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The spring solstice was approaching.

It would be a year since the day Mia lost her life and came back. A year since her father pushed her into the water and buried his blade deep into her skin. The scars would always haunt her for as long as she lived, and even in the afterlife, the memory would remain intact.

She used to believe that she could forget the whole thing. Maybe she could find a way to move on, but trauma has a way of finding its way back. Whether it was in the shape of a song or hiding in a place, it would always connect as if it were a missing puzzle piece.

Either way, trauma can cause a person to make mistakes. Their response to it may be irrational and reckless, but it's something that can never be avoided. It would always return like a dog returning to its owner, staying nearby and ensuring the safety of its keeper. The thing was, trauma bites the hand that feeds it. It doesn't discriminate and affects everyone in all kinds of different ways.

Mia knew better than to listen to that part of her, but she couldn't prevent it anymore. Ever since that night in Port Angeles, she was less willing to ignore it. A part of her knew she wasn't ready to face one of her greatest fears yet, but the other part didn't care anymore. She knew she needed to face it, and what better way than now?

There was nothing left to lose. Nothing to hold on to, so if the end came, she would gladly welcome it with open arms.

As she walked through the forest, the afternoon light consumed the expanse of the evergreens and seeped into her skin. She buried herself deeper into her coat, attempting to ignore the frigid wind and the puff of air exhaling through her breath.

When she arrived to the lake, she noticed the barren grounds and leftover boulders. A few surrounding trees were toppled over, but one look at the water was enough to send her back to that night.

She remembered the sheer terror of feeling the air leaving her lungs and the pain that came with accepting she was going to die. Having dreamt of it made her believe she could have been prepared for it, but the truth was that no one was ever ready to die.

Especially at the hands of their father.

Hesitance overcame her as she approached the water. A fog hovered over it, but even through the haze, she saw it clearly. Much more than before. Standing a couple feet from it, the cold temperature was felt, brushing against her skin and igniting shivers to run down to the bone. It was taking everything not to run away, but it was that same feeling that pushed her to stay.

What more did she have to lose?

There was nothing the lake could take from her more than the universe already has.

Like a ghost walking through earth, Mia took weak steps toward the edge. As if the loss of her magic had taken her strength, she struggled to remain steady and nearly fell to the ground. The water seeped through her boots and the coldness wrapped her into its deadly embrace, but unlike the other times, there was not an ounce of unease anymore.

"Darling," a familiar voice said from behind her.

Mia turned around and found her father standing before. He looked the same as she last remembered, but there was something else. Compared to the dark suit and hat he always wore, he was now wearing the same clothing from that night. His face was sunken and the purple under his eyes were more noticeable.

A year ago, he had barely escaped from prison. The malnourishment and torture the guards gave him made his features resemble the grim reaper. It added a sense of disturbance and it wasn't until now when she realized how much he changed in a year.

"I knew you would return," Dimitri moved a step closer and she recognized the familiar blade in his hand. "This is where you belong and deep down, you know it. You always have."

Glancing past her shoulder, she stared at the lake and noticed the fog was no longer present and was back to how it was a year ago. The fallen trees, the shattered boulders, they were whole again as if nothing had occurred.

This was surely just a dream. Even if it was all in her head, she couldn't imagine hallucinating the setting of the exact place she drowned in. But when she looked down at her clothing, she realized this was real. It was the same clothes she wore a year ago and unlike the present, the scars from that night were no longer there.

When Mia looked back at him, she was no longer standing by the shore, but was now inside the lake. The water was halfway to her waist and pain was gathered in her abdomen. Her blood mixed into the liquid, surrounding her like paint and leaving her frozen like a child having been caught misbehaving. His slender hand wrapped itself around her throat, but she wasn't surprised. She was already anticipating it like a reprimand after obtaining a failing grade for not studying. 

This was usual for her. 

"I can feel you lose your strength. It's about time you realize you belong to the lake," Dimitri told her this a year ago. If this was nothing but her trauma reliving itself, she knew she could fight him as long as she was aware that this was all in her head.

"You're not... real," she choked on the words, his grip continuing to tighten itself and cutting off her oxygen.

Dimitri leaned closer, "If you truly believe I'm not here, prove me otherwise."

