Caught in the Dark

Virello Estate – East Wing

Belle's heart pounded as she made her way back toward her room. Luca's warning had shaken her.

"Get out while you still can, Bella. Before it's too late."

She had always known she was playing a dangerous game, but hearing it from Luca made it real.

And yet—she wasn't ready to run. Not yet.

There were still too many unanswered questions.

But as she turned a corner, a shadow stepped into her path.

Belle froze.

Dante.

He leaned casually against the wall, dressed in a crisp black shirt with the top two buttons undone. But there was nothing relaxed about the way he was watching her.

His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable, dangerous.

"Midnight stroll?" His voice was soft, but there was an edge to it.

Belle's mind raced. She needed to come up with something—fast.

"Couldn't sleep," she said, keeping her voice even. "The gala was… overwhelming."

Dante hummed, pushing off the wall.

"And yet, instead of staying in your room, you wandered into the east wing—where my most important guests are staying."

He took a slow step closer.

"Interesting choice."

Belle forced herself to stay still. She couldn't let him see her panic.

"I just needed fresh air," she said, trying to sound unconcerned.

Dante tilted his head slightly, studying her.

Then—he reached out.

Belle tensed, but he only brushed his fingers against the sapphire necklace around her throat.

His necklace.

His mark.

"You're lying," he murmured.

Belle's pulse spiked.

Dante's fingers lingered for a second longer before he finally stepped back. His smirk was slow, calculating.

"Be careful where you wander, Elena."

His voice was soft, but the warning in it was clear.

"You never know who might be watching."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Belle standing in the dimly lit hallway—shaken, breathless, and more trapped than ever.

Because Dante knew something was wrong.

And now, he was watching her more than ever.