I had already buried two babies by the time I turned twenty-five.

Both were born alive. Both died before the sun could rise.

People whispered that I was cursed. I started believing them, because every time I held my child for the first time, it was also the last.

When I gave birth again, I prayed this time would be different.

That night, I woke to my baby crying. The crib beside my bed was empty.

Panic ripped through me, dragging old wounds open. My hands shook as memories of my first two children—cold, lifeless, gone on the very day they were born—came crashing back. Still weak, still groggy, I stumbled through the halls toward Alpha Cyrus’s room.

That was when I heard his voice.

“Quick. Take the baby’s life force. I need the strength.”

My world stopped.

The door was ajar. Inside, my baby lay on the bed—alive. And beside Alpha Cyrus stood two women.

One was his mother, Clare.

The other was Abigail, the woman who was supposed to be his wife before he claimed that I was his fated mate.

“Are you sure Adrianna is drugged?” Clare asked.

“Yes,” Cyrus replied calmly. “I put something in her water earlier. She won’t wake up.”

I did.

“Poor orphan girl,” Abigail sneered. “She really thought you loved her, alpha. She didn’t even know she was only bred to keep you powerful.”

I watched as Alpha Cyrus raised his hand, and felt my baby’s life being ripped away.

I burst into the room, screaming, even as my body betrayed me. Warriors restrained me. I begged. I fought. I cried.

They didn’t stop. I watched my baby die in front of me.

And Alpha Cyrus grew stronger.

“That’s three,” he said with a smirk. “I don’t need you anymore. I am now more powerful than the alpha of Dark Knight Pack.”

They told me everything then.

That the mate bond was fake. That my mark—the descendant mark of the Moon Goddess—made my children’s life force powerful.

That every pregnancy, every death, was planned.

And then they killed me.

The last thing I felt was my wrist burning, my mark glowing brighter than the moon itself.

I thought it was the end.

But when I opened my eyes, I was alive. Back in the past. On the day I discovered I was pregnant for the third time.

This time, I’m not the cursed one. They are.

And they will pay—for my babies, for my death, and for every lie they fed me.

---

Adrianna’s POV

I woke up with everything still burning fresh in my mind.

I died.

And yet, here I was, back in my bedroom, nine months earlier, clutching the ultrasound result in my trembling hands. This time, I hadn’t told Alpha Cyrus about my pregnancy.

My hands wouldn’t stop shaking as I stared at my wrist.

The crescent moon mark was still there.

I remembered everything they said, that I was a descendant of the Moon Goddess. They knew. They had always known. And they never told me, because I was nothing more than a womb to them. A machine meant to bear children whose life force would strengthen Alpha Cyrus and prolong his life.

This time, I would ruin all their plans.

Footsteps approached the door. I quickly hid the ultrasound result beneath my pillow and straightened just as he walked in.

Alpha Cyrus.

He entered with that familiar, fake smile, the one I once believed meant love.

“I heard you went to the hospital,” he said smoothly. “Sounds like good news?”

So desperate for a third baby, aren’t you? I thought bitterly.

“What do you think?” I smiled sweetly and reached up to caress his face. Every part of me wanted to slap him, but I restrained myself. “You’re my fated mate. Shouldn’t you be able to tell if I’m pregnant or not? What do you think, Alpha?”

The color drained from his face for just a second. He cleared his throat, forcing a smile.

I know he wouldn’t be able to tell if I was pregnant because even the mate bond I felt was manipulated. He wasn’t my real fated mate.

“I’d like it to be a surprise.”

I chuckled softly. “Too bad. I’m not pregnant.”

His expression shifted, barely noticeable. In the past, I would’ve missed it. Now, I saw everything.

Later, he tried to seduce me, but I lied easily.

“Alpha, I went to the hospital because I wasn’t feeling well. We can do that some other time.”

I thought he’d stop.

He didn’t. He came to my bedroom every night after that, and every night, I refused him.

One morning, Abigail visited.

She brought gifts, baby clothes, already convinced I was pregnant. When I told her I wasn’t, disappointment flashed across her face before she masked it.

That afternoon, while I sat quietly in the living room, they spoke in the kitchen. They whispered, but not softly enough.

“I thought I’d only have to endure a few months of not being your beloved, Alpha,” Abigail hissed. “Why is she still not pregnant? Can’t you just throw her away? You already have the life force of her two babies.”

“I can’t,” Alpha Cyrus replied coldly. “My strength still isn’t enough. I can’t defeat the Dark Knight Pack yet. We were lucky to discover the descendant early. Just one more year, and then we can get rid of her.”

