Bella’s pov
The room fell silent as Derek’s question hung in the air, leaving me stunned and at a loss for words. His unexpected inquiry had caught me off guard, and I struggled to gather my thoughts and compose a coherent response. The weight of his gaze intensified, making me feel exposed and vulnerable, as if he could see right through me.
"You don't need this anymore, your wound is healing already," I offered, desperately trying to steer the conversation away from his question. His hand moved to touch his head, where the wounds had been just moments ago. I watched, captivated, as his fingers brushed over the once-angry marks, now faded into nothingness. The sight was mesmerizing, and for a brief moment, I forgot the turmoil swirling inside me.
Derek’s piercing eyes met mine once aga
