After ensuring that the Volturi had truly departed, I carefully dispelled the cloaking spells, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me as the magic dissipated. Taking a few deep, heavy breaths, I felt the tension begin to release from my body, though my hand still clung tightly to Emmett's forearm.

"Charlotte?" Emmett's voice echoed in my ears, but my gaze remained fixed on the burning pile. Anger surged within me, gripping my heart tightly. The Volturi's actions fuelled my rage. They killed without hesitation, murdering innocent people and countless witches in their quest for absolute power.

In that moment, the flames of the fire surged, leaping beyond their usual boundaries with an almost palpable intensity, as if fuelled by an unseen force. My emotions churned within me, a turbulent mix of turmoil and resilience. Life had dealt me a hand filled with hardship and sorrow, and while some might label me as overly emotional, how could I not be, given all that I had endured? If I allowed myself to succumb to the darkness of my pain and past, I feared it would consume me entirely. Instead, I wanted to be a beacon of light in this dark world, one that would bring hope to everyone who touched it.

"Breath, Charlotte," Emmett's voice broke through the chaos, pulling me back into the present, as he stepped into my line of sight, crouching slightly to meet my gaze at eye level. As I locked onto his golden orbs, the flames behind him seemed to falter, the connection severed by his presence. Then, I started to breathe again, realizing I had unknowingly stopped. Inhaling slowly, I let the air fill my lungs, before exhaling softly. Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but Emmett swiftly enveloped me in his embrace. I held onto him tightly, wrapping my arms around his muscular frame for comfort. They weren't tears of sadness, but of anger and rage. It was the only outlet I had to release the intense emotions swirling within me, without causing harm to anyone else.

"Take me home," I whispered into his chest, burying my face against it. Yet beneath the surface, there was a dull ache pulsing through my bones and coursing through my veins, as if the strain of using magic was finally catching up with me.

We slowly broke the hug, but Emmett stayed close, keeping his arm wrapped around me. I glanced over at Bella and offered her a brief smile, which she returned with a look of understanding. As we moved a bit further away from the Cullens, Emmett effortlessly scooped me up into his strong arms. Without hesitation, we sped through the forest, the world around us blurring into a whirlwind of greens and browns as he raced me home.

Along the way, I buried my head into his chest, my eyes fixated on the black top he wore. Tears silently slipped down my rosy cheeks, unbidden, as I tried in vain to hold them back. I had no sense of how long I was in his arms, but eventually, we came to a stop.

"What happened?" My grandmother's voice echoed in my ears. I refused to lift my head from his chest, finding comfort and safety in his embrace.

"I think she's exhausted," Emmett explained to her. She knew about the battle and had faith in my abilities and my willingness to help.

"Come in," Grams invited in Emmett, and he strolled through the threshold, his shoes hitting the wooden flooring as he carried me into the living room. The crackling of logs in the fireplace and the soft thud of the front door closing behind us filled the air. Emmett gently placed me on the couch, and I reluctantly let go of him. The brightness of the room made me squint for a moment as my eyes adjusted to the light.

I noticed my Grams' rushed footsteps as she hurried around Emmett and sat on the cushion beside me. Without warning, she pulled me into a tight hug.

"Are you ok, sweetheart?" she asked, her words hurried. Ending the hug, she cupped my cheeks and examined me closely, searching for any wounds.

"I'm fine," I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just tired." My eyes locked onto hers, conveying the weariness I felt. She lowered her hands and nodded, her understanding evident. I suspected she could sense the exhaustion and ache deep within my bones.

"Thank you, Emmett," she said, turning her attention to him and tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "She just needs some rest," I could see him nod at my Grams, before locking eyes with me. I mustered up a thin smile.

My Grams rose to her feet, and Emmett took it as his cue to leave. His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he walked towards the front door, my Grams following close behind. I heard the door open, her soft voice saying goodbye, and then the door closed once again. I heard her footsteps as she re-entered the living room and sat down on the cushion beside me, her gaze instantly locking onto mine.

"What happened?" she asked softly. She knew me better than anyone else; she had raised me and lived with me. She could sense something was deeply troubling me.

"I... I met the Volturi," I mumbled, struggling to meet her gaze. Her expression quickly shifted to one of concern. "They couldn't see me," I added quickly. "I used a cloaking spell, but..." My mind drifted back to the moment they stepped onto the field—their blood-red eyes, their cloaks. The image was seared into my memory, a haunting reminder of their presence. "When I saw them, I just imagined all the witches they killed. The screams..." My breath hitched, and I felt a wave of unexpected emotion wash over me. I hadn't anticipated being so profoundly affected by their presence, but they had taken everything from me—the chance to connect with other witches.

