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Chapter 53 - Carson
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2025-03-29 11:00:00The 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
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-30By 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-31By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 56 - Astraia
I woke to shouting.Blinking groggily, I tried to orient myself. Carson was no longer beside me, but standing at the foot of the bed in a protective stance, his body a shield between me and the door.Grant stood in the doorway, his face contorted with rage. "Get away from her," he snarled, taking a step forward.Carson's growl was low and dangerous. "Leave. Now.""This is my territory," Grant countered, his eyes darting past Carson to where I sat propped against the pillows. "Astraia, are you okay? Did he hurt you?""Are you serious right now?" I asked incredulously, struggling to sit up straighter. "Carson would never hurt me."Grant took another step into the room. "You need to move back to Rivermoon permanently. Where I can protect you."Carson's stance shifted subtly, his muscles coiling with tension. "She's not going anywhere with you.""She's under my protection as future Alpha of Rivermoon—""She's under my
Last Updated : 2025-04-03By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 57 - Astraia
A hot surge of possessiveness shot through me. Before I could stop myself, I was moving forward, my crutch thumping against the floor."Tiffany," I called out. "Get your dirty hands off him before I make you regret it."She whirled around, eyes widening in surprise, then narrowing as she took me in. "Astraia," she said with fake sweetness. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"As she spoke, she tried to touch Carson's arm again, but he immediately moved away and toward me."Touch him again," I warned, raising my crutch slightly, "and I'll shove this crutch up your—""Astraia," Odette cut in, though I heard the laughter she was trying to hold back.Tiffany took a step back, her face flushing. "I was just being friendly. Welcoming our guest.""Yeah right. Find someone else to welcome," I said, not hiding the edge in my voice.Tiffany tossed her hair with a smirk. "Pfft, I took Grant from you. I can take him too."I lunged forwa
Last Updated : 2025-04-04By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 58 - Astraia
As breakfast continued, I found myself leaning slightly against Carson's solid presence beside me, drawing comfort from his nearness."We should make arrangements for your departure to the Royal Palace," Alexei said, setting down his coffee cup. "Perhaps tomorrow, after another day of rest?""Today," I said immediately, earning concerned looks from everyone at the table. "I want to leave today.""Astraia," my mother began, her tone cautious, "the healer recommended at least another day of recovery before travel.""I'll be fine," I insisted. "I'm healing well, and I'd rather recover somewhere that isn't—" I stopped myself before saying something that might hurt my parents' feelings."Somewhere that doesn't have Grant lurking around every corner?" my father suggested dryly.I gave him a grateful smile. "Something like that."Carson studied my face carefully. "Are you sure? The journey isn't short, and the roads to Royal territory
Last Updated : 2025-04-05By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 59 - Astraia
The Royal Palace was as magnificent as I remembered. As we pulled into the circular drive, a team of staff emerged to greet us."Welcome back, Your Highness," a distinguished older man said, bowing slightly to Odette. "We've prepared the eastern wing quarters as requested.""Thank you, Edwin," Odette replied, then turned to me with excitement dancing in her eyes. "You're going to love it. The east wing has the best views of the gardens, and I've had them prepare the suite next to mine."I nodded, too tired to match her enthusiasm. Carson's arm tightened around my waist as we made our way inside."You look ready to collapse," he murmured, his voice thick with concern."Just tired," I assured him, though in truth, my shoulder was throbbing painfully.He made a sound of disbelief but didn't press the issue as we followed Odette through the palace's elegant corridors. The east wing was bright and airy, with large windows overlooking meticulously
Last Updated : 2025-04-06By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 60 - Astraia
I woke to dim light and the sound of soft voices. Blinking groggily, I tried to orient myself, memories of the journey to the Royal Palace gradually coming back to me."She's awake," Odette's voice said from somewhere nearby.A moment later, Carson's face came into view, his golden eyes filled with concern. "How are you feeling?""Better," I said, and it wasn't a lie. The pain had dulled to a manageable ache, and the bone-deep exhaustion had receded. "What time is it?""Just after seven," Odette answered. "You slept for almost five hours."I pushed myself up to a sitting position, noting with relief that the movement caused only minimal discomfort. Carson's hand was there immediately, helping to adjust the pillows behind me."Are you hungry?" he asked. "Dinner can be brought up here."My stomach answered with an embarrassingly loud rumble, making Odette laugh."I'll take that as a yes," she said, moving toward the door. "I'll h
Last Updated : 2025-04-07By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 61 - Astraia
The next two days passed in a similar fashion, sleeping, eating, and rapidly regaining my strength. Carson was a constant presence despite Odette's rules, finding excuses to visit throughout the day. By the third morning, I was feeling completely healed, no trace of pain or bruising remaining on my shoulder."URGH PLEASEEE , let me outtt, no more iinjured status," I declared as Cassandra examined me. "I need to get out of this room before I lose my mind."Cassandra, the Royal Pack's healer, smiled as she removed my bandage completely. "Your recovery has been remarkable, even by wolf standards. You're fully healed now, though I'd still advise against shifting forms for another three days to let the deeper tissues completely set.""Hear that, Odette?" I called to where she hovered near the door. "I'm officially healed.""Just no shifting yet," Cassandra reminded me with a stern look. "Wolf healing is impressive, but we shouldn't push it."Once she'd
Last Updated : 2025-04-08
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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
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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
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"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
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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
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"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
