Ch. 376..380: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 376-380

Chapter 376: Shadows at the Border

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.

"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.

QUMS

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."

 

Chapter 377: Secrets of the Forsaken Amulet

Nova's POV

The library was silent, save for the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth.

A dozen open books surrounded me, their pages filled with old, faded scripts that blurred together in my tired mind.

Liora's journal lay at the center of it all, her precise handwriting guiding me through fragmented thoughts and cryptic hints.

The Rogue King. The Forsaken Amulet. The medallion Rowena had presented at the council meeting. All of it pointed to a larger puzzle, but the pieces didn't fit-

not yet.

I ran my fingers over one of the pages, my wolf restless beneath my skin. Liora had always been meticulous, deliberate. If she had left clues, they were here for a reason.

"Still no luck?" Drystan's voice broke the silence.

I looked up to find him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed, his

expression soft but concerned.

"Not yet," I admitted. "But there's something here. I can feel it."

He walked over, pulling a chair beside me. His presence was grounding, his steady confidence a balm to my frayed nerves.

"What are you looking for?" he asked, his gaze scanning the pages.

"Anything about the Amulet," I said. "Liora mentioned it once, just in passing. But now..." I trailed off, my thoughts tangled.

Drystan reached for one of the books, flipping through it idly. "The rogues wouldn't be this focused on something unless it's powerful. And if Rowena's involved..."

"She knows more than she's telling us," I finished bitterly.

Drystan nodded, his jaw tightening. "She's stalling. Killian knows it too, but he's not ready to push her yet."

"Because he's afraid of what she'll reveal," I said softly, my chest tightening.

Drystan didn't respond, but his silence was answer enough.

I returned my attention to the journal, flipping to a page where Liora's words were scrawled hastily, as if she'd written them in a hurry. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes caught on a line:

The Amulet lies hidden where light meets shadow. Emberwood will guard its secrets until the end.

"Emberwood," I whispered, tracing the words with my finger.

Drystan leaned closer, his brow furrowing. "The ruins? That's on Silvermoon territory."

I nodded, my pulse quickening. "It has to be there. The Amulet. The medallion. It's all connected."

Drystan stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Then we don't have time to waste. If the rogues are after it, they'll move fast."

The journey to Emberwood ruins was tense, the weight of our discovery pressing heavily on all of us. Killian led the group, his expression grim as he barked orders to the warriors flanking us. Astrid was at his side, her sharp gaze scanning the forest for any signs of danger.

The ruins came into view just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the crumbling structures in an eerie glow. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and old stone, and the faint rustle of leaves made my wolf's ears twitch. "Spread out," Killian ordered. "Stay alert."

Drystan moved to my side, his presence a reassuring shadow as we entered the ruins. The remains of ancient walls and archways loomed around us, their edges softened by moss and time.

"This place gives me the creeps," Astrid muttered, her voice low but sharp.

"You're not alone," I admitted, my wolf pacing restlessly within me.

We moved deeper into the ruins, the light fading until we were left with only the pale glow of the moon to guide us. My fingers tightened

around the hilt of my blade as we entered a wide, open courtyard.

BUMS

"Do you feel that?" Drystan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, my senses on edge. The air felt wrong-charged with something I couldn't quite place.

"Trap," Astrid hissed, just as the first shadow moved.

The ambush was swift and brutal. Rogues poured from the shadows, their growls

filling the air as they descended on us.

Killian's command rang out, sharp and clear. "Hold your ground!"

I spun, my blade cutting through the first rogue that lunged for me. Drystan was at

my side, his claws tearing through another as we fought back to back.

"They were waiting for us," he growled, his voice rough with anger.

"They knew we'd come," I replied, dodging another attack.

The fight was chaotic, the courtyard a blur of movement and blood. I caught a glimpse of Killian and Astrid fighting together, their movements synchronized and deadly.

