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Chapter 54 - Astraia
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2025-03-30 11:00:37The 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
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-31By Shadowlight Lake Author's Note & Character Descriptions
Welcome, dear reader, to By Shadowlight Lake, a story of loss, self-discovery, and the complex paths that lead us to understanding ourselves and our true purpose.When I began writing this novel, I wanted to explore the idea of how love can both heal and break us, and how the choices we make shape the people we become. Astraia and Carson’s journey is one of heartache and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to rise. Their bond is a symbol of what we all seek—connection, trust, and the courage to face our fears head-on.Through the pages, you’ll meet characters who, like us, are striving to find their place in a world that can often seem unforgiving. You’ll walk with Astraia as she navigates the consequences of rejection, finding strength she never knew she had. And you’ll see Carson, a brooding soul whose own trauma makes him question everything he believes in.This story is one of healing, of facing demons, both internal and external, and ultimate
Last Updated : 2024-12-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 1 - Astraia
The Beta’s birthday celebration was the social event of the season in our pack, a grand affair that filled the packhouse with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The packhouse itself was a masterpiece of rustic elegance, its wooden beams adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and the scent of fresh pine mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meat and spiced cider. Tonight was supposed to be special. I had spent hours perfecting every detail—my hair styled into soft curls, my favorite emerald dress hugging my curves, and just the right amount of makeup to highlight my features. I’d hoped to feel beautiful, confident, and, for once, seen.But deep down, a hollow ache gnawed at me—a hope that tonight might bring a change in my life, even if I couldn’t name what that change should be. Instead, fate would deliver a cruel twist that would forever alter my path.“Astraia,” Tiffany’s voice broke through my thoughts, dripping with false sweetness. I turned to see her standing near th
Last Updated : 2024-12-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 2 - Astraia
The ride home was a blur. The rhythmic hum of the car’s engine did little to soothe the chaos in my mind. The car felt suffocating as I sat in the back, my parents chatting casually about the party. Their voices, light and unconcerned, seemed miles away, like they were coming from another world, a place where I wasn’t broken, where I wasn’t questioning everything I thought I knew. My father’s steady grip on the wheel, the sound of my mother humming softly in the front seat—it all felt so distant. The only sound in my ears was the agonizing thrum of my heart, the deafening emptiness that Grant’s rejection had left in its wake.“How was the party, sweetie?” My mother’s voice cut through my fog of pain.I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I didn’t know how to explain what had happened. How could I tell them about the cruel words Grant had spoken? How could I admit that I’d been rejected in front of an entire pack? How could I explain that my heart was
Last Updated : 2024-12-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 3 - Astraia
The past few weeks had been an endless blur of sadness and confusion. Every thought, every memory, seemed to be wrapped in Grant's rejection. His cold dismissal, choosing Tiffany, breaking our bond – it all echoed through my mind like a haunting melody I couldn't escape. The ache in my chest wasn't just emotional; it felt like a physical weight crushing my heart."I, Grant Dixon, soon to be Alpha of the Rivermoon Pack, reject you, Astraia, as my mate."The words still rang in my ears, even weeks later. But somewhere deep inside, something began to shift. A quiet determination took root. I wasn't going to let Grant's rejection define me. I wasn't going to let it dictate my future.After countless hours of research and weighing options, I found my answer: Stellar University. A neutral zone where both humans and werewolves coexisted, far enough from Rivermoon Pack for breathing room but close enough to maintain connections. The perfect place to pursue my passion for environmental science
Last Updated : 2024-12-22By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 4 - Astraia
The evening sun cast long shadows across the wolfsbane garden as I finally gathered my thoughts and headed back to the apartment. The day's explorations had given me a better sense of my new territory, but it had also stirred up emotions I wasn't quite ready to face.Back in the apartment, I found Freya had left a note on the kitchen counter: "Made extra coffee this morning – it's in the blue thermos. Told you it was life-changing! Class until 6, but Chinese takeout after?"The thoughtfulness of the gesture brought a small smile to my face. I put the thermos in the fridge for tomorrow and turned to my room, ready to truly make it my space.Unpacking the last of my boxes, I carefully arranged my belongings. My environmental science textbooks lined the desk, along with the leather-bound territory mapping journal my father had given me – a traditional gift for Beta training. I hesitated before placing it on the shelf. It represented everything I'd lost, but also everything I'd learned. Kn
Last Updated : 2024-12-22By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 5 - Astraia
AstraiaThe 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-13By 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-14
Latest chapter
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
