Lahat ng Kabanata ng By Shadowlight Lake: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

The library felt emptier after they left, though the tension lingered. Everyone seemed to be processing what just happened – Alexei and Alpha Dixon exchanging loaded looks, my father's carefully controlled anger, Odette's barely concealed urge to demonstrate exactly why threatening her friends was a bad idea."Well," Nicolas broke the silence, his attempt at lightness not quite hiding his concern, "I suppose this means the cake-cutting is delayed?""Nic," Carson's warning held no real heat. He'd moved closer to our group during the confrontation, and I noticed he hadn't stepped back yet."What?" Eden joined in, her professional mask slipping slightly. "Some sugar might help with the stress. Medically speaking, of course.""Perhaps," Alpha Dixon said, his voice carrying that particular tone that meant he was choosing his words carefully, "we should rejoin the celebration. Before the guests start creating their own theories about tonight's... entertainment."He was right, wolves were gos

He finally stopped, turning to face me. "The breach location... it matches patterns we've seen before. Patterns that—" he caught himself, jaw tightening. "Your father asked me to ensure your safety personally."There was more he wasn't saying, but before I could press further, my phone buzzed:Oliver: Made it to my meeting point. Hope you're safe. Maybe next time we could check out the new natural history museum exhibit? Less chance of territory breaches there 😊Despite the tension, I found myself smiling at his message. But Carson's sudden shift in energy made me look up – his expression was unreadable, but something had definitely changed in his stance."The museum would be outside pack jurisdiction," Carson said suddenly, his tone carefully neutral. "Security protocols would be... complicated."I blinked, surprised he'd even noticed the message. "I wasn't aware High Crest monitored personal plans in neutral territory."

The purple dress was definitely an Odette choice, elegant but just this side of daring. As I adjusted the neckline one last time, I caught Freya's artistic touches in the subtle makeup, Lila's practical influence in the comfortable but stylish heels."Stop fidgeting," Odette called from my bed. "You look perfect."Crystal Bay was everything they said it would be, all gleaming lights and elegant design. Jake waited outside, his smile genuine as he caught sight of me. No calculated pack politics, no hidden agendas - just a wolf who'd apparently been quoting my territory theories in class."You look amazing," he said, and meant it. "Though I have to confess, I might have practiced my conservation talking points. You know, in case there are any awkward silences."I found myself laughing, tension easing. "Let me guess - seasonal migration patterns?""Actually," his green eyes sparkled with humor, "I was thinking we could start with your theories on cros

We both turned to find him standing closer than expected, his golden eyes carrying an intensity that made nearby humans instinctively step back. Daniel's hand tightened slightly in mine, more curious than intimidated."Your father asked me to discuss some pack matters with you," Carson added smoothly, though something in his tone suggested Alexander Briarthorn had done no such thing. "About territory access during the upcoming full moon.""Of course," I managed, catching Daniel's barely concealed grin. "Though I'm sure it could wait until—""Actually," Carson's golden eyes flickered briefly to where Daniel's hand had been holding mine, "your father was quite insistent about discussing it now.""Right, right. Pack business. Very serious." Daniel stepped back with exaggerated formality. "Though about that dessert...""I believe," Carson's voice could have frozen fire, "the pack matters are rather urgent.""Everything's urgent with wo

CarsonThe alert went out the moment we confirmed the breach - three unknown wolves crossing territory lines near the east campus border. Something about their movement patterns set every Alpha instinct on edge."All perimeters secured," Hunter reported, his usual easy demeanor replaced by his Beta efficiency. "Nicolas is coordinating with campus security."I nodded, scanning the growing crowd of wolves gathering at the designated safe zones. Students and faculty moved quickly, following practiced protocols. But something felt wrong. Something was missing."Where is she?" The words escaped before I could catch them.Hunter's sharp green eyes caught my meaning immediately. "Who? Astraia? She should be..." he trailed off, checking his phone. "She's not on campus. According to the morning check-in logs, she was headed to the natural history museum with Oliver Redwood."The museum. Outside our immediate territory. Outside our pr