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Chapter 6 - Astraia
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2025-02-14 13:00:19Professor 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
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 7 - Astraia
The walk to the administration building gave me a better view of campus than my earlier confused wandering. Odette, despite her seemingly casual chatter, was actually giving me useful information about pack-friendly routes and neutral zones."The path behind the science building is quieter," she explained, steering me along a tree-lined walkway. "Lots of wolves use it during high-stress times – the trees help muffle all the campus scents."My wolf appreciated the consideration, especially as we approached the administration building where pack scents were stronger. Various wolves coming and going, marking territory edges even in this neutral zone."Nicolas usually handles all the pack registration stuff," Odette continued, then checked her phone with a suspiciously innocent expression.Royal Pain (Brother): Where are you taking her?Odette: Administrative duties. Being responsible Royal Pain (Brother): On a Tuesday at 2pm? When Carson always checks university paperwork? ODETTE NOOdet
Last Updated : 2025-02-15By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 8 - Astraia
The wolfsbane garden was exactly where Odette had promised, tucked behind the science building. The diluted strain created a gentle haze that helped calm my still-unsettled wolf after the intensity of the administration office."Okay, spill everything," Odette demanded, settling onto one of the stone benches. "And don't you dare say 'it was nothing' because I literally watched you and Carson scent each other.""We did not—Aren't we suppose to do our study session— " I started to protest, but she cut me off with a knowing look."Pshh, forget about that, honey, I have eyes. And a nose. And twenty-one years of experience reading Carson's broody Alpha signals. He never handles university paperwork personally."I sank onto the bench beside her, letting the wolfsbane's calming effect soothe my racing thoughts. "It was just territory registration.""Right," Odette drawled. "Because all territory registrations involve that much eye contact. Or
Last Updated : 2025-02-16By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 9 - Astraia
The wolfsbane cider, as it turned out, was significantly stronger than any of us had anticipated. Three bottles later, our pizza was long gone, and the emergency pack meeting texts had somehow become less threatening and more amusing. Even my wolf, usually on edge at any mention of Grant, was contentedly buzzed, purring at the lingering traces of Carson's scent that still clung to the territory paperwork. Freya had wrapped fairy lights around our necks like glowing scarves, declaring us "the most fashionable pack girls on campus."The night was warm, the moon was bright, and everything felt wonderfully possible."We need snacks!" Odette announced, somehow making it sound like a royal decree. "To the minimart!""Od, it's almost midnight," I tried to reason, though the wolfsbane cider made everything feel wonderfully fuzzy."Exactly! Prime snacking hour!" Freya agreed, the fairy lights in her hair twinkling as she twirled. "Plus, we're all wearing green. We
Last Updated : 2025-02-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 10 - Astraia
The wolfsbane cider's pleasant haze evaporated instantly at that voice. Even Odette stopped humming, her violet eyes suddenly sharp despite her intoxication. Through the glow of our ridiculous fairy lights, I watched Carson's expression darken, his Alpha power surging protectively around our group.Grant stepped out of the shadows, his cold blue eyes taking in the scene with calculated amusement. He looked exactly as I remembered – classically handsome, perfectly polished, and completely cold."Isn't it a bit early for tomorrow's meeting?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of mockery. "Though I suppose some of us are more... prepared than others." His gaze swept over our green outfits and fairy lights with obvious disdain.Carson moved slightly, positioning himself between our group and Grant. The air crackled with tension as two Alpha energies collided."I wasn't aware Rivermoon Pack had any business in this territory," Carson's voice
Last Updated : 2025-02-18By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 11 - Astraia
My wolf healing had taken care of most of the wolfsbane cider's effects, but memories of last night remained crystal clear – fairy lights, two angry Alphas, and the lingering scent of pine and storm. Not exactly how I'd planned to start my first week at Stellar University."You look surprisingly alive," Freya commented as I came out from my room, already dressed for morning classes. She was curled up on our couch, sketching what looked suspiciously like last night's Alpha confrontation. "Though you might want to hide those fairy light marks around your neck."I groaned, adjusting my collar. "Please tell me you didn't actually draw that.""Of course not," she grinned. "I'm saving the dramatic recreation for my final art project. 'Two Alphas, One Minimart', it's going to be a masterpiece," she giggled."You're terrible," I muttered, but couldn't help smiling. The normalcy of morning banter with Freya helped ease some of the tension from last night.Morning classes passed in a blur of lec
Last Updated : 2025-02-21By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 12 - Astraia
