Chapter 116: The Darkness Inside

The mark on Bella's throat pulsed.

A slow, steady, unnatural throb, like something was breathing beneath her skin.

Like it was alive.

Bella sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the mirror across the room.

At herself.

At the thing she was becoming.

The mark had spread overnight.

It had been small before—a thin, curling line at the hollow of her throat.

Now?

Now it had crawled up her neck, dark tendrils stretching toward her jaw.

Like roots sinking into her flesh.

Like it was claiming her.

"Bella."

Dante's voice was low, rough, but she didn't turn.

She could feel him watching.

Feel the tension rolling off his body.

The fear he wouldn't say out loud.

Because this was different.

This wasn't just another battle.

This wasn't something they could fight with claws and teeth and war.

This?

This was inside her.

And Dante?

For the first time in his life—he didn't know how to protect her.