Chapter 5 The Day of Selection

‘Why am I suddenly trembling? Will things turn out differently this time compared to my past life?’

The main hall of the Shadowmoon Clan was filled with invited guests. The Elders sat in the front row, while students from the academy occupied the designated seats, serving as witnesses for the ceremony to select the Alpha’s prospective mate.

“Looks like Viviane just got scolded by Scarlett for dressing far more lavishly than her.”

“But Viviane really went overboard compared to Scarlett. It’s almost as if she is the main star of the event.”

Scarlett glanced sideways at Viviane upon hearing those whispers, her expression bored and indifferent. She’s already started her act, and it hasn’t even properly begun yet.

Scarlett scanned and recognized every detail of the place clearly. She remembered every corner of this room, every face that had witnessed the ruin of her reputation, and every word that had once made her feel proud, yet foolish. With such pride back then, she had spoken the name Levi Ashbourne—and foolishly, never realizing that very name would be the end of her life.

'Oh… my stomach? Why does it suddenly ache? Could it be because I’m thinking of Levi again?' Scarlett pressed her hand against her abdomen.

Her mind drifted back to her previous life, recalling how Viviane had purposely worn clothes that made her look plain and unkempt. People had whispered about the stark difference in their appearances, and Viviane had seized the opportunity to paint Scarlett as a selfish and cruel older sister.

This time, Viviane had done exactly the opposite—she wore a gown that was far more striking and attention-grabbing.

'Whatever her reasons, Viviane is clearly chasing attention. Maybe Levi’s, maybe the Elders’, or perhaps both. Who knows!' Scarlett was not about to guess without solid proof.

She walked toward the seat beside Marcus—her grandfather and the High Elder of the Shadowmoon Clan. She greeted him with a faint, graceful smile. Marcus returned the smile, but his gaze quickly shifted toward Viviane, who sat not far away.

Scarlett observed the irritation on her grandfather’s face as he looked at Viviane, even though she could not hear his thoughts. However, Scarlett’s attention was drawn to something else—something far more unsettling.

Something feels different and strange today. 'I have such a bad feeling about this.' Scarlett frowned deeply as she scanned the room.

Normally, she could sense the presence of others through their unique scents and energy. As a girl who possessed a wolf spirit, that heightened sensitivity was natural to her—all the more so because she was the chosen future Luna of the Shadowmoon Clan.

The hall, usually rich with various scents and distinct energy signatures, seemed to have lost much of its vibrancy. She could not perceive people’s presence as she normally did. Instead, unfamiliar voices kept rising in her mind.

'It’s such an important ceremony, why is Scarlett’s gown so plain? Is she trying to look humble on purpose?'

'Viviane looks absolutely beautiful today. She seems far more worthy of being our Luna!'

'Hope this ceremony doesn’t end in chaos like I heard it did last year.'

'No wonder it hasn’t started yet. It’s definitely because Scarlett is still waiting for Levi.'

'Why didn’t Scarlett dress as splendidly as Viviane? With such a plain appearance, can she really be relied upon as this Clan’s Luna? What a pity for Shadowmoon!'

Scarlett stiffened. Unconsciously, she straightened her back.

The thoughts came from all directions. The more crowded the room became, the louder and more chaotic they grew. She looked at the guests, yet no one appeared to be speaking; everyone sat silently, waiting. She clenched her hands in her lap, forcing her expression to remain calm and composed.

'So this isn’t a coincidence. I really can read people’s minds!'

Yet, this ability—something that should have been an advantage—only made her head throb and feel heavy. There were too many voices, too many prejudices, and too many secrets she was never meant to hear.

Scarlett breathed slowly, trying to stay calm. If she could not fully control this power yet, at the very least, she had to learn to filter out what was important, to find the evidence she needed. She tried to focus her attention entirely on Viviane.

For a moment, the other voices faded, replaced—though faintly—by her half-sister’s thoughts.

'Levi should have arrived by now. If everything goes according to plan, no one will ever be able to take him away from me.' Viviane glanced anxiously at the guests filling the hall.

Scarlett cast a quick look at Viviane. 'So Levi is still part of this game. Very well… this time I will find out exactly what his role is…'

Before she could probe any deeper, someone touched her shoulder lightly.

Scarlett jolted and stood up abruptly. Her movement was so sudden that her chair scraped loudly, drawing the attention of every guest in the hall.

Damian Carrington!

“What is wrong with you? Elder Marcus has been calling you for ages,” Damian stood beside her, looking at her in confusion.

Scarlett stared at Damian, realizing she had not sensed his presence at all until his hand touched her shoulder. This surprise made her even more alert. If her wolf senses were weakening, she could no longer rely on them to detect danger. Scarlett swallowed hard, feeling uneasy.

“I apologize,” Damian continued. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” He stepped back, keeping a respectful distance from her.

Scarlett composed herself before sitting back down. “It’s alright. I was just… lost in thought. Thank you for getting my attention.”

She studied Damian for a moment as he nodded in acknowledgement, trying to determine if he was hiding anything in his mind. But she heard no voice, no thought from him at all. Scarlett paused for a moment, her mind drifting again.

Empty. Damian isn’t thinking about anything. Or… could it be… She blinked rapidly, suppressing her growing anxiety.

Did her ability not work on everyone?

Or perhaps she had not yet mastered it and simply could not use it properly?

Then a terrifying thought struck her mind, making her heart race, 'Oh no… what if I can’t hear Levi’s thoughts either? If I can’t… how will I ever find the proof I need?'