𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄. 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍 ✔︎

𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲

NAYELI STOOD OUTSIDE with Kai and Renesmee, Bella at her side. Since Kai had learned to walk just days ago, it was nearly impossible to keep the hybrid toddler from wandering off. Nayeli smiled as she watched Benjamin use his elemental power to entertain Renesmee, creating tiny whirlwinds of leaves and water. Kai noticed and held out his small hand, his eyes wide with curiosity. Benjamin grinned and happily extended the display to include the boy, earning Kai's delighted giggles.

The serene moment was broken by the sound of movement in the woods. Nayeli and Bella tensed, instinctively clutching their children closer. They loosened their grips slightly when two figures emerged from the trees—vampires moving with supernatural speed.

"Who are they?" Bella asked, her voice wary.

Nayeli shook her head and looked toward Edward.

"Senna and Zafrina, from the Amazon coven," Edward replied, stepping forward to greet the newcomers with a warm smile.

As Nayeli and Bella cautiously approached with the children, Celine sat silently on the porch, her hands resting on her lap. She watched everyone interact, but something gnawed at her. The feeling of not belonging, of being an outsider, weighed heavily on her. Perhaps it was because Rosalie wasn't around to offer her companionship, or maybe it was the fear of what awaited them when they inevitably faced the Volturi.