The century-long war was over.

My sister and I were the Alpha's daughters. The strongest pack in the North. We were forced into a marriage alliance with the Evernight vampire kingdom.

A witch prophesied a powerful hybrid would be born to our family. A child destined to be king.

Soon, my sister and I were both pregnant.

I didn't care about giving birth to the prophesied ruler. I just wanted my child to be safe and healthy.

But I never expected what happened.

My sister, Liliana, gave birth to the hybrid king.

Her mate, the first prince, Damien, was immediately named Crown Prince.

And me? I gave birth to a monster. A beast born in its feral wolf form, all fangs and fury.

I was branded unclean. My mate, the second prince Kael, was executed for my "sin." Burned to ash.

Only in my last moments did I learn the truth.

The monster my sister had swapped for mine? It was hers.

It was all a scheme. A plot she and Damien hatched to hide a defect in his bloodline and steal the throne.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back. Back before everything went to hell.

And my sister was walking toward me, a smile on her face, a glass of juice in her hand…

I was reborn just days before I was due to give birth. And the woman who’d murdered me, my sister Liliana, stood right in front of me. In her hand was the glass of juice that had sealed my fate the first time.

Liliana set the glass down. She gently stroked her swollen belly, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Sera, I'm so worried. The healer says my baby is too active." She walked toward me slowly. "He was kicking all night. So strong I could barely sleep."

I leaned back against the headboard and watched her perform.

The exact same opening line as last time.

"That does sound rough," I replied gently.

"It's more than that." Liliana sat on the edge of my bed, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I keep feeling this strange energy. It's powerful, overwhelming, just like… just like the prophecy described. And I keep dreaming of a pair of eyes. Golden, glittering eyes."

I almost scoffed. The monster my sister had birthed flashed in my mind. She was already pretending to carry the hybrid king.

But I didn't call out her lie.

Her lie was a fortress. I couldn't tear it down with words alone.

I forced a smile. "It sounds like you're the lucky one, sister. The true future queen. Congratulations."

Liliana's feigned anxiety melted into a joyful smile.

But when she looked at me, I saw the cold calculation in her eyes.

She handed me the crystal glass. The deep red liquid inside smelled faintly of fruit.

"Pomegranate juice. It's good for the baby."

I took the glass but set it aside.

I knew what it was. A potion to knock me unconscious the moment after I gave birth.

To avoid suspicion, I took her hand, feigning the same old affection. "You're so sweet, sister. I'll drink it in a bit."

Liliana smiled tenderly. "We're sisters. I've always protected you."

Protected me.

The words were a dagger to my heart.

I remembered my childhood. My mother was attacked the night I was born. Her wolf soul was crippled. Her power, broken.

She blamed me for everything. She never smiled at me.

And my father, ashamed I was a late-bloomer, could never meet my pleading gaze. "Liliana is gifted, a pride to our pack. And you…"

Only my sister would take my hand. "Don't listen to them, Sera. You're my cherished little sister."

She would shield me from our mother's rage. She would defend me when the others mocked me.

She would comfort me when I cried at night. "I'm here. No one can hurt you."

I trusted her so completely. I relied on her so much.

Then the war ended. An envoy from the Evernight Kingdom arrived, reciting the witch's prophecy: "A hybrid king will be born, to unite the dark and rule the light."

And so Liliana and I, daughters of the North's strongest Alpha, were married to the vampire princes of the Evernight Empire.

I married the second prince, Kael. She married the first prince, Damien.

The morning we left our pack, my mother only hugged Liliana. "I'll miss you, my pride and joy."

To me, she just gave a curt nod.

I thought things would be different in the Evernight Kingdom. At first, they were.

Kael loved me. He protected me. He gave me a warmth I'd never known.

When Liliana and I found out we were pregnant at the same time, I cried with joy. My suffering was finally over. I was finally loved.

I never dreamed of giving birth to the prophesied king.

The night we confirmed my pregnancy, I just leaned against Kael and wished for a healthy baby.

