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Chapter 15 - Astraia
Last Updated:
2025-02-27 20:45:53
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By 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 : 2025-03-02By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 22 - Astraia
He finally stopped, turning to face me. "The breach location... it matches patterns we've seen before. Patterns that—" he caught himself, jaw tightening. "Your father asked me to ensure your safety personally."There was more he wasn't saying, but before I could press further, my phone buzzed:Oliver: Made it to my meeting point. Hope you're safe. Maybe next time we could check out the new natural history museum exhibit? Less chance of territory breaches there 😊Despite the tension, I found myself smiling at his message. But Carson's sudden shift in energy made me look up – his expression was unreadable, but something had definitely changed in his stance."The museum would be outside pack jurisdiction," Carson said suddenly, his tone carefully neutral. "Security protocols would be... complicated."I blinked, surprised he'd even noticed the message. "I wasn't aware High Crest monitored personal plans in neutral territory."
Last Updated : 2025-03-02By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 23 - Astraia
"No." I didn't even look up from my textbook. "Whatever you're planning, Od, the answer is no.""You haven't even heard what I'm going to say," Odette protested, dropping onto my bed with the kind of grace only royal wolves possessed. "But since you mentioned it... you know Jake from Moon Valley Pack?""The one in your diplomatic relations class?""The very hot one in my diplomatic relations class," she corrected, violet eyes sparkling. "Who happens to think your territory conservation ideas are brilliant."Now I did look up. "What did you do?""Nothing!" Her innocent expression fooled no one. "I just happened to mention that you're free Friday night, and he just happened to mention this new restaurant that just opened, and—""Od...""Come on," she pleaded. "One dinner. He's nice, he's smart, and his family has amazing connections with the conservation council. Plus," her grin turned mischievous, "I heard a certain Alpha nearly
Last Updated : 2025-03-03
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 84 - Astraia
Somehow, they managed to get me to the surgical waiting area. I was vaguely aware of passing through corridors, of guards snapping to attention as we passed, of whispered conversations above my head. But my focus was entirely internal, clinging to the fading warmth of the mate bond like a lifeline."That blade was meant for me," I whispered as Odette helped me into a chair. My hands were covered in Carson's blood, the sight making me dizzy with fear. "It should have been me.""You know Carson would never let that happen," Odette said softly, kneeling in front of me. "If it happened a hundred more times, he'd take that blade for you every single time."I stared down at my bloodied hands, unable to respond. Hunter pressed a water bottle into my trembling fingers, his usual gruffness softened with concern."Try to drink something," he said. "You look like you're about to pass out."I stared at the bottle, feeling disconnected from my body. The mate bo
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 83 - Astraia
"CARSON!" I screamed as his body crumpled to the floor.My hands shook as I pressed against the wound, blood seeping between my fingers. "No no no no no!""Move aside!" Someone tried to push me away, but I snarled, my wolf surging forward."DON'T TOUCH ME!" I screamed, hunching protectively over Carson's body. His face was already pale, black lines of silver poisoning spreading from the wound with terrifying speed. "Carson, please, open your eyes. Look at me!"Medical staff swarmed around us, equipment rattling as they rushed in. The head doctor dropped to her knees beside us, trying to assess the wound."Ms. Briarthorn, we need to treat him immediately," she said firmly. "Silver poisoning moves fast. Please, step aside.""I can't leave him," I sobbed, my hands still pressed against his wound. His blood was everywhere, hot and slick and terrifying. I could feel our bond flickering like a candle in the wind. "Carson, please, stay with me."
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
