Andromeda

On my daughter fifth birthday, we were over the moon to celebrate at Golden Glee Park.

For one whole hour, her laughter filled the air—until her father got an urgent call about some emergency at the pack house.

And then… chaos. Out of nowhere, a crazed hunter started firing silver-tipped arrows in every direction.

One arrow found its mark—straight through my little girl’s chest.

Holding her tiny body, blood soaking her dress, I desperately tried to call Alpha Rigel—seventy-five times—before the line finally connected.

But instead of his voice, I heard soft, sultry moans from someone I knew all too well. Mata Hari Ritcher.

My hand froze, phone still pressed to my ear.

"My Alpha… I’ll repay your sacrifice once you get rid of Andromeda’s child—for Oasis, the true heir to your Alpha bloodline. She must be crying right now, wishing you were there. I’ll give you pleasure beyond heaven… after you mark me." Her triumphant voice dripped venom.

And then came his voice, broken but clear enough to crush me.

"My love, Mata Hari… I’ll give you paradise—and hell for Andromeda. Starting with that cursed brat—so she won’t ruin my plans to rule South Hallow."

I hung up. The betrayal slammed into my chest from miles away.

My wolf whimpered, tormented by the bond he’d broken the moment he marked her.

Blood trickled from my nose. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart as Athena’s fragile life slipped through my hands.

And now I understood. He’d left us to die—following some cruel prophecy that haunted him—just so Mata Hari and her bastard son could claim the South Hallow Legacy.

With what little strength I had left, I dialled Altair’s number.

"I’ll accept your offer… but on one condition. A fake death—complete identity erasure." My throat was tight, my voice barely a whisper.

"It would be my pleasure, Andie." Altair’s chuckle sounded like relief.

**

For five years, we clung to the hope that prophecy was nothing but lies.

Under the blood moon, the child who carries embers will ignite hell within your own home. An Alpha, proud and mighty, will perish by the hand of his blood.

The words haunted me every time I closed my eyes.

But I buried them, convinced that love could silence destiny—that Athena would never harm her father.

When she needed his approval for the Blood Purification Protocol, I endured the agony of a shattered bond. Nosebleeds, blood spilling from my lips.

I pretended to be mate-less, just so the Healers would believe Athena only had me.

"I’m sorry, Ms Nielsen. We did everything we could… but Athena’s organs are too damaged. Her body couldn’t hold on."

The Lead Healer gave my hand a gentle pat.

I broke. Completely. The claw pendant—the birthday gift she never got to wear—felt like ice in my palm.

Two days later, I gazed at Athena’s still body, the chill of the morgue biting into my bones.

“Mum will return, love. I swear on every breath I’ve got left. Forgive me… for being too late.”

I walked out of the hospital. Alone

No one came for me. No flowers. No hug. Not even from my mate.

Just a text from Alpha Rigel:

On my way to the Catacombs of Paris. Don’t wait up.

Cold. Empty. As if I was never the woman he once chased through a thunderstorm.

My mind wandered back—To the night he marked me under the Crystal Moon Festival, promising me eternity.

I believed him. I believed in us.

Now, sitting in that sterile waiting room, my soul felt hollow. Like I’d died with Athena—but my lungs refused to stop breathing.

When I finally made it back to the pack house, something felt… off.

I opened the bedroom door—and there, on the sofa, was a neon pink lace thong.

I’ve never bought lingerie in neon pink.

The unease simmered, then boiled over when I saw Margareth—Rigel’s mother—posting her latest iMessage status.

A picture-perfect family holiday at the luxurious Carlson Resort.

Margareth. Alpha Rigel. Mata Hari. And a pup—about two years old—with Rigel’s hair… and Mata Hari’s eyes.

Finally, our family is complete. Can’t wait to see Oasis grow up in his father’s arms.

The caption was cheery. The emojis, sickeningly happy.

Meanwhile, her granddaughter died because of her son.

