CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY
Third Person's Point Of View.

(Day Of The Crowning Ceremony)

Today was the Crowning
ceremony. The Grand Hall of the Stonefang palace had been transformed into a scene of regal splendor. Banners spearing their sigil- a snarling wolf's head hung from the rafters, interwoven with garlands of evergreen and vibrant spring blossoms. Torches blazed, casting flickering shadows on the polished stone floor, where the pack elders stood. The air thrummed with the energy of the gathered crowd-pack members, dignitaries from allied territories, and most importantly, Alpha Darius, stood with his beta, Silvana's father. Along with other Alphas from different packs.

The aroma of roasting boar and wine mingled with the scent of wildflowers, a testament to the preparations.

The weight of the Alpha mantle settled heavily on Garrick's shoulders. He stood at the altar, waiting for Silvana.

At the corners of the hall, Ravenna stood there in silence, watching everyone. She had concealed her appearance to everyone, making herself invisible.

She could feel it.

But it was too late.

The deed had been done.

Even if she tried to help, it would only make things worse.

So she stayed still, patiently and quietly, waiting for the drama to unfold. One that was bound to happen no matter how hard they tried to prevent it.

Then the doors swung inward with a resounding boom, silencing the murmuring crowd. Every eye turned towards the entrance, she walked in, a vision of ethereal beauty, her figure draped in a flowing white gown, a delicate veil cascading over her face. 

Garrick bit back a childish grin, the sight of her, radiating grace and strength stole his breath away. She was his, finally, his Luna.

As she climbed to the altar and turned to face Garrick. The announcer's who was also the elder taking the ceremony voice boomed, echoing through the hall. "May the Ceremony Begin."

The ceremony unfolded. Decades of tradition rolled into one, They both repeated the  ancient vows, their voices resonating with sincerity and resolve. Each word was a promise, a pledge to the future and themselves.

"And now," the elder intoned, bearing a silver chalice. "You'll offer her the cup to drink from it, Alpha Garrick, a symbolic gesture of unity and shared destiny."

A deep breath filled Garrick's lungs. This was it. The final step. With the cup in his right hand, he reached out with his left, intending to lift her veil and reveal the face of his beloved Silvana. But what he hadn't expected was the searing jolt of betrayal.

It wasn't Silvana.

His breath hitched as the woman raised her head to stare at him deep in the eyes.

The familiar warmth and beautiful orbs that used to take his breath away wasn't what was staring back at him.

Instead- it was a cruel, mocking glint in blue orbs.

Her crimson lips were curved into a smug smile, a chilling expression that sent a wave of ice through his veins.

"Alpha?" The elder called out in concern, he inched closer and fell to the ground in shock when he saw her face.

"That isn't Luna!" He screamed.

Immediately, the hall erupted in a cacophony of gasps and murmurs. Garrick could feel the blood draining from his face.

The lady had a striking resemblance to Silvana, but her features were darker. "What's this?" He growled at her as he grabbed her by the arms. "Who ARE YOU?!"

"Oh, my, my," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness as she ticked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Is that how you address your wife, darling?"

At those words and that sly voice. Both Garrick and Silvana's parents already knew who it was. The realization crashed over them like a tidal wave.

Garrick inched back, shaking his head in disbelief. Noo...it can't be..it couldn't be....

This was the real Morgana.

"Shocked to see me?" She drawled, taking a step forward, she turned to the stunned crowd. "I am the real Morgana, Garrick's real mate, his true Luna,"

Everyone gasped at her words, unable to speak. Stunned at what she just revealed.

Is she mad? Some thought to themselves.

The guards wanted to apprehend her but for some reason they stayed still. "Don't move," Ravenna said to one who wanted to rush towards Morgana. He looked back but didn't see anyone, his brows furrowed in confusion. He attempted to move forward again, but the voice spoke again. "I said, don't move!"

Frightened by what he was experiencing, he stayed still, eyes on Garrick patiently waiting for their Alpha's order.

"I know you guys may think this is a joke," Morgana said. "But it isn't," Just then, the door burst open, and Silvana rushed in, her face pale and her eyes wide with terror, tears steamed down her cheeks. Morgana smirked when their eyes met.   "And she," she sneered, pointing a finger at Silvana. "Is nothing but a fake, an imposter. A pathetic little omega who dared to usurp my place!" Her frown deepened as she turned to her parents. "Isn't that right, father?"

Their father's eyes went wide, his knees became shaky. Alpha Darius on the other hand was sweating profusely, confusion swirling in his head.

"That's outrageous!" An elder from the stonefang yelled. Everyone else was too stunned to move or speak, but he did. "That's a lie! Who are you?!"

"I just said who I am!" Morgana hissed. "Shall we play a game sister?" She asked, looking over at Silvana. "Let's see who has a wolf and who doesn't or..." She then turned to Garrick. "Let's ask dear Garrick here why does he look like he has seen a ghost? Perhaps you knew..."

Garrick's eyes darkened at her words. Everyone's gaze turned on him but he remained mute. His silence was more than enough proof they needed. 

Silvana fell to her knees sobbing hard. "Morgana," she muttered, making everyone turn to her. "W-we can talk about this,"

"So it's true?" A voice boomed behind them, everyone turned to see the highest Alpha, Jaxon, strolling into the Hall with his guards. His face was contorted with rage as he looked down at Silvana. "When I was informed by a stranger that the Luna of the Stonefang pack was a mere omega, I was stunned and discarded it as gossip, until the real Morgana came,"

"I-i can explain," Silvana choked. "Please just let me...explain."

"Explain everything you want in the dungeon."