Ch. 411..415: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 411-415

Chapter 411: Captured

Astrid's POV

The air crackled with tension as the rogue king's gaze shifted toward us, his dark eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge.

Killian's golden eyes burned with fury, his body coiled like a predator ready to strike. But the rogue king, Ardan, stood unfazed, a shadow of calm amidst the chaos.

"You're relentless, Killian," Ardan said smoothly, his voice carrying across the clearing like a chilling wind. "But your efforts are misplaced. You cling to a broken system a hierarchy built on oppression and blood."

Killian took a measured step forward, his claws flexing. “And you think murdering innocents and sowing chaos is the answer? You're delusional."

Ardan tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Delusional? Or visionary? The Packs need reformation, Killian. The hierarchy you protect only serves the Alphas and Betas-those at the top. The rest? They suffer. They're discarded like trash."

I clenched my fists, stepping forward to stand beside Killian. "And you think your way will fix it?" I shot back. "You've left countless families in ruins, turned wolves against their own. You're no savior-you're a tyrant."

Ardan's gaze flicked to me, and for the first time, a flicker of something softer crossed his face.

“Astrid,” he said, his tone quieter now, almost regretful. “You, of all people, should understand. You were cast out, treated like nothing. Yet here you are, protecting those who wronged you."

His words struck a chord, a painful echo of memories I'd long buried.

The rogue king and I both share the same pain. When I heard of his past, I instantly understood where he is coming from and why he had turned into this.

The only difference between us was how we ended up becoming, and it's only because I had Killian, while he didn't have anyone in his life.

Without Drystan's help, Nova's support and my father's love, I would have ended up worse than him.

My jaw tightened, but I didn't falter. "I'm protecting them because I know change doesn't come through destruction. It comes through unity, through building something better."

Ardan's expression hardened. "Unity?" he spat. "Do you really believe they'll change, Astrid? You're wasting your strength protecting a system that will never see you as an equal. If you joined me, we could tear it all down and rebuild. Together, we'd be unstoppable."

Killian growled low in his throat, stepping protectively closer to me.

"She's not joining you, Ardan," he said coldly. "And you're not rebuilding anything. You're just destroying."

Ardan's smile returned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Ah, Killian. Always so quick to see the world in black and white. But this isn't about you. Astrid, think about it. Everything they've done to you-do they really deserve your loyalty?"

I felt Killian's hand brush mine, grounding me. My voice was steady when I answered. "What they deserve doesn't matter. What I choose to fight for does. And I'll fight to protect them, even from you."

For a moment, silence stretched between us, the weight of our words hanging heavy in the air. Then Ardan straightened, his expression sharpening into something colder.

"So be it," he said, his voice like steel. "You've made your choice."

He turned sharply to Cedric, who was frozen in place, his face pale with fear. "You've outlived your usefulness," Ardan said, his tone devoid of emotion.

Cedric's eyes widened in desperation, already knowing what's about to happen next. "Ardan, wait! You can't leave me here! I've done everything you asked!"

Ardan didn't even glance at him. "You are right. You have been helpful to us, providing us everything we need, but now that things had come to this, sacrifice is necessary."

Cedric stumbled forward, his hands outstretched. "No! Take me! Don't leave me!

But Ardan was already retreating, his rogues closing ranks around

him."Thank you for everything you gave. It's all for a cause, for a better world All your efforts will be

appreciated and remembe etter

swn y

Cedric stilled at his words, his breaths turning shallow as he watched the rogue king leaving.

"Killian, Astrid," Ardan called over his shoulder, his voice calm and resolute. "This isn't over. The next time we meet, you'll see the truth."

And then he was gone, disappearing into the shadows with his rogues.

Cedric's pleas turned to angry growls as Killian strode toward him, his expression cold and unrelenting.

"You're done, Cedric," Killian said, his voice low and dangerous.

Cedric lunged at Killian, his claws bared in a final act of defiance, fighting until the very end, refusing to back down. But Killian was faster, sidestepping and pinning Cedric to the ground with ease.

"Enough," Killian growled. "You've already lost."

I stepped forward, my claws at the ready as I helped secure Cedric. He thrashed

and spat curses, refusing to surrender even as we shackled him.

His resistance only solidified the betrayal that had led to this moment.

As we hauled Cedric to his feet, his furious gaze met mine. "You'll regret this," he snarled. “You're protecting a system that will destroy you."