My anger boiled over. That was when I finalized everything.

I knew what was coming in two days, another pack war.

In the past, even without knowing I was the Moon Goddess’s descendant, I had used her power. Terrified something would happen to Alpha Cyrus, I had prayed desperately during battle. In exchange, I discovered I could amplify our pack’s strength.

That was why Moonlight Pack had survived against the Dark Knight Pack.

But this time, as the attack began, I stood by the window and didn’t lift a single finger.

“Fuck! Why are we losing so badly?” Alpha Cyrus roared outside. “Why are you all so useless?!”

I watched him struggle to hold the enemy back.

They lost terribly.

And he didn’t understand why Moonlight Pack was suddenly so weak—why they were nothing compared to previous wars.

“What the fuck is happening?” he snarled. “Does the Dark Knight Pack have witches backing them up now?”

I laughed silently.

“What if they’re just strong, Alpha?” I said calmly. “Why don’t you attend the Alpha Gathering and find out how they did it?”

In the past, he’d refused gatherings, believing himself above other packs. Now, I needed him gone.

The bait worked. And on the day of the gathering, Abigail came running, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face.

“Alpha, my stomach hurts. Please, help me,” she cried.

I smirked. I knew she wouldn’t want me appearing beside him in public.

“Oh no,” I said gently. “Why don’t you take her to the hospital, Alpha? I’ll attend the gathering in your stead.”

Everything went exactly as planned. He didn’t hesitate. He dropped everything for her.

I should have seen it before, how deeply he cared for that woman.

I arrived at the Alpha Gathering alone, my eyes searching for one man. He wasn’t there.

Then whispers erupted around the hall. I followed their gazes, and found him.

Alpha Valentin Casmus. The Alpha of the Dark Knight Pack. The greatest nemesis of Alpha Cyrus. The strongest Alpha alive.

I walked straight toward him and offered him a glass of wine. I knew he recognized me.

He smirked. “Where’s your mutt of an Alpha?”

“Probably with his mistress,” I replied coolly.

That amused him.

“Touche,” he said. “You know his ways, yet you still cling to him.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I know you want to drag him into the mud, Alpha Valentin. Why don’t we do it together?”

I fixed his tie, meeting his gaze without flinching.

“I can do that without you,” he replied smoothly. “What can you offer me, Adrianna?”

The way my name rolled off his tongue sent a shiver through me.

“Everything,” I said quietly. “Even this mark.”

I showed him the crescent moon on my wrist.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“I don’t need your power, Descendant.”

Then he said the last thing I expected.

“Be my Luna, and you’ll see.”

“W-what?” I was stunned. This wasn’t part of my plan.

“I’ll give you one day to decide,” he said calmly. “And remember, I’m not patient.”

Adrianna’s POV

I never wanted to be associated with another Alpha.

That night, I attended the gathering for one reason only. I needed help. Nothing more.

When I returned to the pack estate, it was already late. The halls were quiet, dimly lit by flickering wall torches. I was halfway to my chamber when a sound froze me in place.

Moans.

They came from the Alpha chambers. My heart sank as I recognized the voices.

“Ah… you’re so fucking beautiful, Abigail,” Alpha Cyrus groaned.

I felt sick.

“I can’t believe I have to bed that boring woman just to impregnate her,” he continued, laughing softly. “She’s not even good in bed.”

Abigail chuckled lazily. “It’s fine, Alpha. Once she gives birth again, you won’t have to endure her boring performance anymore.”

His next words shattered what little composure I had left.

“Don’t worry. Once I get the life force of the third baby, I’ll kill her myself. Then you and our newborn can live without any worries.”

That was when my facade finally broke. Abigail was pregnant.

So even if I had never discovered the truth in my past life, even if I had remained ignorant, my death was inevitable. As long as I stayed in this pack, I was destined to die.

My hands trembled as I instinctively caressed my stomach. The baby inside me stirred faintly.

I couldn’t stomach the thought that this child shared blood with that monster.

I was about to walk away when a sudden crash echoed down the corridor. A vase shattered near the Alpha chambers.

I turned sharply. Standing frozen in shock was Nanny Sarah.

She had always been by my side. The only one in this pack who showed me genuine kindness, even while everyone else plotted my downfall.

I remembered now. In my past life, she died around this time. Because she learned something she was never meant to hear.

My heart dropped.

I was about to rush to her, to pull her away, but it was already too late. The door to the Alpha chambers flew open. Alpha Cyrus saw her.

“Seize her,” he ordered coldly.

