The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 179

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Nine

“Agatha!”

Her mother’s frightened voice echoed through the house, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps climbing the stairs. Agatha immediately lifted her head from where she sat beside the window. The panic in her mother’s voice sent a cold chill through her.

She placed one protective hand over her swollen stomach and slowly pushed herself to her feet. Her body felt heavy now that she was so close to giving birth, and even the smallest movement required more effort than before.

Before she could reach the bedroom door, it flew open. Her mother rushed inside. Her face was pale. Her breathing was uneven. Fear filled her eyes.

“Mother?” Agatha asked, forcing herself to remain calm despite the alarm rising inside her. “What happened? What is going on?”

Her mother hurried toward her and took both of her hands.

“The wolves.”

Agatha’s heart stopped.

“What about them?”

“They are at our border.”

Her mother’s voice trembled.

“Thousands of them.”

Agatha stared at her. For one suspended moment, she could not process the words. Thousands of wolves. At the coven’s border.

Then the bond inside her chest surged. Warm. Powerful. Familiar. Lucian. Her mate was near. Agatha’s hand tightened around her mother’s.

“He came.”

Her mother looked confused.

“What?”

“Lucian.”

A smile appeared on Agatha’s face despite the danger surrounding them.

“He came for us.”

Her mother’s expression remained terrified.

“The wolves are attacking Gideon’s barrier. The entire coven is in chaos. The elders are calling every witch capable of fighting.”

10

Chapter Out Bay

She looked toward the hallway.

“We must leave.”

Agatha frowned.

“Leave where?”

“The northern side of the coven.”

Her mother quickly gathered a cloak from the chair and wrapped it around Agatha’s shoulders.

“There is an old passage beyond the herb gardens. Gideon rarely watches that area because the land is unstable.”

She reached for Agatha’s hand.

“Your father is waiting downstairs.”

Agatha hesitated. Her mate was here. Every instinct inside her demanded that she run toward the border. Toward Lucian. Toward safety. But Gideon stood somewhere between them. And Agatha knew he would not let her go without a fight. Her mother pulled gently on her hand.

“We have to move now.”

“What about the witches outside?”

“They are focused on the wolves.”

“And Gideon?”

Her mother’s eyes darkened with fear.

“He is occupied with the barrier.”

A distant explosion shook the house. The windows rattled. Dust fell from the ceiling. Agatha instinctively wrapped both arms around her stomach. Her mother looked toward the window.

“The wolves are breaking through faster than anyone expected.”

Hope filled Agatha’s chest. Lucian. Her powerful mate. Her Silver Wolf. He was coming. Her mother lightened her grip.

“This may be our only chance.”

Agatha nodded.

“All right.”

They left the bedroom together.

Agatha held the railing as they hurried down the stairs. Her mother remained beside her, one arm around her waist to keep her steady. The house felt unnaturally quiet compared with the panic outside.

Shouts echoed through the village. Bells rang. Magical alarms screamed from every corner of the coven.

2/6

Chapter Ou

Agatha could hear distant howls rolling through the forest. The sound was powerful enough to shake the walls. Her heart beat faster with each one. She recognized Lucian’s howl among them. No matter how many wolves answered him, she knew his voice. The commanding strength behind it. The rage. The promise. He was calling for her.

Agatha reached the bottom of the stairs and saw her father standing near the front door. He held a small bag filled with food, herbs, and clothing. His body was tense. His attention remained fixed outside.

“Father,” Agatha called.

He turned immediately. Relief crossed his face when he saw her.

“Come.”

He moved toward them.

“We do not have much time.”

Another explosion tore through the air. This one was louder. Closer. The windows shook violently. Agatha’s father opened the front door cautiously and looked outside. Then he froze. His face lost all color. Agatha followed his gaze. A lone figure stood in the pathway before the house.

Gideon.

Darkness surrounded him. Black mist curled around his body, moving like living shadows. His eyes were almost completely consumed by magic, and dark veins spread beneath his skin. He stood perfectly still. Waiting.

Agatha’s father stepped protectively in front of his family. Gideon’s gaze moved past him. Straight to Agatha.

“Where are you taking my bride?”

His voice was quiet. But death lived beneath every word. Agatha’s mother tightened her hold around her daughter.

“Gideon,” she said carefully, “the wolves are attacking.”

“I am aware.”

“The coven is not safe.”

His gaze never left Agatha.

“We only want to take her somewhere protected.”

Gideon smiled faintly.

“Protected?”

Her mother swallowed.

“Yes.”

He took one slow step closer.

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The safest place for Agatha is beside me.”

“No, Agatha’s father said firmly.

Gideon finally looked at him:

“You have allowed fear to confuse you.”

The wolves will break through,” her father warned. “Your barrier is weakening.”

“My barrier will destroy them before they enter the coven.”

His confidence sounded absolute. Yet another violent crack shook the ground beneath their feet. For the

first time, uncertainty flickered in Gideon’s expression. Only briefly. Then it disappeared

“There is no reason to panic,” Gideon continued. “Agatha will remain with me.”

He looked toward her stomach.

“And we will proceed with our binding.”

Agatha’s mother stared at him.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“While an army attacks the coven?”

Gideon’s eyes narrowed.

“Especially now.”

Agatha stepped from behind her father.

“My mate is here.”

Gideon’s entire body went still.

“He has come for me.”

The darkness around him stirred violently. Agatha held his gaze.

“You have lost, Gideon.”

“No.”

“Lucian has come.”

“He will die.”

“No.”

Her voice remained steady.

“He will reach me.”

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Gideon’s nostrils flared.

“Did you not hear what I said?”

He pointed toward the forest.

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