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Chapter 13 - Astraia
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2025-02-23 11:00:18The private meeting room was down the hall, away from the dispersing crowd. My father stood as we entered, and despite the formal setting, I couldn't help but step into his embrace. His familiar scent – vanilla and old books – helped settle my wolf's lingering anxiety.
"Hey, little wolf," he murmured quietly before we both straightened, returning to proper Beta composure. His stormy grey eyes carried that particular tone that meant he was both concerned and calculating. Years of Beta training let me read the subtle signals: stand straight, project calm, let the politics play out.
Grant was already there, his perfect composure slightly strained at the edges. Having both the Crown Prince and High Crest's Alpha present for what he'd probably planned as a pack matter clearly wasn't part of his agenda.
"Well," Alexei settled into one of the chairs with casual grace that somehow made everyone else look less regal, "shall we discuss the proper protocols for
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 14 - Astraia
Consciousness returned slowly, fragments of sensation filtering through the haze. The sterile scent of the pack medical wing, my father's vanilla and old books scent nearby, hushed but angry voices in the hallway."You could have fucking killed her!" That was Carson's voice, tight with barely controlled fury. "The force of the impact alone—""Not to mention the rejected bond trauma," a female voice spoke with professional concern. "Physical contact with a rejector, especially forced contact, can cause severe—""To think," Alexei's voice cut through the tension, his royal authority somehow more threatening in its quiet disappointment, "that the future Alpha of Rivermoon Pack would display such... primitive behavior. In neutral territory, no less.""Future Alpha or not," my father's voice carried that Beta authority that had commanded respect for generations, "this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Especially from someone who claims to understan
Last Updated : 2025-02-24By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 15 - Astraia
The medical wing looked different in morning light, less dramatic than the dim lighting of last night's events. Eden had cleared me to leave after one final check, though the knowing look she gave me when mentioning Carson's "overnight patrol duty" made my wolf stir uncomfortably."He stayed all night?" I asked Odette as she helped gather my things. "I thought he left after checking in...""Apparently there was a very important hallway that needed guarding," her violet eyes sparkled with mischief. "All night. Right outside your door."It was probably just because my dad asked," I muttered, ignoring how my wolf perked up at the lingering traces of his scent in the hallway."Mm-hmm," Odette hummed noncommittally. "I'm sure that's exactly why the Alpha of High Crest spent his night guarding a hallway instead of, you know, sending one of his many available pack members.""Od—""Anyway, your father called this morning," she continued, mercifully changing the subject. "He's still dealing wi
Last Updated : 2025-02-27By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 16 - Astraia
The rest of Thursday passed in a blur of concerned friends, Eden's check-ups, and my parents' hourly calls. Carson had rescheduled the territory management meeting "until further notice," though Odette insisted it had nothing to do with him hovering outside my apartment building all night.Friday morning brought unexpected quiet – classes were cancelled to implement the new territory crossing protocols. Security checkpoints were being set up at all crossing points, and the campus buzzed with wolves registering their travel schedules."Perfect timing for girls' night," Odette declared when she picked me up that evening. Her penthouse, perfectly positioned between Royal Pack territory, High Crest territory and neutral grounds, offered stunning views of both landscapes. The high-security building was a favorite among pack nobility, though everyone knew the top floor was exclusively Royal Pack territory."The view gets even better at sunset," Lila said from the backseat, then glanced at m
Last Updated : 2025-02-27By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 17 - Astraia
Alpha Dixon's birthday celebration wasn't technically a major pack event, but you wouldn't know it from the guest list. My nerves settled slightly knowing I wouldn't be facing this alone, Odette representing Royal Pack, Lila attending with Crimson Moon, and even High Crest sending representatives. Diplomatic courtesy, according to Odette, though her violet eyes had sparkled in that way that always meant trouble."If you adjust that necklace one more time," Freya threatened from where she was fixing my hair, "I will literally pin your hands to your sides.""I'm not adjusting anything," I lied, dropping my hands from the silver pendant. "I'm just...""Nervous? Overthinking? Planning escape routes?""Just making sure everything's perfect," I muttered. After all, this would be my first time back in Rivermoon territory since..."It is perfect," Lila said from the doorway. "And you're not alone. Now come on, Odette's waiting with the car, and you know ho
Last Updated : 2025-02-28By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 18 - Astraia
