Chapter 198: The Alpha’s Rage

Dante moved before Bella could stop him.

His body blurred, shifting mid-air, his massive black wolf launching at the Hollow One, teeth bared, claws unsheathed.

Bella barely had time to scream his name before he hit it.

But—

The Hollow One didn't fall.

It didn't even stagger.

Dante's claws **sank into its flesh—**but instead of blood, there was only darkness, writhing, twisting, swallowing his attack like it was nothing.

Then—

The Hollow One smiled.

And in an instant—

Dante was thrown back.

Not pushed.

Not knocked aside.

Thrown.

Like his body was weightless.

Like he was nothing.

He crashed into the trees with a sickening crack.

Bella's lungs seized.

"DANTE!"

She ran.

Faster than she had ever moved in her life.

She dropped to her knees beside him, her hands shaking as she reached for him.

His wolf wasn't moving.

His breathing was shallow.

Blood trickled from his mouth, from his ribs, from the wound that should have never been able to touch him.

Bella's stomach twisted violently.

"No."

This wasn't happening.

This couldn't be happening.

She pressed her hands against his chest, desperate, frantic, her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.

"Wake up."

Dante didn't move.

Didn't speak.

Didn't breathe.

And Bella?

Bella felt something inside her snap.

Because she had lost him once.

Had walked away, had broken the bond, had nearly killed them both.

But if she lost him now—

If she lost him for real—

Then there was nothing left to save.

"You want me?"

Bella turned, golden eyes burning.

She stepped away from Dante's unmoving body.

Stepped toward the Hollow One, her fingers curling into fists, her breath slow, steady.

"Then take me."

The Hollow One smiled.

"Gladly."

Then—

The world went dark.