All Chapters of By Shadowlight Lake: Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

"Carson!" I moved to help him, but he was already turning to face the next threat."Ah fuck, it's fine, I'm fine," he growled, though I could see blood darkening his shirt. "Stay behind me."The remaining infiltrators found themselves outmatched by Carson's fury and the coordinated assault of the royal guards. Within minutes, it was over.Infiltrators lay subdued or unconscious throughout the corridor, being secured by royal guards.Alexei appeared around the corner, looking battle-worn but satisfied. "Command center secure," he reported. "Davis has control of all systems.""Good," Carson said, his voice tight as he checked me over for injuries. "Astraia, are you hurt?""I'm fine," I assured him, my eyes drawn to the dark stain spreading on his shirt. "But you're bleeding."He dismissed it with a wave. "Just a scratch."Hunter was leaning heavily on Odette, still fighting off the effects of the sedative."Nice ti

Somehow, they managed to get me to the surgical waiting area. I was vaguely aware of passing through corridors, of guards snapping to attention as we passed, of whispered conversations above my head. But my focus was entirely internal, clinging to the fading warmth of the mate bond like a lifeline."That blade was meant for me," I whispered as Odette helped me into a chair. My hands were covered in Carson's blood, the sight making me dizzy with fear. "It should have been me.""You know Carson would never let that happen," Odette said softly, kneeling in front of me. "If it happened a hundred more times, he'd take that blade for you every single time."I stared down at my bloodied hands, unable to respond. Hunter pressed a water bottle into my trembling fingers, his usual gruffness softened with concern."Try to drink something," he said. "You look like you're about to pass out."I stared at the bottle, feeling disconnected from my body. The mate bo

The day after Carson's seizure was the worst. I sat beside his bed, numb with fear and exhaustion, watching his chest rise and fall with mechanical precision, too regular, too shallow."His vitals are stable," the doctor told me during morning rounds, her voice carefully neutral. "But the seizure caused some setbacks. We're monitoring brain activity closely.""When will he wake up?" My voice sounded strange to my own ears, hollow and distant.She hesitated, sympathy crossing her face. "I can't say for certain. The silver levels in his bloodstream are still significant.""But he will wake up," I insisted, needing her to confirm it, to give me something to cling to."We're doing everything we can," she replied, which wasn't an answer at all.When she left, I laid my head on the edge of Carson's bed, pressing my forehead against his arm. "I need you, I miss you..." I whispered. "Please, Carson. I need you to come back to me."The mate bo

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was Astraia curled against me, finally getting some actual sleep. She looked peaceful for the first time in days, her face relaxed instead of tight with worry.Six fucking days she'd sat beside me, barely eating, barely sleeping. Just watching and waiting while I fought that silver poison.Guilt twisted in my gut. She'd been through hell because of me. But damn if I didn't feel something else too, this fierce, possessive pride that this woman was mine. My mate. My future Luna.The door clicked open and a nurse walked in. Her eyes went wide seeing me awake."Alpha Thorne," she whispered, glancing at Astraia's sleeping form. "Well, this is unexpected. How are you feeling?""Like I got hit by a truck," I said, voice still rough from days of silence. "Get Dr. Winters.""Right away." She hurried to check my vitals, then practically sprinted for the door.Astraia stirred against me, mumbling something before her eyes fluttered open. For a second she

We spent the next half hour preparing, Carson adjusting himself to sit more upright, clearly determined to project strength despite his condition. I could see the effort cost him, but knew better than to suggest he back down. Some battles weren't worth fighting.Finally, the door opened. Four royal guards entered first, followed by Elise with her hands cuffed in front of her, expression defiant. Alexei and Odette came in last, closing the door behind them."Well, well, Alpha Thorne," Elise said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Recovered so soon? How disappointing.""I'm tougher to kill than you thought," Carson replied coolly. "Something your friends might want to keep in mind."Elise's eyes flicked to me, contempt clear in her gaze. "I see your little mate is still playing nursemaid. How domestic."I felt a growl rise in my throat but forced it down. "Better than playing traitor. At least I wasn't drugged into compliance,you chose this."Something flashed across her face, ang