Chapter 52: The End of a Traitor

It wasn't a fight.

It wasn't even a battle.

It was an execution.

Dante tackled Gavin to the ground, his snarl shaking the trees, his claws sinking deep into his former Beta's chest.

Gavin choked on his own breath, his golden eyes wide with shock.

"Dante—"

Dante didn't listen.

Didn't hesitate.

Because this wasn't his Beta anymore.

This was a traitor.

A man who had put a blade to Bella's throat.

A man who had chosen the enemy.

With one final, merciless strike—

Dante tore Gavin's throat out.

Blood splattered across the dirt, Gavin's body going limp beneath him.

Silence.

Then—

Dante slowly stood, his blue eyes burning with rage, his breath coming in heavy, uneven bursts.

He turned to Bella.

"Are you hurt?" His voice was low, raw, edged with something desperate.

Bella exhaled, pressing a hand to her throat where the knife had cut her.

"I'm fine."

Dante stared at her for a long, tense moment.

Then—

He pulled her against his chest, holding her so tightly it stole her breath.

"He will never touch you again." His voice was hoarse, full of something dangerous and broken.

Bella's throat tightened.

Because this wasn't just anger.

This was fear.

The fear of almost losing her.

And Bella?

She felt it too.

Because today—

She had nearly lost him too.

And the war?

Was far from over.