One of the rogues broke through the line, lunging for me with claws outstretched. I moved to block, but before I could strike, Drystan was there, his claws ripping through the rogue's throat.

"Stay close," he said, his voice edged with worry.

I nodded, my breath coming in sharp bursts as I readied myself for the next

attack.

The battle raged on, the rogues relentless in their assault. But slowly, we began to push them back, their numbers dwindling as our warriors fought with unwavering determination.

By the time the last rogue fell, the courtyard was silent once more, save for the heavy breathing of those who remained standing.

Killian stepped forward, his blade dripping with blood as he surveyed the scene. "They knew we were coming," he said, his voice low and furious.

"They were guarding something," I said, my gaze sweeping the ruins.

Drystan knelt beside one of the fallen rogues, searching through their belongings.

He pulled out a small, folded piece of paper and handed it to me.

I unfolded it, my heart pounding as I read the words scrawled in rough, jagged script:

"The Forsaken Amulet lies within reach. The Alpha will fall, and the Packs will burn."

We left the ruins battered but alive, the weight of the rogue's message heavy on all of us.

"They're getting bolder," Killian said as we returned to the Packhouse. "This wasn't just a warning-it was a statement."

"They know about the Amulet," I said. "And they'll stop at nothing to get it."

Killian nodded, his expression dark. "Then we'll stop them first."

 

Chapter 378: The Hidden Vault

Astrid's POV

The ruins of Emberwood loomed around us, silent and foreboding. The rogue ambush had rattled everyone, but we couldn't turn back now. The message we'd found on the rogue's body made it clear: the Forsaken Amulet was here, hidden somewhere within these ancient stones.

Killian's voice broke the silence as he gestured to the group. "Spread out. Look for anything out of place-symbols, markings, anything that might lead us to the Amulet."

The warriors nodded, fanning out through the crumbling structures. Nova, Drystan, and I moved together, our eyes scanning the moss-covered walls and broken pillars.

"This place is ancient," Nova murmured, her fingers brushing against a vine- covered carving. "Older than any Pack I know of.”

"It's no coincidence the Amulet is here," Drystan replied. "The Rogue King must have known about this place for a long time."

I nodded, my wolf uneasy as I felt the weight of the place pressing down on me. There was something here, something powerful and dangerous.

We moved deeper into the ruins, the air growing colder with each step. It wasn't long before Nova stopped abruptly, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"Here," she said, kneeling to brush away the dirt and leaves. Beneath the debris was a circular stone engraved with the same symbol we'd seen on the medallion Rowena had presented.

Drystan crouched beside her, his brow furrowing. "That's it. That has to be the entrance."

Killian and the others joined us, their expressions tense as they took in the discovery.

"How do we open it?" I asked, my voice quiet.

Nova ran her fingers along the edge of the stone, her expression thoughtful. "There's something written here. It's faded, but I think I can make it out."

She leaned closer, her eyes narrowing as she read aloud.

"Only the pure of heart may pass. The unworthy shall face their greatest fears."

A chill ran through me as the words echoed in the stillness.

"Sounds like a trap," Drystan said grimly.

"It is," Killian replied. "But we don't have a choice. We have to go in."

The stone shifted as we pushed against it, revealing a dark, narrow passage that led into the earth. The air inside was damp and heavy, carrying the faint scent of decay.

"We move together," Killian said, his tone firm. "Stay alert."

The passage opened into a vast underground chamber, its walls lined with

strange carvings that seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly light. At the center

of the room was a pedestal, and atop it sat a small, ornate box.

"The Amulet," Nova whispered, her eyes wide.

But before we could take another step, the carvings along the walls began to glow brighter, and the room was filled with a deep, resonating hum.

A voice echoed through the chamber, low and menacing. “You seek the power of

the Forsaken Amulet. Prove your worth, or face the consequences."

The first trap activated without warning. The ground beneath us shifted, and sharp, jagged spikes shot up from the floor, forcing us to scatter.

