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Chapter 38 - Astraia
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2025-03-18 11:00:38Three days passed with no word from Carson, Alexei, or Hunter. The university remained closed due to the ongoing threat, and all wolves were advised to stay within their pack territories. Those of us at the Royal Pack palace were essentially on lockdown, though the palace was large enough that it hardly felt confining.
Odette did her best to keep my mind occupied, giving me tours of parts of the palace I'd never seen, introducing me to various Royal Pack members, and generally being the perfect hostess. But by the third day, I was restless, constantly checking my phone for messages that never came.
I'd finally worked up the courage to text him the night before—a simple "Are you okay?"—but there had been no response. The silence was becoming unbearable, my mind cycling through increasingly worse scenarios. Was he hurt? Ignoring me? Regretting what happened between us?
"Maybe they don't have reception wherever they are," Odette suggested as we sat in the palace ga
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 39 - Astraia
A soft sound from the balcony made me freeze.Someone was trying to open the balcony doors.My heart hammered against my ribs as I instinctively backed toward the bed. The palace was supposed to be the most secure place in Royal Pack territory, who could possibly be trying to enter through my balcony? My mind raced with possibilities, each worse than the last. A rogue? An assassin?The lock clicked, and the balcony door eased open silently. A tall figure slipped inside, silhouetted against the moonlight. My breath caught in my throat, my wolf suddenly alert but not alarmed—something familiar about the scent...Pine and storm."Carson," I whispered, relief flooding through me as recognition dawned.He turned at the sound of my voice, golden eyes finding mine in the darkness. "Astraia, I—"I didn't let him finish. Before I could think better of it, I was rushing across the room and throwing my arms around him. The solid warmth of him, t
Last Updated : 2025-03-19By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 40 - Astraia
I woke to unfamiliar warmth and the steady rhythm of a heartbeat beneath my ear. For a moment, I was disoriented, my pillow wasn't supposed to rise and fall with breathing, and it definitely wasn't supposed to smell like pine and storm.Then the events of last night came rushing back.Carson. The balcony. Him staying.Somehow during the night, we'd shifted positions. I was now curled against his side, my head resting on his chest, his arm wrapped securely around me. The covers had twisted between us, a token barrier that had done nothing to prevent me from seeking his warmth. One of my legs had thrown itself over his, and my hand rested against the firm plane of his stomach. My wolf hummed with contentment, more settled than she'd been in days.I should have been embarrassed by how I'd practically wrapped myself around him in my sleep, but I couldn't bring myself to move away. For the first time in days, I'd slept deeply, without dreams, without waking in
Last Updated : 2025-03-19By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 41 - Astraia
The Royal Pack's dining hall was a marvel of design, with soaring ceilings and walls of windows that looked out over carefully maintained gardens. Under different circumstances, I might have been intimidated by the opulence, but after a week of staying at the palace, I'd become somewhat accustomed to royal extravagance.Carson and I arrived together, his hand resting lightly at the small of my back as we entered. The gesture was subtle but unmistakable to any wolf, a sign of protection, of connection. From the knowing looks and poorly hidden smiles that greeted us, it was clear Odette had already made sure everyone knew about our morning arrangement."There they are!" Odette called out with unnecessary volume, drawing every eye in the room to us. "Sleep well, you two?"Lila nearly choked on her drink, coughing as Freya patted her back with obvious amusement. At the head of the table, Alexei merely raised an eyebrow, his violet eyes, immediately noting Carson's h
Last Updated : 2025-03-20By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 42 - Astraia
After breakfast, Carson led me through a series of elegant corridors until we reached a secluded balcony overlooking the royal gardens. Away from prying eyes and enhanced wolf hearing, it offered the privacy we desperately needed for this conversation.He moved to the stone railing, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the late morning light, and for a moment, I simply watched him, the powerful Alpha who had held me with such gentleness hours earlier. The contradiction of strength and tenderness that defined him."You don't have to stand so far away," he said without turning, a smile in his voice. "I don't bite. Unless asked nicely."Heat rushed to my cheeks at the implication, but I moved to join him at the railing, close enough that our arms nearly touched. The air between us felt charged with unspoken words and lingering touches."The gardens are beautiful," I offered lamely, grasping for a neutral starting point."Astraia." The way he said m
Last Updated : 2025-03-21By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 43 - Astraia
I watched from the palace balcony as Carson and Hunter departed with the High Crest security team, their figures growing smaller until they disappeared into the treeline. Even after they were gone, I remained there, the ghost of Carson's touch still lingering on my skin, his promises echoing in my mind."So," Odette's voice came from behind me, making me jump. "Are you going to tell us what happened, or do we need to torture it out of you?"I turned to find not just Odette, but Lila and Freya as well, all three wearing identical expressions of eager curiosity."I have no idea what you're talking about," I said primly, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me."Please," Lila scoffed, linking her arm through mine. "Carson practically ordered everyone out of the breakfast room so he could whisk you away for a private conversation. Then he returns looking like he's won the moonlight run, and you're standing here staring after him like a lovesick pup."
