Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 303

Talia’s POV

Nolan looked awful. He had dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn’t slept in days. The scratches I left on his neck were covered with bandages. Nolan had stayed in that chair by my bed the whole time I was unconscious, and seeing him there made me feel so guilty that I had to look away.

‘He will forgive us,’ my wolf reassured me.

‘I don’t deserve forgiveness for hurting him like this,’ I said, and then noticed an envelope on the table next to the bed. My father’s handwriting was on the front.

I picked it up with shaking hands and opened it.

Talia,

If you are reading this, I have died by Jason’s trickery. I knew from the start that something was wrong when Jason offered you the potions. He is just like his father. Michael coveted Silverfang's power, and I suspected Jason felt the same. With my death, I was right.

Do not blame Nolan. I asked him to end my life if the potion made me lose control. He didn’t want to. He fought me, but I made him promise because there was no one else. I couldn’t have Solon, or you do it.

I’m sorry I hid it from you. If you knew, you would have tried to stop me, and I couldn’t let that happen. The price of the potion was always mine to pay.

I love you, Talia. I’ve loved you every day since you were born. You’re a powerful Luna and a beautiful woman, and I’m proud to call you my daughter. Silverfang is in your and Solon’s hands now. Things won’t be easy. You must work together to stop Jason and the Rogue King from destroying the peace we kept, but I know you can.

Be strong, sweetheart.

I will love you always,

Your Father

I read the letter twice. By the second time, tears blurred the page.

Nolan groaned. He lifted his head, and as soon as he saw that I was awake, he stood up to give me space. Nolan looked relieved, then sad, as he noticed my tears.

“I will get Leslie,” he said.

“Nolan, stop.”

“I know you don’t want to see me right now. She said to get her the second you woke up.”

“Nolan, stop, please. We need to talk.”

Nolan stopped halfway to the door with his back to me.

“I’m sorry,” I told him. “I know that father asked you to do it.”

“I didn’t want to. I really didn’t. I didn’t have a choice, Talia. He…”

“You did the right thing,” I said, cutting him off. “He was out of control. If you hadn’t, there is no telling how many people he could’ve killed while on his rampage.”

“I’m so sorry, Talia,” she murmured into my neck.

“I know,” I responded as I pulled back. “Della, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“Bring Solon, Leslie, the senior warriors, and any council members who are here in Father’s office in thirty minutes,” I ordered. We had to decide our next move. How we handled this would decide Silverfang’s future.

“Are you sure?” Della asked. “You should take some time to grieve.”

“No, this has to be done now,” I replied.

Della didn’t hesitate. She stood and left the room as quickly as she came.

Nolan looked at me. The concern on his face remained. “You don’t have to do this today. The packs can wait. No one will hold it against you if you take the morning.”

“They can’t wait, Nolan. The news of my father's death will be everywhere by lunchtime if it isn’t already. If Silverfang doesn’t show it is still standing; every wolf in the territory will start asking who’s in charge. We don’t have any more time to rest. We needed to maintain stability like my father would have wanted.”

Nolan looked at me for a long moment. He took a deep breath and then nodded.

“Then, I will support you.”