I remained seated for what felt like an eternity, though in reality, it might have been only a few minutes. My thoughts swirled with the encounter with Victoria, her speed and relentlessness echoing through my mind. She posed a threat not only to me but to Bella as well. With a firm jaw and tightened grip on my grimoire, I knew action was necessary.

Rising to my feet, determination fuelled my movements as I set off in the direction Victoria had disappeared, likely pursued by the wolf. With each stride, I navigated through the dense forest, leaping over protruding roots and ducking beneath low-hanging branches. The urgency of the situation spurred me onward, and my senses heightened as I pressed forward into the unknown.

As the sun descended behind a blanket of thick clouds, casting an ominous shadow over the landscape, it felt as though I had stepped into the setting of a chilling horror film. Despite the eerie atmosphere, I forged ahead. Before long, I reached the banks of a wide river that divided the terrain into two distinct halves. I sensed that this marked the boundary between La Push and Cullen's territory. It felt oddly appropriate to have a river dividing the two territories.

As I emerged from the thickets, pushing past bushes, the distant sounds of snarls and snapping jaws filled the air, indicating that the wolves were still in pursuit of Victoria. Beneath me, I observed the river's bend, with sizable rocks nestled along its bank, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape. I ventured down the slope, my determination fueling each step, convinced that Victoria would emerge from that very spot.

My suspicions were confirmed as Victoria leapt from a higher point on the right side of the river. Victoria blurred into motion; her movements too swift for me to track. As she landed and bolted up the slope, I braced myself to pursue, but another figure followed her trajectory. Mid-leap, I recognized Emmett, his muscular frame outlined against the sky. Dressed in jeans, a white vest, and a hoodie, he launched himself across the river, aiming to follow Victoria.

Just as Emmett was about to reach the opposite bank, a wolf lunged out of nowhere, colliding with him in mid-air. The impact sent them both careening off course, crashing into the rocky bank before tumbling into the frigid waters below. As the wolf stood its ground, its menacing growls echoing in the air, I recognized the distinctive fur patterns—it was Paul.

Emmett emerged from the water, teeth bared in a fierce growl of his own, a primal challenge to Paul's attack. There was no use in attempting to conceal myself; they were already familiar with me. But I sensed they were aware of my presence as well. 

Stepping forward, I descended the slope and emerged onto the rock, feeling their eyes bore into me. I lifted my gaze up to the height of the Cullens. Alice stood at the far left, followed by Rosalie, Esme, Jasper, and finally Carlisle at the end. Their gazes bore into me, then shifted to my throat, where the handprint was visible.

"Hey, guys," my voice sounded hoarse, my throat still sore from the attack.

"Charlotte, what happened?" Carlisle questioned; concern etched on his face.

"Victoria," her name escaped my lips, causing them all to stiffen. "If it wasn't for Paul," I glanced to my left, where Paul stood tall, his low snarls echoing through the air, "I would be dead." A sudden dry tickle emerged, causing me to cough momentarily.

"Come back with us, and I'll check you out," Carlisle suggested, his concern evident. The others shared his worry. Emmett started to move toward me, but Paul's growl and snapping jaws halted his advance.

"Stay there, Emmett," I murmured softly, gesturing for him to hold his position. Slowly, I descended further down the large rock, mindful of its slippery surface. Paul's growl intensified, clearly protesting my approach toward Emmett. "Thank you, Paul," I murmured gratefully, inclining my head in a brief nod of acknowledgement. Paul's response was a subtle nod, his gaze steady and unwavering, a silent understanding passing between us.

As I glanced back at Emmett, I carefully navigated my way down the slippery rocks, each step deliberating to maintain my balance. The rain-soaked fabric of his vest hugged his sculpted physique, accentuating the contours of his pale, chisel body like a work of art brought to life. The hoodie slid off his right shoulder, revealing the breadth of his muscular frame, his shoulders broad and commanding. My knees almost gave way under the weight of the thoughts spiralling through my mind.

As I reached the edge of the rocks, I gingerly dipped my foot into the water, feeling the icy cold seep through my boot and cling to my skin. A sharp gasp escaped my lips at the frigid temperature, but I steadied myself and carefully found solid ground beneath the surface. With a deep breath, I prepared to step further into the chilly water, knowing it would soon envelop my other foot.

"This water is freezing!" I exclaimed with a laugh, the chill sending shivers down my spine as I waded deeper. Despite the weight of the water pressing against my knees, I managed to shuffle forward with determination until I reached Emmett, taking a few long strides to close the distance between us.

"Are you alright?" He inquired with genuine concern, lacing his tone, his golden eyes flickering briefly to my throat before returning to meet mine.