Mia tried freeing herself from his grasp, but her attempts were rendered useless. She was damaged goods and he knew it. Her weakness was his strength and her loss was his triumph. It was foolish to hope for an escape, so instead, she surrendered to the darkness.

But the end never came. 

She was no longer in the lake.

Her lungs were able to breathe. Their hands reached the holy paradise and pardoned her from the cold end. But it was the furthest thing she desired. She longed for death's sweet embrace, but death was torturing her. It enjoyed sparing her. 

Why was she still here?

It was then when she settled that an end would come, but it wouldn't happen today.

In her seventeen years, Mia never believed she would willingly surrender. She viewed it as something for cowards, for foolish mortals, and for the ordinary. 

But everything was different now.

She was a broken fool, seeking for death's hands. 

There were no extraordinary qualities about her, but the strange thing was that not having her magic gave her a tinge of liberation. Without it, there was no longer the risk of her true nature to emerge. The pressure of taking the mark and following in her father's footsteps would no longer mount a burden on her.

No power equaled no value.

Then, why was he intent on torturing her? 

What game was her father playing?

She waited for him to return, but Dimitri taunted her with his silence. Remaining on the lookout was her punishment and he knew breaking her mind was the only way to ensure her success. She might not know it yet, but she would soon. 

By then, it would be too late.

Mia closed her eyes. Her breathing was heavy and tremulous as she stopped gazing at the forest. The lake was inviting her to come forward and become a part of it. There was no use avoiding what she came here to do. She needed to face it and move forward, but the dread was all consuming to the point she reconsidered it. 

She didn't want to be afraid anymore. She had been afraid of the water ever since that night and it had taken so much. Whenever the sound of waves or the sight of it became present, she was back to that night. It was no longer a nightmare, but it was a reality she was forced to bear and no one would understand. 

Her hands clenched tightly and her fingernail dug into the base of her palms, causing blood to trickle down. A coping method, some might call it, but it was enough to remind that the lake couldn't harm her. 

Nothing and no one could, but why was she still afraid?

With a deep breath, Mia forced herself to walk forward. The frigid water injected itself like a blood transfusion, slowly becoming a part of her and reminding her that this was supposed to be her end. She blinked away the tears and pushed herself to continue, now standing in the middle with only her head peeking out.

A contemplative silence was present. Her heart screamed at her to get out, but her mind demanded her to stay. Two options could be chosen. Either she acted rationally or remained in the lake.

The second option was chosen.

Mia closed her eyes and lowered herself into the water. A hollowed silence was immediate, but there was also a hint of calmness. She could hear herself think. Any other time, this would have been appreciated. Many would love to acquire a moment like this, but the storm inside her was painful and the silence was only making it louder.

Everything that happened these past months return to her at once. Facing it one step at a time made it easier to handle, but it was entirely different now. Every emotion, every memory, and every mockery, it reverberated through the water like a cursed siren.

Her father's callous hands around her throat, the sharp end of his blade piercing her twice, and the water entering her lungs were memories approaching her. She didn't fight it or attempt to avoid it, but instead faced it like a brave soldier would.

As she sunk lower, the last remaining air reminded her to swim to the surface. Heading up would be the reasonable thing, but for a moment, she considered staying under. She had been drowning for months and swimming up wouldn't change a thing, so really, what was the point?

Her magic was gone, her father was everywhere, she lost the love of the man she once considered her soulmate, and everyone viewed her as a ghost. Her mother wanted to send her away and live the life she lost for having. To everyone, Mia was a burden and it would be a selfless act if she disappeared.

Maybe then, everyone's lives would be better. Maybe everyone would finally find the joy they were always seeking. Their curse would be broken and paradise would be granted. Maybe never finding the surface was meant to happen.

The lake was where she belonged. Returning from the dead was a trickery against nature. What was gone was meant to remain gone. That night should have been her last, but he ruined everything. She was ready to greet death like an old friend and it was his selfishness that condemned her.

"Stop fighting, darling. You know this is your end, so face it like a Grey."

And she was now facing it.

What was the point of continuing?

It getting harder to breathe and her body was seeking for a respite, but she remained in the water. She waited until her lungs would collapse and the hereafter would be reached, but it's then when she heard a loud and painful scream from the forest. It was so gut wrenching that it sent a chill through the bone. She thought to ignore it, but it was heard again. 

