𝑬𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏

Aveline's thoughts drifted back to her favorite memory, a moment untouched by the pain and loss that had come to define her existence. She could almost feel the gentle breeze as it played with Kai's golden hair, the strands catching the sunlight as they sat together in a meadow full of vibrant flowers. The air had been filled with the soft hum of life, the scent of blooming wildflowers mingling with the warmth of the earth beneath them. They sat under the shade of an ancient oak tree, the world around them fading as they immersed themselves in their books. His laughter, rich and full, broke the silence between them.

It was in that meadow, with the world at peace around them, that he had asked her to marry him. His voice had been steady, filled with love and certainty. She had said yes, her heart swelling with a joy so profound that it felt as if the world had shifted to accommodate it. That was before the nightmare-before blood had soaked her wedding dress, and her life had been stolen from her.

The memory dissipated like mist in the morning sun. She opened her eyes, now seeing the present-a far cry from the meadow of her past. She was perched on a tree branch, high above the ground, her gaze distant as she watched the scene below. Jacob's voice broke through her thoughts, his tone carrying a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"That's what I'm talking about. A little pre-battle bonfire," Jacob declared, his bravado masking the tension that gripped everyone present.

Aveline remained silent, not feeling the need to engage. She had arrived the day before, as agreed with Carlisle, specifically to avoid unnecessary socializing. While the others gathered around the fire, she watched from her elevated perch, the flickering flames below casting shadows that danced across the forest floor.

Despite her aloofness, Aveline couldn't avoid the curious glances directed her way. A few of the younger wolves, clearly intrigued by the mysterious vampire hybrid, exchanged whispers, wondering who she was and what her presence meant.

Seth Clearwater was the first to approach her, his youthful curiosity overcoming any hesitation. "You're Aveline, right?" he asked, looking up at her with wide eyes.

She nodded slightly, acknowledging him without fully engaging.

"You're not like the others, are you?" Seth continued, his tone more inquisitive than accusatory.

Aveline allowed a faint smile to touch her lips. "No, I suppose I'm not."

Seth seemed satisfied with her response, though he didn't push for more. Instead, he turned back to join the others, content with having made contact.

As the evening wore on, Aveline remained perched on her branch, her posture relaxed yet distant. One by one, the various vampires around the fire began to approach her, curious about the enigmatic hybrid who had appeared so suddenly.

A tall, blond vampire with sharp features and a commanding presence approached first, his eyes assessing. "You're the one Carlisle brought in," he stated, more a declaration than a question.

Aveline inclined her head slightly. "I am."

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "You're a hybrid, then? Like the child?"

Aveline's gaze flickered, but she remained calm. "In a manner of speaking."

"Interesting," he murmured, before moving on, leaving Aveline with a brief, thoughtful look.

A few moments later, a pair of vampires approached, their eyes alight with curiosity. They introduced themselves as Peter and Charlotte, a couple from the Southern Wars.

"So, you're the hybrid who doesn't need sleep?" Charlotte asked, her tone light but probing.

Aveline nodded. "That's right. I can sleep if I choose to, but it's not necessary."

Peter smirked. "Must be nice, being able to fall asleep whenever you please."

"It has its perks," Aveline replied, her tone dismissive.

The two lingered for a moment longer, exchanging a glance before deciding to move on. Aveline could feel their curiosity but had no intention of indulging it.

As the evening grew darker, a vampire with a striking mane of wild, tangled white hair approached. His presence was different, more ancient and fierce. Aveline recognized him immediately as Vladimir, one of the Romanian coven leaders. He stopped in front of her, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and something akin to recognition.

"You keep your distance," he observed, his voice a deep rumble.

"I prefer it that way," Aveline replied evenly, meeting his gaze without flinching.

Vladimir nodded slowly, seemingly considering her words. "You remind me of someone," he said after a pause.

Aveline tilted her head slightly. "And who might that be?"

Vladimir's eyes narrowed, as if trying to piece together a memory long forgotten. "A woman from long ago... but the resemblance is faint. Perhaps I am mistaken."

Aveline's heart gave a subtle flutter, a rare occurrence that she carefully concealed. "Perhaps," she replied, her tone noncommittal.

Their conversation shifted to other topics-Vladimir asked about her powers, and she gave him the briefest of explanations, though she avoided revealing the full extent of her abilities. He spoke of the old world, of battles fought and lost, and she listened intently, finding herself drawn into the stories despite her intentions to remain detached.

As the conversation deepened, Aveline found herself relaxing, a rarity in the company of strangers. Vladimir, too, seemed to lower his guard, sharing more than she expected. They talked for nearly an hour, an exchange that left both of them feeling oddly connected, though neither could quite place why.

When Vladimir finally excused himself, Aveline felt a strange sense of loss, as if something important had just slipped through her fingers. She shook off the feeling, reminding herself of the dangers that lay ahead.

At one point, Leah Clearwater, always sharp-tongued and blunt, walked over to the base of the tree. "So, are you here to actually help, or just to brood from up there?"

Aveline glanced down at her, her expression impassive. "I'm here to do what's necessary. Nothing more, nothing less."

Leah snorted, unimpressed. "Just don't get in our way."

"That goes both ways," Aveline replied coolly.

Their exchange was short, but it left an impression on those who overheard it. Leah walked away, clearly not interested in pressing further, and Aveline returned to her silent vigil.

As the night deepened, the group below began to settle, some preparing to rest while others took turns keeping watch. Aveline, despite being able to sleep if she wished, chose to remain awake. The need for rest had never been strong in her, and tonight, with the impending battle, it was nonexistent.

Sometime in the night, Carlisle found her, his face drawn with the weight of what was to come. "Thank you for coming, Aveline. I know how difficult this is for you."

She met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "I'm doing this for my own reasons, Carlisle. But you're welcome."

He nodded, understanding the unspoken sentiment behind her words. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

With that, he left her to her thoughts, and Aveline continued to watch over the group, her mind a maelstrom of emotions-fear, determination, and a lingering sorrow that never seemed to fade.

As dawn approached, the atmosphere grew tenser, the reality of the battle that lay ahead sinking in. The wolves, their human forms now replaced with massive, muscular frames, prowled around the camp, their senses heightened in preparation.

Aveline finally descended from her perch, her movements graceful and deliberate. She could feel the eyes of those around her, some filled with curiosity, others with caution. But she paid them little mind, her focus solely on what was to come.