The meeting venue was already buzzing with activity when we arrived, wolves from various packs filing into the large hall. Unlike regular pack gatherings, this one seemed focused on younger wolves – mostly university students and recent graduates."Did Alex tell you what this emergency meeting is actually about?" I asked Odette as we made our way inside."Not everything, but..." she lowered her voice, "apparently there's been a pattern. Rogues targeting our age group, maybe trying to infiltrate pack territories through university connections. That's why it's just university wolves here, not the whole neutral territory meeting."My wolf reacted at the mention of rogues, the scar on my neck suddenly feeling more noticeable. Odette must have sensed my tension because she squeezed my arm gently."Hey, you okay? You went pale for a second—""Miss Briarthorn." Carson's deep voice cut through the crowd behind us. "A word before the meeting sta
Last Updated : 2025-02-22By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 13 - Astraia
The private meeting room was down the hall, away from the dispersing crowd. My father stood as we entered, and despite the formal setting, I couldn't help but step into his embrace. His familiar scent – vanilla and old books – helped settle my wolf's lingering anxiety."Hey, little wolf," he murmured quietly before we both straightened, returning to proper Beta composure. His stormy grey eyes carried that particular tone that meant he was both concerned and calculating. Years of Beta training let me read the subtle signals: stand straight, project calm, let the politics play out.Grant was already there, his perfect composure slightly strained at the edges. Having both the Crown Prince and High Crest's Alpha present for what he'd probably planned as a pack matter clearly wasn't part of his agenda."Well," Alexei settled into one of the chairs with casual grace that somehow made everyone else look less regal, "shall we discuss the proper protocols for
Last Updated : 2025-02-23By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 14 - Astraia
Consciousness returned slowly, fragments of sensation filtering through the haze. The sterile scent of the pack medical wing, my father's vanilla and old books scent nearby, hushed but angry voices in the hallway."You could have fucking killed her!" That was Carson's voice, tight with barely controlled fury. "The force of the impact alone—""Not to mention the rejected bond trauma," a female voice spoke with professional concern. "Physical contact with a rejector, especially forced contact, can cause severe—""To think," Alexei's voice cut through the tension, his royal authority somehow more threatening in its quiet disappointment, "that the future Alpha of Rivermoon Pack would display such... primitive behavior. In neutral territory, no less.""Future Alpha or not," my father's voice carried that Beta authority that had commanded respect for generations, "this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Especially from someone who claims to understan
Last Updated : 2025-02-24
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 104 - Astraia
Carson and I tensed up as Odette continued, "In the underground caverns near Silver Lake. That's why Marcus was so interested in that area. It sits at a confluence of ley lines, magical energy pathways that amplify signals. The perfect place to ensure maximum coverage across all territories.""The Silver Lake caverns?" I asked, shifting in my seat as a sharp pain lanced through my ribs. The ache that had been building for the past hour was becoming harder to ignore. "We've always considered that area safe ground."Alexei nodded grimly. "The very same. It's been designated as one of the main neutral meeting territory since the Last Accord. All packs have access, but none maintain regular patrols.""It makes sense," I murmured, trying to focus despite the increasing discomfort. "A location with historical significance to all packs, positioned where regular security might be less frequent." I winced as I leaned forward, the movement pulling at my barely-healed inju
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 103 - Astraia
We made our way to the war room, Carson's arm steady around my waist.The corridors of the Royal Palace were buzzing with activity, wolves rushing back and forth with purpose. Whatever we'd found at Silvercrest had clearly kicked everyone into high gear.The war room itself was even more chaotic, maps covered every surface, screens displayed data feeds, and voices competed for attention.Alexei stood at the center, directing the operation with the calm authority of a born leader.Odette was beside him, looking remarkably unruffled by our ordeal except for a small cut above her eyebrow. Hunter was there too, a bandage on his forehead but otherwise alert and focused.Alexei noticed us first. "Astraia, good to see you up. How are you feeling?""Like I got hit by a truck again," I replied honestly. "But functional. What have we got?"He gestured to a cleared space at the main table. "Your evidence is... enlightening. And disturbing."The documents from Hartley's safe were spread out, alon
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 102 - Astraia
I woke to the familiar scent of pine and storm, my face pressed against Carson's chest. For a moment, I was disoriented, the last thing I remembered was being in the SUV after our escape from Silvercrest. Now we were in a bed, warm and safe."Hey, sleepyhead," Carson murmured, his fingers trailing gently through my hair. "Welcome back."I blinked up at him, wincing as various pains made themselves known, a throbbing in my shoulder, stinging cuts on my hands, an overall ache that suggested I'd been thrown around more than I realized."How long was I out?" My voice came out raspy."About four hours." He helped me sit up, concern etched in his features. "Dr. Winters patched you up while you slept. You have three bruised ribs, a sprained shoulder, and an impressive collection of cuts and bruises."I took inventory, noting the bandages on my hands and the tight wrap around my ribs. "Better than it could have been. What about everyone else? Hunter? The driver?""Hunter's fine, hard-headed i
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 101 - Astraia