"Stay together!" Killian shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Drystan grabbed my arm, pulling me away from a collapsing section of the floor. My heart raced as we dodged another series of spikes, the air thick with the sound of grinding stone and the metallic tang of danger. FindNovel

Von

The room seemed to shift and change, the walls rearranging

themselves into a labyrinth. The pedestal with the Amulet was stiff visible in the distance, but every step toward it triggered another trap.

Nova was the first to face the next challenge. A section of the wall opened to

reveal a swirling mist, and from it emerged a figure that made her gasp in horror- Liora.

The illusion was perfect, down to the

smallest detail. Liora's eyes were filled with accusation as she stepped toward Nova, her voice

trembling with anger. "You couldn't

save me. You left me to ove

Nova froze, her eyes wide with shock. "No... you're not real. You're not real!"

"Nova!" I shouted, but the mist swallowed her before I could reach her.

Drystan growled, his claws flexing as he turned to me. "We have to stop this. These illusions are meant to break us."

"I know," I said, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my chest. "But we can't stop now."

We pressed forward, each of us facing our own trials. For me, it was the sight of my children, their faces twisted in pain as they reached out to me, crying for help.

I knew it wasn't real, but that didn't make it any easier. My wolf howled in anguish

as I pushed through the illusion, forcing myself to focus on the goal.

Killian faced his father, the former Alpha, whose disappointment was palpable as he berated Killian for every perceived failure.

Through it all, the Amulet seemed to glow brighter, as if feeding on our fears.

Finally, we reached the pedestal. Nova, her face pale but determined, reached for the box. As her fingers brushed against it, the glowing carvings dimmed, and the room fell silent.

The box was heavy in her hands, its surface engraved with symbols that seemed to shift and change under the light.

"We have it," she said, her voice trembling.

But the moment of victory was short-lived. The air grew colder, and a deep,

guttural growl echoed through the chamber.

"They know we're here," Killian said grimly. "We need to move. Now."

 

Chapter 379: The Rogue King’s Gambit

Killian's POV

The Forsaken Amulet sat in the center of the Silvermoon council table, its ornate carvings shimmering faintly in the dim light.

The room was silent, heavy with the weight of what we'd brought back from the ruins.

"It doesn't look like much," Drystan said, his tone edged with frustration as he leaned back in his chair.

"It doesn't have to," Nova replied sharply, her gaze fixed on the Amulet. "You felt what it did to us down there. This thing is dangerous, whether it looks like it or not."

I nodded, my eyes narrowing as I stared at the artifact. The power radiating from it was subtle but undeniable, a constant hum that set my wolf on edge.

"We can't keep it here," Astrid said, breaking the tense silence. "If the rogues find out we have it, they'll stop at nothing to get it back."

“That's assuming they don't already know," Drystan muttered.

The tension in the room was palpable, every word charged with the fear and uncertainty of what lay ahead.

The meeting was interrupted by the sharp knock of a scout at the council chamber door. He entered quickly, his face pale and his breathing labored.

"Alpha Killian," he said, his voice trembling. "There's... there's someone at the

border. He claims he's a messenger from the Rogue King."

The room erupted in murmurs, but I silenced them with a raised hand. "What does he want?"

The scout swallowed hard. "He says he's here to negotiate."

Astrid frowned. "Negotiate what?”

The scout hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the Amulet. "He wants to offer terms for the Amulet's return."

The room fell silent, every eye turning to the artifact.

"It's a trap," Nova said firmly.

"Of course it is," Drystan agreed. "But we can't ignore it. If the Rogue King is bold enough to send a messenger, we need to know what he's planning."

I stood, my decision already made. "Astrid, Nova, Drystan-you're with me. The rest of you stay here and guard the Amulet. If anything happens, you know what to do."

The air was sharp with tension as we approached the border. The forest was quiet, the usual hum of life muted as if even the trees knew what was coming.

