Chapter 210: The Reckoning

The next morning, the pack saw her.

They had watched her fall.

Had watched Dante fight to bring her back.

Had seen the monster she had almost become.

And now, they were waiting.

Waiting to see if she was still their Luna.

Waiting to see if she was still worthy.

Bella stood at the top of the packhouse steps, the early morning air thick with tension.

She had never been one for speeches.

Never been one for begging for loyalty.

Because loyalty wasn't something you asked for.

It was something you earned.

"You all saw what happened."

Her voice was steady, even, unshaken.

"You saw what I became. What I almost lost myself to."

The pack was silent.

Waiting.

"Some of you might still fear me."

She let her gaze sweep over them.

"Some of you might wonder if I'm still fit to be your Luna."

She lifted her chin.

"Then let me prove it to you."

Dante stood beside her, his presence an unspoken show of unity.

He had already accepted her.

Already claimed her again.

But this?

This wasn't about him.

This was about them.

For a long moment, no one moved.

Then—

Chase stepped forward, his expression unreadable, his voice sharp.

"You swore you weren't coming back."

Bella exhaled slowly.

"I was wrong."

Chase's golden eyes narrowed.

"And if it happens again?"

Bella's jaw tightened.

"It won't."

Chase stared at her for a long moment.

Then—

He nodded.

And the moment he did, the pack followed.

One by one, wolves dropped to one knee, their heads bowed, their submission absolute.

Bella's throat tightened.

Because she had thought she would have to fight for this.

That she would have to beg.

But in the end?

They had already forgiven her.

Because she was still theirs.

And she always had been.

Dante watched her, his blue eyes dark, knowing, steady.

Because he had always known she would come back.

Always known she was still his.

And now?

Now the rest of the world knew it too.