Warriors rushed forward and dragged her away as she cried out my name.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms. I would not lose her again.

The next morning, before sunrise, I sneaked down into the basement. I knew exactly where they kept prisoners. I had seen it before in my past life.

“Nanny… Nanny,” I whispered desperately as I shook her gently.

Her eyes fluttered open weakly. She was barely conscious.

Without hesitation, I lifted her into my arms. She was lighter than I remembered, her body frail and bruised. Avoiding the guards, I slipped out of the estate and took her straight to Crest Hospital.

When the doctors rushed her inside, I pressed my hands together and prayed.

Please. Not this life. Don’t take her from me again.

When I returned to the pack, Alpha Cyrus was furious.

“Why didn’t you fucking watch her closely?” he roared at the warriors.

I stepped into the room and forced an innocent expression. “Why? What’s happening?” I asked.

Both Alpha Cyrus and Abigail stiffened when they saw me.

“Nothing,” he snapped. “Just pack matters. A thief escaped”

He stormed off.

Abigail and I were left alone.

She smiled sweetly, though there was tension in her eyes. “Where did you go, Adri? Back to the hospital? Are you pregnant already?”

She reached out and caressed my stomach.

I smiled back calmly. “No. For some reason, Alpha Cyrus hasn’t been visiting my chamber at night. Where do you think he’s been going?”

Her cheeks flushed instantly. She fanned herself with her hand, forcing a laugh. “Oh. Maybe he’s just tired. We did lose a pack war recently.”

I nodded and walked away without another word.

That afternoon, I sneaked out again. This time, I went to the OB-GYN. I had already made my decision. I would abort this baby. This child did not deserve a father like Alpha Cyrus.

After my checkup, I was given a schedule. As I stepped into the hallway, my steps halted.

Alpha Cyrus and Abigail stood right in front of me.

Shock flashed across both their faces. Alpha Cyrus immediately let go of Abigail’s hand.

“W-why are you here?” he asked.

I laughed softly. “I came for a follow-up checkup, Alpha. What about you… and Abigail?”

Before he could respond, I reached out and grabbed the folder Abigail was holding. Inside was an ultrasound.

“Oh,” I said lightly. “You’re pregnant? Congratulations. Who’s the father?”

They were stunned into silence. Then Alpha Cyrus stepped forward quickly. “She’s pregnant with Beta Lian’s child.”

I saw the flash of fury cross Abigail’s face. She hated that lie.

From that moment on, they seemed freer. Bolder. As if my knowledge of her pregnancy gave them permission to drop their caution.

They even held a grand banquet to announce Abigail’s pregnancy.

In my past life, there was no such celebration for me. No joy. No care. They had simply handed me off to Nanny Sarah and went on with their lives.

Now, they spared no expense for Abigail. It was infuriating.

During the banquet, I took a bite of seafood. Almost instantly, nausea surged through me. My face turned pale.

“Alpha,” I said quietly, clutching my stomach. “I don’t feel well.”

Before he could respond, Abigail suddenly cried out. “Alpha! Please help me! I feel sick. My baby!”

Without a second thought, Alpha Cyrus rushed to her side and abandoned me.

Clare, his mother, approached me with a glare. “Go back to your room. Don’t cause a scene at Abigail’s banquet.”

I obeyed.

That night, I slept through the sickness. When I woke, voices echoed through the halls.

I followed the sound carefully and overheard pack warriors reporting to Alpha Cyrus.

“Alpha, we found Sarah. She’s at Crest Hospital.”

My blood ran cold.

“Get her out of there and silence her,” Alpha Cyrus ordered. “Don’t let her live. I know she’ll tell Adrianna what she heard that night.”

I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed my cardigan and left immediately. On the way to the hospital, my hands shook as I dialed a number I swore I would never use.

One ring. He answered. Fury crackled through the line.

“Get Nanny Sarah,” I said breathlessly. “Room 116. Crest Hospital. If you get her out tonight, I’ll agree to marry you. Please. She’s the only one who ever cared for me in that god-forsaken pack.”

Silence followed. Then his voice came, calm and dangerous.

“Stay alive, Adrianna,” Alpha Valentin said. “I’m on my way.”

Adrianna’s POV

By the time I reached the hospital, it was already too late.

The smell of antiseptic hit me first. Then the silence. That kind of silence that only exists when life has already left the room.

The doctor didn’t even need to say much. One look at his face was enough.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “She didn’t make it. She was slowly healing, but her death happened so suddenly.”

Nanny Sarah was gone.