Last Updated : 2025-03-22By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 44 - Astraia
The morning after Carson's late-night call, I woke to sunlight streaming through the palace windows and the persistent chime of multiple incoming messages on my phone. Groggily, I reached for it, expecting to see a text from Carson. Instead, my screen was filled with notifications from the university's emergency alert system."All students, please be advised that Stellar University will transition to remote learning effective immediately due to ongoing security concerns. All buildings will remain closed until further notice. Faculty will contact students with course-specific instructions within 24 hours. Do not attempt to access campus or neutral territory without explicit security clearance. Updates will follow as the situation develops."I sat up, suddenly wide awake. While we'd all suspected classes might be canceled for a few days, a complete shutdown and transition to remote learning suggested the rogue threat was more serious than we'd been told.
Last Updated : 2025-03-23By 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-23By 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-24
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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
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 44 - Astraia
The morning after Carson's late-night call, I woke to sunlight streaming through the palace windows and the persistent chime of multiple incoming messages on my phone. Groggily, I reached for it, expecting to see a text from Carson. Instead, my screen was filled with notifications from the university's emergency alert system."All students, please be advised that Stellar University will transition to remote learning effective immediately due to ongoing security concerns. All buildings will remain closed until further notice. Faculty will contact students with course-specific instructions within 24 hours. Do not attempt to access campus or neutral territory without explicit security clearance. Updates will follow as the situation develops."I sat up, suddenly wide awake. While we'd all suspected classes might be canceled for a few days, a complete shutdown and transition to remote learning suggested the rogue threat was more serious than we'd been told.
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 43 - Astraia
I watched from the palace balcony as Carson and Hunter departed with the High Crest security team, their figures growing smaller until they disappeared into the treeline. Even after they were gone, I remained there, the ghost of Carson's touch still lingering on my skin, his promises echoing in my mind."So," Odette's voice came from behind me, making me jump. "Are you going to tell us what happened, or do we need to torture it out of you?"I turned to find not just Odette, but Lila and Freya as well, all three wearing identical expressions of eager curiosity."I have no idea what you're talking about," I said primly, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me."Please," Lila scoffed, linking her arm through mine. "Carson practically ordered everyone out of the breakfast room so he could whisk you away for a private conversation. Then he returns looking like he's won the moonlight run, and you're standing here staring after him like a lovesick pup."
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 42 - Astraia
After breakfast, Carson led me through a series of elegant corridors until we reached a secluded balcony overlooking the royal gardens. Away from prying eyes and enhanced wolf hearing, it offered the privacy we desperately needed for this conversation.He moved to the stone railing, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the late morning light, and for a moment, I simply watched him, the powerful Alpha who had held me with such gentleness hours earlier. The contradiction of strength and tenderness that defined him."You don't have to stand so far away," he said without turning, a smile in his voice. "I don't bite. Unless asked nicely."Heat rushed to my cheeks at the implication, but I moved to join him at the railing, close enough that our arms nearly touched. The air between us felt charged with unspoken words and lingering touches."The gardens are beautiful," I offered lamely, grasping for a neutral starting point."Astraia." The way he said m