When my vision cleared, we were upside down, still strapped into our seats. The driver wasn't moving. Hunter was struggling with his seatbelt, blood streaming from a cut on his forehead. Odette dangled beside me, dazed but conscious."Fuck, get out," Hunter ordered, his voice strained. "Now. Royal Guard is coming."I fumbled with my seatbelt, finally managing to release it. I crashed awkwardly to the roof of the inverted vehicle, pain shooting through my shoulder. Ignoring it, I helped Odette free herself."The evidence," I gasped, patting my pockets frantically. To my relief, both the USB and tablet were still secure.Hunter kicked out what remained of the window. "Go. I'll get the driver."Odette and I crawled through the broken window, glass cutting into my palms. Outside, chaos reigned.The Royal Guard vehicles were speeding toward us, but so were the black cars that had been pursuing us. The vehicle that had hit us, a massive black SUV
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 100 - Astraia
We sprinted across the street, aware of shouts and footsteps behind us. Blue team emerged from the café, forming a protective barrier between us and our pursuers.Hunter grabbed Odette's arm, pulling her toward a waiting SUV while two other wolves flanked me."Go, go, go!" Hunter shouted to the driver as we piled into the vehicle.The SUV peeled away from the curb, tires squealing. Through the rear window, I could see security guards pouring out of Silvercrest, some giving chase on foot while others rushed to vehicles."We've got company," the driver announced, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror."Red team, flanking maneuver," Hunter ordered into his comm. "Cut them off at Third and Maple."I clutched my tablet and the USB drive, protecting the precious evidence we'd risked everything to obtain. Beside me, Odette was breathing hard, her face flushed with adrenaline."Did you get it?" she asked. "Tell me that whole performance
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 99 - Astraia
Alarms began blaring, whether from smoke detectors or security, I couldn't tell. We sprinted down the hallway, lab coats flying behind us like capes. Through my earpiece, I could hear the command center erupting in activity."Visual on targets?" Hunter's voice demanded."Negative," someone replied. "Building's going into lockdown.""North stairwell," Carson ordered. "It's your fastest exit. Blue team moving to intercept."We rounded a corner, nearly colliding with a security guard rushing toward the commotion. His eyes widened in recognition, someone must have distributed our descriptions already."Stop!" he shouted, reaching for what looked suspiciously like a tranquilizer gun.Odette didn't hesitate. She dropped low, sweeping his legs out from under him with a move that was definitely not in any princess's usual repertoire. The guard crashed to the floor, his gun skittering across the tiles."You weren't kidding about those fighting
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 98 - Astraia
Director Hartley's office was spacious and expensively furnished, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A large desk dominated one end, while the other featured a seating area and a wall of bookshelves."You take the computer, I'll check the files," Odette said, moving toward a row of cabinets.I nodded, sitting at the desk and pulling a small USB device from my pocket.Carson had insisted I take this extra precaution, a program that would copy key files while bypassing security protocols. I plugged it into the computer and entered the activation code."Download initiating," I murmured for the benefit of our listeners. "Three minutes."While the program worked, I searched the desk drawers. Most contained ordinary office supplies, but in the bottom drawer, locked with a simple key I easily picked, I found a ledger bound in dark leather.The pages contained rows of names, dates, and what looked like dosage amounts. My pulse quickened as I flipped through, recognizing some
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 97 - Astraia
The drive to Silvercrest Labs was tense, filled with strategically timed silences and sudden bursts of nervous chatter from Odette. Hunter drove, his knuckles white on the steering wheel, eyes constantly checking the rearview mirror.Two more vehicles followed at discreet distances, the extraction team, split into two units as planned."Remember," Hunter said as we approached the facility, "you're visiting scientists. Act bored. Like this is just another consultation.""We know," Odette replied, but the usual bite was missing from her tone. "We've gone over this a thousand times.""And we'll go over it a thousand more if it gets you both back safely," he countered, his eyes meeting hers briefly in the mirror.Something passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the danger, perhaps, or something deeper. But before I could analyze it, we were pulling into the visitor parking lot of Silvercrest Labs.The building was sleek and modern, all glass and steel gleaming in the midday sun.
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 96 - Astraia
I woke before dawn, carefully extricating myself from Carson's arms. He stirred slightly, his brow furrowing before smoothing out again as he settled back to sleep.For a moment, I just watched him, the strong line of his jaw, the dark sweep of his lashes, the steady rise and fall of his chest. It seemed impossible that someone so powerful could look so vulnerable in sleep.With a sigh, I slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. The mission wasn't just about gathering evidence anymore. It was personal.These people had hurt Carson, had nearly taken him from me. They'd drugged innocents, manipulated Grant, and planned to trigger who knows how many wolves into violence.They had to be stopped.I showered quickly, letting the hot water wash away my lingering doubts. By the time I stepped out, wrapped in a plush towel, I was resolved.Carson was sitting up in bed, watching me with those eyes that always seemed to see right through me."Morning," I said, trying for casual and missing by a
