Becoming the Queen -- Twilight

the aftermath

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The cold seeped into Bella's skin despite the pale sunlight filtering through the trees. She stood behind Edward, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon as they waited for Victoria's arrival. The sunlight seemed to do little to warm the chill that had settled in her bones—a chill that came not just from the weather but from the anticipation of what was to come.

"She's close. I can hear her thoughts. She knew we weren't there, but she caught my scent. She knew you'd be with me," Edward said, his voice steady but tense.

Bella's heart raced, a mix of dread and fear twisting inside her. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing as she focused on the area Edward had indicated. The tension between them was palpable, a heavy blanket that only grew thicker with each passing second.

"She found us," Bella muttered under her breath, her voice barely a whisper.

Edward stood resolutely in front of her, his face a mask of focused determination. He had told her that Victoria was close, that he could hear her thoughts. The knowledge that their enemy was nearing only heightened Bella's anxiety. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the fear was persistent, gnawing at the edges of her resolve.

"She's not alone," Edward said ominously. Riley Biers stepped out from the snow-covered trees, his dark clothes contrasting with his surroundings. Bella recognized him as the missing boy from a year ago. His red eyes revealed the reason for his disappearance.

"Riley..." Edward called out, his voice firm but not unkind. "Listen to me. Victoria's just using you, distracting me. But she knows I'll kill you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of truth. Bella could see the brief flicker of doubt in Riley's eyes as he hesitated, surprised that Edward was talking to him. Edward took the shot, continuing to convince the young vampire to change sides.

"In fact, she'll be glad she doesn't have to deal with you anymore."

Suddenly, Victoria emerged from the woods, forming a triangle with Riley—Bella and Edward at the apex. Her fiery red hair blazed in the sunlight, and her eyes gleamed with a sinister determination.

"Don't listen, Riley. I told you about their mind tricks," Victoria said, her voice smooth and dripping with venom.

Edward's gaze remained fixed on Riley. "I can read her mind, so I know what she thinks of you."

"He's lying," Victoria hissed, her tone sharp.

Edward didn't waver. "She only created you and this army to avenge her true mate, James. It's the only thing she cares about. Not you."

Riley's resolve wavered, his eyes flickering with uncertainty as he glanced at Victoria. She immediately countered, her voice laced with feigned affection.

"There's only you. You know that."

Riley's focus returned to Edward, his stance shifting as he prepared to attack. Meanwhile, Victoria's eyes locked onto Bella's, filled with bloodlust and the promise of revenge.

"Think about it," Edward urged, his tone calm but insistent. "You're from Forks, you know the area. That's the only reason she chose you. She doesn't love you."

Bella's heart skipped a beat as Victoria mentioned her sister. The words echoed in her mind, sharp and confusing. What did she mean? Fear and uncertainty tightened their grip on her chest. Marianna—her strong, determined sister—was supposed to be safe, far away from all of this. Yet the way Victoria spoke, with that cruel edge, made Bella's stomach twist with dread.