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Chapter 40 - Astraia
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2025-03-19 11:10:47I 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
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By 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 : 2025-03-24By 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-25By 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 86 - Astraia
The day after Carson's seizure was the worst. I sat beside his bed, numb with fear and exhaustion, watching his chest rise and fall with mechanical precision, too regular, too shallow."His vitals are stable," the doctor told me during morning rounds, her voice carefully neutral. "But the seizure caused some setbacks. We're monitoring brain activity closely.""When will he wake up?" My voice sounded strange to my own ears, hollow and distant.She hesitated, sympathy crossing her face. "I can't say for certain. The silver levels in his bloodstream are still significant.""But he will wake up," I insisted, needing her to confirm it, to give me something to cling to."We're doing everything we can," she replied, which wasn't an answer at all.When she left, I laid my head on the edge of Carson's bed, pressing my forehead against his arm. "I need you, I miss you..." I whispered. "Please, Carson. I need you to come back to me."The mate bo
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 85 - Astraia
The moment the doctor finished speaking, I pushed past her, my heart hammering against my ribs as I rushed into Carson's room.The sight of him stopped me cold.Lying there, pale against the white sheets, he looked nothing like my powerful Alpha. Tubes and wires connected him to various machines, their steady beeping the only sound in the otherwise silent room."Carson," I whispered, moving to his side as if pulled by gravity.I reached for his hand, desperate for contact, for proof that he was still here with me. The warmth of his skin sent a wave of relief through me so intense I nearly collapsed. Alive. He was still alive."I'm here," I said, pressing his palm to my cheek, needing to feel him. "I'm right here, Carson. I'm so sorry"Behind me, Odette, Alexei, and Hunter hovered in the doorway, their faces grim as they took in Carson's condition. Alexei placed a gentle hand on my shoulder."The Royal medical team is the best in all t
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
