Chapter 12 Setting the Plan in Motion

Scarlett accepted the silver goblet from Mia, her expression uncertain and hesitant. She glanced toward her grandfather, her demeanor awkward.

‘Truth be told, even if Miss Scarlett drinks this tonic, it will not change or cure her condition at all. This mixture is meant only for common fevers. Perhaps I should tell Elder Marcus I need to prepare a new prescription. Otherwise, I shall look completely incompetent in his eyes.’

Scarlett smiled faintly as she picked up on the clear note of confusion running through Healer Vale’s mind. His thoughts had indirectly laid to rest every fear and suspicion she had been harboring toward her grandfather.

Calmly, she lifted the goblet and drank every drop of the mixture.

“Mmm… it's sweet. It tastes less like medicine and more like sweet wine. Thank you, Healer Vale,” she said, her tone light and reassuring. Her words drew happy laughter from everyone present.

“Very well. You must rest now and regain your strength for the full moon ceremony,” Marcus said as he stood to leave.

“Yes, Grandpa. Tomorrow I shall be fully recovered, and I intend to return to the academy at the palace,” Scarlett replied.

Marcus’s eyes widened in obvious disapproval.

“No. You are not to go anywhere until after the full moon ceremony. You may return to the academy only after you have formally sealed your betrothal to your mate and been installed as Luna. And when you do return, your status will have changed. You will no longer be a student, but rather the official overseer appointed by Alpha King Cedric,” Marcus explained, his expression serious. Scarlett was taken completely by surprise.

“This decision is still a closely guarded secret within the palace. That is why Alpha King Cedric sent Healer Vale personally to oversee your recovery, Scarlett. Right now, your health and safety are our highest priorities,” Marcus finished. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and Scarlett’s eyes filled with tears.

She was overwhelmed with guilt for having doubted and suspected him even for a moment. She could no longer hold back the tears welling in her eyes.

“Grandpa… please forgive me…” she stammered. She rose from her bed and wrapped her arms tightly around him. “Thank you for always protecting me,” she sobbed.

Marcus gently stroked the top of her head. “You are such a sentimental child. You have grown up and are about to become Luna, the queen of our great pack, yet you still act this way.’ Marcus chuckled softly, though his own eyes were glistening.

“No matter what, the Luna of this pack will always be Grandpa Marcus’s little girl,” Scarlett insisted stubbornly.

Her words made both Marcus and Healer Vale laugh together. Even Mia began to cry, moved by the tender moment.

‘Even though I cannot hear Grandpa’s thoughts, at least for now, he stands on my side just as he did in my past life.’

Scarlett wiped her tear‑streaked face and waved goodbye as her grandfather and Healer Vale left her chamber, both looking greatly relieved.

‘I truly do not know what I would do if I had to face Grandpa as an enemy. Just thinking about it makes me feel as though I could not go on living,’ she admitted to herself, clenching her fingers in suppressed anxiety.

The moment Marcus and the healer were gone, Scarlett began mapping out the plan she intended to use to gather proof of Viviane and Levi’s crimes. That morning marked the beginning of her new course of action.

Scarlett strolled through the gardens of the Shadowmoon Pack palace accompanied by Mia. She sat on a stone bench, her posture listless and her head bowed as if weighed down by sorrow. Several maids lowered their heads and cast sideways glances at her as they walked past.

‘Why is she wandering around out here? Is she waiting for Alpha Levi to come visit her? How pitiful. After all, Alpha Levi only came to see Miss Viviane earlier.’

‘She is probably trying to get Master Levi’s attention again. It is pathetic really, the future Luna having no pride at all. Pining after her own sister’s intended mate. It is absolutely disgusting!’

Scarlett looked sharply at the two maids after hearing every word running through their minds. She studied them closely, and the pair jumped in fright before hurrying away as quickly as they could, as though they had been caught stealing.

‘No wonder they think such things. They belong to Viviane’s household, and she has clearly poisoned their minds with her venomous words. I will remember your faces.’

Scarlett sniffed the air lightly. Then a smile formed in her heart. ‘Levi and Viviane are heading this way. Perfect. This is exactly what I wanted.’

She stood up and linked her arm through Mia’s in a seemingly weak and dependent manner. She felt Mia startle in awkward surprise at the touch.

“Let us go back. I have grown bored of this place,” Scarlett said.

Mia nodded stiffly in response and followed Scarlett’s slow, heavy steps.

“Mia, starting tonight, I shall rest in the west wing chambers. I want to be left in absolute peace until the ceremony,” Scarlett said, her voice soft and faint. She made certain her words carried far enough to be heard by Viviane and Levi.

She heard their footsteps halt abruptly just beyond the garden wall. Hiding a smile, she continued speaking to Mia.

“I need to calm my heart and my mind. I am terrified that I might not be able to be a good Luna to our pack and to… to my future mate…” She let her voice trail off intentionally.

“I am afraid he will not be the one I truly desire. I fear he may not be the one who truly loves me, because I do not deserve to be loved…”

Mia’s eyes widened in shock. “Miss, that is not true at all! You deserve to be loved more than anyone! Only a blind fool could fail to love you,” she muttered angrily.

Mia’s indignant outburst made it impossible for Levi to hold back any longer. He stepped into the pathway, growling in fury, and blocked their way.

“You insolent servant! Are you trying to insult me?”

Scarlett suppressed a faint smile. ‘Got you, Levi.’