Chapter 162: The Bond That Won’t Die

Bella didn't speak.

She couldn't.

Because the pain in Dante's eyes, the raw fury shaking his hands, the weight of what they had lost—

It was too much.

"You should have stayed," Dante whispered, his voice thick, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like it hurt.

"You should have fought for me."

Bella's breath hitched.

Because she had.

She had fought.

She had bled.

She had suffered just as much as he had.

But the difference was—

Dante didn't understand why she left.

Didn't understand what she had become.

Didn't understand that she had walked away to protect him, to protect White Moon, to protect everyone.

And now?

Now it was too late.

Bella turned her face away, refusing to let him see the crack in her mask.

"I don't belong here anymore, Dante."

Dante's grip on her tightened.

"Bullshit."

Bella swallowed hard.

"You don't understand."

Dante's snarl shook the air.

"Then make me understand!"

Bella's chest tightened painfully.

Because he didn't get it.

Didn't see that she was a monster now.

Didn't see that if he kept pushing—

If he kept trying to save her—

He was going to lose himself instead.

"You can't fix me," she whispered.

Dante's breath shuddered.

"I don't care."

Bella forced out a sharp, bitter laugh.

"You should."

Because if he didn't stop—

She was going to pull him into the abyss with her.

And she wasn't sure if she had it in her to let him go twice.