Chapter 121: The Monster Awakens

That night, Bella woke to the scent of death.

She was standing outside.

Barefoot.

Drenched in moonlight.

Her breath fogged in the cold air.

And in front of her—

A body.

Fresh.

Warm.

Blood soaking the snow.

Bella's hands were wet.

Her claws extended.

Her heart pounded violently, her chest heaving.

No.

No, no, no.

This wasn't real.

She wasn't awake.

She wasn't—

"You are."

A whisper.

A breath against her ear.

Bella whirled around—

And came face-to-face with herself.

Her reflection stood mere inches away, but it wasn't her.

Not anymore.

Its golden eyes had turned black.

Its mouth stretched too wide, teeth jagged, inhuman.

And it was smiling.

"You were always mine, Bella."

Bella's breath hitched.

Because she finally understood.

This wasn't a curse.

This wasn't a bond.

This was a replacement.

And soon?

Bella Santos would be gone.

And the Hollow One?

Would wear her face.

Forever.