Chapter 100: The Ritual of the Damned

The ancient temple stood at the edge of White Moon's territory, hidden deep within the forest.

A place of old magic. Of forgotten gods.

A place that no wolf dared approach.

Except Dante.

Except now.

Dante pushed through the heavy stone doors, his breathing ragged, his grip on Bella's body tightening.

"You won't take her from me," he growled.

"I don't care what it costs."

The temple was cold, silent, waiting.

Dante stepped into the center, his chest heaving, his body trembling with fury and grief.

Then—

He knelt, cradling Bella against him.

"I need you." His voice cracked.

"I need you to come back to me, Bella."

Silence.

The shadows shifted.

The air grew thick, heavy.

And then—

A voice.

Not his.

Not Bella's.

Something older. Colder. Darker.

"You would trade your soul for hers, Alpha?"

Dante's jaw clenched.

"Yes."

"You would give anything?"

"Everything."

The air rippled.

And then—

The ground shook beneath him.

A blinding light erupted from Bella's chest, the curse inside her fighting, resisting, screaming.

Dante held her tighter, his forehead pressing against hers.

"Come back to me, little wolf."

"I'm right here," a voice whispered.

Dante's breath caught.

Because it wasn't the gods speaking anymore.

It was her.

Bella's fingers twitched.

Her lashes fluttered.

Then—

Her golden eyes opened.

And just like that—

She was back.