Chapter 8 The Poisoned Potion

“Relax, Viviane. I am certain the name written there is my eternal soulmate. Why are you so worried about me? Are you afraid it might turn out to be yours?” Scarlett retorted calmly.

Her words, laden with hidden meaning, shocked everyone present, not just Viviane, but Levi most of all.

“Scarlett! What are you talking about? Viviane is genuinely concerned for you! She is kind and always looks out for you. Why do you always treat her this way?” Levi spoke up unthinkingly, defending Viviane in front of everyone and swaying public opinion against Scarlett.

Just as expected Viviane suddenly drew closer and knelt before Scarlett, who stood watching in silence. Scarlett instinctively stepped away from her, her face showing plain boredom.

“Sister, please forgive me if I upset you. I truly only want the best for you, Sister. You see, you are the only family I have left aside from Grandfather… even though he always seems to put you first… I… I am so sorry…” Viviane began to cry, bowing her head, feigning shame that she could not even reach out to Scarlett.

‘You wretched girl, Scarlett! If she keeps stepping away from me like this, how am I supposed to provoke her?!’ Viviane’s inner scream rang loud and clear inside Scarlett’s head, making her temples throb and her mind buzz. She has not yet grown accustomed to the new powers granted to her by the Moon Goddess.

“Go away, Viv,” Scarlett said. “Stay back,” she added firmly, causing Viviane to break down into sobs.

“Scarlett! That is too much! She only wants to apologize to you. How can you be so cruel to her?” Levi cut in, stepping forward and pulling Viviane into his embrace.

Scarlett looked at the two of them with a bitter smile.

“It seems tonight’s event is all about Viviane, isn’t it? Look at this… without even needing the ritual or the sacred scroll, you have already found your eternal mate, Viviane.”

Everyone instantly realized how improper the scene looked. Levi and Viviane jumped apart in panic. Whispers erupted across the hall, eyes fixed on them with judgment and suspicion. While the pair scrambled to explain it away as nothing more than an instinctive reaction between childhood friends, a sudden burst of laughter drew every gaze, including Scarlett’s, toward Damian.

“What is so funny, Damian?” Levi glared sharply at Damian, who was leaning comfortably against one of the hall’s massive pillars.

Damian spread his hands casually.

“I laugh because it is amusing. I, along with a few other friends, grew up with Scarlett and attended the Academy with her. Yet, none of us ever made a habit of… embracing… each other like that… doesn’t that look far more like lovers than friends?”

Eyes widened in shock as everyone absorbed his words, and realized he was right. The murmurs grew louder, most of them now gossiping about the unnatural closeness between Levi and Viviane.

“Besides, this is Scarlett’s ceremony. Whatever decision lies within that sacred scroll, there is no need for such a fuss, especially when Scarlett herself is willing to wait. Why are you two the ones making all the noise? Shouldn’t it be Scarlett who is concerned? Concerned whether her future Alpha will truly be the best choice for her, and whether he will be able to protect her and both our packs for all time?” Damian added, his words resonating with the crowd, who nodded in agreement.

Scarlett felt heat rise to her cheeks. She realized Damian was defending her, in his own distinct way. She remembered how, in her past life, he had often done the same for her, but she had always misunderstood his intentions and it had only led to arguments. Back then, her heart had been so utterly blinded by her love for Levi.

Stung by Damian’s words, Levi instantly summoned his wolf spirit to the surface, bristling toward Damian.

“Damian! What exactly are you implying? Of course I will take responsibility! And I will be a worthy Alpha for Scarlett and both our packs!”

Gasps rippled through the guests as they saw Levi ready to bare his wolf and fight.

“Wow! You speak as if you know for certain your name is written there, Levi. You are very confident, aren’t you?”

Damian’s remark made Levi growl in pure rage.

“LEVI, ENOUGH! This is a sacred ceremony! Kneel immediately and beg forgiveness from the Moon Goddess!” Marcus thundered at them both.

The two men hurried forward and knelt before the statue of the Moon Goddess.

“Now, let us proceed with the next part of the ceremony. Scarlett and her future mate must drink this potion together. It has been blessed by the Moon Goddess for the future Luna and Alpha, to ensure a strong and enduring bloodline. Therefore, Scarlett shall take the first sip now,” Marcus announced, motioning to a maid who stepped forward carrying a tray with a chalice.

‘Now! Even if you choose Levi, you will never bear his children. I have poisoned this drink so that you will be barren forever… and then you will DIE!’ Viviane suppressed a smirk as she and Scarlett locked eyes for a brief moment.

‘Thank you, Viviane. I had almost forgotten about this poisoned potion. But your little reminder just saved my life,’ Scarlett smiled inwardly as the maid reached her side.

But just as Scarlett took the chalice in her right hand and lifted it to her lips, she suddenly stumbled. The cup slipped from her grasp, and the liquid spilled across the floor. Instantly, thick black smoke billowed upward, and the stone beneath melted away, leaving a scorched hole. Every eye went wide in horror, especially when they saw Scarlett collapse weakly to the ground.

“SCALIO…!”

That voice echoed in Scarlett’s mind just as her vision began to fade.

‘He… The one I have been searching for all this time! Who is he?"