconds. The rogues barely had time to react before we descended on them, swift and lethal. I stayed close to Killian, my claws tearing through one rogue as he lunged for me.

By the time the last body hit the ground, the clearing was silent once more. Killian crouched over one of the fallen rogues, searching his belongings. He pulled something from the man's pocket-a piece of paper, folded and worn.

He opened it, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the words.

"What is it?" I asked, stepping closer.

He handed it to me without a word. The message was brief but chilling.

"The Amulet will be ours. Silvermoon falls next."

Back at the Packhouse, the weight of what we'd uncovered hung heavy over us. Killian paced the council chamber, the paper clenched in his hand.

“This wasn't just a test,” he said, his voice tight with frustration. “They're planning something bigger."

"And Rowena knew,” I said, my anger bubbling to the surface. "She's been working with them this whole time."

Killian stopped, his gaze locking with mine. "We can't confront her yet. Not until

we know exactly what she's been feeding them. If we act too soon, we lose any chance of stopping this."

The logic made sense, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.

Nova entered the room then, her expression grim. "What did you find?"

Killian handed her the note. She read it quickly, her face paling.

"They're coming for us," she said softly.

"They won't win," Killian replied, his voice firm. "But we need to be ready. And we

need to figure out what Rowena hasn't told us."

Nova's gaze darkened, her fists clenching at her sides. "Then we'd better move fast. Because if the Rogue King gets that Amulet, it's over."