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Chapter 76 - Carson
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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
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By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 113 - Astraia
I found Carson in our quarters, reviewing reports at his desk."How was the lab?" he asked, setting down his papers."Impressive. Your people are brilliant." I kicked off my shoes and sank onto the couch. "Dr. Austin has a solid team. We've already refined the formula and delivery system.""In three hours?" He joined me on the couch, eyebrows raised."They'd started before I arrived," I admitted. "I just helped with the final touches.""Don't sell yourself short." He pulled me against his side. "Austin said you solved a stability issue they'd been fighting for days.""It wasn't that complicated—""To you, maybe." He pressed a kiss to my temple. "Having you here makes all of us stronger, Astraia. Me especially.""How's that?"His expression softened. "An Alpha without a Luna is... incomplete. My father always said my mother balanced him, brought perspective he lacked. I never fully understood until now."I re
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 112 - Astraia
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I buttoned the last button on my blouse. This was it, my first official pack council meeting as Luna."Nervous?" Carson asked, adjusting his watch."A little," I admitted. "First impressions and all that."He stepped behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders. "They already love you. And they've been waiting for a Luna for years.""No pressure or anything.""You've got this sweet girl." He kissed my temple. "Remember, you've fought rogues and created a neurological blocker. A council meeting is nothing.""Says the Alpha who's been doing this for years.""We're a team now," he said, turning me to face him. "That's what matters."His confidence steadied me. I nodded. "A team. I like that."We headed downstairs together, his hand at the small of my back. The council chamber had a massive round table surrounded by comfortable chairs. Several people were already seated, thei
By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 111 - Astraia
I set the book aside and stood slowly, enjoying the way his eyes tracked every movement. "Do you like it? I packed it specially for tonight.""Like isn't the word I'd use." He crossed the room in three quick strides, his hands settling on my waist. "You planned this."I smiled innocently, trailing my fingers up his chest. "Maybe. Is it working?"A growl rumbled in his chest. "You know exactly what you're doing.""And what's that?" I teased, pressing closer."Everything okay?" I asked."For now." He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "I've arranged for dinner to be brought up, but we have about thirty minutes."The heat in his eyes made it clear what he wanted to do with those thirty minutes. I slid my hands up his chest to link behind his neck."Any ideas on how to pass the time?" I teased.His answer was to lift me, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me to the bedroom. He laid me on the bed with surprising gentleness, then stepped back to remove his shirt. I watched
By Shadowlight Lake   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 Lake   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 Lake   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 Lake   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 Lake   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 Lake   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? đ (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
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