LOGINScarlett's Luna coronation was extravagant. Dylan completely went all out, throwing the biggest celebration the shifter clan had ever seen. Special invites were sent to neighboring packs, both far and near. The coronation was the talk of the whole realm. That morning, the Moon Sanctuary had been decorated beautifully. The maids had been working overtime, preparing the food, the drink, and everything else that was needed for the event. The entire pack was a beehive of activities. Up in Dylan's room, Scarlett paced around nervously, not dressed yet. The preparations reminded her of her wedding day. Though her wedding hadn't been as grand as this, it still managed to make her nervous.Her hand lowered to her stomach. She couldn't feel any movement, but the thought of a child, their child, growing inside her was overwhelming. In seven months, she would be a mom.She walked up the mirror and stared at her stomach, stroking one hand over it. "How can I love something I haven't even see
Hope hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know it's still a little too early to be sure, but I didn't want to wait. I figured it would be better if I drew your attention to it first...""Hope, whatever it is, just say it," Dylan said impatiently, trying his best not to snap. "It's the fetus. It doesn't seem normal."Dylan brows knitted into a frown. "What do you mean?" he muttered."When I ran a checkup on her while she was unconscious, I didn't feel the slightest sign of life. Usually, when I run tests on pregnant shifters, it is easy to feel the tiniest form of life during the first week. But Scarlett is two months gone, and there is no sign of life."Dylan didn't panic. He merely brushed her concerns aside. "Maybe it's because she's a human, and not a shifter.""I don't think that's the reason," Hope shook her head. "I wouldn't tell you this if it wasn't important. I think the fetus might be lifeless."Dylan's eyes flared bright gold. A warning look flashed across his burnin
Scarlett was speechless for a moment. Her eyes darted between Dylan and Hope. "What'd you say?" she asked finally in a breathless whisper. "You're pregnant," Hope repeated. "It's confirmed. Eight weeks."Scarlett's mind raced. Eight weeks. That was two months. How had she missed her period and never noticed? Two months ago, they were still at Eryndor. The night she begged Dylan to make love to her must have been the night she conceived. A smile slowly broke out on her face, and she turned to Dylan who had tears brimming in his eyes. Her heart melted. He was crying. "I'm pregnant," she repeated. "Oh God, I don't believe it. We're going to have a baby."Dylan cupped her face and kissed her, his eyes tightly shut. His emotions were all over the place, and he didn't know how to express them without feeling overwhelmed. Hope quietly left the room, giving the two of them privacy. Dylan held Scarlett like he was afraid to let go, like she was the most delicate flower in his hands. On
Scarlett was in a tight spot, and she knew she had to make a decision soon.The omega kneeling before her didn't make things easier. He had his head lowered, tears streaming down his face as if he already knew he was going to die. "I can't let him die," she whispered, running a hand through her hair. "I can't let him die in my place, but if I drink the wine, I'll die, and if I back out, the entire trial will be cancelled. All my efforts will be wasted."There was no way out of it. She looked towards Dylan. He was staring straight at her, his expression unreadable. It was almost like he was expecting her to walk away and let the omega drink the wine. But she couldn't do that. She couldn't let someone die in her place, even though he was the weakest member of the pack.She shut her eyes, trying to think. Back in Eryndor, her father had taught her a lot of things, and one of them was finding loopholes. There was a loophole in every challenge of life, and there was certainly one in th
The third trial took place in the open space beside the courtyard, right in front of the mansion. The crowd of shifters were already gathered, eager to witness the last trial. Scarlett stood beside a wooden box, where the lots were kept. She had changed into a plain, velvet, flowing green dress, with the neckline drooping off her shoulders. She wore no jewelry, and her hair was woven into a simple weave. A few meters away, Dylan stood to the side, his hands clasped behind him. Several guards pounded their fists on two loud drums in a synchronized beat, making the atmosphere solemn and filled with tension. Jordan finally stepped towards the center of the open space and stopped beside Scarlett. "Are you ready?" he asked warmly. Scarlett gazed at him for a moment, then turned her eyes to Dylan. He gave her a small nod, a smile tugging at his lips. She smiled back and nodded at Jordan. "I'm ready.""Before you draw the lots, you need to let the pack know that you abide by the rule
On the day of the third trial, Scarlett felt calm. The anxiety she felt during the last two days had mysteriously vanished, leaving her feeling numb. She knew there was no turning back. She had insisted on attempting the trial, and she was almost at the end of it.If luck was on her side, or favour from the moon goddess the shifters worshipped, then she would succeed also in this last trial. That morning, she was awakened with a soft, moist feeling on her finger. She opened her eyes, and a soft smile curled her lips. Dylan had pulled one of her fingers into his mouth. He was shirtless, a pair of black trousers hanging low on his hips. The warm sensation of his tongue made her shiver. "Good morning," she whispered. "How long have you been awake?""A few hours," he murmured. "You look so beautiful when you're asleep."She chuckled and snuggled into his arms. "You were watching me sleep?"He nodded, slowly kissing the smooth curve of her neck. "I love watching you sleep."He moved h
The swearing-in ceremony was a success. The new members of the royal council swore their loyalty and allegiance to the throne. Then they were welcomed into the council hall, and the council chambers, where they would begin to live now that they were part royalty. Scarlett didn't mean to rush ever
A week later, a memorial was conducted for Queen Katherine Windsor. She had already been buried, the same day she died. Scarlett stood silently in the tomb beneath the castle, staring at the second headstone beside her father's. Katherine's portrait was placed beside it, just like King Eddard's.I
Scarlett raced to the health room. She had discarded her crown, pushing it into Leah's hands before hitching up her gown and running back to the castle. She barged into the room, her eyes falling on the two nurses standing beside the bed. Her gaze shifted to the bed, and she saw Katherine lying s
A hush went through the crowd when Scarlett emerged with Dylan beside her. She scanned the sea of faces. There were looks of surprise, confusion, a little fear, but no one stared at her in contempt. No one looked at her like they hated her. Maybe that was a sign. Dylan led her forward, where Eze







