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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 55 - Astraia
When the door finally closed, leaving Carson and me alone, I felt a curious mixture of relief and nervousness. He immediately moved to sit beside me, his larger frame making the bed dip slightly."Have you rested at all?" I asked, noting the shadows beneath his eyes.He shook his head. "Not yet."I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I want to tell you something," I said quietly. "About... about why I had the nightmare."Carson's expression grew serious. "You don't have to if you're not ready.""I do," I insisted. "I want to."He took my hand, his thumb resuming its soothing pattern on my skin. "I'm listening."I closed my eyes briefly, summoning the strength to revisit memories I'd tried so hard to bury. "When I was eighteen," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "I was doing border runs with some of the younger Rivermoon wolves. Training them. We were ambushed by rogues."Carson's hand tightened on mine, but he re
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 54 - Astraia
The burning sting of the healer's needle pierced through the fog of exhaustion as she restitched my wound. I bit my lip to keep from wincing, but Carson's grip on my hand tightened anyway. He hadn't left my side since I'd woken from the nightmare, his golden eyes darkened with concern."Just a few more," the healer murmured, her steady fingers working with practiced precision. "You did quite a number on these stitches, Miss Briarthorn.""Sorry..." I mumbled, though I wasn't entirely sure what I was apologizing for. Having nightmares? Thrashing around? The inconvenience of it all?The room was crowded with people I loved, all wearing identical expressions of worry.My mother stood at the foot of the bed, her hands twisting a handkerchief into knots. My father leaned against the wall, his own injuries making it impossible for him to stand comfortably for long. Odette hovered near the window, periodically pacing back and forth, while Alexei maintained a calm
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
