challenging, knowing the future

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The air reeked of burning flesh, the thick stench of vampire remains curling into the sky in deep purple-black smoke

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The air reeked of burning flesh, the thick stench of vampire remains curling into the sky in deep purple-black smoke. The Cullens and the wolves moved quickly, dragging the last of the newborns into the inferno. Their bodies twisted and crackled within the flames, turning to ash as the battlefield was slowly cleansed of the war that had just taken place.

From the tree line, Edward, Dorothea, and Bella sprinted toward the others, weaving between the lifeless remains scattered across the snow-dusted ground. Their faces were set in grim determination as they made their way to Alice and the rest of the Cullens, who stood in a tense semicircle around the fire.

Edward barely slowed as he asked, "How long?"

Alice's golden eyes flickered toward him, calculating. "A few minutes. Maybe ten."

Dean let out a loud, exaggerated groan, throwing his hands in the air. "Oh, come on! They sure do love taking their time. What is this, some dramatic movie entrance? For God's sake, you're vampires! Use that damn speed!"

Dorothea giggled at his outburst, amused, before turning back toward Jasper. She nuzzled her nose against his neck, standing on her toes so she could reach him properly. Jasper sighed, but he tilted his head slightly, allowing her to do so. The gesture was oddly comforting amid the tension.

Bella, meanwhile, scanned the field, her heart hammering in her chest. "Where's Jacob?" No one answered her.

Rosalie, standing a short distance away with her arms crossed, answered dryly, "The Volturi timed their arrival well." Edward's jaw tightened. "They were hoping the newborns would take a few of us out first."

Edward suddenly froze, his gaze locking onto the fire. There, near the flames, a lone figure stood out—a young, trembling vampire. Bree Tanner. "What's she doing here?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Bella followed his gaze, her eyes widening slightly. Bree looked small, vulnerable. Her crimson eyes flickered between the Cullens, wary yet strangely calm. Carlisle spoke evenly, "We offered her sanctuary if she surrendered. She accepted."

Dorothea didn't react, already knowing how things would unfold, but her stomach twisted at what was to come. She hadn't had the heart to tell Carlisle that one he welcomed openly won't make it out alive.

Edward barely had time to process that before Carlisle's next words came, voice low and urgent. "The pack needs to leave. The Volturi won't honor a truce if the wolves are still here."

Bella whipped around, scanning the treeline once more. "Where's Jacob?"

Edward exhaled sharply, irritated. "There."

Bella turned just in time to see Jacob emerge from the forest, massive and powerful in his wolf form. Relief flooded her as she took in his unharmed state. He looked toward her, as if sensing her worry, and started moving in her direction—

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐬 | Jasper Whitlock ✅Where stories live. Discover now