The Alpha energy hit like a physical wave — dark, aggressive, and somehow familiar in a way that made my wolf curl defensively. Through the lingering bond pain, I caught Odette's subtle shift into a more protective stance."Well," a deep voice drawled from the shadows. "If it isn't the reject and her bodyguards."Marcus Peterson. Alpha of Indigo Peak Pack. And Grant's closest ally and bestfriend."Alpha Peterson," Odette's tone carried perfect royal disdain. "I wasn't aware Indigo Peak had been invited to what was meant to be an... intimate celebration."His laugh was all predator as he emerged into the lantern light. "Oh, but Grant specifically requested my presence. Something about... pack alliance discussions."The way his gaze lingered on me made it clear exactly what kind of discussions he meant. Behind him, I caught Grant's smirk, Tiffany's calculated smile, and the subtle repositioning of wolves in the garden as pack politics took a da
Last Updated : 2025-02-28By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 19 - Astraia
The walk to Alpha Dixon's office felt longer than I remembered, the hallways heavy with tension and whispered speculation. Wolves pressed against walls as our group passed, Grant and Marcus being escorted by Alpha Dixon, followed by Alexei and my father, with Carson bringing up the rear."Well," Odette muttered, still at my side, "this is definitely not how I expected this party to start.""You think this is the start?" Lila's voice was low. "Something tells me Grant and Marcus had this planned well before tonight."She was right. Grant's words kept echoing in my mind: 'more than just Beta duties.' Whatever game they were playing, this was just their opening move."The other guests are being directed to the main hall," Nicolas appeared beside us, his usual easy smile replaced by something more serious. "Alpha Dixon wants to handle this... situation discretely.""Discrete went out the window the moment Marcus showed up uninvited," Odette said,
Last Updated : 2025-03-01By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 20 - Astraia
The library felt emptier after they left, though the tension lingered. Everyone seemed to be processing what just happened – Alexei and Alpha Dixon exchanging loaded looks, my father's carefully controlled anger, Odette's barely concealed urge to demonstrate exactly why threatening her friends was a bad idea."Well," Nicolas broke the silence, his attempt at lightness not quite hiding his concern, "I suppose this means the cake-cutting is delayed?""Nic," Carson's warning held no real heat. He'd moved closer to our group during the confrontation, and I noticed he hadn't stepped back yet."What?" Eden joined in, her professional mask slipping slightly. "Some sugar might help with the stress. Medically speaking, of course.""Perhaps," Alpha Dixon said, his voice carrying that particular tone that meant he was choosing his words carefully, "we should rejoin the celebration. Before the guests start creating their own theories about tonight's... entertainment."He was right, wolves were gos
Last Updated : 2025-03-01By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 21 - Astraia
Monday morning brought a return to university routine, or as routine as things could be with the new security protocols in place. The hallways buzzed with discussion about Alpha Dixon's celebration, though most wolves tactfully avoided mentioning Marcus's dramatic exit when I passed."I still can't believe you gave him your number," Freya declared, dropping into her seat beside me in the campus café. Our morning coffee meetups had become a tradition, a small piece of normalcy in all the pack chaos."It's just coffee," I reminded her, though her skeptical look matched the one Odette had given me all weekend. "And territory management discussions.""Right," she drawled. "Because hot wolves always want to discuss migration patterns over coffee."Before I could protest, my phone buzzed:Oliver: Still up for that coffee today? I promise to keep the migration talk to a minimum 😊"See?" Freya leaned over to read the text, grinning.
Last Updated : 2025-03-02
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 82 - Astraia
"Carson!" I moved to help him, but he was already turning to face the next threat."Ah fuck, it's fine, I'm fine," he growled, though I could see blood darkening his shirt. "Stay behind me."The remaining infiltrators found themselves outmatched by Carson's fury and the coordinated assault of the royal guards. Within minutes, it was over.Infiltrators lay subdued or unconscious throughout the corridor, being secured by royal guards.Alexei appeared around the corner, looking battle-worn but satisfied. "Command center secure," he reported. "Davis has control of all systems.""Good," Carson said, his voice tight as he checked me over for injuries. "Astraia, are you hurt?""I'm fine," I assured him, my eyes drawn to the dark stain spreading on his shirt. "But you're bleeding."He dismissed it with a wave. "Just a scratch."Hunter was leaning heavily on Odette, still fighting off the effects of the sedative."Nice ti
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 81 - Astraia
The elevator stopped, doors opening onto a dimly lit corridor I'd never seen before. This had to be the approach to the central command center."Keep moving," Elise ordered, shoving me forward.I needed a plan. I needed to create a distraction. Carson and Alexei were likely already aware of the infiltration. If these infiltrators reached the command center, they could compromise the entire territory security system.I reached for our mate bond, focusing hard on Carson's presence.Carson, infiltrators. Service elevator. Coming to command center. Elise.His response was immediate, a surge of protective fury blazing through our connection.On my way.No! I pushed back. Stay in command. Protect the systems. I've got a plan.Like hell, came his stubborn reply. Not letting you get hurt again. Coming to you.I mentally groaned. Stubborn, overprotective Alpha. But his determi
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 80 - Astraia
