All Chapters of By Shadowlight Lake: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Around me, the training field erupted in a flurry of motion as wolves responded to the threat. Odette's elegant form emerged, her rare silver-white fur gleaming in the moonlight as she positioned herself protectively near the younger trainees. Kai, the Rivermoon warrior, shifted into his dark brown wolf, massive and imposing.I completed my transformation, my distinctive rosy silver fur catching the moonlight in a way that made me immediately recognizable. Even the older teenagers— Mason, Lily, and two others —completed their transformations with impressive speed, forming a protective circle around Sophie and the youngest wolves who were still mastering their shifts.The Royal guards maintained human form, drawing their weapons as they created a defensive perimeter. Silver bullets would be more effective from their trained hands than tooth and claw."Eastern outpost! Stay together!" I commanded through mind-link to my fellow Rivermoon wo

The Rivermoon Pack's meeting hall was impressive. Wooden beams arched overhead, carved with the history of the pack, while a massive circular table dominated the center of the space. Five wolves were already seated when I arrived with Alexei.Alpha Dixon nodded in greeting from the head of the table, his silver-streaked black hair and commanding presence reminiscent of my own father. To his right sat Daniel Briarthorn, looking pale but determined, clearly having dragged himself from his sickbed to attend.I returned Alpha Dixon's nod before my eyes locked with Grant's. He sat to the Alpha's left, the traditional position for the future pack leader. His lip curled slightly when he saw me, a reaction I pointedly ignored. Dick."Alpha Thorne, Crown Prince Alexei," Alpha Dixon greeted us formally. "Please join us."We took our seats across from Grant, and I was grateful for Alexei's calming presence beside me. My wolf was still too close to the surface after

When the door finally closed, leaving Carson and me alone, I felt a curious mixture of relief and nervousness. He immediately moved to sit beside me, his larger frame making the bed dip slightly."Have you rested at all?" I asked, noting the shadows beneath his eyes.He shook his head. "Not yet."I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I want to tell you something," I said quietly. "About... about why I had the nightmare."Carson's expression grew serious. "You don't have to if you're not ready.""I do," I insisted. "I want to."He took my hand, his thumb resuming its soothing pattern on my skin. "I'm listening."I closed my eyes briefly, summoning the strength to revisit memories I'd tried so hard to bury. "When I was eighteen," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "I was doing border runs with some of the younger Rivermoon wolves. Training them. We were ambushed by rogues."Carson's hand tightened on mine, but he re

A hot surge of possessiveness shot through me. Before I could stop myself, I was moving forward, my crutch thumping against the floor."Tiffany," I called out. "Get your dirty hands off him before I make you regret it."She whirled around, eyes widening in surprise, then narrowing as she took me in. "Astraia," she said with fake sweetness. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"As she spoke, she tried to touch Carson's arm again, but he immediately moved away and toward me."Touch him again," I warned, raising my crutch slightly, "and I'll shove this crutch up your—""Astraia," Odette cut in, though I heard the laughter she was trying to hold back.Tiffany took a step back, her face flushing. "I was just being friendly. Welcoming our guest.""Yeah right. Find someone else to welcome," I said, not hiding the edge in my voice.Tiffany tossed her hair with a smirk. "Pfft, I took Grant from you. I can take him too."I lunged forwa

The Royal Palace was as magnificent as I remembered. As we pulled into the circular drive, a team of staff emerged to greet us."Welcome back, Your Highness," a distinguished older man said, bowing slightly to Odette. "We've prepared the eastern wing quarters as requested.""Thank you, Edwin," Odette replied, then turned to me with excitement dancing in her eyes. "You're going to love it. The east wing has the best views of the gardens, and I've had them prepare the suite next to mine."I nodded, too tired to match her enthusiasm. Carson's arm tightened around my waist as we made our way inside."You look ready to collapse," he murmured, his voice thick with concern."Just tired," I assured him, though in truth, my shoulder was throbbing painfully.He made a sound of disbelief but didn't press the issue as we followed Odette through the palace's elegant corridors. The east wing was bright and airy, with large windows overlooking meticulously