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Chapter 59 - Astraia
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2025-04-06 11:00:47The 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
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By 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
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 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
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-08By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 62 - Astraia
When I woke a few hours later, the light had changed to the golden glow of late afternoon. I stretched contentedly, enjoying the complete absence of pain or stiffness. A quick shower left me feeling refreshed and energized.Odette arrived as I was toweling my hair dry, bringing with her a whirlwind of activity. Two palace staff members followed her, one carrying a case of what appeared to be cosmetics, the other a tray with tea and small sandwiches."Eat first," she instructed, "then we'll start getting you ready.""It's just dinner, Odette," I said, though I obediently took a sandwich.She ignored my comment, busying herself with laying out various hair products and makeup on the vanity. By the time I'd finished eating, she had transformed my bedroom into what resembled a high-end salon."Sit," she commanded, pointing to the vanity stool.Knowing resistance was futile, I complied. For the next hour, I was at the mercy of Odette and the staf
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-09By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 63 - Astraia
The journey to Moonlight Cottage took just ten minutes in the ornate, open-air carts that the Royal Pack used for traveling their extensive grounds. We followed winding paths along Shadowlight Lake's shore, the moonlight creating a silver path across the water beside us.As we rounded the final bend, the cottage came into view, and I gasped."Cottage" was a laughably modest term for what was actually a miniature castle crafted from gleaming stone. The two-story structure boasted turret-like features at each corner, expansive windows that captured the stunning lake view, and a wraparound balcony on the second floor. The grounds were meticulously landscaped, with an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the lake beyond, a modern fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating, and stone pathways winding through gardens illuminated by hidden lights. Lanterns hung from decorative iron posts, casting the entire property in a warm, inviting glow."Oh wow...It's beautiful
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-10By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 64 - Astraia
The path led us through a section of dense trees before suddenly opening to a hidden outcropping high on the ridge. The intimate spot was naturally concealed by tall rock formations on three sides, but opened to a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Shadowlight Lake below. Carson had added comfortable cushions and strung fairy lights among the surrounding trees, making the hidden lookout even more magical."Oh wow, this is your special place," I said softly, recognizing it from his description. "The one you said you'd show me someday.""I wanted to keep my promise," he replied, his voice low. "I've never brought anyone else here."We settled onto the comfortable cushions Carson had arranged on the natural stone ledge. A small folding table held a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs. Carson poured the steaming liquid into both mugs, the rich chocolate scent mingling with the crisp night air."To new beginnings," he said, raising his mug."New be
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-11By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 65 - Astraia
A low growl rumbled in his chest, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could blink, he closed the door behind us and had me pressed against it, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that stole the breath from my lungs.His tongue swept against mine, demanding and possessive in a way that made heat pool low in my belly. This was nothing like the gentle exploration at the lookout, this was primal hunger, and I matched it eagerly, nipping at his lower lip in a way that made him groan.My hands found their way under his suit jacket, feeling the hard planes of his chest through his shirt. I could feel his heart hammering beneath my palms, a rhythm that matched my own racing pulse. His fingers tangled in my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss further, the slight edge of pain from his grip sending sparks of pleasure through my body.His hips pressed against mine, the hard evidence of his desire making me gasp against his mouth. The thin fabric of my dres
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-12By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 66 - Astraia
Warm. Safe. Mine.Those were the first three thoughts that floated through my head before I even opened my eyes. The fourth thought was a bit more specific.I'm actually mated.I snuggled deeper into Carson's chest, feeling the pleasant tingle of our fresh marking wounds. His arms tightened around me instinctively, even though his breathing told me he was still sleeping. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant, comforting presence that hadn't been there before last night.Last night.My cheeks heated as the memories flooded back. The way he'd taken me to his childhood alcove at Shadowlight Lake, the way we'd finally, finally given in to what we both wanted. The claiming bites that had sealed our bond forever.I reached up to touch the mark on my neck, just below my collarbone. It was tender but in the best way possible, sending little sparks of pleasure through my body when my fingers brushed it. Carson had the matching mark on the same spot, our wolves choosing identical location
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-13By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 67 - Astraia
We did eventually make it to the dining room, though "breakfast" had long since transitioned to "lunch." I tried to look presentable, but there was only so much I could do with my hair that clearly showed what we'd been doing all morning.Odette's eyes widened when we walked in, Carson's hand possessively on my lower back. "Well well well, look who finally decided to join the land of the living," she drawled.I felt my cheeks heat but lifted my chin. No way was I going to be embarrassed about being with my mate."Nice of you to save us some food," Carson replied smoothly, pulling out my chair before taking his own.Hunter grumbled into his coffee, eyes darting briefly to Odette. "Some of us just wish we got lucky last night too.""Go find someone to sleep with at your own territory if you're that desperate," Odette snapped, a flush creeping up her neck as she glared at him.I caught Carson's eye across the table, and he gave me the tiniest h
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-14
āļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 68 - Astraia
