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Chapter 74 - Carson
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2025-04-20 11:00:58I 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 faceābitterness, 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?
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By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 110 - Astraia
It didn't smell like carson, tightening my robe, I called out, "Come in,"A young woman entered, carrying a tray with a tea service. She had warm brown skin and dark curly hair pulled back in a practical ponytail."Luna Briarthorn," she said with a small bow. "I'm Maya. Alpha Thorne asked me to bring you some tea.""Thank you, Maya," I said, gesturing for her to set the tray down. "And please, just call me Astraia."She smiled, setting the tray on the coffee table in the living area. "The Alpha thought you might want a little boost after the long journey. It's an herbal blend with some honey.""That was thoughtful of him," I said, sitting across from her. "Would you like to join me?"She hesitated. "Are you sure, Luna? I wouldn't want to intrude.""Not at all." I gestured to the second cup. "I'd appreciate the company, actually."As she arranged the cups, I noticed a small tattoo on her wrist—a crescent moon with a star b
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 109 - Astraia
We stood there for a long moment, just holding each other. Then Carson pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine."I was worried," he admitted."About what?""That you wouldn't feel at home here. That it wouldn't measure up to the Royal Palace."I shook my head. "The Royal Palace was beautiful, but it never felt like home. This..." I gestured around us. "This already feels more like me."He smiled, relief evident in his expression. "Good. Because there's no returns or exchanges on territory bonds."I laughed. "Stuck with me now, Alpha Thorne.""Happily." He kissed me, soft and sweet. "We should head down for the meeting.""Let me freshen up first," I said.Ten minutes later, Carson led me downstairs to a meeting room several floors below our quarters. Large windows overlooked the forest that climbed the mountainside. A wooden table dominated the space, surrounded by comfortable chairs.Jason was already there, along with two others, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, and a wo
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 108 - Astraia
Two guards stood at the checkpoint as our convoy approached. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with auburn hair, walked up to our window as the car stopped."Welcome home, Alpha," he said with a nod, then glanced at me and smiled. "Luna.""Thanks, Reece," Carson replied. "Any trouble while we were gone?""Nothing unusual. Hunter's protocols are holding strong." Reece's eyes darted to me again. "The pack's eager to meet our new Luna."Carson's hand found mine. "They will. Soon."I lowered the window as we continued through the checkpoint, breathing in the pine-scented air."The pine reminds me of you," I said. "It's comforting."Carson smiled. "That's why I've always felt at home here. The natural scents complement my own."He reached for my hand.The road curved around a bend, revealing a sweeping view of High Crest territory."That's the Pack House," Carson said, pointing to a magnificent structure built into the lower part of the largest mountain."It's beautiful," I murmured, tak
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 107 - Astraia
The drive from Royal territory to High Crest would only take about an hour using the private road our convoy was taking."I always appreciate this direct route," Carson commented as we turned onto a smooth, well-maintained road that cut through a dense section of forest. "Makes the trip much faster.""One of the perks of being Alpha," I replied, recognizing the exclusive access road that connected the territories. With my background in territory mapping, I'd studied the official borders extensively."And being friends with royalty," Carson added with a half-smile. "Only those directly approved by Alexei or Odette from their side, and me from ours, can use this road."I nodded. "While everyone else makes the three-hour journey on the main roads.""Exactly. The main roads have their standard security checkpoints, but these private routes have our most elite guards." Carson gestured toward the discrete security post we were passing, where I spotted ca
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 106 - Astraia
The farewell feast at the Royal Palace was more extravagant than necessary given the circumstances, but Odette had insisted."It's not every day my best friend becomes a Luna," she said, adjusting a flower arrangement on the massive dining table. "Even if it is during a crisis."I smoothed down the blue dress she'd lent me, another designer piece that probably cost more than my entire college tuition. "You realize we're leaving in two hours, right? We could have just had coffee.""Where's the fun in that?" She grinned. "Besides, Alexei wanted to formally recognize your contributions before you leave. Royal protocol and all that."Carson entered the private dining room, dressed in dark pants and a charcoal button-down that made his golden eyes even more striking. He'd barely left my side since my injury, but Alexei had pulled him away for a final security briefing.His eyes found mine immediately, a small smile softening his usual serious expression. "Ready to go home?"Home. The word
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Author's thanks and exciting update!
Hey moonlings!First, I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU so much for your incredible support throughout this journey with Astraia and Carson! We're getting so close to the end of their story, and I'm honestly overwhelmed by how many of you have stuck with me chapter after chapter.Every coin you've spent, every gift you've sent, every like and comment you've left, they all mean the world to me. Your continued support and comments has been invaluable in shaping this story and keeps me motivated to continue writing.As we approach the finale, I wanted to let you know that I'll be including some special bonus chapters (some free to read!) after the main story concludes. And yes, I'm already working on a new story (in the same world) that I'm super excited about! Any guesses what it might be about? š (Hint: Some of you have reached out on F* already been asking about certain characters' story...)If you're enjoying this book, please check out my goodnovel author page for my
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā Chapter 105 - Astraia
As he guided me back to our room, I leaned more heavily against him than I wanted to admit. Every step sent sharp pains through my ribs."You should have told me you were hurting this much," he said, supporting more of my weight."I'm fine," I insisted, wincing. "Just tired.""Liar," he replied, but his voice was gentle. "You're in pain and still pushing yourself.""Occupational hazard of being mated to an Alpha," I quipped. "Always looking for the next crisis to manage."He stopped walking and turned to face me. "Is that how you see it? Being my mate as an occupation?"The vulnerability in his eyes caught me off guard. This wasn't the Alpha speaking, this was just Carson."No," I said quickly. "That's not what I meant. Being your mate is... everything. Honestly, the best thing that's ever happened to me and I still wished we got together sooner."His expression softened, and he pulled me carefully against his chest. "So did i.. and good. Because you're everything to me too, Astraia.
By Shadowlight LakeĀ Ā Ā 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 LakeĀ Ā Ā 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
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