It then stopped.

A minute passed.

Nothing.

Mia wanted to stay under, but she grew concerned about what was out there. She swam up and took a deep breath, the oxygen quickly reaching her and giving her a respite. The sudden silence was now unnerving and made her feel like she was hunted. Without her magic, there was no way to defend herself. 

She was just a vulnerable human that could die at any moment.

Slowly, she stepped out of the lake and squeezed the water from her hair. Her clothes dripped everywhere and no matter her attempts at getting them to dry quicker, the cold weather and lack of sun made it turn into a popsicle.

She needed to head back, but she was worried about the lurker. Something was clearly out there and based on the screams, it was not looking to play, but to attack instead. But she couldn't stay here. 

With a deep breath, Mia approached the forest. It was merely a coincidence that just when she reached the edge, the same gut wrenching scream was heard. However, there was something familiar about it. The tone reminded her of someone, but she just couldn't quite put her finger around it.

Another scream shook the forest again.

It's only then when she recognized who it belonged to, but could it actually be him?

Mia paused for a moment and re-evaluated her actions. It could be a trick from Victoria, her father, or other death eaters. This could be a trap and she'd be falling right into it. She needed to act rationally and put herself first. If it was anyone seeking help, maybe some poor soul would find a way to them.

"Screw this," she muttered under her breath and headed in the opposite direction. With her arms now wrapping themselves around her, she hastily headed down the hill past the river. She was nearly reaching it, but then another scream was heard along with a voice.

She knew who it belongs to.

Her foolishness caused her to return. She followed the source thinking she couldn't abandon him when he chose to risk himself by helping her on Halloween. Despite worrying that death eaters could be torturing him, she couldn't leave him at their mercy. If it was them, his interference in their mission was seen as a betrayal, so it made perfect sense to believe they found a way to punish him for it.

She stumbled over fallen debris and rustling branches, but eventually, she found him. Everything she believed in was proven wrong. There was no death eaters. It was just him. The reason for his screams were tied to the full moon. The scars he hid, they were a connection to his condition.

Lycanthropy.

Mia was frozen in disbelief. She had seen transformations before and it nearly cost her. She knew the stages and the pain that came with it, but this transformation was different. Instead of remaining whole and molding into the creature, this change was much more painful.

For starters, his bones were breaking one by one. The color of his eyes was a dark red and his spine was rising, causing his once perfect leather jacket to rip into shreds. A snarling noise was heard and Jackson finally noticed her presence, his eyes narrowing and hands continuing to break.

"What are you doing?! Leave!"

Mia knew it was dangerous to be around lycanthropes during their transformation. Once they reach their full form, they wouldn't be able to recognize their friends or loved ones. Considering they were barely getting acquainted, she was more susceptible to an attack.

Still, she couldn't abandon him as if he meant nothing. He so dangerously fought by her side, so leaving him would be the cruelest of acts. She might not know how to offer aid, but it didn't mean she wouldn't try. 

Mia knelt down in front of him and gently laid her hand on his, "Listen to me, I can't imagine what you're feeling, but you can get through it. It will be over soon."

Jackson breathed uncontrollably and fell on his knees. His skin glistened with sweat and his coordination disappeared once his elbows break. He tried not to scream, but the full moon tied him into an everlasting torture. "It hurts, Mia," he cried. "You shouldn't be here. It's not safe."

She refused, "Focus on anything but the pain. Let it run its course and it will end quicker."

Jackson listened to her soothing voice and took deep breaths. His limbs were shattering into millions of pieces and a tightness gathered in his chest. His entire body trembled with agony and the intense fever caused his head to start spinning uncontrollably. It was harder to ignore the pain, but out of all his transformations, comfort was felt for the first time by having someone present.

The glow of his eyes become brighter that for a second, Mia considered the moon's light must have gotten trapped in them. She tried offering more comforting words, but found herself at a loss when his pain continued with no means of ending.

"Please go, Mia!" Jackson sensed the final stage of the transformation nearing. He wouldn't be able to control himself anymore and hurting her was the one thing he was afraid of most. "I- I can hurt you! Please leave!"

Mia didn't want to abandon him, but the knowledge of how dangerous lycanthropes can be in their full stage allowed her to make the right choice. She staggered back and dove deeper into the darkness, making him believe she was gone when it was far from it.