I met his glare with steady resolve. "We'll see about that," I said firmly. "Take him and lock him up." I commanded as I turned to a warrior.

Cedric stared into my eyes defiantly. "I will never tell you anything. I will never cooperate with you no matter what happen!" he shouted stubbornly as the warriors dragged him away.

With Cedric subdued and Ardan gone, we began the long trek back to our territory. The weight of what had transpired lingered heavy in the air, but one thing was clear: the battle was far from over.

 

Chapter 412: Weight of Silence

Astrid's POV

The cold air in the dungeon wrapped around us like an iron shroud, carrying the faint, acrid scent of wolfsbane.

Every shadow seemed alive, flickering as the torches danced against the walls.

Cedric sat shackled in the center of the room, his head high, his bloodied face still wearing that maddening smirk of defiance.

Killian paced in front of him, his golden eyes blazing with fury barely contained beneath his skin.

His claws twitched at his sides, itching to tear through the man who had betrayed everything we stood for.

"Talk," Killian growled, his voice low and deadly.

Cedric lifted his head, his dark eyes locking on Killian's.

"Do you honestly think threats will work on me?" he spat, blood trailing from his split lip. "You're just proving my point-you Alphas are all the same. No vision, no foresight. Just brute strength and blind rage."

The words hit Killian like fuel to a fire. He slammed his hand down on the table next to Cedric, the wood splintering under the force.

"You betrayed us!" he roared. "You betrayed your Pack, your council, your people! For what? Power? Empty promises from a rogue king who left you behind the first chance he got?"

Cedric chuckled, the sound low and humorless. "You think I care about Ardan leaving me here?

This was never about him, Killian. It's about something far greater than you or me. Something you'll never understand."

Killian stepped closer, his claws extending as he leaned in, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Then explain it to me. Help me understand how turning against your own people is supposed to save anyone."

Cedric's smirk faded, his jaw tightening as he met Killian's gaze. "Because this system is rotten to its core," he said sharply.

"Alphas like you sit at the top, hoarding power, crushing everyone beneath you. You lead through fear, through blood, through oppression. Ardan is the only one willing to tear it all down and build something better."

I stepped forward, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, my voice sharp and cold.

"And you think Ardan's way is better? Murdering innocents, tearing families apart? That's your grand solution?"

Cedric's gaze flicked to me, and for a brief moment, his resolve seemed to falter.

But then his eyes hardened, his lips curling into a sneer. "It's not about the method, Astrid. It's about the result. Change requires sacrifice."

Killian's claws dug into the table beside Cedric, splinters flying as his voice cut through the air.

"Sacrifice?" he echoed, his tone like a blade. "You mean like the lives of our warriors? Of our children?"

Cedric didn't answer, his silence louder than any words.

Killian's patience snapped. He grabbed Cedric by the collar, yanking him forward with enough force to make the chair creak.

"Where is he?" Killian demanded, his voice a low, menacing growl. "Where is the rogue king hiding?"

Cedric gritted his teeth, blood dripping from his mouth as he hissed, "I'd rather die than tell you."

Killian's claws pierced Cedric's shirt, drawing fresh blood as he leaned closer.

"That can be arranged," he growled, his golden eyes blazing with unrelenting fury.

"Killian," I said sharply, stepping forward and placing a firm hand on his arm. We won't get anything out of him if he's dead.

He froze, his gaze snapping to mine, the storm of anger in his eyes barely restrained.

I nodded to the guard by the door. "Bring it in."

The guard returned moments later, carrying a small vial of wolfsbane extract.

The liquid inside gleamed under the dim torchlight, its presence a promise of pain.

Cedric's eyes flicked to the vial, his bravado faltering for the first time.

"You think torture will break me?" he sneered, though his voice wavered slightly. "I've already given my life to this cause. You can't scare me."

"Scare you?" I asked, my voice dangerously soft. "No, Cedric. This isn't about

fear. It's about truth."

Killian held out his hand, and the guard placed the vial in his palm Without hesitation, Killian poured a few drops of the liquid onto a cloth, the pungent scent of wolfsbane filling the room.

He leaned in close to Cedric, his voice a low growl. "This is your last chance. Where is Ardan?"

Cedric's lips pressed into a thin line, his defiance unyielding.

Killian's claws wrapped the wolfsbane-soaked cloth and pressed it against Cedric's arm.

