Chapter 75: The Price of Freedom

Bella's breathing slowed, controlled, despite the rage crawling beneath her skin.

Gabriel thought he still owned her.

That he could just walk back into her life and claim her like a piece of property.

He was wrong.

"You think chaining me to a wall will change anything?" Bella sneered.

Gabriel smiled, standing, stepping toward a long wooden table against the far wall.

A tray of silver blades, cuffs, and other cruel-looking tools sat neatly arranged.

Bella's stomach twisted, but she didn't look away.

Gabriel lifted a dagger, examining the blade.

"I don't need to change anything, Bella." He turned, watching her closely.

"You'll break eventually."

Bella snorted.

"I'd love to see you try."

Gabriel sighed dramatically.

"You always were difficult. Even as a child." He turned the dagger between his fingers. "You were supposed to be a tool. A means to an end. But then you ran."

His voice darkened.

"And I lost everything because of it."

Bella's jaw clenched.

Because she knew.

Gabriel had tried to sell her off before White Moon had taken her in.

She had been nothing more than a bargaining chip to him.

And now?

Now, he thought he could take her back.

"You didn't lose everything because of me," Bella said coldly.

"You lost everything because you were weak."

Gabriel's smirk faded.

And then—

The dagger slashed across her cheek.

A sharp, burning pain ripped through her skin, warm blood dripping down her jaw.

But Bella?

She didn't make a sound.

She just smiled.

"That the best you've got, Gabriel?"

He stared at her for a long moment.

Then—

He laughed.

"Oh, Bella. We have a long way to go."

He turned, stepping toward the door.

"Enjoy your stay."

Then—

He was gone.

Bella exhaled slowly, ignoring the sting of her wound, the throb of her wrists.

Gabriel thought she would break.

He thought she would submit.

But Bella?

She had been forged in fire.

And soon?

She would make him burn.