Chapter 83

I placed a hand on his shoulder, a small gesture of reassurance.

“Thank you. But I need you to trust that I’ll handle this. If Silas wants to test me, I’ll show him that Talon Pack is not so easily intimidated.”

Dante held my gaze, his expression softening with something close to pride.

“Then show him, Elara. Show him the strength of Talon.”

With that, I turned and made my way to the border, the quiet of the forest around me amplifying the sound of my own footsteps. As I neared the edge of Talon territory, I saw Silas waiting just beyond our land, his figure tall and unmistakable against the fading light.

He was alone, though I knew better than to trust appearances. Silas was cunning, ruthless, and it was likely he had his wolves hidden nearby, watching, waiting for any sign of weakness.

I stopped just inside our territory, keeping the border between us. Silas tilted his head, a slow, calculating smile spreading across his face as he took me in.