Semua Bab By Shadowlight Lake: Bab 61 - Bab 70

When I woke a few hours later, the light had changed to the golden glow of late afternoon. I stretched contentedly, enjoying the complete absence of pain or stiffness. A quick shower left me feeling refreshed and energized.Odette arrived as I was toweling my hair dry, bringing with her a whirlwind of activity. Two palace staff members followed her, one carrying a case of what appeared to be cosmetics, the other a tray with tea and small sandwiches."Eat first," she instructed, "then we'll start getting you ready.""It's just dinner, Odette," I said, though I obediently took a sandwich.She ignored my comment, busying herself with laying out various hair products and makeup on the vanity. By the time I'd finished eating, she had transformed my bedroom into what resembled a high-end salon."Sit," she commanded, pointing to the vanity stool.Knowing resistance was futile, I complied. For the next hour, I was at the mercy of Odette and the staf

The path led us through a section of dense trees before suddenly opening to a hidden outcropping high on the ridge. The intimate spot was naturally concealed by tall rock formations on three sides, but opened to a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Shadowlight Lake below. Carson had added comfortable cushions and strung fairy lights among the surrounding trees, making the hidden lookout even more magical."Oh wow, this is your special place," I said softly, recognizing it from his description. "The one you said you'd show me someday.""I wanted to keep my promise," he replied, his voice low. "I've never brought anyone else here."We settled onto the comfortable cushions Carson had arranged on the natural stone ledge. A small folding table held a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs. Carson poured the steaming liquid into both mugs, the rich chocolate scent mingling with the crisp night air."To new beginnings," he said, raising his mug."New be

Warm. Safe. Mine.Those were the first three thoughts that floated through my head before I even opened my eyes. The fourth thought was a bit more specific.I'm actually mated.I snuggled deeper into Carson's chest, feeling the pleasant tingle of our fresh marking wounds. His arms tightened around me instinctively, even though his breathing told me he was still sleeping. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant, comforting presence that hadn't been there before last night.Last night.My cheeks heated as the memories flooded back. The way he'd taken me to his childhood alcove at Shadowlight Lake, the way we'd finally, finally given in to what we both wanted. The claiming bites that had sealed our bond forever.I reached up to touch the mark on my neck, just below my collarbone. It was tender but in the best way possible, sending little sparks of pleasure through my body when my fingers brushed it. Carson had the matching mark on the same spot, our wolves choosing identical location

After the strategy meeting, Carson pulled me into an empty sitting room, closing the door behind us."You're worried," he said without preamble.I sighed. "That obvious?""The bond, remember?" He tapped his chest. "I can feel it.""It's just... we literally just completed our bond, and now you're leaving." I wrapped my arms around myself. "I know it's necessary. I know they need you. But that doesn't make it any easier."Carson pulled me against him, wrapping me in his warmth. "If you ask me to stay, I will. You know that, right? You come first, Astraia. Always. The pack, the mission, everything else comes second."The sincerity in his voice made my throat tight. "I would never ask you to shirk your responsibilities. Those rogues need to be stopped.""And they will be," he said firmly. "But not at the cost of us. If you need me here, just say the word."I shook my head against his chest. "It's not you... and I want you for who

Twenty minutes later, I was in the palace courtyard with Alexei, Hunter, and the rest of our teams. Three groups of four, small enough to move quickly and avoid detection, large enough to handle trouble if it found us."All set?" Alexei asked, checking his pack one last time.I nodded, my mind already shifting to mission mode. "The northern approach will take us longer, but it's less likely they'll expect anyone to come that way.""The terrain is rougher," Hunter added, looking at the map on his phone. "Lots of ravines and dense forest. Good for cover, bad for speed.""Speed isn't the priority," I reminded them. "Information is. We need to know what we're dealing with.""And who," Alexei said grimly. "These aren't ordinary rogues. Someone's coordinating them, maybe even training them."The thought had been keeping me up at night. Rogues were typically lone wolves, dangerous but disorganized. What we'd faced recently had shown strategy, plann