After the strategy meeting, Carson pulled me into an empty sitting room, closing the door behind us."You're worried," he said without preamble.I sighed. "That obvious?""The bond, remember?" He tapped his chest. "I can feel it.""It's just... we literally just completed our bond, and now you're leaving." I wrapped my arms around myself. "I know it's necessary. I know they need you. But that doesn't make it any easier."Carson pulled me against him, wrapping me in his warmth. "If you ask me to stay, I will. You know that, right? You come first, Astraia. Always. The pack, the mission, everything else comes second."The sincerity in his voice made my throat tight. "I would never ask you to shirk your responsibilities. Those rogues need to be stopped.""And they will be," he said firmly. "But not at the cost of us. If you need me here, just say the word."I shook my head against his chest. "It's not you... and I want you for who
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 67 - Astraia
We did eventually make it to the dining room, though "breakfast" had long since transitioned to "lunch." I tried to look presentable, but there was only so much I could do with my hair that clearly showed what we'd been doing all morning.Odette's eyes widened when we walked in, Carson's hand possessively on my lower back. "Well well well, look who finally decided to join the land of the living," she drawled.I felt my cheeks heat but lifted my chin. No way was I going to be embarrassed about being with my mate."Nice of you to save us some food," Carson replied smoothly, pulling out my chair before taking his own.Hunter grumbled into his coffee, eyes darting briefly to Odette. "Some of us just wish we got lucky last night too.""Go find someone to sleep with at your own territory if you're that desperate," Odette snapped, a flush creeping up her neck as she glared at him.I caught Carson's eye across the table, and he gave me the tiniest h
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 66 - Astraia
Warm. Safe. Mine.Those were the first three thoughts that floated through my head before I even opened my eyes. The fourth thought was a bit more specific.I'm actually mated.I snuggled deeper into Carson's chest, feeling the pleasant tingle of our fresh marking wounds. His arms tightened around me instinctively, even though his breathing told me he was still sleeping. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant, comforting presence that hadn't been there before last night.Last night.My cheeks heated as the memories flooded back. The way he'd taken me to his childhood alcove at Shadowlight Lake, the way we'd finally, finally given in to what we both wanted. The claiming bites that had sealed our bond forever.I reached up to touch the mark on my neck, just below my collarbone. It was tender but in the best way possible, sending little sparks of pleasure through my body when my fingers brushed it. Carson had the matching mark on the same spot, our wolves choosing identical location
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 65 - Astraia
A low growl rumbled in his chest, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could blink, he closed the door behind us and had me pressed against it, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that stole the breath from my lungs.His tongue swept against mine, demanding and possessive in a way that made heat pool low in my belly. This was nothing like the gentle exploration at the lookout, this was primal hunger, and I matched it eagerly, nipping at his lower lip in a way that made him groan.My hands found their way under his suit jacket, feeling the hard planes of his chest through his shirt. I could feel his heart hammering beneath my palms, a rhythm that matched my own racing pulse. His fingers tangled in my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss further, the slight edge of pain from his grip sending sparks of pleasure through my body.His hips pressed against mine, the hard evidence of his desire making me gasp against his mouth. The thin fabric of my dres
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 64 - Astraia
The path led us through a section of dense trees before suddenly opening to a hidden outcropping high on the ridge. The intimate spot was naturally concealed by tall rock formations on three sides, but opened to a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Shadowlight Lake below. Carson had added comfortable cushions and strung fairy lights among the surrounding trees, making the hidden lookout even more magical."Oh wow, this is your special place," I said softly, recognizing it from his description. "The one you said you'd show me someday.""I wanted to keep my promise," he replied, his voice low. "I've never brought anyone else here."We settled onto the comfortable cushions Carson had arranged on the natural stone ledge. A small folding table held a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs. Carson poured the steaming liquid into both mugs, the rich chocolate scent mingling with the crisp night air."To new beginnings," he said, raising his mug."New be
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 63 - Astraia
The journey to Moonlight Cottage took just ten minutes in the ornate, open-air carts that the Royal Pack used for traveling their extensive grounds. We followed winding paths along Shadowlight Lake's shore, the moonlight creating a silver path across the water beside us.As we rounded the final bend, the cottage came into view, and I gasped."Cottage" was a laughably modest term for what was actually a miniature castle crafted from gleaming stone. The two-story structure boasted turret-like features at each corner, expansive windows that captured the stunning lake view, and a wraparound balcony on the second floor. The grounds were meticulously landscaped, with an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the lake beyond, a modern fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating, and stone pathways winding through gardens illuminated by hidden lights. Lanterns hung from decorative iron posts, casting the entire property in a warm, inviting glow."Oh wow...It's beautiful
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 62 - Astraia
When I woke a few hours later, the light had changed to the golden glow of late afternoon. I stretched contentedly, enjoying the complete absence of pain or stiffness. A quick shower left me feeling refreshed and energized.Odette arrived as I was toweling my hair dry, bringing with her a whirlwind of activity. Two palace staff members followed her, one carrying a case of what appeared to be cosmetics, the other a tray with tea and small sandwiches."Eat first," she instructed, "then we'll start getting you ready.""It's just dinner, Odette," I said, though I obediently took a sandwich.She ignored my comment, busying herself with laying out various hair products and makeup on the vanity. By the time I'd finished eating, she had transformed my bedroom into what resembled a high-end salon."Sit," she commanded, pointing to the vanity stool.Knowing resistance was futile, I complied. For the next hour, I was at the mercy of Odette and the staf
By 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
By 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
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