The reaction was immediate-Cedric cried out, his body jerking against the restraints as the poison seared his skin.

"Stop!" Cedric hissed, his voice laced with pain.

Killian pulled the cloth away, his expression cold and unrelenting. "Where is he?"

Cedric's breaths came in ragged gasps, sweat beading on his forehead. But even through the pain, his defiance remained.

"You think... this will change anything?" he spat. "You're protecting a system that will destroy you. And when it falls, you'll fall with it."

My fists clenched at my sides as I forced myself to remain calm. "The forsaken amulet," I said, shifting the focus. "What do you know about it?"

Cedric let out a weak laugh, his voice rasping. "You think breaking it was the end?"

"Why did the rogue king take it?" I asked him again, having enough of his cryptic

answers.

"The amulet can be fixed. Rowena's

sacrifice would all be for nothing

unlike mine," Cedric answered with a

smug look on his face. "Once the

amulet is fixed, it will all be over for all of you."

Without saying a word, Killian took the wolfsbane and splashed it on Cedric making him scream in agony.

I flinched back as I listened to his screams of pain and watch his body tremble.

"Tell us how to fix it," Killian demanding, his expression as hard as stone. Cedric laughed after recovering a bit from the pain. "That's the only answer you can have from me," he writhed in pain before he continued.

"The forsaken amulet needed a life sacrificed to be broken, so it will also need life to be fixed again."

My eyes widened. Life? It would be easy for the rogue king to have someone

willing to sacrifice their life for the forsaken amulet.

For sure there a lot of men in his army who is crazier than Cedric.

His gaze locked onto mine, and my stomach turned. "All it takes is an Almega's

life to fix it."

 

 

Chapter 413: Price of Power

Astrid's POV

For a fleeting moment, I felt something I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever: amusement.

Cedric's words hung in the stale air, but they seemed hollow, ridiculous. My lips curled into a wry smile, and I shook my head.

"An Almega's life," I repeated, my voice carrying an edge of disbelief. "Well, that's interesting, Cedric, because in this world, there are only two Almegas: me and the rogue king."

I stepped closer, folding my arms as I stared him down. "And let's be honest- there's no way Ardan is willing to sacrifice his own life for the forsaken amulet.

So, unless you plan to offer him a lecture on hypocrisy, I'd say his plan has already failed."

Killian's golden eyes gleamed with approval at my confidence. "She's right," he said, his tone sharp and resolute. "Ardan won't risk his life. He'd rather destroy everything than make a sacrifice like that."

Cedric's lips twisted into a smirk, a cruel glint in his dark eyes. "Oh, Astrid," he said, his voice tinged with mockery. "You really don't understand, do you? The rogue king doesn't need his life to fix the amulet."

"If you think that I would ever be willing to sacrifice my own life to fix the amulet, then you are dreaming. The rogue king can never force me to fix the amulet. He will never be powerful enough to defeat me," I sternly told him.

Cedric chuckled. "You and the rogue king's are not the only person that can fix the amulet."

My amusement faltered, the air suddenly feeling heavier. A flicker of unease sparked in my chest.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice colder now, my confidence giving way to something far more dangerous.

Cedric tilted his head, his smirk widening as if he enjoyed every second of our confusion.

"The blood of an Almega doesn't end with you," he said, his tone almost teasing. "You may think you're untouchable, Astrid, but your children... your precious Ryker and Elara..... they have your blood running through their veins. They are just as much Almega as you are."

His words slammed into me like a physical blow, shattering any trace of amusement I'd felt.

My breath hitched, and the world seemed to tilt.

"No," I whispered, the word barely audible.

Killian, however, exploded with rage.

In one swift motion, he grabbed Cedric by the collar, his claws pressing

dangerously close to his throat.

"You dare!" he snarled, his voice a thunderous growl.

The hair at the back of my neck tingled, as I felt his powerful wolf raise to the surface, his paternal instincts taking in.

"If the rogue king so much as looks in my children's direction, I'll rip him apart with my bare hands!"

Cedric didn't flinch. He simply stared back at Killian, his smugness unwavering.

"You think you can stop him?" he asked, his voice hoarse but taunting. "You think your little family is safe? The rogue king plans everything, Killian. You're already too late."

Killian's claws dug into Cedric's skin, drawing fresh blood, but I quickly placed a hand on his arm, my voice trembling yet firm.

