The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 152

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Two

Willow stood quietly inside the Alpha’s office of the Stone Claw Pack, her hands folded loosely in front of her as she stared out the large windows overlooking the pack grounds,

Beside her stood Damon. Unlike Willow, the Rogue King looked… satisfied. Not happy exactly. Satisfied.

There was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, one that had appeared more and more often during the past three days.

Willow already knew why. She didn’t even have to ask. Damon had just come from the dungeon. Again. Three days.

For three days, Damon had visited Rafe every morning before sunrise and every evening before returning to his room.

For three days, Cerberus had made good on every promise he had uttered inside the ceremony hall.

And for three days… Rafe had begged for death.

Willow honestly couldn’t understand the satisfaction Damon found in it. If it had been her… She would have simply ended Rafe’s life.

Quick. Clean. Final. The wolf had nearly killed her. He deserved punishment. But torture… Day after day… That wasn’t something Willow believed she could never do.

Damon, however… There wasn’t even the slightest chance he would show mercy. Cerberus was enjoying every second of it.

Sometimes, when Damon returned from the dungeon, Willow could still feel the lingering satisfaction.

It unsettled her.

Yesterday, unable to stop herself any longer, she had asked Diana for advice before Talon and Diana left to return to Black Howler.

She could still remember every word of that conversation.

“You’re his Luna whether you wear his mark or not. Whether you carry his scent yet or not. You’re still his queen. He’s doing this because he wants every wolf in existence to understand one thing… No one hurts his mate and walks away.”

Willow had frowned.

“But… don’t you think he’s taking it too far?”

Diana had looked at her for several long seconds. Then she smiled. It wasn’t her gentle Luna smile. It was the smile Artemis loved to wear. Dangerous. Cold. Protective.

“Then you’re asking the wrong wolf. Because if it were me…”

Diana’s green eyes had darkened.

“It still wouldn’t be enough. You almost died, Willow. If someone did that to Talon…”

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She paused.

“Or to you…

I’d make them beg. I’d make them cry. I’d make them crawl across broken glass asking me to end their suffering.”

Another pause.

“And even then… I don’t think I’d stop.”

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Willow had simply stared at her.

Diana noticed her expression and laughed softly.

“See? Wrong wolf to ask.”

The memory made Willow grimace. Diana truly was a wonderful Luna. Compassionate. Patient. Fair.

Every member of Black Howler adored her. She listened before judging. Protected before commanding. Comforted before punishing.

But anyone foolish enough to hurt someone Diana loved… Would discover there was another side to their Luna Queen.

A side that even Talon respected. A side that made Alpha Kings tremble.

Artemis.

Willow finally understood why everyone said the Silver Wolf wasn’t simply powerful. She was terrifying.

The sound of the office door opening pulled Willow from her thoughts. She straightened immediately.

Captain Roland entered first. The Royal Guard captain appointed by Talon to temporarily oversee Stone Claw while the Elder Council investigated the succession.

He wore his usual calm expression, but his posture left no room for argument.

Behind him came the four Elders.

Elder Garrick.

Elder Alaric.

Elder Mirela.

And Elder Cedric.

Without saying a word, they each took their assigned seats around the large conference table.

Roland sat at the head.

The Elders occupied the seats to his right and left.

Damon pulled out a chair for Willow before sitting beside her.

The Rogue King appeared completely relaxed. Too relaxed. Anyone who didn’t know him would think this was merely another council meeting. Only Willow could feel the cold satisfaction flowing quietly through

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their bond.

Cerberus was awake.

Watching.

Waiting.

The dungeon had not satisfied him.

Not yet.

Cl

Several Royal Guards entered next, taking positions around the room. The atmosphere instantly became heavier. No one spoke.

Everyone knew why they had gathered.

Today… Vanessa would receive the judgment of the Alpha King and the Elder Council. A few moments later another knock echoed through the office.

“Bring her in,” Captain Roland ordered.

The door opened once more. Two Royal Guards escorted Vanessa inside.

Willow almost didn’t recognize her.

Just days ago… Vanessa had walked through every hallway with her head held impossibly high. She carried herself like she already wore the title of Luna.

Like Stone Claw really belonged to her.

She had been proud.

Spoiled.

Entitled.

Arrogant.

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