Ariana's heart leapt in her chest as the grand hall fell into utter silence. No one dared to speak—no one even breathed too loudly, as if the very sound of their breath could be taken as a challenge.
"Very well then… We declare you two husband and wife, Luna and Alpha of the Kingdom of Elto—"
Before the officiant could finish, Zavren moved.
In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance between them, his hand sliding around Ariana's waist with possessive certainty. A collective gasp rose from the crowd—part awe, part shock—just as his lips captured hers.
Ariana was not excluded—she hadn't expected that at all.
