Chapter 85: The Luna’s First Challenge

The next morning, Bella stood at the balcony of the packhouse, watching as the warriors gathered below.

The news of Gabriel's death had spread fast.

Some were relieved.

Others?

They were waiting. Watching. Questioning.

She wasn't just Dante's mate anymore.

She was their Luna.

And now?

She had to prove it.

Sage stepped beside her, her arms crossed.

"They're expecting you to speak."

Bella exhaled slowly. "I know."

"Some of them don't think you're ready."

Bella smirked. "Then I'll show them how wrong they are."

She stepped forward, her golden-brown eyes fierce as she addressed her pack.

"Gabriel Santos is dead." Her voice rang through the air, steady, unyielding.

"And with him, any claim he thought he had on me is gone. Forever."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Some of them had heard the rumors.

That Bella had been taken. That she had been meant for another Alpha before Dante.

That she was damaged.

She felt Dante's presence behind her, steady, solid.

She didn't need him to speak for her.

She needed to own this moment.

"I was never meant to be caged," Bella continued, her gaze sweeping over her pack.

"And I will never be anyone's pawn again."

The murmurs grew quieter.

Because she wasn't just defending herself.

She was claiming her place.

"White Moon doesn't follow tradition." Bella's voice hardened. *"We follow strength."

She stepped forward, her golden eyes flashing.

"And if anyone here still doubts that I belong at Dante's side—"

She tilted her head, a slow, dangerous smirk curling her lips.

"Then step forward now. And fight me for it."

Silence.

No one moved.

No one spoke.

Because they knew.

Bella Santos wasn't just Dante's mate.

She was a warrior.

A queen.

And from this moment on?

No one would ever question her again.