"Killian, stop," I said, my chest tightening with fear and anger. "Don't let him get to you."

Killian released Cedric with a growl, shoving him back into the chair. Cedric coughed but still wore that insufferable smirk.

I stepped forward, glaring down at Cedric. "Why tell us this?" I demanded. "Why

warn us if Ardan plans to use my children? What's your angle?"

Cedric chuckled weakly, blood dripping from his lip. "Because it doesn't matter," he said simply. "You can't stop him. You'll fail, just like everyone else. And when he gets what he needs, this world will finally change."

SV

Killian turned to the guards stationed by the door, his voice sharp and commanding.

"Double the security on Ryker and Elara," he ordered. "I want warriors guarding them at all times-inside and outside. No one gets close to them unless I personally approve it."

The guards bowed and left without question, their footsteps echoing in the stone corridor.

"It's over, Killian. Either way, you are all doomed," Cedric laughed, attracting all danger to himself.

"Killian," I called him, my voice softer now as I reached for his hand. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

I was nervous, too worried for my children.

"He will never get to our children," Killian cut me off, his tone resolute. He gripped my hand tightly, his golden eyes locking onto mine with unwavering determination.

"Astrid, I won't let anything happen to them. I'll protect Ryker, Elara, and you with everything I have."

His words were a balm to my frayed nerves, but the fear still lingered, coiled tightly around my heart.

Cedric's laugh broke the moment, harsh and grating. "You can try," he said mockingly. "But the rogue king always gets what he wants."

Killian whirled around, his voice a snarl. "Not this time."

He stormed toward the door, his shoulders tense with barely restrained fury. I followed, but not before casting one last glare at Cedric.

"You have served your purpose," I told him, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me.

Cedric fell silent, his shoulders tense, knowing what I meant. The moment we get out of this room, he will be receiving his punishment — death.

Cedric met my gaze, his dark eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction. He only lifted his head up with a peaceful smile in his face. "See you

on the other side soon," he muttered.

I turned and left, the heavy door slamming shut behind me. But Cedric's words

followed me like a shadow, haunting and unshakable.

As Killian and I made our way through the winding corridors, my mind raced with possibilities and fears.

Ardan knew more than we'd realized, and if he truly planned to use our children... Killian's hand found mine again, squeezing tightly.

"We'll stop him," he said firmly, as if reading my thoughts. "No matter what it takes."

I nodded, but the knot in my stomach refused to ease. Deep down, I knew this battle was far from over. And the stakes had never been higher.

Chapter 414: Preparation and Paranoia

Astrid's POV

The weight of Cedric's words sat heavily in my chest as I paced the length of the council chamber.

The sun had barely risen, but the Packhouse was already alive with movement.

Orders were being given, warriors were being reassigned, and tension buzzed in the air like a live wire.

Killian stood at the head of the room, his golden eyes scanning a map spread across the table.

His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, the fingers twitching every so often. Ryder was beside him, his expression grim as he relayed information from the scouts.

"We'll triple the guards around the Packhouse," Killian said firmly, his voice cutting through the murmurs.

"No one enters without my approval. Double patrols along the eastern and northern borders. I want reports every two hours."

I stopped pacing, my arms crossing tightly over my chest. "It's not enough," I said, my voice sharper than I intended.

Killian looked up, his brows furrowing. "Astrid, we've covered every vulnerability

"No," I interrupted, stepping closer to the table. "Cedric warned us. He said Ardan always gets what he wants. If he's planning to use our children... if he's already planned for this..." My voice faltered, and I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. "Then we need to be smarter. Stronger."

Ryder exchanged a glance with Killian before stepping forward. "The guards assigned to Ryker and Elara are the best we have," he assured me. "They'll be shadowed at all times, even in the Packhouse."

"It's not just about the guards," I said, shaking my head. "Ardan doesn't play fair. He doesn't fight clean. If he wants them, he'll find a way."

Killian moved toward me, his hand brushing mine in a silent attempt to calm me. "Astrid," he said gently, though his voice carried the same steel as his gaze. "We won't let him get close to them. I won't let him."

I looked up at him, wanting to believe his words, but the knot in my stomach refused to loosen. "I'm not doubting you, Killian. I just... I can't lose them. I can't

"You won't," he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine. "I promise you, Astrid. We'll protect them. All of us."

The door opened, and Valerie stepped in, her expression as tense as the rest of

us.