"You’re my one and only, Andromeda. I’ll protect you with my life." What a bloody joke.

He broke that vow the moment he crawled back to the she-wolf from his past.

Leaving me to bleed, to grieve, to rot in loneliness—while he writhed in pleasure in her bed.

My hands trembled, but I reminded myself—I was a victim.

Back in the academy, Alpha Rigel sent white roses to my locker every Friday.

I avoided him at first—I knew my place. He was the golden boy, once half of the academy’s golden couple with Mata Hari.

But when she left for Paris and their romance crumbled, his eyes turned to me.

"Mata Hari is the past. You’re my future. You’re the mate the Moon Goddess chose for me, Andie." That’s what he used to say.

Until I found that museum gala ticket to Paris. A night at the Grande Revue. Two tickets. Rigel Carlson and Mata Hari Ritcher. Dated 25th May 2025.

His excuse? Business trip. Website launch for the company. And I bought it. Like a fool.

But while I was arranging Athena’s funeral, a message came through from an unknown number.

A photo of Alpha Rigel. At the hospital. Holding Athena’s cold, lifeless body—moving her to the morgue.

Don’t bother calling yourself Luna. Alpha Rigel will never be yours. Even your daughter couldn’t keep him.

It was Mata Hari who send the picture.

My fingers shook violently as another file came in—a video. I pressed play with a frozen hand.

Alpha Rigel’s voice filled the silence. Talking to someone in a dark room.

"Make sure you look insane. Let her think she’s cursed. But don’t kill her yet. I want her crawling. I want her shattered before she dies. Finish the job, and the rest of your payment on your assassin hunter’s account."

"And the child?"

"Kill her too. She and that child will poison South Hallow. Only her death will break her."

I couldn’t breathe. Every piece fell into place.

Athena’s death. The hunter. The betrayal. All of it—planned.

When he came home that night, reeking of Mata Hari’s scent, he wrapped his arms around me and said,

"Sorry I couldn’t pick you up. I chased that hunter all the way to Paris."

"Did you catch him?" I asked, playing along.

"No. He slipped away. But I swear I’ll rip his heart out for Athena." He kissed my hair. "We can have another pup, Andie. Our love’s legacy for Carlson Hallow."

You lying bastard. You let him go because the truth would expose you.

I stood there, calm, masking the inferno inside me.

"If I ever find her killer, I’ll drag him through rivers of blood myself," I said coldly.

His eyes flickered. His hands trembled before he shoved them into his pockets.

"Focus on healing first. I’ll make you a herbal tonic, my Luna. Tomorrow I’ll Bury Athena." he murmured, voice unsteady.

He left. And the silence he left behind roared louder than any scream. I grabbed my phone and called Altair.

"Five days. I’m pulling my investments from Nebula Playworks. And I’m tearing down their firewall. I’m no longer Alpha Rigel’s mate. That bond is dead."

Altair’s voice was calm, almost amused. "Consider it done, Andie. I’ll keep you updated."

Andromeda

That morning, I held the referral letter for another round of silver purification.

The doctor had said I’d need two sessions. I thought I could squeeze in Athena’s funeral before heading to the hospital.

But reality is cruel. Alpha Rigel managed to bury his daughter—making sure he laid her in the ground with his own hands this time.

When I called, asking to be there, all he said was that it would only break me, ruin my state of mind, and affect my health.

He didn’t give me a chance to say goodbye. He stripped me of my right to be Athena’s mother.

What a hypocrite. And I’d lived with him for eight years of lies.

I spent the morning staring at old photos of us until tears blurred my vision.

“What’s that in your hand, love?”

His deep voice jolted me. Alpha Rigel slipped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.

Once upon a time, that would’ve warmed me. Melted me.

But those feelings had died the day Mata Hari built a wall between us.

“I’ve got another purification this afternoon,” I said flatly.

“You should’ve stayed at the hospital, darling. Athena’s at peace now. I took care of everything. You just need to rest.”

