The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 145

Chapter One Hundred Forty Five

“Elders.”

Diana’s calm voice echoed through the silent ceremonial hasi.

“Does it truly matter whether Willow speaks as Talon’s sister… or as Damon’s mate?”

No one answered. Diana slowly looked around the room, meeting the eyes of every Alpha, Luna, Elder, and pack representative present.

“She was attacked.”

Her voice remained level.

“Every single one of you was present during our marking ceremony.

She gestured toward the crowd.

“You all saw what happened after the attack. You all saw her unconscious. You all saw her fighting for her

life.

A brief silence followed.

“You know she almost died.”

Her silver eyes settled on the Elder Council.

“And you know this because Beta Enzo and Gamma Galvin questioned every single wolf who attended my marking ceremony.”

She folded her hands in front of her.

“They searched. They investigated. They collected statements. They followed every trail they could find.”

Another pause.

“Unfortunately… The attacker left no evidence behind.”

Her gaze shifted toward Rafe.

“The only wolf who saw her attacker…was Willow.”

She slowly looked back at the Elders.

“So tell me… How can you deny hearing the testimony of the only eyewitness…simply because one female claims she might be biased?”

Several Alphas exchanged uncomfortable looks. Diana wasn’t finished.

“You know the character of the Royal Family.”

She glanced briefly toward Talon.

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Chapter Opti

“You know iny mate. You know his sister. You know our Beta. You know our Gamma.”

Her voice became colder.

“And yet… You hesitate.”

She smiled. A beautiful smile. One that made even Darnon quietly step back. Because he had seen that smile before. It never meant anything good.

“I must admit… I’m offended.”

The venom beneath her words became unmistakable.

“You would rather question Willow’s integrity… than hear the testimony of the only wolf who can identify her attacker.”

The room remained silent. Even Vanessa looked uncertain.

“And as Luna Queen…”

Diana continued.

“I find that deeply disappointing.”

Inside her mind- Artemis huffed.

“And they call themselves Elders.”

Diana almost smiled Almost.

“Luna.”

Elder Mirela’s voice carried a note of disapproval.

Diana turned toward her politely.

“Yes, Elder?”

“That remark was unnecessary.”

Diana tilted her head.

“Oh? So neither my wolf nor I are allowed to express our opinions?”

Her tone remained perfectly respectful. Perfectly composed. Which somehow made it worse.

“I hope everyone here remembers…”

She looked directly at the Council.

“…that I was Rafe’s true target.”

The hall quieted again.

“He didn’t attack Willow because he wanted Willow.”

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Her eyes shifted toward Rafe.

“He attacked her because he couldn’t get to me.”

Her lips curved slightly

“He chose the easier target.”

Rafe’s jaw tightened. Diana continued mercilessly.

“Because he couldn’t defeat me.”

A murmur spread across the gathered wolves. She took another step.

“Even back in Crimson Fang.., I could defeat him. Even without my wolf, Artemis.”

That earned several surprised expressions.

“He was Beta. I was supposedly nothing more than a wolfless warrior.”

She smiled again.

“And yet… I beat him every single time.”

Rafe’s breathing grew heavier.

“He couldn’t defeat me when I fought as a human.”

She slowly crossed her arms.

“So tell me… How exactly was he planning to defeat me…after he found out I have a wolf?”

Silence. Diana looked directly into his eyes.

“Isn’t that right, Rafe?”

She took one slow step toward him.

“That’s why… When Artemis finally revealed herself… When she tore Hazel apart… You did absolutely nothing.”

Another step.

“Not because you didn’t want revenge.”

Her smile sharpened.

“But because you couldn’t.”

Rafe’s fists trembled.

“You knew you weren’t strong enough. You knew you couldn’t beat me.”

She stopped only a few feet away.

“If Alpha Asher hadn’t begged for your life…”

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Her voice became almost gentle.

“Either Talon…or I…would have killed you that very day.”

Another pause.

“And there wouldn’t have been a single thing you could have done to stop us.”

Something inside Rafe snapped.

“You-!”

His roar exploded through the hall.

“You lying bitch!”

He lunged. Everything happened at once. His claws extended. His eyes turned wolf-gold. His jaw partially shifted. Fangs lengthened.

His only goal-Kill Diana.

“Alpha King!” Several Alphas shouted.

Talon moved instantly. His instinct was simple. Protect. He reached for Diana’s arm, intending to pull her safely behind him.

But- She stopped him. Her hand pressed gently against his chest.

“No.”

Her voice echoed through their bond.

“This ends here.”

Artemis stepped forward inside Diana’s mind.

“And I will be the one to end it.”

Fenrir growled in protest.

Mate-

Trust me.

Talon froze. Not because he wanted to. Because he trusted her.

Rafe’s claws were only inches away. Then- Silver exploded through the hall. A brilliant flash blinded

everyone.

Gasps erupted. Where Diana had stood – Artemis now stood. Magnificent. Massive. Silver fur shimmered beneath the ceremonial lights.

Her emerald glowed with quiet fury. Every wolf present instinctively stepped backward. Some unconsciously lowered their heads.

Others couldn’t breathe. A Silver Wolf. A living Silver Wolf. For many- It was the first one they had ever

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Chapter Queensland forty for

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