---- Chapter 3 I walked slowly into the bustling celebration, holding that ebony box. Alphas from all the major allied packs were gathered with their mates. Instantly, all conversation stopped. "Oh my god, why is Regina dressed like that?" "A black gown... Isn't that for mourning?" "Wearing mourning clothes to a full moon, celebration? Is she trying to curse us all?" lignored the whispers around me and walked straight to the main platform. Ethan was seated in the Alpha's chair, and beside him, in the Luna seat that should have been mine, sat Scarlett. She wore a gorgeous silver-white gown that ---- cleverly showed off her slightly rounded belly, and she was snuggled shyly against Ethan. "Ethan, she's here," Scarlett's voice trembled, her eyes flashing with fake fear. ''She... she looks so scary..." Ethan's arm tightened around Scarlett, shielding her, and he glared at me fiercely. "Regina, what do you think you're doing? Dressing like that is blasphemy against the Moon Goddess!" "Blasphemy?" I walked calmly to the front of the stage, my voice carrying clearly through the hall." I'm merely mourning something that has already died." "Mourning what?" Alpha Marcus of the Redwood Pack sneered. "Mourning your lost Luna status?" Awave of laughter erupted from the crowd. "She never deserved that position anyway," a Beta female from the Blackwood Pack said cuttingly. " ---- Look at her, can't even fight, just hides at home raising kids. Typical weakling." "No wonder Ethan wanted a replacement," another voice chimed in mockingly. "Miss Scarlett is so elegant, her bloodline so noble. That's what a real Luna should be like." Ethan stood up proudly, deliberately showing off the fresh, red temporary mark on his neck. " Everyone can see, this is the temporary mark between Scarlett and me. She carries the future heir of the Stone family, possessing the purest wolf bloodline." Applause and congratulations filled the hall. Scarlett stood up shyly, one hand gracefully caressing her belly. "Thank you all for your blessings. I understand the importance of the Luna position, and I will do my best." Then she turned to me, her voice becoming aggrieved and artificial. "Regina, sister, 1 know