Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174: Blood Moon’s Call

Chapter 174: Blood Moon’s Call

(Celeste’s POV)

Half a month of peace crumbled as the invitation arrived, carried by a solemn beta guard. The envelope bore the royal seal, a symbol of prestige laced with foreboding.

The annual Blood Moon Gathering.

I sat in my quarters, carefully turning the fancy invitation in my scarred hands. The golden emblazoned script shimmered, seeming to mock me with memories I couldn’t forget.

Nina stood nearby, her silver–gray wolf tailing me like a shadow. She watched in silence, her wolf sensing my unease. Finally, unable to hold back, she spoke softly.

“Miss, will you attend?” she asked, her voice careful, but her concern unmistakable.

I didn’t answer right away. My thumb traced the edges of the envelope, its ornate finish a stark contrast to the bleak memories it conjured. Thunder rumbled in the distance, dim echoes of

moons past.

“It’s from the royal family, Nina,” I said at last, my voice steady but hollow. “What choice do l

have?”

Nina’s wolf whined softly, reflecting her discomfort. Her lips pressed together in hesitation before she ventured further. “You know, over the years, Luna Victoria always claimed Scarlett wasn’t strong enough to attend these… gatherings.”

I froze mid–motion, my attention drawn immediately to her words.

Nina’s sharp eyes observed my reaction before she continued, emboldened by my silence. “I always thought it was strange. Scarlett’s health seemed fine, even when she and I trained.” She paused, silver hair catching the faint light. “It’s like there was something more to it.

Something they weren’t saying.”

My bitter laugh broke free before I could stop it. The sound startled even me. I laid the envelope down and met Nina’s concerned gaze.

“You’re correct,” I admitted quietly, each word weighed with resentment. “It wasn’t about

Scarlett’s health.”

Nina’s eyes widened slightly, confusion and understanding battling within them.

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Chapter 174: Blood Moon’s Call

“They were protecting her,” I explained. My voice was calm, but my wolf stirred with a growl beneath the surface. “After what happened to me…”

Nina didn’t speak, but the tightening of her fists revealed her emotions. Four years ago, they hadn’t protected me. They had sacrificed me instead, thrown me to the wolves – figuratively, and quite literally.

“But this time-” Nina began cautiously, but I cut her off.

“This year is different.” My voice was sharper than I intended, making Nina flinch. “This year, Princess Katherine herself requested Scarlett’s presence.”

The weight of that truth settled over us. Nina’s wolf whined softly again, the tension in the room palpable.

Before Nina could respond, a knock at the door diverted our attention.

“Miss Winters,” announced a beta guard, bowing slightly. “A package has arrived. It’s from Lord Steele.”

Nina’s silver–gray eyes widened in surprise. “From Alexander?” she repeated, shock coloring her voice as she glanced at me.

I felt a flicker of surprise myself but quickly masked it. “Bring it in,” I instructed coolly.

The guard stepped forward, handing over an elegantly wrapped package bound with silver ribbon. My fingers lingered over the wrapping before carefully untying it.

Inside, shimmering like moonlight itself, was an exquisite ceremonial gown. The fabric glowed

–

faintly – unmistakably moon–blessed silk, rarer even than most royal garments.

Nina gasped audibly, stepping closer to examine the gown. “Miss! This craftsmanship–it’s

extraordinary. The moon–blessed fabric… it’s so rare,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

My jaw tightened in response. The gown was flawless, each thread a testament to its exorbitant value and significance. But something about its perfection felt… wrong.

“Nina,” I said finally, catching her attention. “This gown isn’t for me.”

Her eyes widened even further, alarm flashing across her face. “But… Miss, who else would it

be for?”

“For Scarlett,” I replied firmly, already deciding the matter.

Nina’s mouth opened to protest, but the determination in my tone silenced her. “Take it to her,” I added, turning my back on the shimmering gown.

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Chapter 174: Blood Moon’s Call

“But why-” Nina began, her confusion plain.

“It’s not mine to keep,” I cut her off, my voice leaving no room for argument. “Tell Scarlett it was delivered to me by mistake. That’s all.”

Nina’s lips pressed together in uncertainty but nodded nonetheless. She lifted the package gingerly, her steps hesitant as she moved toward the door.

(Nina’s POV)

I felt conflicted as I walked toward Scarlett’s quarters. The gown in my hands was breathtakingly beautiful, and the thought of simply… handing it away felt wrong.

Still, I trusted Miss Celeste’s reasoning. She carried herself like a chess master, planning several moves ahead. If she had chosen this path, I would follow her lead.

When Scarlett opened the door, her emerald eyes widened at the sight of the package.

“What’s this?” she asked softly, her delicate features alight with curiosity.

“This was mistakenly delivered to Miss Celeste’s quarters,” I explained, presenting the gown with a small bow. From the corner of my eye, I noticed two of her handmaids peeking over her shoulder, their excitement barely contained.

Scarlett gasped as I unfolded the gown, its moon–blessed silk shimmering under the soft light.

“It’s stunning…” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

“Alexander must have gone to great lengths to have this made,” I remarked, ensuring my tone was casual but deliberate. “The moon–blessed silk alone is rarer than anything even most

royal wolves wear.”

Scarlett’s expression shifted, delight overtaken by slight suspicion. “Why would Celeste send

this to me?”

I tilted my head innocently. “Perhaps… it’s related to the Blood Moon Gathering,” I suggested.

Her emerald eyes narrowed, prompting me to continue swiftly. “The timing of the gift coinciding with the gathering… Perhaps Alexander plans for you to wear it to the event. Or…

maybe he intends to make an announcement.”

“An announcement?” Scarlett repeated, her voice catching slightly.

“Yes.” I hesitated for effect. “Like your marking ceremony, for instance. That would explain such an elaborate and extravagant gift.”

I watched as her emerald eyes lit up, any lingering doubt obliterated by the dream of Alexander claiming her. Her handmaids behind her giggled quietly, their excitement mirroring

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Chapter 174: Blood Moon’s Call

her own.

“You really think so?” Scarlett asked again, oblivious to the subtle edge in my smile.

“Of course. And Miss Celeste was worried, you know… about the Marcus incident delaying things. But she hasn’t mentioned it recently, which seems promising…”

I left the sentence dangling intentionally, allowing Scarlett’s own enthusiasm to fill the gaps.

(Celeste’s POV)

The summons came that evening, calling me to the Winter Pack’s main hall.

I entered to find the pack leaders assembled in tense silence. Scarlett stood in the center, her

emerald eyes glistening with tears. Alpha James’s jaw was taut, and Victoria’s wolf radiated

maternal worry.

Lucas, however, was the first to confront me. His green eyes burned with accusation, his wolf

vibrating with barely contained anger.