The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 54

<Chapter Fifty-four

A quiet tension settled in the room.

“Why do you ask, son?” Rowan finally asked, his gaze steady on Talon.

Clim

“One of the rogues we captured and questioned in Crimson Fang mentioned a Rogue King,” Talon folded his hands behind his back, careful with his words. “He claimed this king is searching for a Silver Wolf.”

He deliberately left out one crucial detail. He did not mention that the rogue had implied the Silver Wolf might be his destined mate, and he certainly did not mention that some signs pointed disturbingly close to Diana.

That knowledge would remain his alone-for now.

Rowan’s expression darkened slightly as he considered the implications.

“If the rogue Garrick encountered in his youth was truly killed…” he said thoughtfully, “then who is this Rogue King the captured rogue spoke of?”

The question hung heavy in the air.

Garrick leaned forward now, seriousness replacing nostalgia. “I will assign my best warriors to investigate. If there is someone attempting to gather rogues under one banner, we will know. My intelligence unit specializes in surveillance, infiltration, and tracking.”

Talon inclined his head respectfully. “Thank you, Elder.”

Garrick gave a single nod. “We will begin immediately.”

Silence lingered only briefly before Elder Alaric cleared his throat.

“As for the Silver Wolf,” he began, fingers steepled in front of him, “I have encountered references in ancient texts.”

All attention shifted to him.

“It is said,” Alaric continued, “that a Silver Wolf is not merely rare, but extraordinary. The strongest wolf born in a generation. Sometimes in several generations.”

Mirela’s eyes sharpened. “Strong in what sense? Physical strength?”

“More than that,” Alaric replied. “Leadership. Strategy. Charisma. The ability to command loyalty without coercion. The Silver Wolf is often described as a unifier.”

“A born ruler,” Thomlin added quietly.

“Yes,” Alaric agreed. “Some texts describe the Silver Wolf as someone capable of leading not just one pack-but many.”

“Is that why this so-called Rogue King seeks the Silver Wolf?” Garrick’s jaw tightened slightly. “To use him or her as a pawn? To rally rogues and perhaps even sway weaker packs?”

No one answered immediately, because the possibility was dangerous.

Rowan broke the silence. “If such a wolf exists, and if this Rogue King believes they can control them, then he underestimates the nature of power.”

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<Chapter Fully Poul-

Talon’s thoughts flickered briefly to Diana.

Her strength.

Her instincts.

The way she commanded respect without trying.

He kept his face neutral.

“There are also darker interpretations,” Mirela added quietly.

Alaric nodded once. “In some versions of the lore, the Silver Wolf is said to bring great change. Change is rarely peaceful.”

Thomlin shifted uneasily. “Change to the balance between packs?”

“Possibly,” Alaric said. “Or change within leadership structures.”

Garrick’s voice lowered. “Or war.”

The word echoed faintly, Talon felt the weight of every gaze in the room.

“Regardless of myth or legend,” he said firmly, reclaiming the room’s focus, “we will treat this as a tangible threat. A Rogue King seeking power. Whether he hunts a myth or a real wolf, his actions matter.”

Rowan studied his son. “You believe this is more than rumor.”

“Yes,” Talon replied without hesitation.

Garrick nodded approvingly. “Then we prepare accordingly.”

Alaric leaned forward slightly. “If the Rogue King is seeking legitimacy, finding or claiming a Silver Wolf would give him narrative power. Rogues follow strength. But they also follow symbols.”

Mirela’s voice was thoughtful. “And if the Silver Wolf exists and does not align with him?”

“Then,” Garrick said bluntly, “he may attempt to eliminate them.”

The chamber fell silent again.

Talon’s jaw tightened subtly, then Rowan noticed.

“You have more on your mind,” Rowan observed quietly.

Talon held his father’s gaze for a long moment before answering. “I have enough to remain cautious.”

That was true, but he would not expose Diana to scrutiny-not yet.

Garrick broke the tension. “My warriors will track rogue movements beyond our borders. If there is unusual coordination, we will know.”

Alaric added, “I will discreetly reach out to our allied packs. Without causing alarm. If they have heard similar whispers, it will confirm this is not isolated.”

Thomlin nodded. “And I will speak with the common wolves. Rumors travel fastest through marketplaces

45

Chapter Fully-Pour-

and training grounds.”

Ch

Mirela folded her hands calmly. “And I will prepare our healers for potential unrest. Whether political or physical.”

Rowan finally leaned back, assessing the room. “This is how a kingdom remains strong. Information from every corner. Prepared for both myth and reality.”

“Then we proceed carefully,” Talon felt a steady resolve settle in his chest, and he concluded. “Investigate quietly. Strengthen defenses subtly. Do not spread fear.”

“And the Silver Wolf?” Garrick asked one last time.

“If the Silver Wolf exists,” Talon’s expression hardened slightly, “they are not a pawn.”

Something in his tone made the elders pause.

Rowan’s eyes narrowed faintly, recognizing the underlying conviction. “No, a true leader cannot be controlled.”

The meeting began to disperse, each elder rising with purpose, but as Talon remained standing at the head of the table, one thought repeated quietly in his mind:

If the Rogue King is searching for the Silver Wolf, then he will eventually cross my territory.

And if he does, he will not find what he expects.

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