The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 148

Chapter One Hundred Forty Eight

Cla

Diana remained silent for several long moments, studying Vanessa with thoughtful eyes. The she-wolf had stopped arguing. Stopped shouting. She simply stood there, shoulders trembling, tears falling freely down her face. For a brief moment, Diana tried to imagine herself in Vanessa’s place. Losing both parents in a single night. Being manipulated by the one person she believed she could trust.

Making one terrible decision after another until there was no way back.

A part of Diana pitied her. But another part… The Luna Queen inside her… Could not overlook the consequences of Vanessa’s choices. She slowly exhaled.

Inside her mind, Artemis spoke.

“Honest answer?”

Diana already knew where this was going.

“Our mate would be an idiot Alpha King if he still lets Vanessa become the Alpha of Stone Claw.”

Artemis’s voice carried none of Diana’s sympathy.

“A leader cannot afford to be this easily manipulated.”

She looked toward the crying Vanessa.

“She isn’t evil.” A pause. “But she is weak. And weak leaders get their packs killed.”

Diana sighed inwardly.

“Artemis… Our mate isn’t an idiot. I know Talon won’t make a decision based on pity.”

She continued watching Vanessa.

“I wasn’t thinking about Talon’s judgment.” Another pause. “I was thinking about Stone Claw.”

Her heart grew heavy.

“I truly feel sorry for its members. They deserve someone who can protect them.”

Artemis surprisingly didn’t argue. Instead, she quietly replied,

“I know.”

Across the hall, Talon slowly stepped toward Vanessa. His expression was stern. Not cruel. Not angry Simply disappointed.

“Vanessa.”

His voice echoed through the silent hall.

“You admitted that when you first met Rafe……you intended to reject him.”

Vanessa slowly nodded.

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Chapter Opeared Forty Eight

Diana siniled softly at those words. Talon looked back at Vanessa.

“You made your decisions because you wanted something impossible.”

His expression hardened.

“And because of those decisions…”

He looked toward the empty seats that should have belonged to Alpha Charles and Luna Carla.

“…your parents became victims.”

Vanessa began crying harder.

“We’re still investigating exactly how they died.”

Talon continued.

“But tell me honestly.”

He took one final step toward her.

“Do you truly believe Rafe had nothing to do with their deaths?”

Vanessa opened her mouth. Closed it. Thought back.

Rafe insisting there was no need for an investigation.

Rafe convincing her to cremate her parents immediately.

Rafe handling every decision while she grieved.

Rafe telling her not to question the Moon Goddess

Rafe rushing the Alpha ceremony.

Every memory suddenly looked different.

Her knees weakened.

“I…”

She whispered.

“I don’t know anymore.”

That answer alone spoke volumes. Talon slowly turned away from her. His gaze found Diana.

“My Luna.”

He smiled gently.

“What are your thoughts? I value your judgment.”

The entire hall became quiet again. Everyone waited for Diana’s answer. Diana stepped forward. She looked first at Vanessa. Then at the gathered members of Stone Claw. She saw fear. Confusion.

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Chapter Cended Forty Eight

Uncertainty. Those wolves weren’t looking at Vanessa anymore.

“They were looking at her. Waiting. Hoping.

“I will support whatever decision you make, my King.”

She began calmly.

“I trust your judgment.” /

She paused before continuing.

“But…”

Her eyes returned to Vanessa.

“I do not believe she is capable of leading this pack.”

Vanessa flinched. Diana continued anyway.

“Not because she lacks kindness.” A pause. “But because she lacks judgment.”

She looked around the hall.

“A leader cannot be manipulated this easily. A leader cannot stop asking questions simply because someone tells them comforting lies. A leader must think beyond their own heart.”

She gestured toward the Stone Claw members.

“They must think about their entire pack.”

Her voice softened.

Clam

“I truly believe Vanessa wanted to protect her parents. And I believe she wanted to protect Stone Claw.”

Another pause.

“But good intentions… do not erase poor decisions.”

She looked directly at Vanessa.

“You trusted the wrong wolf. You ignored every warning. And now…”

She slowly looked around the room again.

“…your parents are gone. And your pack stands leaderless.”

Silence filled the hall. Many Stone Claw wolves lowered their heads. Some quietly cried. They couldn’t deny Diana’s words. Talon nodded slowly.

“My thoughts exactly.”

He turned toward the Elder Council.

“Before making a final decision… I will consult with the Elder Council… and every allied Alpha present today.”

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Chapter Opened Forty Eight

His gaze shifted to Diana once again

“My Luna. What punishment do you propose?”

Without hesitation-Diana answered.

“Let Damon handle him.”

The hall erupted into whispers. Even Talon looked surprised. –

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