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Chapter 76 - Carson
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-21 11:00:56We reached the medical wing, where the head healer immediately took charge, ordering Astraia onto an examination table.
"Step aside, Alpha," the healer instructed firmly.
I hesitated, reluctant to break contact with Astraia.
"But I—"
"Carson," Astraia said softly, "it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."
With great reluctance, I moved back, giving the healer space to work.
Every bruise revealed as they examined her sent fresh waves of anger through me. Through our bond, I could feel little spikes of pain when the healer pressed certain areas, making my jaw clench tight.
"Three cracked ribs," the healer announced, gently prodding Astraia's side. "Significant bruising, but thankfully nothing life-threatening. She needs rest and minimal movement for at least twenty-four hours."
The moment the examination was complete, I moved back to Astraia's side. Without asking, I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my che
Kaugnay na kabanata
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 77 - Astraia
Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22By 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-23By 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-24By 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-13
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 77 - Astraia
Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 76 - Carson
We reached the medical wing, where the head healer immediately took charge, ordering Astraia onto an examination table."Step aside, Alpha," the healer instructed firmly.I hesitated, reluctant to break contact with Astraia."But I—""Carson," Astraia said softly, "it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."With great reluctance, I moved back, giving the healer space to work.Every bruise revealed as they examined her sent fresh waves of anger through me. Through our bond, I could feel little spikes of pain when the healer pressed certain areas, making my jaw clench tight."Three cracked ribs," the healer announced, gently prodding Astraia's side. "Significant bruising, but thankfully nothing life-threatening. She needs rest and minimal movement for at least twenty-four hours."The moment the examination was complete, I moved back to Astraia's side. Without asking, I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my che
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 75 - Carson
As Astraia led us toward the door, I could feel her calm determination through our bond, along with a sharp undercurrent of pain she was trying to hide. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to them both."She slipped up about the command center. That confirms they have someone inside the Royal Palace security.""But what if she's not?" Astraia asked. "What if there really are coordinated attacks planned?""Then we'll be ready," Alexei said grimly. "But first, let's see what Grant has to say. If he's coherent enough to talk."I nodded, glancing at Astraia. Her face was pale, the pain she'd been hiding starting to show. "You should rest," I said softly."Not yet," she insisted. "I need to see Grant. I need to understand what they did to him."I wanted to argue, to insist she take care of herself, but the determination in her eyes stopped me. "Fine. But after that, medical. No arguments."She nodded, swaying slightly as we walked toward
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 74 - Carson
I nodded, curious what approach she'd take. I shifted back slightly, giving her the lead."Tiffany," Astraia said, her voice softer but still firm. "We were packmates once. Not friends, obviously, but we lived under the same Alpha. I want to understand... why?"Tiffany's eyes narrowed. "Why what?""Why betray your pack? Your Alpha? Everything you've been raised to believe in?" Astraia leaned forward slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at her injured ribs. "What could possibly be worth that?"Something flickered across Tiffany's face—bitterness, maybe. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed. "You know what's funny, Astraia? You never even realized what you had. High ranking position even if you weren't Grant's mate. Respect. Power. All handed to you just because you were the Beta's daughter."Astraia's eyes flashed with anger. "I worked for my position, my power. Unlike you, I don't use others to get where I am.""So that's what this is about?
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 73 - Carson
"Justice before vengeance," I said, echoing her thoughts from our bond. "Information before retribution."She nodded, relief washing through her. "And if he was being controlled...""Then whoever's controlling him will pay instead," I finished.I wrapped my arm around her, careful of her injured ribs, and turned to Hunter and Odette. "What do we know so far?"Odette stepped forward. "Tiffany was definitely not being controlled. She was clear-eyed, aware, and tried to run when we arrived. Grant, on the other hand, seemed disoriented, his eyes constantly shifting between human, wolf, and something...else.""Something else?" I asked sharply."Almost black, with no pupils," Astraia clarified. "And his scent was wrong. Chemical, metallic, nothing like normal wolf.""The unknown wolves they were meeting," Hunter added, "scattered the moment we arrived. Professional, coordinated. We've got teams tracking them, but they know how to disappear.
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 72 - Carson
Two hours into my desperate run, Hunter's mind brushed against mine again.Carson, we've got her.I almost stumbled with relief. Is she okay?Standing but hurt. Grant attacked her.My vision went red. Grant?Something's wrong with him, Hunter pushed urgently. He's not himself. Eyes changing, weird strength. We've got him and Tiffany detained. Royal convoy heading to the palace now.Protect her and Odette at all costs, I ordered. I'm still at least two hours out.Already on it. And boss? We're sending a car to the eastern border checkpoint to meet you. Should cut your time in half.Thanks. I tried linking her but she hasn’t respond, she must still be under duress. Tell her I'm coming.Will do. She's asking for you.I broke the connection, pushing myself even faster. The pain I could feel through our bond hadn't
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 71 - Carson
Night fell quickly in the northern territories, the dense forest canopy making it seem even darker. We'd set up our observation post on a ridge overlooking the compound, far enough away to avoid detection but close enough to monitor activity with the high-powered scope Dominic had brought."Shift change," Elena murmured, noting the movement below. "Every four hours, like clockwork."I nodded, impressed despite myself. "Military precision. Someone's trained them well.""Or they were already trained," Troy suggested. "Ex-military wolves maybe?"It wasn't outside the realm of possibility. Wolves who couldn't adjust to pack life after military service sometimes went rogue, unable to submit to Alpha authority after years of different command structures."Possible," I conceded. "But that doesn't explain Marcus."The Beta's presence still gnawed at me. Silverclaw Pack had always been reliable allies, their leadership respected throughout the territ