"You summoned me?" she asked, her gaze darting between Killian and me.

"Thank goodness, you are finally here," I spoke in relief as I pushed Killian away from me.

Valerie and Killian shared a glance with each other. I saw Valerie bite back a laugh, but when I turned to look at Killian, to see what he had told her, he had already turned his back from us.

I faced Valerie again and stepped forward, meeting her concerned gaze. "I need your perspective-not as a Luna, but as a mother."

Valerie's brows furrowed, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "As a mother?" she echoed, glancing between Killian and me. "What's going on?"

Killian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "We've received information that Ardan... the rogue king," he corrected, his voice tightening, "may target Ryker and Elara. He needs the blood of an Almega to restore the forsaken amulet."

Valerie's face paled, her hand instinctively flying to her chest. "Your children?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Astrid, Killian... are you certain?"

"We're certain," I answered, my tone sharp with suppressed fear. "Cedric confirmed it."

Valerie's lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then she exhaled slowly, stepping closer to me.

"Astrid, I can't begin to imagine how terrifying this is for you," she said gently. But I do know what it's like to want to shield your children from the world, even when it feels impossible."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.

"I've already told Killian that I trust him to protect them. But Ardan... he's not like anyone we've faced before. He's ruthless, and he plans everything down to the smallest detail."

Valerie placed a hand on my arm, her grip steady. "Then you plan for him, Astrid.

You think like a mother, not a warrior. A mother always finds a way."

Killian turned back to us, his golden eyes narrowing.

"We've already doubled the guards around the children and fortified the Packhouse," he said firmly. "But if you think there's something we're missing, Valerie, I'd like to hear it."

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Valerie hesitated, clearly uncomfortable in the midst of war talk, but her voice didn't waver when she spoke.

"I'm no strategist, Killian," she admitted, "but I know Ardan thrives on fear and chaos. He'll try to unnerve you, make you second-guess every decision."

She turned to me, her eyes earnest. "Astrid, your strength isn't just in your power.

It's in your heart. You've survived so much because of your resilience.

If you show Ardan that his threats won't break you, it might be the one thing he doesn't expect."

Her words, simple yet profound, sparked something inside me—a flicker of clarity amidst the storm of my emotions. "You're saying I should focus on what I can control," I said slowly.

"Exactly," Valerie said with a nod. "You can't predict Ardan's every move, but you can make sure your children feel safe and loved.

And you can remind him—and everyone else that you're stronger than anything he throws your way."

Killian stepped beside me, his gaze softening.

"She's right," he said, his voice quieter now. "You've always been our strength,

Astrid. And we'll get through this together."

I looked between them, my resolve solidifying.

"Then let's make sure he knows exactly what he's up against," I said firmly. “If Ardan thinks he can break us, he's going to learn just how wrong he is." Valerie smiled faintly, her tension easing just slightly. "That's the Astrid I know."

Killian's hand brushed mine briefly, a silent promise of support. "Ryder is already preparing the next steps," he said. "We'll be ready."

As Valerie excused herself to check on her own children, I turned to Killian, my voice quiet but steady. "I won't let him take them from us."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his golden eyes meeting mine with unwavering determination. "Neither will I," he promised.

But even as his words reassured me, I couldn't shake the lingering unease that curled in my chest.

Ardan was out there, planning his next move. And I knew, deep down, that he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

 

 

Chapter 415: Mother’s Worries

Astrid's POV

The wind howled against the Packhouse walls, carrying an unnatural chill that seeped into my bones.

The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows through the windows.

I sat in the corner of Ryker and Elara's shared room, my knees pulled to my chest, watching their small forms rise and fall with each breath.

They looked so peaceful. So unaware of the storm brewing around them.

Killian had insisted I get some rest, but the thought of leaving them alone-even with the guards stationed outside the room-was unbearable.

Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind, sent a jolt of paranoia through me.

"You're not helping them by running yourself into the ground," Killian's voice came softly from the doorway.

I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed. His golden eyes, usually so fierce, softened as they met mine.

"They're just kids, Killian," I whispered, my voice trembling. "They don't deserve to be part of this war."

Killian stepped into the room, his boots making almost no sound on the wooden floor.

"I know," he said, sitting down beside me. "But they're also our kids. And that makes them strong."

I glanced at Ryker, his small hand clutching the edge of his blanket. Elara stirred

in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent before settling again.

