The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 82

Chapter Eighty Two

Willow walked away from the group with steady, controlled steps.

Anyone looking at her would think nothing was wrong.

That she was simply stepping out.

Taking a moment.

Breathing.

But inside-

She was barely holding herself together.

If she stayed-

If she stood there even a second longer-

Listening to Damon speak…

Listening to him say those words-

Calling another woman his mate-

Calling Diana his-

She would break.

And she couldn’t afford to break.

Not here.

Not in front of everyone.

Not in front of her brother.

Because Talon would see it.

He would feel it.

He would know something was wrong.

And the moment he knew-

Everything would stop.

The alliance.

The negotiations.

The fragile peace they were trying to build.

Talon would choose her.

< Chapter Eighty-Two Without hesitation.

He would throw Damon out of their territory.

He would end everything-

For her.

And she couldn’t let that happen.

Because this wasn’t just about her.

It was about both their packs.

Their future.

Their safety.

Talon would think it was worth it.

He would believe protecting his sister was more important than any alliance.

But Willow didn’t.

Not if it came at that cost.

Not because of her.

“I’m just Willow…” she whispered to herself as she walked.

Her steps quickening.

“I’m not worth a war between two kingdoms…”

“Do not say that.”

Winter’s voice cut through her thoughts sharply.

Fierce.

Angry.

“You are not just Willow.”

Her wolf paced inside her mind now.

Back and forth.

Restless.

“We are a special kind of wolf.”

Her voice rose with pride.

“With strength.”

Clam

20

Chapter Eu two

With blood.”

“With purpose.”

“And our stupid mate would know that-“-

Winter growled.

“-if his head wasn’t shoved so far up his own arrogance.”

Despite everything-

A small, broken laugh escaped Willow.

“If he cannot see our worth…”, Winter continued, her tone darkening, “then we will make him see it.”

Willow swallowed.

“How?”

“We will ask him to reject us.”

The words came without hesitation.

Firm.

Certain.

“We cannot reject him.”

A pause.

“Because of our oath.”

Willow closed her eyes briefly.

The vow.

The Royal vow.

Unbreakable.

“But if he rejects us…”

Winter continued.

“Then we can accept it.”

A dangerous edge crept into her voice.

“And then…”

She smirked inside their shared mind.

“We will find our true happiness.”

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Chapter Fig

“A mate who sees us.”

Chooses us.”

“Values us.”

“And when we do…”

Her voice turned almost wicked.

“We will parade him right in front of Damon.”

Willow blinked.

“Let him see what he lost.”

nter growled softly.

Let him feel it.”

“Let’s see if he and his wolf won’t regret ever hurting us.”

For the first time in days-

Willow actually smiled.

A real one.

Small.

Fragile.

But real.

“I like that idea,” Willow murmured.

“You shoul

oudly.

again, I might just bite his wolf for good measure.”

Made Willow laugh.

Out loud this time.

“What is so funny?”

The voice came suddenly.

Willow froze.

She turned sharply.

A man stood a few feet behind her.

She hadn’t heard him approach.

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Chapter Eightfo

Hadn’t scented him.

That alone-

Was wrong.

“It’s just something my wolf said,” Willow replied, her voice steady-but her body tense.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“Who are you?” she asked.

“What are you doing here?”

“What pack are you from?”

The man smiled faintly.

Too calm.

Too casual.

Inside her-

Winter growled.

Low.

Dangerous.

“I don’t like him,” her wolf said immediately.

“His scent…”

A pause.

“…it’s hidden.”

Willow’s heart skipped.

“But it is not hidden with power,” Willow said, her voice lowering slightly as her instincts sharpened. “It’s masked.”

Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the male in front of her, taking in every small detail–the way he stood, the faint traces of scent that didn’t quite belong together.

“With herbs… and layered scents,” she continued, more certain now. “Different ones. Strong enough to confuse the nose, but not enough to fully erase what’s underneath.”

A slow breath left her.

“He’s trying to hide who he is… not because he can, but because he needs to.”

Inside her, Winter growled.

“That’s worse,” her wolf said darkly. “That means he’s being careful.”

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Chapter fight for

Willow’s posture shifted subtly-alert, guarded.

“Powerful wolves can suppress or conceal their scent naturally,” she added quietly. “But this…”

Her gaze hardened

“This is deliberate.”

Danger.

“We need to leave,” Winter urged.

“Now.”

“To Talon.”

A beat.

“To Damon.”

Willow didn’t argue.

“I was just checking the kitchen,” the man said casually, gesturing lightly.

“I saw the entrance to this garden.”

His gaze lingered on her.

“It looked… inviting.”

Willow didn’t relax.

“And you?” he asked.

“What are you doing here?”

“I needed fresh air,” Willow said shortly.

She didn’t wait.

Didn’t engage further

“I need to go back now.”

She moved.

Walked past him.

Every instinct screaming at her-

Move.

Faster.

Leave.

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Chapter Eighty two

She was just steps away from the door-

When it happened a hand grabbed her from behind.

Fast.

Too fast.

Another hand clamped over her mouth.

And then-

Pain.

Blinding.

Explosive.

A blade drove into her side.

Right below her ribs.

Near her heart.

Willow gasped-but the sound was muffled.

Her body went rigid.

Her eyes widened.

The man leaned close to her ear.

His voice low.

Cold.

“Before you go…”

A pause.

“Tell your brother…”