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
After leaving Hunter to rest, Astraia and I spent the rest of the day in meetings, pack council sessions, celebration planning, coordinating with the visiting delegations. By the time we finally made it back to our quarters, the sun had set and I was exhausted in the best possible way."God, I'm tired," Astraia said, kicking off her shoes the moment we walked through the door. "But good tired, you know?""I know exactly what you mean." I stretched, rolling my shoulders. Still perfect. No pain at all."I'm going to shower," she said, already heading toward the bathroom. "Wash off this long day.""Good idea."I settled into the chair by the window, looking out at the pack grounds bathed in moonlight. A few wolves were still moving around, night shift patrol changes, late workers heading home. Everything peaceful and normal.From the bathroom came the sound of water running, and my mind started to wander. We'd been through hell these past weeks, but somehow we'd made it through stronger
I quickly pulled my hand away from Lydia's, straightening up instinctively."Princess Odette," Lydia said, immediately recognizing the shift in atmosphere and turning to see who had entered.Her cheeks were still flushed from laughing."Oh," Odette said, her expression carefully composed now. "Sorry, I didn't know you had company. I knocked, but..."We'd been so caught up in our conversation that neither of us had heard it."Your Highness, I didn't hear you come in," Lydia continued, immediately straightening more in her chair."Miss Sinclair," Odette replied, her voice cooler than it had been a moment before. "How... dedicated of you to keep visiting.""I like helping people," Lydia said, lifting her chin slightly, though some of the warmth had gone out of her voice."How admirable," Odette said, and somehow made it sound like anything but a compliment. She moved to stand at the foot of my bed, her posture formal. "Though I'm sure the medical staff has his care well in hand."The eas
Lydia settled back in her chair but maintained that warm smile. "Is there someone special in your life? I'm surprised no one's claimed you yet."The question hit a little too close to home. I felt my smile become more forced as I reached for my water glass, buying time, a little uncomfortable."Not really my focus right now," I said carefully. "Being Beta keeps me pretty busy.""That's not really an answer," she said with a knowing look. "Come on, a guy like you? There has to be someone who's caught your interest.""Speaking of interests," I said quickly, deliberately steering the conversation away, "you mentioned painting landscapes. Do you have a favorite spot to paint?"She noticed the subject change and smiled knowingly, but let it slide. "Trying to change the subject on me?""Maybe," I admitted with a sheepish grin."Fine, I'll let you off the hook... for now." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "But I'm persistent when I want to know something.""I'll keep that in mind," I said, t
About an hour or so later, I woke to the sound of my door opening quietly.Blinking awake, still groggy from my nap, I saw Lydia Sinclair peeking in with a covered plate in her hands."Oh good, you're awake," she said, stepping into the room with a bright smile. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to wake you, but I brought lunch.""Lydia," I said, trying to shake off the drowsiness. "You didn't have to—""The kitchen staff said you barely touched breakfast," she announced, moving toward the chair beside my bed. "That's not acceptable for someone who's supposed to be healing.""You don't have to keep doing this.""I know. But I want to." She uncovered the plate. "Soup and sandwiches. Easy to digest.""Thank you. That's really thoughtful."She settled into the chair beside my bed, watching me eat with obvious satisfaction."How are you feeling today?" she asked."Better. Less like I got hit by a building.""Good. I asked the doctor said you might be able to get up and move around a little so
The sound of medical equipment being wheeled down the hall announced my next visitors before they even reached my door. Dr. Eden entered with a medical bag and two younger healers I recognized from the pack medical staff."Time for your wound check, Hunter," she said briskly. "How's the pain level today?""Manageable. Better than yesterday.""Good. Let's take a look." She gestured to the healers. "Leon and Jayden will help with the examination and redressing."The younger wolves nodded respectfully. Leon was a recent graduate from medical training, eager and thorough. Jayden had been with the pack medical team for a few years and had steady hands."Shirt off," Dr. Eden instructed. "Carefully now."I struggled a bit with the buttons, my injured leg making it awkward to lean forward. Leon stepped forward to help."That's quite a collection of bruises," Jayden observed as they eased the shirt off my shoulders."You should see the other guys," I said dryly.Dr. Eden wasn't amused. "This i
About an hour after Carson and Astraia left, Crown Prince Alexei knocked on my door."Come in," I called."How's the wounded hero?" he asked, walking in with that easy smile he got when he dropped the formal royal act."Not you too," I groaned. "Everyone keeps calling me that.""Because it's true." He pulled up a chair. "How are you really feeling?""Better. Still sore, but the healing's progressing well.""Good. When I heard what happened..." He shook his head. "That was incredibly brave, Hunter.""It was the logical choice.""Logical, maybe. But not easy." Alexei leaned forward. "The Royal Pack doesn't forget sacrifices like that. We'll be discussing proper recognition.""You don't need to—""Yes, we do. And arguing won't change my mind."I knew that tone. There was no point arguing with him when he used his prince voice."How's the cleanup going?" I asked, changing the subject."Well. Most of the mind-controlled wolves are recovering completely. The willing participants..." He shru