My knees buckled, and I dropped to the floor like my body no longer belonged to me. My hands clawed at my chest as I cried, loud and ugly, my voice echoing down the hallway. I didn’t care who saw me. I didn’t care who heard.

She was the only one who ever protected me.

Footsteps rushed toward me. I looked up through blurry eyes and saw unfamiliar men in dark coats, blood smeared on their sleeves.

Alpha Valentin’s men.

“We were intercepted,” one of them said grimly. “Moonlight Pack warriors blocked us. We fought our way through, but it delayed us.”

Too late. Everything was always too late.

I screamed until my throat burned.

That was when I felt a presence behind me.

I turned.

Alpha Cyrus stood there, Abigail beside him, her hand resting possessively on her stomach.

“I didn’t know you were here as well. Anyway, that old woman deserved it,” Alpha Cyrus said coldly.

My head snapped up. “What did you say?”

“She was a thief,” he continued, his voice calm, almost bored. “She stole from the Moonlight Pack. A criminal. It’s better this way.”

Something inside me broke so completely that I felt numb.

I didn’t answer him. When we returned to the packhouse, I locked myself in my room and cried until my eyes swelled shut. I hated myself. I knew this would happen. I remembered it from my past life, and yet I still failed to save her.

I arranged Nanny Sarah’s funeral myself.

No one helped me. The casket was lowered slowly, and I stood there alone, my hands shaking.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I promised you wouldn’t die again.”

Footsteps crunched against the gravel.

Abigail appeared, dressed in white, smiling faintly.

“Oh,” she said lightly. “This burial space is already taken.”

I stared at her. “What?”

“Alpha Cyrus bought this plot,” she said. “I’ll be burying my dead fish here.”

My blood ran cold.

She waved her hand. “Dig it up.”

The warriors hesitated, then obeyed.

“Stop!” I screamed, rushing forward. “Don’t touch her!”

I pushed at the men, but Abigail suddenly cried out and threw herself backward.

“Aah!”

Footsteps rushed toward us. Alpha Cyrus and his mother, Clare, arrived.

Abigail collapsed into Alpha Cyrus’s arms. “She pushed me!”

Clare slapped me so hard my head snapped to the side.

“You evil girl!” she screamed. “You hurt a pregnant woman? Just because you can’t keep a baby alive doesn’t mean you get to harm someone else’s!”

I tasted blood. “She lied—”

“Enough,” Alpha Cyrus snapped. He turned and spat on Nanny Sarah’s casket. “Take it away.”

I fell to my knees.

Five days. Just five more days, and I would leave this hell.

That night, I locked myself in my room. A knock came. Abigail stood there.

She slapped me without warning.

“This baby is Alpha Cyrus’s,” she said smugly.

I stayed silent. That angered her.

“Jealous?” she sneered. “Your babies are rotting underground. Mine will be born loved. Curse your babies—”

I slapped her. Hard. Her face snapped to the side.

Alpha Cyrus stormed in. He saw her red cheek, and he slapped me back. I staggered, hitting the wall.

So this is how deeply he hated me.

“She insulted my babies!” I cried.

“So what? They’re dead!” he shouted. “How dare you touch a pregnant woman!”

He locked me inside my room for a day. No food. No water. No sunlight.

The next morning, a maid brought food and unlocked the door.

“Alpha Cyrus wants to see you,” she said. “He’s… sorry.”

It felt odd. In his office, Alpha Cyrus smiled gently. Flowers. Cake. Chocolate.

Chocolate. Abigail’s favorite.

“I lost control,” he said softly. “I was emotional.”

Then he handed me documents.

“I called you here because I want to handle all the hostels under your name,” he said.

My heart clenched. Those hostels were never his. They were mine.

I grew up as an orphan in one of those hostels. Back then, I was nothing more than a helper. I cleaned rooms, cooked meals, and helped younger children dress for school.

The owner was an old, wealthy woman. Cold. Sharp. Not kind. But she watched me.

She taught me how to manage accounts, how to negotiate rent, how to read contracts. She said I worked harder than anyone she had ever seen.

When I turned eighteen, she summoned me.

She handed me the deeds. All of them. She transferred the hostels, the shares, and the profits to my name.

I didn’t even know until it was done. She died a year later.

Now Alpha Cyrus wanted them. I smiled.

“Alright,” I said. I signed everything.

Because I remembered. In my past life, every hostel collapsed. Every branch shut down. In a single snap, I lost everything.

And this time, my savings were already moved.

Hidden. And I had quietly bought shares in Moonlight Pack’s original company.

They didn’t know yet. But soon—They would lose everything.

Just like I did.