The fortress had quieted into a low hum of recovery by the time Athena found Silas alone.
He stood near one of the inner windows, looking out across the darkening valley. His shoulders were relaxed, but there was a heaviness in the way he held himself that told her he was still carrying the day with him.
She stepped into the room softly.
He turned the moment he sensed her.
For a second, neither of them spoke.
Athena took a breath.
"I'm still married."
The words felt strange leaving her mouth.
Heavy.
Real.
Silas didn't react with anger.
Or jealousy.
Or impatience.
He nodded once.
"I know."
Athena looked down at her hands.
"I didn't think about it before," she admitted. "I was trying to survive. Then trying to understand who I was. Then trying to protect everyone here."
Her voice softened.
"But it's still there."
Silas stepped closer.
"In human law," he said calmly, "you are still bound to him."
She swallowed.
"And in wolf law?"
Silas's eyes held hers steadily.
"In wolf law, he never had you."
Her breath caught.
Silas continued, voice quiet and certain.
"But you still carry the tie. And ties matter."
Athena nodded faintly.
"I don't want anything connecting me to him anymore."
Silas reached out, his hand resting lightly at her waist.
"Then we end it."
No hesitation.
No complication.
Just certainty.
Athena felt something settle inside her.
Not fear.
Not dread.
Relief.
"I'm ready," she said softly.
And for the first time...
She meant it.
YOU ARE READING
Book 1 - The Suppressed Queen
WerewolfAthena Whitlock has always been the perfect wife. Obedient. Quiet. Pleasing. Safe. She doesn't remember her childhood. She doesn't question her husband. She doesn't ask why she dreams of wolves, fire, and a kingdom she's never seen. Until the night...
