The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 227

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Chapter Two Hundred Twenty Seven

“But I need something from you too.”

Diana opened her eyes again and looked up at Talon.

“What?”

“If Ravenna ever contacts you, you tell me.”

Diana hesitated. It was only for a moment, but Talon noticed. One eyebrow rose as he waited

for her answer.

“I don’t need to know where they are,” he clarified. “I already told you that I trust you enough not to ask. I don’t need you to tell me anything that could lead me to them. I don’t even need to know what kind of life Ravenna intends to build with Thorne.”

Talon paused, his expression becoming serious.

“But I need to know that Thorne is not becoming a threat again. If the curse returns, if Ravenna notices even the smallest sign of Gideon’s darkness coming back, or if she believes Thorne could become dangerous again, you tell me.”

Diana studied him carefully.

“And what will you do if that happens?”

“What I have to do as Alpha King.”

Diana sighed.

“Talon.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Diana. I won’t promise that I will leave Thorne alone if he becomes dangerous again. I can understand what you did this time because the curse was gone and Thorne was barely alive. But if that darkness comes back and he becomes a threat to you, our pups, or any wolf under my protection, I will act.”

His hand moved protectively over her stomach.

“And next time, I will not let him get close enough to hurt you.”

Diana placed her hand over his.

“So you’ll tell me?”

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Diana considered his request for several moments before slowly nodding.

“That I can promise. If Ravenna contacts me and tells me that Thorne is becoming dangerous again, you will be the first person I tell.”

“Good.”

Talon wrapped his arms around her and pulled her gently against his chest. Diana immediately relaxed into him.

For the first time since the battle, the distance between them seemed to disappear completely.

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They might not agree with every decision the other made. Talon might never fully approve of what Diana had done for Ravenna and Thorne. Diana might never regret giving Ravenna the opportunity to save her mate. But they understood each other. And more importantly, they still trusted each other.

That was enough.

For now.

A week had passed since Diana helped Ravenna and Thorne disappear. During that week, life inside Black Howler slowly began returning to normal. The damaged areas of the territory were being repaired. Injured warriors were recovering. Families mourned the wolves they had lost while also giving thanks to the Goddess for those who had survived. There had been no

more attacks.

For the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace. But it was an uneasy peace. Because Ravenna and Thorne were still missing. And no one except Diana and Talon knew

the truth.

Now Diana found herself sitting inside the Alpha office again. This time, she was not there because of a pack problem or another impending attack. She and Talon were waiting for visitors. Visitors Diana knew would eventually come.

Ravenna’s coven.

The witches had spent the entire week searching for Ravenna and Thorne. They had used tracking spells, blood magic, location charms, and every connection they had to Ravenna. Nothing had worked. Ravenna and Thorne had simply vanished.

And now, after exhausting their own methods, the coven had requested an audience with the Alpha King and the Silver Wolf.

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Diana sat on the couch across from Talon’s desk while Talon remained in his chair.

She had been watching him for several minutes. His fingers tapped slowly against the wooden surface.

Diana smiled slightly.

“Are you nervous they’ll find out?”

Talon’s fingers stopped. He looked at his mate.

“A little,” he admitted.

Diana raised an eyebrow, surprised by his honesty. Talon sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“I’m not going to lie to you, Diana. I don’t know what they’ll do if they discover what really happened.”

Diana’s expression remained calm.

“They can’t do anything about it.”

Talon stared at her incredulously.

“How can you say that so confidently?”

“Because it’s already done.”

“That doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences.”

Diana shrugged. Talon shook his head.

“This is exactly what I’m worried about.”

“What?”

“You acting as if helping one of the most dangerous witches alive disappear is something insignificant.”

“I didn’t help Gideon’s curse escape. I helped Ravenna save her mate after the curse was removed from him.”

“We know that,” Talon countered. “But everyone else doesn’t.”

Diana fell silent. Talon stood from behind his desk and walked toward her.

“If the witches discover what you did, they could bring the matter before the Council.”

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“Then let them.”

“Diana.”

“What?”

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“You are Luna Queen. You cannot simply say, ‘Let them, every time someone threatens to challenge one of your decisions.”

“Why not?”

Talon stared at her. Diana almost smiled. Despite himself, Talon almost smiled, but his concern quickly returned.

“This is serious, my love.”

“I know.”

“Then understand what I’m saying. I’m not worried about what they can physically do to you. They cannot simply walk into Black Howler and punish its Luna Queen. They would have to answer to me, our council, and the entire Royal Pack.”

Talon crouched in front of her.

“I’m worried about your reputation.”

Diana frowned.

“If the truth comes out, some wolves will not see what you saw in Thorne. They will remember their dead. They’ll remember their injured family members. They’ll remember hiding their pups inside bunkers while feral rogues attacked their homes.”

His voice softened.

“And then they’ll learn that their Luna Queen deliberately allowed the wolf responsible to escape.”

Diana looked away. That was something she had thought about. Many times. Talon

continued.

“Our allied packs suffered too. They lost warriors. Their territories were attacked. If they learn you helped Thorne disappear, they may feel betrayed.”

She looked back at him.

“I cannot change what I did, Talon. And I don’t want to. If they find out, then I will explain my

reasons.”

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“And if they don’t understand?”

“Then they don’t understand.”

Talon sighed heavily. Diana reached forward and touched his face.

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