When Liliana came to visit with expensive gifts, inviting me to a private family island for "rest," I suspected nothing.

I never imagined it was the beginning of my hell.

They said I gave birth to a monster. Born in wolf form, with blood-red eyes and razor-sharp fangs.

His coarse fur stank of a wild beast. He was a demon, a curse.

Kael tried to protect me, but he was executed for it. He was burned to ash under the morning sun.

I was imprisoned and left to die a miserable death.

Before I died, Liliana came to my cell. She whispered in my ear, "Seraphina, Mother was right. You're a curse. A disgrace to our family, and now you've gotten your mate killed. What's the point of you even living? You might as well die."

Then she signaled the guards. They threw me to a pack of feral, blood-starved vampires. I was torn apart.

Only then did I learn the truth. It was all a plot by Liliana and Damien.

Damien's bloodline was tainted by a hidden curse. He could never father a healthy heir. The child my sister carried was a deformed monster.

Damien was terrified of his secret being exposed. He would lose everything.

And if Damien fell, my sister wouldn't just lose her royal status. She’d be cast out and sent back to our pack, a laughingstock.

So they set their sights on me.

I pulled myself from the memory. Liliana placed the juice in my hand again, then left with a smile.

The moment her footsteps faded, I poured the pomegranate juice into the sink.

The red liquid swirled down the drain. Like my blood in my last life.

The girl in the mirror was still young, her belly round and full.

But her eyes held no innocence.

"My baby," I whispered, gently caressing my stomach. "This time, I know all their traps. This time, I will protect you. And this time, those who betrayed us will pay."

I knew I had three days until the birth.

Last time, I was stuck on this island for a week.

My sister came to "check on me" every day. In reality, she was watching my every move.

This time, I wouldn't give her the chance.

I took out Kael's communication crystal.

Soon, a black raven flew in through the window and landed on my arm. Kael’s messenger.

I tied a small note to its leg: "Return at once. Urgent. —S"

The raven vanished into the night.

"Your Highness, did you need something?" My guard entered the room.

"Pack our things," I said, standing up. "We're going back to the capital."

The guard froze. "But… the healer said you need to rest here..."

"I'll only be safe in my own chambers," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Prepare the airship. We leave at once."

This was where they’d laid their trap.

The queen had sent us here, claiming an "ancient lunar array" on the island would bless our children.

It was just an excuse to get us away from the mainland. Away from Kael.

The healers, the guards—they were all her spies.

When Kael had sent messages, worried about me, they’d replied: "Seraphina is fine. Your Highness should focus on the border."

The Tide of the Undead. The perfect excuse.

It trapped my mate a thousand miles away when I needed him most.

"Your Highness, I'm afraid I can't…" the guard stammered.

"What's wrong?" Liliana’s voice came from the doorway. "Sera, where are you going?"

She rushed into the room, her face a mask of concern.

"I miss home," I said calmly. "I want to go back to the capital."

"But the lunar array here is best for the babies," Liliana frowned. "And Kael is off fighting the undead. You'll be all alone."

"I won't be alone." I smiled, sidestepping her attempt to grab my arm. "Kael's mother's snow fox is waiting for me."

Liliana's expression stiffened.

Kael's mother's snow fox was incredibly sensitive to a person's aura.

If I brought the true hybrid king back with me, it would sense his power immediately.

"That fox is vicious," Liliana said quickly. "It doesn't like strangers. What if it hurts you or the baby?"

"It knows me," I said, continuing to pack. "Besides, Kael's personal guard will protect me."

The Night Raiders.

If I gave birth under their watch, no one would get near my child.

Liliana's face grew darker.

"Sera, don't be difficult. The healer said you could go into labor at any moment…"

"Then I should be in the one place I know is safe."

I picked up my bag and walked towards the door.

Liliana followed me. "You can't leave! The queen opened this sacred temple just for us. If you leave without a word…"

"I'll explain it to the queen myself."

On the landing pad, the airship's engines were already humming.

