The last red-wolf (from rejected Luna to she-alpha)

Third person’s POV “Go to Diego's chambers, find out if he is ready…” Ava ordered subtly. Rain, The pack-palace maid, assigned to dress Ava up took out immediately. A few minutes later, she returned. “He's already at the grandhall, mistress.” Ava's eyes furrowed. Traditionally, Diego was supposed to walk into the grand hall with her… but why did he leave without her? thoughts flew unto her head. Rain’s voice jolted her thoughts. “you look amazing… we should head out. You don't want to be late for your big day.” She said with a shy smile. That was the first time a maid said something nice. Ava was caught in a mix of surprise and joy. “You're right. Let's go now.” - The grand hall was filled with the rhythm of drums every beat echoed through Ava's pounding chest. She was restless all along. This was the night Moonfang pack had been waiting for , the night Diego Blackburn would be crowned Alpha. But tonight wasn't just about Diego's enthronement, she believed this night was the moment her time of silence and loyalty would be rewarded,where she would sit beside him as his Luna. Torches flickered along glided walls, casting shadows that danced with the crowd's excitement. Ava smoothed her gown, her hands trembled uncontrollably when the thought of the night her mother gifted her the gown flew into her mind. Her wolf stirred faintly beneath her skin restlessly, with anticipation. She had dreamt of the night for years, a night where she would stand by an Alpha’s side as Luna to prove that her father's fall from grace was not the end of their legacy. Whispers rose once more like always as she entered the hall with Rain by her side. “Ignore them.” Rain whispered, pressing closer to her. They pointed fingers speaking in words hard to hear. They had always had their ways of mocking Ava. "It ends tonight.” Ava said in affirmation. “As Diego's hands would lift mine, his voice claiming me, the pack would be forced to accept what the Moon goddess had ordained me." She said to Rain, letting the assurance accompany her. As she walked through, she lifted her chin, pretending their voice were nothing but rustling sounds of leaves. She kept her eyes fixed on Diego as she strode the center of the dias. She couldn't help but admire his charm. “ Doesn't he look just magnificent?” she said rhetorically. This night, Diego was dressed in black embroidered with silver thread that shimmered beneath the torchlight. His broad shoulders gave the garment a perfect fit on him. His dark hair fell neatly over his forehead, framing a face both regal and cruelly beautiful. Rain helped Ava as she took a seat beside Diego. Diego swept his eyes over the crowd and silence fell like a command. When his eyes fell on her , for a moment, she melted away, everything else vanished as Diego's lips curved into a faint smile that Ava absorbed like it was meant for her alone. words escaped her mouth "Yes! Finally this it.” Her over-joy was barely hidden. The high priest began the coronation rites. He chanted words of blessings and power no one barely hears. Ava smiled widely as she envisioned a bright future unfolding already. Finally, the Alpha’s cloak was placed across Diego's shoulders. “The moment we had fought towards has finally arrived.” She whispered. A crown was lowered onto Diego's head. The crowd cheered in excitement. Feast followed immediately. Wolves rallied around, toasting and cheering. Diego moved through the crowd with all manner of grace of a leader. Ava sat still, admiring. ‘We had won.’ so she thought. Diego walked back slowly to the tent. Then, he raised his hand, silencing even the priest. His voice was commanding and deep. "On this night," he spoke, "we shall honour the will of the moon goddess. We will honour the truth of fated bonds and sever all that is false." The joy in Ava's chest toppled. The crowd darted anticipating eyes. She had prepared for this day: the vow she would make, the words she would say, even the look she would give Diego when he claims her beside him. "Ava..." He called out. "Come forward." Ava's knees almost gave out. Her eyes filled with tears of joy as she stepped forward. Gasps filled the crowd. It was guaranteed that some were out of disgust. Diego gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You..." He began, his voice boomed, " you are nothing but the stain of a traitor. A betrayal to the pack you can only dream to rule. You are unworthy of me, unworthy of this pack and unworthy even of this garment." He said as his hands closed around the ceremonial sash at Ava's waist immediately. He pulled it, not gently, with force. In a moment, the cloth came loose. Then in a shocking motion he stripped the ceremonial garment from her in front of everyone and hit her to the ground. She layed stripped, crying, her bare skin exposed under the flickers of night lights. Laughter and jeers chorused from the crowd. Shame slammed into Ava like a warrior's fist. She stood up and faltered. "D…Diego?" Her voice broke as she whispered. But he wasn't done. "Before my people today, " he thundered. "I reject you. You're unfit to be my mate. You can never be my Luna because you're filth." Words had never felt so heavy. It struck Ava than any blow one could throw. In front of everyone, she stood naked, her vision blurred as tears fell out freely. She took a step of shame towards him, shaking her head in sobs. "Diego... you can't—" Diego lifted his left feet and crashed it on Ava's chest . She went tumbling down the dias... face and arm bruised. The crowd gasped in shock. "Guards!" Diego barked. He smiled wildly. "Take her. Show her what becomes of traitors who dares to dream beyond their state." Two burly wolves siezed Ava by her arms. She cried out, struggling, but they gripped tighter , dragging her down the dungeon.