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Chapter 5 - Astraia
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2025-02-13 22:50:34Astraia
The morning sun cast long shadows across Stellar University's Main Quad as I clutched my orientation packet, trying to decipher the campus map. My stormy grey eyes scanned the imposing buildings, each one looking frustratingly similar to the last. Despite my Beta training in territory mapping, the university layout seemed determined to confuse me.
The ashy rose-brown strands of my hair caught the early light, the distinctive Briarthorn silver shift more pronounced in my nervousness. I'd spent extra time this morning trying to look perfectly put together – a habit from my Beta-in-waiting days that was hard to break.
First day. You can do this, I reminded myself, adjusting my bag. The weight of my new textbooks felt reassuring – something concrete to focus on besides the lingering echo of bond pain.
My phone buzzed with several messages:
Lila: You've got this, little cousin! Text
Bab terkait
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 6 - Astraia
Professor Kane's Environmental Science classroom was already half-full when we arrived. Odette, who had somehow managed to escape both her brother and the Council meeting, guided us to seats near the middle – "Not too eager in the front, not too hidden in the back," she explained with a wink.The classroom design was clearly made with both wolves and humans in mind. The windows were positioned to allow natural light without creating harsh glares that might irritate sensitive wolf eyes, and the ventilation system kept the air fresh despite the mix of pack scents."Best spot for both acoustics and quick exits," she whispered as we settled in. "Plus, perfect view of—" She stopped abruptly, violet eyes widening as she looked toward the door.The wave of Alpha power hit me before I turned to look. Carson Thorne stood in the doorway, his dark hair slightly dishevelled, golden eyes scanning the room with detached authority. The intensity of his presence
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 7 - Astraia
The walk to the administration building gave me a better view of campus than my earlier confused wandering. Odette, despite her seemingly casual chatter, was actually giving me useful information about pack-friendly routes and neutral zones."The path behind the science building is quieter," she explained, steering me along a tree-lined walkway. "Lots of wolves use it during high-stress times – the trees help muffle all the campus scents."My wolf appreciated the consideration, especially as we approached the administration building where pack scents were stronger. Various wolves coming and going, marking territory edges even in this neutral zone."Nicolas usually handles all the pack registration stuff," Odette continued, then checked her phone with a suspiciously innocent expression.Royal Pain (Brother): Where are you taking her?Odette: Administrative duties. Being responsible Royal Pain (Brother): On a Tuesday at 2pm? When Carson always checks university paperwork? ODETTE NOOdet
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 8 - Astraia
The wolfsbane garden was exactly where Odette had promised, tucked behind the science building. The diluted strain created a gentle haze that helped calm my still-unsettled wolf after the intensity of the administration office."Okay, spill everything," Odette demanded, settling onto one of the stone benches. "And don't you dare say 'it was nothing' because I literally watched you and Carson scent each other.""We did not—Aren't we suppose to do our study session— " I started to protest, but she cut me off with a knowing look."Pshh, forget about that, honey, I have eyes. And a nose. And twenty-one years of experience reading Carson's broody Alpha signals. He never handles university paperwork personally."I sank onto the bench beside her, letting the wolfsbane's calming effect soothe my racing thoughts. "It was just territory registration.""Right," Odette drawled. "Because all territory registrations involve that much eye contact. Or
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 9 - Astraia
The wolfsbane cider, as it turned out, was significantly stronger than any of us had anticipated. Three bottles later, our pizza was long gone, and the emergency pack meeting texts had somehow become less threatening and more amusing. Even my wolf, usually on edge at any mention of Grant, was contentedly buzzed, purring at the lingering traces of Carson's scent that still clung to the territory paperwork. Freya had wrapped fairy lights around our necks like glowing scarves, declaring us "the most fashionable pack girls on campus."The night was warm, the moon was bright, and everything felt wonderfully possible."We need snacks!" Odette announced, somehow making it sound like a royal decree. "To the minimart!""Od, it's almost midnight," I tried to reason, though the wolfsbane cider made everything feel wonderfully fuzzy."Exactly! Prime snacking hour!" Freya agreed, the fairy lights in her hair twinkling as she twirled. "Plus, we're all wearing green. We
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 10 - Astraia
The wolfsbane cider's pleasant haze evaporated instantly at that voice. Even Odette stopped humming, her violet eyes suddenly sharp despite her intoxication. Through the glow of our ridiculous fairy lights, I watched Carson's expression darken, his Alpha power surging protectively around our group.Grant stepped out of the shadows, his cold blue eyes taking in the scene with calculated amusement. He looked exactly as I remembered – classically handsome, perfectly polished, and completely cold."Isn't it a bit early for tomorrow's meeting?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of mockery. "Though I suppose some of us are more... prepared than others." His gaze swept over our green outfits and fairy lights with obvious disdain.Carson moved slightly, positioning himself between our group and Grant. The air crackled with tension as two Alpha energies collided."I wasn't aware Rivermoon Pack had any business in this territory," Carson's voice
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 11 - Astraia
My wolf healing had taken care of most of the wolfsbane cider's effects, but memories of last night remained crystal clear – fairy lights, two angry Alphas, and the lingering scent of pine and storm. Not exactly how I'd planned to start my first week at Stellar University."You look surprisingly alive," Freya commented as I came out from my room, already dressed for morning classes. She was curled up on our couch, sketching what looked suspiciously like last night's Alpha confrontation. "Though you might want to hide those fairy light marks around your neck."I groaned, adjusting my collar. "Please tell me you didn't actually draw that.""Of course not," she grinned. "I'm saving the dramatic recreation for my final art project. 'Two Alphas, One Minimart', it's going to be a masterpiece," she giggled."You're terrible," I muttered, but couldn't help smiling. The normalcy of morning banter with Freya helped ease some of the tension from last night.Morning classes passed in a blur of lec
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 12 - Astraia
The meeting venue was already buzzing with activity when we arrived, wolves from various packs filing into the large hall. Unlike regular pack gatherings, this one seemed focused on younger wolves – mostly university students and recent graduates."Did Alex tell you what this emergency meeting is actually about?" I asked Odette as we made our way inside."Not everything, but..." she lowered her voice, "apparently there's been a pattern. Rogues targeting our age group, maybe trying to infiltrate pack territories through university connections. That's why it's just university wolves here, not the whole neutral territory meeting."My wolf reacted at the mention of rogues, the scar on my neck suddenly feeling more noticeable. Odette must have sensed my tension because she squeezed my arm gently."Hey, you okay? You went pale for a second—""Miss Briarthorn." Carson's deep voice cut through the crowd behind us. "A word before the meeting sta
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 13 - Astraia
The private meeting room was down the hall, away from the dispersing crowd. My father stood as we entered, and despite the formal setting, I couldn't help but step into his embrace. His familiar scent – vanilla and old books – helped settle my wolf's lingering anxiety."Hey, little wolf," he murmured quietly before we both straightened, returning to proper Beta composure. His stormy grey eyes carried that particular tone that meant he was both concerned and calculating. Years of Beta training let me read the subtle signals: stand straight, project calm, let the politics play out.Grant was already there, his perfect composure slightly strained at the edges. Having both the Crown Prince and High Crest's Alpha present for what he'd probably planned as a pack matter clearly wasn't part of his agenda."Well," Alexei settled into one of the chairs with casual grace that somehow made everyone else look less regal, "shall we discuss the proper protocols for
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
Bab terbaru
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