I could feel the power coming from the child in my womb.

He sensed the danger. He sensed my defiance.

I walked faster.

"Stop!"

A cold voice cut through the wind.

Queen Victoria was approaching with her royal guards.

She wore a black gown, her face severe.

"Seraphina, where do you think you're going?"

I stopped and gave a slight bow. "Your Majesty."

"Answer me," she commanded, her voice laced with authority.

"I wish to return to the capital to give birth."

Victoria walked up to me, her eyes scanning my stomach.

"Royal law dictates that all princes must be born in a designated temple. This is to ensure the purity and absolute safety of the bloodline."

"But Kael isn't with me. I feel unsafe."

"Kael has a more important duty," Victoria said, her gaze like ice. "As a woman of the royal family, you should put the kingdom first."

The kingdom. Always the damned kingdom.

"I understand. But…"

"No buts," Victoria cut me off. "You are staying here. That is an order."

I felt that familiar, suffocating pressure.

In my last life, I had buckled under it.

But this time…

"Your Majesty," a smooth male voice called out.

Damien emerged from the temple, his expression fraught with worry.

"I just received a report. Dark mages have been spotted casting curses in the surrounding waters. For safety, the no-fly ward has been activated."

I clenched my fists. Rage boiled in my blood.

Shameless.

They were making up lies just to trap me here.

"Ah!" My sister, Liliana, suddenly cried out. She covered her mouth, pointing a trembling finger at my stomach.

I looked down and my breath hitched.

It's time!

The stress, the anger—it was enough to send me into early labor.

The three of them exchanged a look, their faces filled with a barely hidden glee.

The Queen’s icy expression melted into one of false "concern." She took my arm herself, trying to guide me back to the medical center.

But I wouldn't go.

I had a second chance. I couldn't let my baby fall into their hands again.

I had to get back to the capital. I had to get to Kael.

"I won't give birth in a strange place!" I hissed through the pain, my voice sharp. "I'm going back! My guards can tear a few dark mages to shreds!"

My sister and Damien gave the queen a look.

Victoria's voice turned harsh. "Don't listen to her nonsense! She's about to give birth. If something happens on the airship, the King will have your heads!"

Trapped by the ward, threatened by the queen, and on the verge of labor.

My guards hesitated.

Queen Victoria gestured to her handmaidens, ready to drag me back to the Moonlight Sanctum by force.

My pack warriors—Kael’s men, loyal to me—stepped forward, blocking their path.

But a flash of gold light pulsed from my abdomen, and a scream of pain tore from my lips.

"Your Highness…" the captain of my guard wavered. "You're in danger. You must give birth now…"

"I said I'm waiting for Kael!" I gritted my teeth, holding on with everything I had.

Pain ripped through me, but I couldn't let them win. Not again.

"Quick, get her inside!" Liliana yelled frantically. "The baby can't wait!"

I was half-carried, half-dragged toward the crystal temple.

The contractions grew stronger, closer. Cold sweat dripped down my forehead.

"Agh—" I couldn't hold back a cry.

"Hold on, Sera!" Liliana squeezed my hand. "It'll be over soon!"

Her concern looked so real. Too bad it was all for show.

Inside the crystal temple, the birthing room was ready.

I was lifted onto the delivery bed, the pain so intense I could barely think.

"Where is the healer?" the queen demanded.

A thin, wiry man stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, Healer Hermes, at your service."

My eyes shot open.

Wrong! The healer from my past life was a plump woman named Martina!

This man…

I searched my memories and finally found him.

After Kael's death, during my imprisonment, I'd seen this man from a distance.

He was speaking secretly with Kael’s old loyalists.

This was one of Kael's men!

Hope surged through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. Don't give anything away. Play along.

"Ahhh—it hurts so much!" I screamed, grabbing Liliana's hand. "Sister, I'm scared!"

"Shh, don't be afraid," Liliana soothed, stroking my hair. "I'm right here with you."