“Athena was my daughter too.”

My voice was short—like a blade held back from cutting too deep.

“But you’re still recovering. I worry about you,” he said, soft and sweet, his words laced with that warmth I no longer believed in.

I stayed silent—not from fear, but from exhaustion.

Exhaustion from hearing the same lies, wrapped in the same sickly tenderness.

Alpha Rigel always played the perfect father in front of everyone—

even me.

“After the hospital, I’ll visit Athena’s grave,” I murmured.

“I’ll take you,” he offered quickly.

I shook my head. “Don’t bother. You’ve got work to do.”

He looked at me for a long time, as if trying to read my thoughts, before parting his lips to speak again—

But then his phone rang.

The name flashing on the screen was the thorn in my side: Mata Hari.

My eyes sharpened. Rigel snatched up the phone, turning the screen away from me.

“Just a quick call,” he said, disappearing into the bathroom.

I reached my AirPods and followed him. Through the door, his voice was low, sweet.

“Your flight’s about to take off? Alright, I’ll pick you up at the airport. I love you, Mata Hari.”

The same tone he once used with me.

I smiled bitterly, sinking onto the edge of the bed then slipped my Airpods in.

He probably thought I hadn’t heard him when he stepped out again.

He came closer, tried to kiss me—but I turned my face away.

He froze for a second before his eyes dropped to my ears.

I removed the AirPods slowly, letting him know I’d heard every word of his betrayal.

“Sorry, Luna Andromeda, I’ve got to run. Work matters.”

Without waiting for a response, he strode out. The door had barely closed when another figure slipped in—Margareth, Rigel’s mother.

Her gaze could cut glass. “You’re still here? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital?”

“I’m leaving this afternoon.”

“If you’d done your job as a mother, Athena wouldn’t be dead. And now, instead of healing, you’re wandering about,” she sneered, her voice sharp enough to freeze blood. “Perhaps it’d be better if you died too—so you’d stop being a burden to Rigel.”

I drew a deep breath and stared her down. “I won’t die as easily as you hope.”

“Oh? Found your tongue, have you? Listen, Luna Andromeda—Mata Hari and her son, Oasis, will be moving in. And I suggest you don’t make trouble.”

I let out a hollow, bitter laugh.

“Do you think I’m afraid? Rigel would be nothing without me. I built him up from scratch—long before you remembered who cleared your precious family’s debts.”

I was the one who became his lifeline in those early days, the IT girl behind his little start-up—back when he was a nobody.

That old she-wolf seems to have forgotten who won those competitions and poured every prize into her son’s dream.

Who kept his company afloat. Who paid off the Richter family, so their knives stayed out of his back.

Her hand cracked across my face before I saw it coming. Heat stung my skin, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me fall.

“You’re lucky you’re Luna of this pack. If not, I’d have stuffed your mouth with stones by now.”

“Such a shame, isn’t it? Maybe you’ll be satisfied when I’m gone.”

She scoffed and swept out, leaving behind the stench of sharp perfume that made my stomach turn.

Let her enjoy her little victory. She’d be scavenging the gutters soon enough—once I bring Carlson Hallow to its knees.

**

The purification lasted an hour.

Agony burned through every fibre of my body as the silver drained from my system. I felt wrung out—emptied.

“All done,” said Healer Lysandra, her gentle eyes unable to mask her worry.

I nodded, dragging in a shaky breath.

“Luna Andromeda…” She hesitated. “There’s something else you need to know. The tests show… you’re pregnant. About two weeks along.”

Her words cut deeper than any silver needle.

I was carrying life—pure and innocent—while still bleeding from Athena’s death.

I froze. Part of me wanted to shield that pup with everything I had.

Another part whispered that this was nothing but a trap—chains to bind me longer to Alpha Rigel.

My phone buzzed. A message from Altair:

Check your email. My Beta sent you the forms.