The messenger stood alone in the clearing, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. He was tall and wiry, his features sharp and his eyes gleaming with the predatory cunning of a rogue.

"You're braver than I expected," he said, his voice smooth and mocking. "Or maybe just desperate."

"Get to the point," I snapped.

The rogue smiled, his sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. "The Rogue King sends his regards. He's willing to offer you a deal."

Drystan scoffed. "A deal? We're not interested in anything he has to say."

"Oh, but you will be," the messenger replied. "The Amulet you stole from Emberwood-it belongs to him. Return it, and he promises to leave Silvermoon untouched. Refuse and He trailed off, his smile widening.

"And what?" Astrid demanded.

The rogue's eyes glittered. "And he'll take it by force. Along with everything else you hold dear."

My wolf growled, the sound low and dangerous. "The Amulet doesn't belong to him," I said coldly. "And neither does this territory."

"Perhaps not yet," the rogue said with a shrug. "But the Rogue King doesn't need to fight you directly. He knows your Packs are already divided. It won't take much to push your over the edge." FindNovel

"Then why send you here?" Nova asked, her tone sharp. "If he's so confident, why bother with a deal?"

The rogue's smile faltered slightly. "Because he doesn't need to destroy you. Not completely. A broken Pack is much more useful than a dead one."

His words sent a chill through me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Tell your King we're not interested in his games. If he wants the Amulet, he'll have to come and take it himself."

The rogue inclined his head, his smile returning. "As you wish. But remember this:

the Rogue King always gets what he wants."

He turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving us alone in the clearing.

Back at the Packhouse, the council was in turmoil. The news of the Rogue King's threat had spread quickly, and fear was beginning to take hold.

"This is exactly what he wants," I said, raising my voice over the heated arguments. “He's trying to divide us, to weaken us before he strikes. We can't let him win."

"Easy for you to say," one of the elders shot back. "You're not the one who has to explain to your family why they might not survive the week!"

Astrid stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "None of us are safe if we give in to him. The Amulet is our only leverage. If we lose it, we lose everything."

The room fell silent, her words cutting through the fear and anger like a blade.

"She's right," Nova said, her gaze hard. "The Rogue King isn't going to stop, no matter what we do. The only way to end this is to fight."

The council murmured in reluctant agreement, but the unease in the room was still palpable.

Later that night, I found myself alone in the council chamber, staring at the Amulet. Its power was undeniable, its presence both a blessing and a curse.

Astrid entered quietly, her footsteps soft against the stone floor. "You're thinking too much," she said, her voice gentle.

gave her a faint smile. "How can I not? This thing could save us... or destroy us." She placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch grounding me. "We'll figure it out. Together."

Her confidence was a balm to my frayed nerves, but the weight of what lay ahead still pressed heavily on me.

The Rogue King's words echoed in my mind: The Packs are divided. It won't take much to push you over the edge.

I clenched my fists, determination hardening my resolve. He was wrong. We wouldn't break. Not now. Not ever.

 

Chapter 380: A Wolf Among Us

Killian's POV

The tension in the council chamber was suffocating.

The Forsaken Amulet sat at the center of the table, its faint glow casting eerie shadows across the room.

Nova's silence was heavy, her jaw tight as she stared at the artifact. Drystan stood to my left, his posture rigid, fists clenched at his sides.

Rowena, however, was calm. Too calm. She stood by the window, her back to the room, as though she had nothing to fear.

"We can't ignore the rogue's message," Drystan said, his voice sharp, cutting through the heavy air. "They're coming, and we're still sitting here debating whether to act."

"We are acting," Astrid said firmly, her eyes meeting his. "But rushing into this without knowing the full extent of their plan is exactly what they want."

Drystan let out a frustrated growl. "We don't have the luxury of time, Astrid. Every second we wait, the rogues get closer to taking what they want. And that Amulet..."

His voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing at Rowena. "That Amulet didn't just appear out of nowhere. Someone had to lead them to it."

Rowena turned slowly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Do you really think I orchestrated the discovery of an artifact that could destroy me?"

"You've done worse," Nova snapped, stepping forward.

My wolf bristled, sensing the rising hostility in the room. "Enough," I said, my voice steady but firm. "This isn't the time for accusations."

"Then when?" Nova demanded, her eyes blazing. “How long are we going to ignore the fact that she's the reason Liora's dead?"

The room fell silent. My chest tightened, and I avoided meeting Drystan's gaze. "You knew?" Drystan's voice was low, dangerous.

I didn't answer. The weight of his anger pressed down on me like a physical force.

"Killian," Nova said, her tone trembling with fury. "You knew Rowena was involved in Liora's death, and you said nothing?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

"It's true," Astrid said softly, stepping forward.

Drystan turned to her, his expression a mix of disbelief and rage. "You knew too?"

"We found out months ago," Astrid admitted, her voice heavy with guilt. "Rowena made a deal with the rogues. She orchestrated Liora's death to prevent her from becoming Luna.”

Drystan's wolf surged forward, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. "You promised me justice, Killian," he snarled. "You stood beside me and swore we'd find the truth. And the whole time, you were protecting her."

"I wasn't protecting her," I said quietly, though the words sounded hollow even to

me.

"No," Nova said bitterly. "You were

protecting yourselves. Because if we

found out, it would break the

alliance, wouldn't it? That's all this

has ever been to you-a political game."

My wolf roared in protest, but I couldn't deny her words.

Drystan turned to Rowena, his eyes burning with hatred. "You killed her," he said, his voice low and deadly. “You murdered my mate.”

Rowena's expression didn't waver, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes-fear, perhaps. "I did what I had to do," she said coldly.

Drystan lunged, his claws extending as he closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. "Drystan, stop!" I shouted, stepping between them.

His claws came within inches of my chest before he stopped, his body trembling with barely restrained fury. "Get out of my way, Killian," he growled.

"No," I said, meeting his gaze. "I won't let you kill her."

"She deserves to die!" Nova shouted, stepping to Drystan's side. "She killed Liora. She betrayed this Pack."

"And she's the only one who knows enough about the rogues to give us an edge," Astrid said, her voice calm but firm. "If we kill her now, we lose that advantage."

Drystan's eyes flicked to Astrid, his jaw tightening. "You're defending her now?"

"I'm not defending her," Astrid

replied. "I'm saying we can't afford to

lose what little information we have.

Rowena knows their plans, their movements. We need her alive."

en FindNovel

Nova shook her head, her voice trembling with anger. "You expect us to just let

her live? After everything she's done?"

"No," Astrid said softly. "I expect you to do what Liora would have done. She

would have put the Pack first. No matter how much it hurt."

The words hung in the air, a painful reminder of the sister I had lost.

Drystan's claws retracted slowly, though the fury in his eyes didn't waver. Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "But she doesn't walk free. She doesn't speak to anyone And the second this is over-"

"We'll deal with her," I said, my voice heavy. "I promise."

Rowena said nothing as the guards stepped forward, placing her in shackles. For

the first time, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in her expression.

As they led her away, Nova turned to me, her eyes filled with a pain that cut deeper than any wound. "You betrayed us, Killian," she said quietly. "You betrayed Liora."

I had no words to offer, no defense for what I had done. I watched as she and Drystan left the chamber, their footsteps heavy with the weight of what we had

lost.

Astrid placed a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. "You did the right thing,” she said softly.

"Did I?" I asked, my voice hollow. "Or did I just delay the inevitable?"

She didn't answer, but her silence said enough. The faint echo of footsteps faded, leaving me with a crushing weight of guilt.

Outside, the moon hung low, watching, as if it too bore witness to the cracks forming in our fragile alliances.