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Chapter 25 - Astraia
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2025-03-04 11:00:43The 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
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 26 - Astraia
We both turned to find him standing closer than expected, his golden eyes carrying an intensity that made nearby humans instinctively step back. Daniel's hand tightened slightly in mine, more curious than intimidated."Your father asked me to discuss some pack matters with you," Carson added smoothly, though something in his tone suggested Alexander Briarthorn had done no such thing. "About territory access during the upcoming full moon.""Of course," I managed, catching Daniel's barely concealed grin. "Though I'm sure it could wait until—""Actually," Carson's golden eyes flickered briefly to where Daniel's hand had been holding mine, "your father was quite insistent about discussing it now.""Right, right. Pack business. Very serious." Daniel stepped back with exaggerated formality. "Though about that dessert...""I believe," Carson's voice could have frozen fire, "the pack matters are rather urgent.""Everything's urgent with wo
Last Updated : 2025-03-05By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 27 - Astraia
The week after the gallery opening passed surprisingly smoothly. Daniel had shifted easily into friendship mode, occasionally sending me photos of 'fascinating pack dynamics' he observed on campus. Even Carson's security protocols had been suspiciously absent lately. But as I got ready for my date with Oliver, I couldn't help feeling both nervous and excited, between wanting to go and not going."Wear this," Odette declared, bursting into my room with what looked like half her wardrobe. "No arguments. The natural history museum might be educational, but that doesn't mean you can't look amazing while Oliver teaches you about their new conservation exhibit.""I still can't believe he remembered I wanted to see that exhibit," I said, letting Odette rifle through outfit options."Of course he remembered. He's been planning this date since that coffee got interrupted." She held up a sundress that somehow managed to be both casual and perfect for a museum date. "Olive
Last Updated : 2025-03-06By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 28 - Carson
CarsonThe alert went out the moment we confirmed the breach - three unknown wolves crossing territory lines near the east campus border. Something about their movement patterns set every Alpha instinct on edge."All perimeters secured," Hunter reported, his usual easy demeanor replaced by his Beta efficiency. "Nicolas is coordinating with campus security."I nodded, scanning the growing crowd of wolves gathering at the designated safe zones. Students and faculty moved quickly, following practiced protocols. But something felt wrong. Something was missing."Where is she?" The words escaped before I could catch them.Hunter's sharp green eyes caught my meaning immediately. "Who? Astraia? She should be..." he trailed off, checking his phone. "She's not on campus. According to the morning check-in logs, she was headed to the natural history museum with Oliver Redwood."The museum. Outside our immediate territory. Outside our pr
Last Updated : 2025-03-07By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 29 - Astraia
The weeks following the security breach passed in a blur of classes, pack protocols, and careful distraction. Carson had left for Northern territory the day after the museum incident, his absence both a relief and a strange void on campus. Not that I was loooking.Oliver had easily slipped into our friend group, joining our regular lunch meetups and study sessions. His easygoing nature made him a quick favorite - even Odette had stopped making suggestive comments and seemed to genuinely enjoy his company. We'd settled into a comfortable rhythm that made pack politics feel distant."I still can't believe Kane gave us another territory mapping assignment," Freya groaned, picking at her salad during our usual lunch gathering. "Doesn't he know some of us have actual lives?""Says the girl who spent three hours perfecting a dress sketch last night," Lila teased."That's different," Freya defended. "That's art. Territory mapping is just... lines and boundaries.""Which is exactly why Kane's
Last Updated : 2025-03-11By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 30 - Astraia
"You're not even trying!" Odette complained that afternoon as we wandered through Royal Pack territory. She had insisted on showing me the venue for the upcoming gala, but I suspected her real motivation was to dig into my subdued mood."But Freya already designed the perfect dress," I protested. "That color-shifting fabric she showed is beautiful, and she's been working on it for weeks.""Yes, and you said 'that's nice' when she showed you the final sketches with zero enthusiasm." She linked her arm through mine, steering me down a woodland path. "Something's bothering you, and we're not leaving this territory until you spill."I sighed, knowing resistance was futile with Odette on a mission. "It's nothing, really. Just heard some stuff that bothered me, that's all."
Last Updated : 2025-03-12By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 31 - Astraia
I found Oliver waiting outside my last class, leaning against the wall with that easy smile that had become so familiar over the past weeks. The late afternoon sunlight caught in his sandy hair, making him look like something from a university catalog - the perfect "what all the girls want in a boy" boyfriend.Which was exactly the problem."Hey," he greeted, falling into step beside me as we headed across the quad. "Ready for that coffee before your big meeting?"The territory access meeting with Carson. Just thinking about it made my wolf stir restlessly. I'd been distracted all day, checking the time constantly, wondering what I should wear, what I should say..."Actually," I started, then faltered. This would be easier if Oliver wasn't so damn nice. "Can we talk for a minute?"His expression shifted, understanding immediately washing over his features. We found a quiet bench beneath one of the massive oaks that dotted the campus, its branches providing a canopy of privacy."So," h
Last Updated : 2025-03-12By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 32 - Carson
CarsonI checked the time again. 6:47 PM. She'd be here soon.The territory access documentation was spread across my desk, maps and permits all perfectly organized. I'd been preparing for this meeting for days, even while in Northern territory. Everything was in order, professionally arranged, ready for a straightforward discussion about cross-territory access protocols.So why couldn't I stop pacing?"You know," Hunter remarked from the doorway, "most Alphas don't wear down their office carpeting before important meetings."I shot him a warning look. "Don't you have patrols to organize?""Already handled." He leaned against the doorframe, entirely too amused. "
Last Updated : 2025-03-13By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 33 - Astraia
Our eyes met, and the air between us seemed to thicken, charged with something I couldn't name but my wolf recognized instantly. For a moment, neither of us spoke, and I found myself studying the subtle changes in him since I'd last seen him up close. A new tension in his jaw, perhaps? A slightly sharper focus in his golden eyes?He looked tired, I realized. Not in an obvious way - no Alpha would ever allow themselves to appear weakened - but in the slight shadows under his eyes, the tightness at the corners of his mouth."The Northern territory negotiations were successful?" I asked, breaking the silence with the first neutral topic that came to mind.Something flickered in his expression. "Yes. The alliance is... progressing."I tried to
Last Updated : 2025-03-14
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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
