Chapter 228: The Night She Died

"It was during the war."

Bella's voice was steady, but her hands curled into fists as the memories surfaced.

"Lilia was fighting for Indiana Pack. She turned against White Moon, against me. Against our bloodline."

Dante nodded slowly.

He had known this much.

The betrayal of Bella's own sister had been one of the first real scars she carried.

"She wasn't just fighting us. She was hunting me."

Bella let out a bitter breath.

"I don't even remember what she said that night. Just that she wouldn't stop. That she wouldn't surrender."

Her pulse pounded.

"She left me no choice."

Dante's jaw clenched.

"You killed her."

Bella met his gaze.

"Yes."

No hesitation.

No wavering.

Because she had done it.

And she would do it again.

Because Lilia had been too far gone.

Had wanted to burn Bella to the ground.

And Bella had done what was necessary.

"I watched her die, Dante."

Her voice was quieter now.

"I burned her body. I made sure there was nothing left."

She exhaled sharply.

"So tell me how she's still alive."

Dante was silent.

Then—

"What if she never died?"

Bella's blood ran cold.

Because she had thought about it.

Had considered it.

Had tried to bury the possibility.

"I saw her body, Dante."

Dante studied her.

"Did you see her die? Or did you see what she wanted you to see?"

Bella's chest tightened.

Because what if—what if he was right?

What if Lilia had played her?

What if she had let Bella think she had won, only to disappear into the shadows and wait?

Wait for the right moment to come back and finish what she started.

Bella shuddered.

"Then we find out the truth."

Her golden eyes burned.

"And this time, we finish it for good."