"Elders."
Diana's calm voice echoed through the silent ceremonial hall.
"Does it truly matter whether Willow speaks as Talon's sister... or as Damon's mate?"
No one answered. Diana slowly looked around the room, meeting the eyes of every Alpha, Luna, Elder, and pack representative present.
"She was attacked."
Her voice remained level.
"Every single one of you was present during our marking ceremony."
She gestured toward the crowd.
"You all saw what happened after the attack. You all saw her unconscious. You all saw her fighting for her life."
A brief silence followed.
"You know she almost died."
Her silver eyes settled on the Elder Council.
"And you know this because Beta Enzo and Gamma Galvin questioned every single wolf who attended my marking ceremony."
She folded her hands