Witchcraft had become a relic of the past, relegated to the realm of belief rather than active practice. Those who still held onto its traditions did so with faith, yet lacked power to make anything happen.

"Honey," she spoke softly, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close. "We can't change the past," she began, her hand gently rubbing up and down my arm in a comforting gesture. "What they did will haunt us until the end of our days. But we are only two people— one, at best," she announced with a hint of resignation. As the years passed, my Grams' magic began to dwindle; she couldn't perform complex spells or push herself much anymore. "I too am filled with hate and anger towards them. But I don't let it consume me," her words surprised me, as I had never seen a hint of anger in her before, not even when I burned down my old school.

"They killed countless of our kind," I retorted, a hint of anger lacing my tone. "They murdered children for the sake of control and power."

"I know," she replied, her tone soft. "You are all I have of my daughter," She shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes, emotions raw on display. "I see her in you every time you do something selfless. And I will not lose you." Tears began to cascade down her cheeks as she spoke.

There were no words I could speak to ease her pain, so I simply wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a loving, tight hug. I didn't know how long we remained locked in each other's embrace, but I wouldn't trade that moment for anything in the world. I loved her with all my heart, and I would do anything for her. I would even die, if it meant she was safe. But I know she would do the same.

.............................

Sleep enveloped me effortlessly, the exhaustion and ache in my body overwhelming me as soon as my head touched the pillow. I was out like a light.

My eyes fluttered open to the chirping of birds outside, their cheerful song filling the room along with the soft morning light streaming in through the window. As my vision cleared, I discerned the silhouette of a tall figure standing by the window, his broad back facing me as he gazed out into the world. In an instant, I recognized him, even before fully opening my eyes.

"Emmett?" My voice cut through the air, causing him to spin around to face me. His golden eyes met my emerald gaze, as he offered a smile.

"Your Grandma let me in," he announced, approaching the bed. As I leaned up, pressing my back against the headboard, I watched him sit on the edge of the bed, making room for him.

"I came to check up on you," he stated softly, his hand reaching out to touch mine. Instantly, I wrapped my fingers around his, seeking comfort in his touch.

"I'm fine," I reassured him with a small smile. "I think I overdid it," I explained, my gaze meeting him with warmth and gratitude. "But I'm glad we won,"

"All because you helped," Emmett stated earnestly. "Jacob's fine," he ventured the conversation elsewhere. "Carlisle went last night. He'll make a full recovery," he continued, his words soothing as I recalled the events of the previous day. Yet, relief washed over me knowing that Jacob was alright.

"Good," was all I managed to say as I locked eyes with Emmett once more. But as I gazed into his eyes, my heart began to flutter, and the depth of my feelings for him threatened to overflow. "I'm so glad I met you, Emmett," I confessed, my words brimming with sincerity. "I'm glad I met you all. But most of all, you," I said, my fingers squeezing his hand gently as my smile widened.

"I'm so glad I met you too, Charlotte," Emmett replied, his own smile matching mine. "I thought I would be alone forever. That I wouldn't find anyone. But you walked into my life," he confessed, his words filling me with warmth and joy. "Meeting you has completely transformed my life. You've become the light in the darkness of my soul, and I can't imagine a future without you by my side." His words touched my heart, as my expression softened.

"Are you asking me to be yours, Emmett Cullen?" I teased, a playful smirk dancing on my lips as I awaited his response. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he met my gaze.

"If you'll have me, Charlotte Matthews," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity and affection. His boyish smile melted away any doubts or fears, and I couldn't help but chuckle in response.

Without hesitation, I surged forward, closing the distance between us as I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him into a tender embrace. Our lips met in a sweet, passionate kiss, sealing our unspoken promise of love and devotion.

"Is that a yes?" Emmett's voice broke through the tender kisses.

"Yes!" I exclaimed between kisses, unable to contain the joy bubbling up inside me. A giggle escaped my lips, adding to the sweetness of the moment we shared.

Emmett enveloped me in his strong embrace, his arms wrapping securely around my waist. With a swift yet gentle movement, he lifted me up from my seated position, causing my heart to race with excitement. As he held me close, a burst of joy surged through me, mirrored by the radiant smile on his face.

With effortless strength, he spun us around, the world blurring into a dizzying whirl of motion. Laughter bubbled up between us, a symphony of happiness echoing through the room. As the spinning slowed, our lips met once more, each kiss filled with the warmth of our shared affection.

*****************