"What the hell was that?" I gasped, instinctively bracing myself against the wall.Hunter was already on high alert, phone to his ear. "Breach," he barked. "East wing, lower level. How many?" His expression darkened. "Understood.""What is it?" Odette demanded, her royal authority surfacing despite her fear."They've breached the palace," Hunter said grimly, pulling out his sidearm. "At least ten hostiles, maybe more. They're heading for the central command center.""Just like Tiffany said they would," I realized.Hunter ushered us forward more quickly. "We need to get you both to the panic room. Now.""Wait," I stopped. "The darts. If they're mind-controlled, we can use the blocker."He hesitated, then nodded, handing me two of the darts. "Emergency use only. These are prototypes, remember?"I tucked them carefully into my pocket. "Let's hope we don't need them."We hurried through the corridors toward the secure wing,
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 79 - Astraia
Three hours isn't much time to create a neurological blocking agent, but when the alternative is mass mind control, you make it work.Dr. Winters arrived within twenty minutes of Odette's call, a tall, stern-faced woman with silver-streaked black hair and the most impressive collection of degrees I'd ever seen. She took one look at me and raised an eyebrow."You're supposed to be resting," she said bluntly."And we're supposed to be having a peaceful weekend, but circumstances change," I replied, sliding the chemical analysis across the counter to her. "These are the compounds we need to block."She studied the readout, her expression growing more serious. "This is... unusually sophisticated.""I know. That's why I need your help."She glanced up sharply. "You realize what we're attempting is dangerous. Untested neurological blockers could cause seizures, permanent brain damage, even death.""And the alternative is letting mind-contro
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 78 - Astraia
The Royal Palace lab was a state-of-the-art facility tucked away in the east wing. I'd been spending most of my time there since Carson sent back the samples from the northern compound, analyzing the strange compounds they'd found."Do we have any updates on the attacks?" I asked as we walked, trying not to show how much the simple act of moving hurt.Odette shook her head. "Nothing concrete. Alexei's put all allied packs on high alert. Security's been doubled at all border checkpoints, and they've evacuated the civilian areas closest to the borders.""And the central command center? The one Tiffany mentioned?""Full lockdown. Only pack leaders and their seconds have access now."We reached the lab, and I sighed in relief at the sight of my workstation, everything exactly as I'd left it the day before. My microscope, centrifuge, and analysis equipment were still set up, along with the samples Carson had sent."So what exactly are you looking
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 77 - Astraia
Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 76 - Carson
We reached the medical wing, where the head healer immediately took charge, ordering Astraia onto an examination table."Step aside, Alpha," the healer instructed firmly.I hesitated, reluctant to break contact with Astraia."But I—""Carson," Astraia said softly, "it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."With great reluctance, I moved back, giving the healer space to work.Every bruise revealed as they examined her sent fresh waves of anger through me. Through our bond, I could feel little spikes of pain when the healer pressed certain areas, making my jaw clench tight."Three cracked ribs," the healer announced, gently prodding Astraia's side. "Significant bruising, but thankfully nothing life-threatening. She needs rest and minimal movement for at least twenty-four hours."The moment the examination was complete, I moved back to Astraia's side. Without asking, I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my che
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 75 - Carson
As Astraia led us toward the door, I could feel her calm determination through our bond, along with a sharp undercurrent of pain she was trying to hide. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to them both."She slipped up about the command center. That confirms they have someone inside the Royal Palace security.""But what if she's not?" Astraia asked. "What if there really are coordinated attacks planned?""Then we'll be ready," Alexei said grimly. "But first, let's see what Grant has to say. If he's coherent enough to talk."I nodded, glancing at Astraia. Her face was pale, the pain she'd been hiding starting to show. "You should rest," I said softly."Not yet," she insisted. "I need to see Grant. I need to understand what they did to him."I wanted to argue, to insist she take care of herself, but the determination in her eyes stopped me. "Fine. But after that, medical. No arguments."She nodded, swaying slightly as we walked toward
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 74 - Carson
I nodded, curious what approach she'd take. I shifted back slightly, giving her the lead."Tiffany," Astraia said, her voice softer but still firm. "We were packmates once. Not friends, obviously, but we lived under the same Alpha. I want to understand... why?"Tiffany's eyes narrowed. "Why what?""Why betray your pack? Your Alpha? Everything you've been raised to believe in?" Astraia leaned forward slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at her injured ribs. "What could possibly be worth that?"Something flickered across Tiffany's face—bitterness, maybe. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed. "You know what's funny, Astraia? You never even realized what you had. High ranking position even if you weren't Grant's mate. Respect. Power. All handed to you just because you were the Beta's daughter."Astraia's eyes flashed with anger. "I worked for my position, my power. Unlike you, I don't use others to get where I am.""So that's what this is about?
