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Chapter 13 - Astraia
Terakhir Diperbarui:
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
Bab terkait
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
Bab terbaru
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 53 - Carson
The Rivermoon Pack's meeting hall was impressive. Wooden beams arched overhead, carved with the history of the pack, while a massive circular table dominated the center of the space. Five wolves were already seated when I arrived with Alexei.Alpha Dixon nodded in greeting from the head of the table, his silver-streaked black hair and commanding presence reminiscent of my own father. To his right sat Daniel Briarthorn, looking pale but determined, clearly having dragged himself from his sickbed to attend.I returned Alpha Dixon's nod before my eyes locked with Grant's. He sat to the Alpha's left, the traditional position for the future pack leader. His lip curled slightly when he saw me, a reaction I pointedly ignored. Dick."Alpha Thorne, Crown Prince Alexei," Alpha Dixon greeted us formally. "Please join us."We took our seats across from Grant, and I was grateful for Alexei's calming presence beside me. My wolf was still too close to the surface after
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 52 - Astraia
Consciousness returned to me in fragments. First came awareness of soft sheets beneath me and the dull throb of pain radiating from my shoulder. Then voices, muffled as if traveling through water, gradually becoming clearer."...fourth time you've checked those bandages in an hour. The healer said they're fine.""I need to be sure. I need to make sure she heals well..."The second voice, low, rough with fatigue and worry, sent a flutter through my chest even before my mind fully recognized it as Carson's.I tried to open my eyes, but my lids felt impossibly heavy. A soft groan escaped my lips instead, the small sound immediately silencing all conversation in the room."Astraia?" Carson's voice was closest, urgent. Warm fingers wrapped gently around my hand. "Hey sweet girl, can you hear me?""She's waking up!" That was Odette's voice, followed by hurried footsteps."I'll get the healer," came my mother's voice from somewhere further a
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 51 - Astraia
Around me, the training field erupted in a flurry of motion as wolves responded to the threat. Odette's elegant form emerged, her rare silver-white fur gleaming in the moonlight as she positioned herself protectively near the younger trainees. Kai, the Rivermoon warrior, shifted into his dark brown wolf, massive and imposing.I completed my transformation, my distinctive rosy silver fur catching the moonlight in a way that made me immediately recognizable.Even the older teenagers— Mason, Lily, and two others —completed their transformations with impressive speed, forming a protective circle around Sophie and the youngest wolves who were still mastering their shifts.The Royal guards maintained human form, drawing their weapons as they created a defensive perimeter. Silver bullets would be more effective from their trained hands than tooth and claw."Eastern outpost! Stay together!" I commanded through mind-link to my fellow Rivermoon wo
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 50 - Astraia
The training field behind the Rivermoon pack house glowed silver in the moonlight, the open grass bordered by ancient oak trees whose shadows stretched long across the ground. I circled a group of five young wolves, all between sixteen and eighteen years old, watching their stances with a critical eye."Remember that your opponent's weight can become their weakness," I instructed, motioning for a sandy-haired boy to step forward. "Mason, try to take me down."The young wolf—taller than me by several inches but still gangly with adolescence, hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of attacking the former Beta-in-waiting."I won't hurt you," I assured him with a smile. "Much."That earned a laugh from the other trainees and seemed to ease Mason's nerves. He lunged forward, attempting to use his height advantage to grapple me to the ground. In one fluid motion, I sidestepped, caught his extended arm, and used his forward momentum to flip him ont
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 49 - Astraia
I stood at the window of my guest room, watching darkness settle over Rivermoon territory. The familiar silhouettes of pine trees against the twilight sky brought back memories I'd tried to suppress, training sessions that ran late into the evening, strategy meetings with Dad, moonlit runs with the younger wolves under my supervision.A life I'd once believed would be mine forever.With a sigh, I turned away from the window. The guest suite was luxurious, spacious sitting area with plush furniture, a gleaming bathroom with a rainfall shower, and a bedroom with an oversized four-poster bed. Everything in rich earthtones that echoed Rivermoon's forest surroundings.After our confrontation with Grant, I'd spent the afternoon helping Mom organize Dad's medication schedule and meal plan. He was healing well but remained frustrated by his physical limitations. Twice, Mom had caught him trying to review security reports when he was supposed to be resting."Like
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 48 - Astraia
He appeared at the end of the hallway, his tall figure backlit by the window behind him. Beside him stood Tiffany, her blonde hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, her posture rigid and defensive.For a moment, no one moved. The air in the hallway seemed to thicken with unspoken tension.I felt Odette's arm tighten around mine in silent support.Grant stepped forward first, his expression carefully neutral. "Astraia. Princess Odette." He inclined his head in what could barely pass for respect. "We heard you'd arrived.""Grant," I acknowledged, keeping my voice steady. "Tiffany."Tiffany didn't respond, her eyes fixed on some point over my head."I'm sorry to hear about your father," Grant continued. "Though I'm surprised you felt the need to bring Royal guards into our territory for a family visit." His emphasis on "our" was subtle but unmistakable, a reminder that of where I belonged."The guards are for my protection," Odette inter
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 47 - Astraia
The familiar scent of sage and cedar filled my senses as I stepped into the Rivermoon pack house. Despite being gone for months, my wolf instantly recognized the place where pack meetings and official functions were held. It felt strange to be here rather than at my family's private home in the territory.Mom guided us through the main entrance, past the curious glances of pack members who paused to watch our unexpected procession. The Royal guards positioned themselves strategically, two by the main entrance, two following behind Odette and me, and two moving ahead to scout the interior. Their presence alone made a statement that we weren't ordinary visitors."Your father is upstairs in the guest quarters," Mom explained, leading us toward the grand staircase in the central hall. "Alpha Dixon insisted he stay here for security and medical supervision. He refused to remain in the hospital wing, of course, once he was stable.""Stubborn as always," I muttered, fe
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 46 - Astraia
I stared out the window of the black SUV as the familiar landscape of my childhood began to materialize. The rolling hills gave way to denser forest, the scents of my former territory starting to filter through the car's air system. My wolf stirred restlessly inside me, recognizing home even as my human side remained conflicted."You've been quiet for the last hour," Odette observed, her violet eyes briefly flicking from the road to me. "I can practically hear your thoughts spinning."I sighed, absently twisting a strand of my hair. "Sorry. I just never thought I'd be coming back here. Not like this.""Your father needs you," Odette said gently. "That trumps everything else."The royal guards in the vehicle ahead of us maintained a steady pace, their black SUV identical to the one Odette and I rode in. Another followed behind, forming a protective convoy that the Royal Pack had insisted upon. Rogue attacks had increased in frequency and boldness, and no o
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 45 - Astraia
Odette's idea of an "art studio" turned out to be a sunlit room with twenty-foot ceilings, wall-to-wall windows overlooking the royal gardens, and enough supplies to stock a small art school. Easels stood ready with blank canvases, and a table against one wall held bottles of wine next to an array of fruits and cheeses."Royal lockdown has its perks," she admitted, seeing my expression. "What? I stress-prepared."I laughed, feeling some of the morning's tension ease. "I'm not complaining."We settled at adjacent easels, Odette pouring generous glasses of wine despite the early hour. "So," she said casually, too casually, as she arranged her paints, "you and Carson looked very very cozy in bed yesterday morning.""We're not doing this again," I groaned, focusing intently on squeezing paint onto my palette."What? I'm just making conversation." Her innocent tone didn't match the devious glint in her eyes. "Though I did hear from a very reliable sourc
