Chapter 200: She Is Becoming

The first thing Bella felt was cold.

Not the kind that bit at her skin.

Not the kind that numbed her fingers.

This was deeper.

It sank into her bones, her soul, her mind.

She opened her eyes—but there was nothing.

Just darkness.

Just emptiness.

Just the sound of her own breathing, slow, steady, and not entirely her own.

"You finally stopped fighting."

Bella turned.

And saw herself.

Not a shadow.

Not a reflection.

Herself.

But twisted.

Her golden-brown eyes were pitch black.

Her skin was paler, thinner, almost translucent.

And when she smiled—

Bella felt nothing.

"You always belonged to me, Bella."

The Hollow One took a slow step forward, her voice smooth, familiar.

"All I needed was for you to see it."

Bella's chest tightened.

Because she had spent years running from this moment.

Had spent years trying to bury this part of herself.

But now?

Now, it was too late.

She was already inside.

And there was no way out.