32 Disgrace

Fangs and Flames: The Alpha's Mistake

**************

CHAPTER 1

"Congratulations, Scarlet."

A smile spread across her small, red lips as she dipped her head. "Thank you, but it is for Rhys," she corrected politely.

"And you. You'll be Luna today," the older lady, Luna of Blue River's Pack, Supreme Sterling, refuted with a warm smile.

"You're right. In that case, then." She winked at the lady and continued on her path.

Scarlet gracefully pivoted, her shimmering white mermaid gown enveloping her figure with a perfectly created elegance that seemed to be tailored exclusively for her, enhancing her natural beauty with a touch of panache.

"You look stunning," a feminine voice called from behind. Scarlet whipped her head in her direction, her waist-length auburn brown hair swaying with her movement.

"Lady Cross, right back at you."

Lady Cross lifted her wine glass, her eyes gleaming under the chandelier's light. "Congrats to you and Rhys. You've done well."

"What can I say? He is special."

"I'll say he had the best mate by his side. Your support was felt," a man in his mid-forties standing beside Lady Cross complimented her with a smile on his face.

"I did what I could. After all, supporting him is…"

Clink! Clink!

The sound of a spoon clinking with a glass reverberated throughout the hall, catching the attention of every distinguished man and woman present, dressed in their most elegant attire.

Subconsciously, Scarlet swept her gaze around, her eyes taking in the grand ballroom glittering with decorations and vibrant bursts of colour as everyone's attention was fixed ahead—the podium where Rhys stood with their pack's old beta.

"A pleasant evening, everyone," the elder greeted, his eyes filled with pride as the full moon bathed the lavishly decorated podium through the open roof in its ethereal rays.

The hall was adorned with chandeliers that gracefully hung from the lofty ceiling, creating a captivating ambience. The radiant light they emitted elegantly illuminated the polished marble floor, immersing the visitors in a mesmerising display.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, a delightful blend of enthusiasm and jitters.

Tonight was the night Rhys, heir to the Crescent Moon pack, would claim his Alpha title and choose his Luna.

"The time has come," the old beta's voice boomed in front of the mic, his rheumy eyes fixed on Rhys. "for the Alpha to claim his birthright and ascend to the position of Alpha and to claim his Luna to solidify the future of the pack."

Across the clearing, Rhys stood tall and proud, his broad frame adorned in a regal blue tuxedo and the ceremonial Alpha furs atop his ensemble.

With a confident sweep, his eyes travelled across the gathered pack members, pausing briefly on Scarlet before gracefully shifting their focus to the rest of the throng.

"By the power invested in me…"

Scarlet inhaled deeply as her eyes remained glued to the ceremony happening in front of her.

She did not want to miss a beat—not one single moment of his crowing. From that moment on, he would stand among the alphas in their circle with pride. This was her pride.

As soon as the crowning concluded, there was a round of applause, which jolted Scarlet out of her reverie.

"Let us make a toast," the old beta announced.

Scarlet looked at her hands. She was missing a drink. Before she could speak, a waitress walked over to her with a tray holding an oval-shaped glass with a clear blue liquid in her hands.

"My lady, your drink for the toast." Her smile was natural, and as she offered her the cup, Scarlet noticed her fingers trembled slightly.

Her lips held a lovely smile, hoping to ease the girl's nerves. "Thank you."

"To Alpha Rhys August!"

The sound of glass clinking against glass reverberated in the entire hall as everyone took sips from their drinks. Scarlet followed suit. She winced.

She noticed a somewhat peculiar flavour lingering on her taste buds. Scarlet raised the glass slightly, bringing it closer to her line of vision.

Right as she was about to take a peek, a group of visitors surrounded her, each raising their glass to toast with her. Scarlet couldn't resist taking a sip of her drink with every delightful clink of the glasses.

By the time the bunch of them ended, her glass ran out of juice. Her smile remained as she forced the thought of the drink to the back of her mind.

At the pinnacle of the ceremony, Rhys confidently raised his voice, causing his words to resonate across the tranquil clearing.

"Tonight, as I claim my birthright and ascend to the position of Alpha, it's time to crown my Luna. You know an Alpha is only as strong as his Luna by his side. And it is with immense pride that I welcome..."

Scarlet's heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

She clutched her glass, holding it for support. The time was here.

"None other than my destined mate…"

Scarlet held her breath, a conflicting mix of hope and dread churned in her gut as her eyes closed and opened briefly, settling back on Rhys. Rather than his gaze being centred on her, she noticed him looking elsewhere.

"Elara Everett." He paused, his gaze falling on a cloaked figure who emerged from the shadows in a corner behind him.

The figure threw back the hood, revealing a woman with cascading raven hair and eyes the colour of molten gold.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. It was Elara, a beautiful she-wolf who had recently arrived at the pack, her past shrouded in mystery.

Scarlet felt the blood drain from her face.

For months, she had dreamt of this moment, of standing beside Rhys, their bond solidifying under the watchful gaze of the Moon Goddess.

But now, what?

Luna, not her?

Staring at her with sharp eyes like those of a thousand bats were several guests from the high end of society, all attendees of the Alpha Crowning Ceremony.

The guests had come to celebrate, form alliances, ready to mingle and laugh, toasting to the promises of Rhys and her future, but instead, they were met with this fiasco—the disgrace of her lifetime.

She was supposed to be Luna.

'Luna.' Scarlet scoffed internally. 'More like a loser.'

The words hung on her lips as she watched Rhys stretch forth his hand for his little wannabe to take and join him on stage—a stage she should have been on right from the start but decided to mingle with the crowd just to get a perfect view of him.

Her big mistake, or perhaps it was her luck.

Regardless of where she was, it did not seem to stop all eyes from being on her at the moment.

The disgrace was great.

"What about Lady Scarlet?"