All Chapters of By Shadowlight Lake: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Night fell quickly in the northern territories, the dense forest canopy making it seem even darker. We'd set up our observation post on a ridge overlooking the compound, far enough away to avoid detection but close enough to monitor activity with the high-powered scope Dominic had brought."Shift change," Elena murmured, noting the movement below. "Every four hours, like clockwork."I nodded, impressed despite myself. "Military precision. Someone's trained them well.""Or they were already trained," Troy suggested. "Ex-military wolves maybe?"It wasn't outside the realm of possibility. Wolves who couldn't adjust to pack life after military service sometimes went rogue, unable to submit to Alpha authority after years of different command structures."Possible," I conceded. "But that doesn't explain Marcus."The Beta's presence still gnawed at me. Silverclaw Pack had always been reliable allies, their leadership respected throughout the territ

"Justice before vengeance," I said, echoing her thoughts from our bond. "Information before retribution."She nodded, relief washing through her. "And if he was being controlled...""Then whoever's controlling him will pay instead," I finished.I wrapped my arm around her, careful of her injured ribs, and turned to Hunter and Odette. "What do we know so far?"Odette stepped forward. "Tiffany was definitely not being controlled. She was clear-eyed, aware, and tried to run when we arrived. Grant, on the other hand, seemed disoriented, his eyes constantly shifting between human, wolf, and something...else.""Something else?" I asked sharply."Almost black, with no pupils," Astraia clarified. "And his scent was wrong. Chemical, metallic, nothing like normal wolf.""The unknown wolves they were meeting," Hunter added, "scattered the moment we arrived. Professional, coordinated. We've got teams tracking them, but they know how to disappear.

As Astraia led us toward the door, I could feel her calm determination through our bond, along with a sharp undercurrent of pain she was trying to hide. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to them both."She slipped up about the command center. That confirms they have someone inside the Royal Palace security.""But what if she's not?" Astraia asked. "What if there really are coordinated attacks planned?""Then we'll be ready," Alexei said grimly. "But first, let's see what Grant has to say. If he's coherent enough to talk."I nodded, glancing at Astraia. Her face was pale, the pain she'd been hiding starting to show. "You should rest," I said softly."Not yet," she insisted. "I need to see Grant. I need to understand what they did to him."I wanted to argue, to insist she take care of herself, but the determination in her eyes stopped me. "Fine. But after that, medical. No arguments."She nodded, swaying slightly as we walked toward

Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is

Three hours isn't much time to create a neurological blocking agent, but when the alternative is mass mind control, you make it work.Dr. Winters arrived within twenty minutes of Odette's call, a tall, stern-faced woman with silver-streaked black hair and the most impressive collection of degrees I'd ever seen. She took one look at me and raised an eyebrow."You're supposed to be resting," she said bluntly."And we're supposed to be having a peaceful weekend, but circumstances change," I replied, sliding the chemical analysis across the counter to her. "These are the compounds we need to block."She studied the readout, her expression growing more serious. "This is... unusually sophisticated.""I know. That's why I need your help."She glanced up sharply. "You realize what we're attempting is dangerous. Untested neurological blockers could cause seizures, permanent brain damage, even death.""And the alternative is letting mind-contro