The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 154

< Chapter One+ded Fifty Four

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Four

After Vanessa’s sentence had been announced, the room remained silent for several long moments. Vanessa slowly stood from her chair. She no longer argued. She no longer protested. The fire that had once burned in her eyes had completely disappeared.

Clem

Without another word, she lowered her head toward the Elders before turning toward the door. Two Royal Guards immediately stepped beside her. Not to drag her away. Not anymore. Simply to escort her to the Omega quarters that would now become her home.

As the door closed behind her, everyone in the room released a quiet breath. It was over. Or at least, one chapter of it was. Captain Roland looked around the room before turning to the Elders.

“If there is nothing further regarding Vanessa-”

“There is.”

Damon’s deep voice interrupted him. Every eye immediately turned toward the Rogue King.

Unlike everyone else, Damon had remained silent throughout Vanessa’s judgment. His expression was calm, almost unreadable, but Willow knew him well enough now to recognize the determination behind those crimson eyes.

“There is something all of you need to know.”

Elder Garrick nodded.

“What is it, Rogue King?”

Damon slowly stood from his chair. His towering figure seemed to fill the room as Cerberus stirred quietly beneath the surface.

“I will be taking Rafe back to the Rogue Kingdom.”

The statement echoed through the office. Several Elders immediately exchanged uneasy glances. Elder Alaric was the first to respond.

“Rogue King… I’m afraid we cannot allow that.”

Damon raised a single eyebrow.

“We cannot approve moving him outside the allied territories. His crimes were committed against several packs. He should remain where the Elder Council can supervise his imprisonment.”

A small smile appeared on Damon’s lips. It wasn’t friendly. It wasn’t amused. It was the smile of a king who had already made his decision.

“Elder…”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“Did you hear me ask permission?”

Silence.

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Chapter Onetmdred Fifty Four

+don’t recall making a request.”

His voice remained perfectly calm.

“I was informing you.”

He took a slow step forward.

“The Alpha King rendered his judgment. He handed Rafe over to me. He recognized my right as Willow’s mate to seek justice. And I have decided… that Rafe will spend whatever remains of his miserable life inside the dungeons of the Rogue Kingdom.”

His gaze swept across every Elder.

“That is not open for negotiation.”

The atmosphere instantly became tense again. Elder Mirela frowned.

“Rogue King, with respect-”

“No.”

Damon interrupted calmly.

“With respect… There is nothing left to discuss.”

Willow sighed softly beside him.

“Damon…”

She gently nudged his arm.

“This isn’t how you negotiate with the Elders.”

Damon turned toward her.

“But my mate…”

His voice softened immediately.

“I’m not negotiating.”

That simple sentence made Willow suppress the urge to smile. He wasn’t being stubborn. Well… He was. But this wasn’t simply pride. This was Damon being a king. A king who had already accepted responsibility for Rafe.

Elder Alaric studied Damon carefully before his attention shifted toward Willow.

“Lady Willow…”

He hesitated.

“May I ask something?”

“Of course, Elder.”

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<Chapter Querndred Fifty Four

The old wolf looked between them.

“Is he truly your mate?”

Clim

The room instantly became still, Cerberus growled. The pressure of Damon’s aura exploded through the office.

“You dare question my bond with Willow?”

His eyes flashed dangerously.

“The Goddess herself chose her for me. You think your opinion outweighs hers?”

Dark energy rolled off Damon like crashing waves. Several guards instinctively stepped backward. Even the Elders straightened slightly in their seats. Cerberus was close. Very close.

“Damon.”

Willow’s voice was gentle. Raching up and placing both hands against his face. Instantly… The aura lessened. Cerberus quieted beneath her touch. Damon leaned unconsciously into her hand before closing his eyes for a brief moment. Willow smiled softly.

“There you are.”

She could almost hear Cerberus grumbling.

Mine. Always mine.

The room visibly relaxed. Elder Cedric bowed his head slightly.

“Forgive me, Rogue King. My question was not meant as an insult.”

He looked apologetically toward Willow.

“It is only…”

He hesitated again.

“You do not bear Lady Willow’s mark. Our healers tell us she carries your mark… but she does not yet carry your scent.”

His expression remained respectful.

“As Elders… We must ask.”

Damon’s face remained unreadable.

“Our bond…”

He answered slowly.

“…is between me and Willow.”

“Our marking. Our scents. Our future. They are matters of the Rogue Kingdom.”

He looked directly at the Elder.

< Chapter Oneftmared Fifty Four

“And the Rogue Kingdom does not answer to the Elder Council.”

His voice carried no hostility Only fact.

“It is not your place to question the private bond between my mate and me.”

Before Elder Cedric could respond, Elder Garrick spoke instead.

“But Willow is still the Princess of Black Howler.”

Damon answered without hesitation.

“And she is also the Queen of the Rogue Kingdom.”

Claims

Neither wolf blinked. The tension threatened to rise again. Before Damon could continue, Willow stepped forward.

“Elders.”

Every head turned toward her. She smiled politely.

“There has been so much happening these past weeks.”

She glanced toward Damon briefly.

“Attacks. Travel. The investigation. Stone Claw. Rafe.”

She sighed.

“Neither Damon nor I have truly had the opportunity to sit down and discuss our own future.”

Her voice softened.

“The truth is… We haven’t even begun planning our own marking ceremony.”

Several Elders nodded in understanding. Willow continued.

“But…”

She smiled.

“As soon as we return to the Rogue Kingdom… I intend to begin preparing.”

Damon’s eyes widened.

“So…”

She looked toward every Elder present.

“You may consider this your official notice. When the time comes… My mate and I will send invitations. To the Elder Council. To Black Howler. And to every allied Alpha and Luna. We hope all of you will attend.”

Silence. Then… Every Elder smiled. Even Captain Roland looked pleasantly surprised. Damon simply stared at Willow.

He hadn’t expected that. Not today. Not now. Not after everything.

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Chapter Opered Fifty Fou

Willow…

His voice was barely above a whisper. She glanced at him.

“Not here.”

Her lips curved slightly.

“We’ll talk about it when we’re back in our suite.”

Damon almost laughed. His beautiful mate had completely caught him off guard. Cerberus wagged his metaphorical tail inside his mind.

She chose us.

She’s choosing us.

Damon silently agreed.

She was. Slowly. One step at a time. Willow turned back toward the Elders.

“Now…”

She folded her hands politely before her.