I stared at the screen, my hands trembling—not from the pain of purification, but from the choices looming before me.

Keep this pup and cling to the hope that things might change…Or walk away—for good.

The first option felt like throwing myself off a cliff.

My mind was blank. I’d surrendered before the war even began.

Alpha Rigel would never allow this child to exist—not when it stood in the way of his bastard son becoming the rightful heir.

And his love for Mata Hari gave him every excuse to shatter the bond blessed by the Moon Goddess.

By dawn the next day, Alpha Rigel was gone.

Beta Roland simply said the Alpha had slipped away at first light.

And sure enough, there it was—Margareth’s latest post, parading Rigel at London Heathrow with the little family he’d kept hidden…

Until now—When Alpha Rigel could finally show them to the world.

Andromeda

Rain poured down in sheets as I knelt by Athena’s grave.

Cold water seeped into my collar, soaking my clothes, but it was nothing compared to the hollow ache consuming me from the inside out.

My heart sank—never in my worst nightmares did I imagine this day would come. My little girl, who only wanted to celebrate her fifth birthday with her father, now lay beneath the earth… and here I was, her mother, staring at a gravestone instead of her smile.

Memories stabbed my mind like nails driven deep.

The way her tiny hands moved when she first called me Mum. The sparkle in her eyes when Alpha Rigel called her ‘little goddess’.

Those moments spun endlessly in my head like a cruel reel.

Back then, we were happy. A family. Finally complete after three long years of trying for a child.

I worked too much in those early days. The pack doctor said stress had delayed my ability to conceive.

Rigel insisted I quit my job.

By then, his start-up—Nebula Playworks—was finally taking off, making waves in the human world.

“You don’t need to work anymore, Andie. You’ve done so much for Nebula already. I want a pup with you. Let me take care of everything.”

And like a fool, I believed him. Because both of us wanted Athena.

Now all I had left was the little claw pendant in my hand—a birthday gift for a five-year-old who never got to wear it.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart… your last wish never came true.” I placed the necklace gently on her headstone.

Rain washed over my face, mingling with tears that no longer burned.

Then a shadow fell over me. A large black umbrella shielded me from the downpour.

“Luna Andromeda,” Beta Roland’s voice was clipped, formal. “Alpha Rigel sent me to fetch you. He’s waiting.”

For one foolish second, I thought maybe Rigel cared. That he regretted not coming with me, even after I told him I didn’t need him there.

But reality has never been that kind.

Back at the pack house, the truth hit me like a blade to the chest.

Mata Hari stood in the middle of the grand hall, dressed in a designer gown that hugged every curve—an image of sensual perfection for any he-wolf passing by.

Her hand clutched that of a little boy—Oasis—parading him like a trophy before the pack.

Beside her, Margareth beamed, making sure no one got too close to the pup for too long.

The whole display was pathetic. I almost laughed—but all I managed was a bitter curve of my lips.

Mata Hari’s eyes found mine. Her smile was warm—or rather, fake warmth wrapped in silk.

“Good afternoon, Luna Andromeda,” she cooed sweetly. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you.”

“Yes.” My reply was flat as stone.

Alpha Rigel stepped forward, voice carefully calm.

“Mata Hari will be staying here for a while—until she finds a place of her own. She… was rejected by her mate after suffering abuse. She needs a safe space to heal.”

I nodded once. “Do whatever you want.”

Inside, everything was numb. Lie after lie, piling up like a mountain of rotting snow.

No rage. No outburst. Just an icy silence freezing me from within.

Margareth swept closer, her sugary smile sharp as glass.

“Luna Andromeda, you’re being so cold. Mata Hari is our guest. As Luna, you should welcome her warmly.”

I met her gaze, voice steady. “I’m not a hypocrite like you.”

Her face hardened. “What did you just say? Don’t forget—I adopted you from that orphanage. Without me, you’d never be here, never become my son’s mate.”

