Chapter 380

[ 881 words ]

Talia’s POV

“No,” I refused firmly.

“Talia…”

“No, Solon. I won’t let you do this,” I said, standing abruptly.

“Sit down, Talia,” Solon said.

“Solon, you’re not dying. You just need time to recover. The packs will understand eventually. You can’t give up on yourself like this,” I continued.

“This is something I’ve carefully considered. I’ve thought it through for days, and to be honest, I was already thinking about it when Father became sick,” Solon said. “You have to replace me, Talia.”

“I can’t accept this, Solon. The title belongs to you. You earned it, and Father gave it

to you. I know you’re worried about your strength and your wolf, but you will recover at last,” I argued.

“And what if it takes years, Talia?”

“What?” I said in disbelief. “What do you mean it could take years?”

“My wolf says recovery could take years,” Solon explained. “Even then, I’ll never be what I was.”

“You don’t know that. Leslie’s treatment…”

“Won’t fix everything. And you know it. The packs and Silverfang can’t wait years for a proper leader,” he said.

I hated the weakness in my voice. “You can’t just hand it off. There are rules.”

“Screw the rules. Silverfang is our father’s legacy. I’m not letting some power-hungry bastard take it over,” Solon said. “Even if people call me selfish, I believe only someone from the Carson family should inherit the title of Alpha King. You have proven your courage and ability during the war and are a worthy Luna who could take the throne.”

No matter how much I wanted to argue and convince Solon he was wrong, I knew he was right. It would be irresponsible not to make a decision now. With Geoffrey lurking, I didn’t want him to outmaneuver us and leave us with an even more complicated situation.

‘Then, accept the position,’ my wolf said.

‘I can’t bring myself to do that, nor can I see anyone other than Solon as Alpha King,’ I responded.

‘Our mate could be the Alpha King,’ my wolf suggested. ‘If a choice has to be made, let it be our mate.’

“Why not Nolan? He’s family. The Alphas already suggested him,” I suggested.

“Nolan is strong, but he’s not a Carson. I’m not saying that as an insult. Power like this could change someone unprepared for it, and I’m not willing to risk that,” Solon explained.

He was right. There were tales of Alpha Kings who let authority poison their judgment, turning fierce protectors into tyrants who drove off their friends and ruled through fear. Others isolated themselves, certain only that their strength could hold the packs together, but in the end, their isolation led to disaster. That legacy was why the packs looked to families like ours.

“You’re so old-fashioned, Solon,” I teased with a weak smile.

He just raised an eyebrow. “Maybe. But I want you to take this seriously. Sleep on it and give me your answer tomorrow.”

By the time I left Solon’s room, Leslie was gone. Nolan was waiting outside, and when he saw my conflicted expression, he pulled me into a hug.

“Come on,” he said quietly. “Let’s go out for dinner.”

“It’s late. We can have the kitchen send something to our room.”

“No, we need to get out just for tonight.”

A few minutes later, we were tucked into a corner booth at the only diner still open in Fangvale. The air smelled of fried onions and cheese. The vinyl seat squeaked when I moved, sticking to the backs of my legs.

“What did Solon want to talk to you about?” he asked.

“He wants me to take over as Alpha King. I guess that would make me Alpha Queen,” I replied.

Nolan’s eyes widened. “I…was not expecting that.”

“You should do it,” I suggested.

“No, thank you,” Nolan said almost immediately.

“The Alphas would accept you in a heartbeat. You killed the Rogue King. You have earned their respect,” I reasoned. “I would stake my life on you never betraying us.”

Nolan leaned forward and kissed me. “I’m honored, but no.”

“But your father was the Alpha King like mine. If he hadn’t been murdered, you would be the Alpha King right now,” I argued.

“True, if I wanted it, but Solon has made his decision. He wants you, not me, and I respect that,” Nolan replied. He leaned back and raised his wine glass. “To the future Alpha Queen.”

I grinned despite myself. “So you’re going to be my royal consort?”

“Only if I get a special hat.”

“I’m not cut out for this, either,” I sighed.

“That’s what makes you perfect. You’re not one of them. You don’t even want the job,” Nolan said.

I was quiet for a long time, thinking about the title, about Dad, and about everything Solon had sacrificed. My chest tightened, and I bit my lip as my anxiety grew.

“If I say yes, will you stand by me? Even if everyone else turns?”

“I’d burn down the world for you,” Nolan said. “Just sleep on it.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

“We should take bets on whether you convinced Solon to choose me over you,” Nolan joked.

I scoffed. “You are going to win. I’d be better off trying to convince a rock to change its mind.”

Nolan laughed.

But as I stared into my empty glass, the laughter faded, replaced by silence. Solon’s question echoed in my mind, and the future, the packs, and the throne all waited on my answer. I wasn’t sure I was ready to give it.

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