The hall fell into stunned silence. For a moment, no one moved, no one spoke. Then the room exploded with noise—shocked gasps, murmured outrage, and the clatter of glasses. Elders exchanged frantic glances, unsure if they had heard correctly.
Nicholas rose abruptly from his chair, his face dark with disbelief. “What did you just say?"
Ryan's calm voice carried easily across the hall. “I said that the purpose of my visit is to propose an alliance between our packs—through marriage. I intend to marry Luna Diana."
Nicholas's expression twisted. “You must be joking. She's my wife!"
Ryan met his glare steadily. “Is she?"
The room went deathly still again. All eyes turned to Diana. She sat poised and unflinching, her hands folded neatly in her lap. When she finally spoke, her voice was clea