The most intense scream consumed the forest as his features begin molding into the ferocious creature. His skin paled into a dark gray and the brightness of his eyes fade into a darker shade. His fingernails transformed into claws and the last remaining part of his features that remained human took the image of a werewolf.

An ominous silence was left once the transformation ended. He stood completely still, gazing into the trees and Mia did her best at staying as quiet as possible. She had never seen this type of transformation before that she could only wonder if there was another kind of lycanthropes. It was something she would have to spend hours researching on, but right now, all she cared for was making sure she wasn't seen.

When catching a glimpse of the moon, he howled in such a haunting way. He started running in the opposite direction, allowing her to take a breath of relief. She leaned back against the tree and wondered how many more supernatural creatures she would meet. First it was witches and wizards, then vampires, then shapeshifters, and now another lycanthrope. So much for a moment of peace.

Mia waited a few minutes before coming out into the light. She scanned the perimeter to make sure he was not around. There was only darkness and silence present, casting the green light to start heading back home. However, her attempts were prevented when the sound of leaves crackling behind her caught her attention.

Not surprised at her terrible misfortune, she glanced back past her shoulder. Sure enough, he was standing there in such a threatening stance. He snarled and formed a low growl as if he had found his prey. Lycanthropes are dangerous in this stage. A bite from them transforms a human into a werewolf and it was now when she regretted not having left earlier.

"Okay, nice little wolf," she said in a calm voice as she slowly, but carefully, took a few steps back. "I know you don't understand me, but I'm still going to try. Stay right there and just let me go and no one gets hurt."

He growled much louder and approached her much quicker. Her soothing tone only made things worse as his blood thirst only intensified.

Mia swallowed hard and continued diving deeper into the forest away from him. The moonlight prevented her from seeking shelter in the shadows, but a tree she could climb up was only a couple feet away. If she was lucky, she could escape him and wait until the moon was covered. It was a foolish plan, but it was better than staying on the ground.

Like a wolf hunting sheep, he circled around her and growled. His claws expanded with every breath and the sound of her heart only intensified his need to attack. She figured that this was where everything ends. Having prayed for an end was finally catching up to her and it angered her that it would be in the worst possible way.

His posture suddenly changed into a much more menacing one. He was about to launch his first attack and she couldn't do anything about it now. He was standing in front of the tree she could have climbed up and as much as she wanted to run, there was no use for it. It would prolong her death and she would much rather face it bravely.

Taking a deep breath, Mia only closed her eyes and waited for the end. A respite would come and she would thank him for it one day. She resisted the urge to attempt fighting back since it would only risk getting bitten and becoming a lycanthrope. Becoming a supernatural creature was the one thing she refused, leaving her with no other option than to accept the sweet embrace of death.

Mia waited for him to attack, but just when his footsteps started dashing to her, another growl prevented him from reaching her. When she opened her eyes, she recognized the wolf that saved her. It seemed he broke the treaty to help her and such action made her realize that maybe she wasn't alone like she believed. 

Jacob and Jackson fight the other with no means of stopping. Their loud snarls were piercing and rattled the forest with extremity. Their movements flowed naturally, as if their encounter had been destined to happen and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if Jacob had been around to sense the danger.

The lake was far from La Push, so it could only mean he was heading to Forks. Maybe she was thinking too much about it, but nothing was ever coincidental.

The forest suddenly turned darker and Mia noticed clouds were covering the moon. She started running to them and finds Jackson starting to transform back into his human form. Jacob remained a wolf just in case of another attack. He glanced back when sensing her and tried preventing her from getting closer, but the voice of Jackson eased his reluctance.

"I'm- I'm so sorry," he apologized and groaned when feeling the sharp sting of the scratch Jacob had done on his shoulder. "Please tell me I didn't hurt you."

Mia approached him and he avoided looking at her from shame, "You didn't, but you only have a little bit of time before transforming again."

Jackson noticed Jacob standing in front of her protectively, making him feel much more at ease at knowing there was someone who could keep her safe. "You need to go now. Please."

Mia didn't argue and squeezed his hand one last time. Jacob gestured with his head to his back for her to climb on. Quickly, she followed his order and he started running in the opposite direction. A few seconds later, Jackson's painful screams were heard again before a distant howl consumed the forest.