I glanced around the room. The queen stood by the door with three of her guards. Two assistant healers were also present.

Too many people. I needed to clear the room.

"There are too many people… I… I can't breathe…" I clutched Liliana's hand, my eyes wide with panic.

I let my voice crack, pitching it into the hysterical panic they expected from the weak, foolish girl they thought I was.

"I feel… I feel like something's wrong with the baby! Get them out! Please, make them all leave!"

Just as I expected, a contemptuous smile crossed the queen's face.

To her, I was still that same pathetic little girl.

"Sera, this is not the time for such things," she said impatiently.

"But…" I held onto Liliana's hand tightly. "I only want my sister with me... and Healer Hermes. He seems so kind..."

I looked at the thin man, my eyes full of manufactured trust.

Liliana froze for a second, then a glint appeared in her eyes.

If it was just her and one healer in the room, swapping the babies would be even easier.

"Your Majesty," she said softly. "My sister has been shy since we were children. If she feels unsafe, it could complicate the birth…"

The queen considered it for a moment, then nodded.

"Fine. Only Healer Hermes will stay." She waved a hand, dismissing the others. "Everyone else, wait outside."

The doors closed, leaving just me, Liliana, and Healer Hermes.

My eyes met his. I saw the barest hint of a nod.

"Agh—" another wave of pain crashed over me.

"It's starting!" Healer Hermes moved quickly. "Your Highness, push!"

Right on cue, Liliana began her own performance.

"Ah! I'm… I'm going into labor too!" she cried, clutching her stomach and collapsing onto a nearby chair.

She'd used a labor-inducing drug, just to give birth at the same time as me.

The exact same script as last time.

But this time, I knew what was in her belly.

"Healer Hermes!" I cried out weakly. "Help my sister first!"

"Do not worry, Your Highness!" Hermes moved swiftly between the two beds. "I can attend to you both!"

The pain came in waves. I bit down hard and pushed.

I could feel the powerful force inside me fighting to get out.

"I see the head! Push again!" Hermes yelled.

I took a deep breath and gave it everything I had.

"Waaah—"

A baby's cry filled the room.

Hermes held a tiny body in his arms.

In that instant, I saw a flash of gold in my baby's eyes.

The true hybrid king! My son!

Hermes quickly brought the baby to me. He had a small vial in his hand.

He dropped the liquid into the baby's eyes, and the golden glow vanished.

"A healthy boy," he said in a low voice, his eyes conveying a message only I could understand.

Almost at the same moment, a cry came from Liliana's side.

But this cry was shrill and piercing, with a strange, echoing quality.

I glanced over and felt my stomach turn.

I saw the monster. It was covered in coarse fur, its limbs twisted and malformed, its mouth split open in a blood-curdling shriek.

"They need to be cleaned," Hermes said, quickly carrying both infants to a cleansing station in the corner, where a set of tools for the swap was already prepared.

Behind the station, his hands moved in a blur.

I couldn't see his movements clearly, but I heard the clinking of vials and jars.

Liliana lay on her bed, exhausted, her eyes fixed on the cleansing station.

Three minutes later, he returned holding two babies.

One, with eyes that glittered like gold. The other, small and seemingly premature.

"Congratulations, Your Highnesses." He handed the "golden-eyed" baby to Liliana. "This little prince possesses extraordinary power."

Liliana took the baby. When she saw the fake golden eyes, her face lit up with ecstasy.

"The hybrid king!" she whispered, her voice trembling. "It's true! He's the one from the prophecy!"

And I weakly took the other baby, the one who looked premature.

My real son, perfectly disguised as an ordinary child.

"Sera's baby looks a bit weak," Liliana said, looking at me with triumph in her eyes. "But at least he was born safely."

She cradled the disguised monster as if she were holding the entire world.

If only she knew she was holding a time bomb.

Just then, the doors burst open.

Kael stormed in, sword in hand, his Night Raiders behind him, radiating killing intent.

"Who. Dares. Harm. My. Mate?!"