"They shouldn't have to be strong," I whispered, the words catching in my throat. "They should be safe."

Killian reached out, his hand covering mine.

"They will be," he said firmly. "I've doubled the guards around the Packhouse. Ryder is organizing rotations to ensure there's no lapse in protection. No one's getting past them."

"It's not enough,” I said, shaking my head. "Ardan doesn't fight fair. He'll find a way, Killian. He always does."

Killian exhaled, his jaw tightening. "Then we'll find a way to stop him before he gets the chance."

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of Cedric's words hung over me like a dark cloud.

The rogue king always gets what he wants.

The thought of Ardan coming for my children, of him using their blood for his twisted goals, made my stomach churn.

"I've always been strong, Killian," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I've endured betrayal, loss, and pain. I've fought through every battle that's come my way. But when it comes to our children..." My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, forcing the words out.

"I can't be strong. I'm weak when it comes to them. I won't survive it if something happens to them."

Killian's hand tightened around mine, his golden eyes softening as he gazed at

me.

"Astrid," he said gently, "you're not weak. You're their mother. That kind of love— it's not weakness. It's strength. It's what keeps them safe."

I shook my head, my voice trembling. "But I'm scared, Killian. What if I fail them? What if "

"You won't," he interrupted, his tone firm. "Astrid, you've been worrying so much, and I understand why.

But this this constant fear-it's not good for you. For them. They need you to be strong and calm."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them away. "I'm trying," I whispered. "But the thought of losing them... it terrifies me."

Killian cupped my face, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks. "Listen to me," he said softly, his voice steady.

"You're not alone in this. I'll protect them. I'll protect you. With everything I have. But you have to trust me. You have to let yourself breathe."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch. "I trust you," I said quietly. "I just... I don't trust him."

Killian nodded, his golden eyes hardening. "Neither do I. That's why we'll stop him before he gets close. I promise you, Astrid, he'll never touch our family."

We pulled apart from each other when the heavy door creaked open. Both of us turned toward it, and to my surprise, Asha stepped into the room.

Her hair was pulled back hastily, and she was still wearing the simple robe she must have thrown on in a rush.

The dark circles under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights, but her expression was calm and steady.

"Asha?" I asked, stepping forward. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on the children," she said softly, her gaze flicking between me and Killian.

"I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking about everything Cedric said, and... I had to see them. To make sure they're safe."

My chest tightened at her words. "They're fine," I said quickly, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me. "Killian has already increased the guards, and Ryder is overseeing the patrols."

"I know," Asha said, her voice gentle but firm. She stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my arm.

"But you're their mother, Astrid. And I know how much you worry. I couldn't sit in my room knowing how much this must be eating at you."

Killian's expression softened, but he said nothing, stepping back to give us space.

I exhaled shakily, my shoulders sagging.

"I feel like I can't breathe," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Every time I think about them-about what Ardan might do I feel like I'm drowning." Asha's gaze softened, and she gently guided me to a nearby chair, sitting beside

me.

“Astrid, listen to me," she said firmly. “I also love your children as if they were my own. Ryker's stubbornness, Elara's bright smile... they're a part of my heart too."

Her words hit me like a balm on an open wound, soothing yet stirring emotions I'd buried beneath the weight of my fear.

"I know," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I know you love them. But I'm their mother. If anything happens to them, I—" I broke off, swallowing hard.

Asha reached out, taking my hands in hers. "Astrid, you don't have to carry this alone.

You're allowed to lean on the people who love you. And you're allowed to let me help protect them."

Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them back. “You already do so much for them, Asha. They adore you. Elara keeps asking why you don't live here with us."

Asha's lips curved into a soft smile. "That girl... she's a light in the darkest places. She reminds me so much of you."

I shook my head, a faint smile

tugging at my lips despite the fear still curling in my chest. "She's

stronger than I ever was at her age. And Ryker-he has Killian's fire. He's fearless."

"And that's because of you," Asha said gently. "You and Killian have given them everything they need to thrive, Astrid. And you'll keep giving them that. Together."

Killian stepped forward then, his golden eyes locking onto mine.

"She's right, Astrid," he said quietly. "You've always been our strength But worrying yourself into exhaustion won't help them. You need to rest. Trust that we'll protect them-together."

I looked between them, my heart aching with gratitude. "Thank you," I whispered,

my voice trembling. "Both of you."