I gave a short, humourless laugh. “And don’t you forget—I helped Alpha Rigel build Nebula Playworks from the ground up. If I hadn’t dragged myself through the mud with you back then, none of this would’ve survived.”

The tension snapped tight. Rigel cut in before sparks turned to flames.

“Enough. Mum, stop. Don’t bring up the past. Andromeda, please understand—Mata Hari needs time to recover. Try to… keep things positive, okay?”

Positive energy? Bloody hell—you’re the one who dragged that darkness into our pack with this pathetic little theatre act.

Back in my room, I sat in silence, piecing together the fragments of what was and what’s to come.

It didn’t take long for Mata Hari to snake her way into South Hallow.

Athena’s death paved her path—how tragic is that?

My hand drifted to my belly—the home of the Alpha’s true heir.

“Mummy will protect you, little one. Even if it costs me my life.” A tear traced down my cheek. “I’ll get you out of this hell.”

If my pup was going to be strong, then I had to be stronger.

Beta Roland summoned me for dinner—a formality I’d avoided since Athena’s funeral.

But tonight, I’d endure it. For appearances. To make Rigel believe I was still the dutiful Luna, all smiles and grace.

The meal was torture. I barely spoke, just chewed and swallowed, ignoring Mata Hari’s endless monologue about her tragic past and how noble Rigel was for saving her.

That must’ve stung her pride—because the next thing I knew, she gave a little gasp and “accidentally” spilled red sauce all over her own gown.

“Oh no, my dress!” Her voice trembled, a flawless act of helpless victimhood. “Luna Andromeda… I know you’re still upset with me, but—”

I shot her a cold look. “I didn’t even touch you.”

But Rigel whipped round, his voice sharp. “Luna Andromeda! You’re the Luna here. Control yourself. Mata Hari is always spotless—she wouldn’t do this on purpose.”

Something inside me cracked.

“I said I didn’t touch her. Keep accusing me and I swear I’ll walk out that door.”

“You—”

The slap came hard and fast.

Rigel’s hand struck my cheek. His eyes softened a heartbeat later, regret flickering in their depths.

“You hit me?” My voice was quiet. Broken.

“Andromeda… you should understand Mata Hari’s situation. She’s a she-wolf, like you. Neither of you wants to be hur—” He stopped, choking on his hypocrisy.

Hurt? You bloody hurt me the moment you marked her.

I curled my fingers into fists, nails biting my palms, stopping myself from clawing Mata Hari’s smug face.

“Alpha, I don’t want to cause any more trouble,” Mata Hari murmured, rising with a saintly sigh. “Perhaps I should stay at a hotel instead.”

Rigel gripped her arm instantly.

“No, Mata Hari. You’re staying here. I promised your father I’d keep you safe.”

Anger and despair fused into one bitter taste that coated my tongue.

I turned and walked out without a word.

Rigel didn’t stop me.

Not long after, he came to my room—wearing guilt like a second skin. He begged me to accept Mata Hari and Oasis.

What a joke. The universe really is playing me, forcing me to tolerate the woman who stole my mate.

“Andie, please. I promised the late Alpha Timothy I’d protect her. She’s been through hell with an abusive mate.”

“Do whatever you want. You’re the Alpha. I’m tired. Close the door on your way out.”

“You’re not angry anymore?” He looked at me like an idiot.

“I said I’m tired. I need rest.”

“…Alright. I’m sorry for what I did earlier.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

A text from an unknown number lit up the screen:

It’s time you learned who you really are, Andromeda Nielsen—Daughter of Alpha King Richard. If you want the truth, don’t block this number. You deserve your legacy.

I stared at the message, my heartbeat slow but heavy.

Was this real—or just another cruel joke to swallow?

Then came another image from the same sender.

A photograph of a Winchester Claw medal—the symbol of the oldest pack in existence—hanging around the neck of a one-year-old pup cradled in his parents’ arms.