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Chapter 17 - Astraia
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2025-02-28 11:00:37Alpha 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
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By 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 : 2025-03-03By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 24 - Astraia
The purple dress was definitely an Odette choice, elegant but just this side of daring. As I adjusted the neckline one last time, I caught Freya's artistic touches in the subtle makeup, Lila's practical influence in the comfortable but stylish heels."Stop fidgeting," Odette called from my bed. "You look perfect."Crystal Bay was everything they said it would be, all gleaming lights and elegant design. Jake waited outside, his smile genuine as he caught sight of me. No calculated pack politics, no hidden agendas - just a wolf who'd apparently been quoting my territory theories in class."You look amazing," he said, and meant it. "Though I have to confess, I might have practiced my conservation talking points. You know, in case there are any awkward silences."I found myself laughing, tension easing. "Let me guess - seasonal migration patterns?""Actually," his green eyes sparkled with humor, "I was thinking we could start with your theories on cros
Last Updated : 2025-03-03By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 25 - Astraia
The week after the Crystal Bay date passed in a blur of classes, study sessions, and Jake's increasingly entertaining territory management debates. We'd fallen into an easy friendship, both relieved that the pressure of dating had transformed into something more comfortable. Even Odette had stopped her suggestive comments, though that might be because she was too busy planning my gallery date with Daniel."It's not weird that he's human," Freya insisted, adjusting my hair one last time. "It's weird that you're overthinking this."The art gallery was transformed for tonight's opening, soft lights highlighting black and white photographs that captured wolf culture through human eyes. Daniel's work, I had to admit, was stunning. He had a way of catching moments that most humans never got to see, the quiet dignity of pack ceremonies, the joy of pups learning to shift, the power of Alpha ceremonies."You must be Astraia," a warm voice said behind me. I turned to find
Last Updated : 2025-03-04
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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