"Yeah," I replied, the memory of the ordeal replaying in my mind, sending a chill down my spine. And I could sense that he knew. We both strode back onto their side, our feet finding solid ground on the rocks. Once we were no longer submerged in the cold water, we exchanged a glance.

"Sorry, but my hands are going to be cold," he quipped, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. I simply nodded in response. With a swift movement of his powerful arms, he enveloped me in his embrace, bridal style and I couldn't help but notice the icy chill of his hands against my back and thigh. Clutching my Grimoire tightly to my chest, I watched as Emmett bent his knees and leapt into the air. Together, we soared upward, ascending to a height that allowed us to touch down on the same ground as the rest of them.

"Would you be okay if Emmett runs you back?" Carlisle inquired, to which I nodded in agreement, preferring the efficiency of running than walking. In the blink of an eye, they all blurred into one indistinct shape as I heard the rustle of bushes and the snap of twigs. It was swift and faded almost instantly.

"Care to tell me what happened?" Emmett's rough voice echoed in my ears as we walked at a normal pace through the forest. His firm cold grip remained.

"Well, you know me, nature addict," I replied, stifling a laugh, though it sounded hoarse due to my throat nearly being crushed. "I went for a walk, a long one. Stop to smell the roses so to speak, and then, next thing I knew," I faltered on the last words, recalling those blood-red piercing eyes fixating on me as I started to slip into that endless slumber. "I wouldn't have liked to think what might have happened next if Paul hadn't shown," I admitted, the terrifying scenario playing out in my mind despite my efforts to suppress it.

"Neither would I," Emmett agreed, his muscles tensing at the mere notion. "Let's get you back." With that, he surged forward into a run. The forest became a blur around me as we raced back, everything blending into a whirlwind of motion. The wing lightly brushed against my face and hair, barely making an impact.

After a brisk run, we came to a stop, and the familiar sight of the house emerged before us. Emmett slowed his pace to a walk, but I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, unsettling my stomach.

"My God, how do you not get motion sick," I commented, earning a chuckle from Emmett that seemed to resonate within me. As Emmett strode towards the front door, carrying me in his arms like a child, I let out a soft cough, tilting my head to meet his gaze. It was as if I wanted to signal that he could set me down now.

"Sorry," he apologised, coming to a stop and gently lowering me to the ground. As his icy touch left my skin, I planted my feet firmly on the ground, staring up at him as he straightened back up.

"I mean, I don't mind being carried by you at all," I blurted out before I could even filter my words. Instantly, tension gripped me as the words reverberated in my ears, heat flooding to my cheeks. I couldn't bring myself to turn around and look at him, but I could practically feel his grin spreading like a mischievous child's.

As I stepped into the house, Carlisle was already waiting for me at the entrance. The grimoire was securely clasped in my right hand, my fingers wrapped around it tightly. The thought of them discovering I was a witch filled me with uncertainty; they had become such a big part of my life.

Carlisle led me to a couch on the ground floor, where I settled in. Nearby, a metal tray held various instruments. I positioned my grimoire beside me, its weight reassuring against my clothes, a silent sentinel.

"I'm going to examine your throat," Carlisle informed me calmly, scooting forward on the wheeled stool. I was already perched on the edge of the couch, straightening up so he could get a clear view. I only noticed the hospital gloves when he raised his hands to my face.

His touch sent a chill down my spine, the coldness a stark reminder of their vampire nature. Yet, there was a surprising gentleness in his hands as he examined me. His fingers delicately lifted my chin, tracing the edges of the bruise with a cautious touch. I couldn't help but flinch at the pressure, his index and middle fingers probing the tender skin.

"Does that hurt?" His inquiry was soft, laced with concern. I nodded in response, understanding the necessity for further examination, despite the discomfort it caused.

Carlisle's examination was meticulous. He evaluated my swallowing and breathing, ensuring there were no abnormalities. Using a light pen, he carefully illuminated my eyes, observing the reaction of my pupils and directing me to follow the light's movements to assess any brain damage from the lack of oxygen.

I observed Carlisle slide the stool back and rise to his feet, removing his gloves with practised ease before discarding them onto the nearby metal tray. "Apart from a bit of swelling and the bruising, you're alright. There's no long-term damage," he reassured me. "The swelling should subside in two to three days, and the bruising will disappear in two to four weeks," he said, locking eyes with me. I sighed, reaching up to massage my sore throat.

"Great," I exhaled, dropping my hand back to my side and sinking into the couch.

"Alice must not have been able to foresee this," Carlisle remarked, prompting me to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"Is that why Edward took Bella to her mom's?" I asked, noticing the confirmation in Carlisle's expression. "If she's in danger, I need to know. She's my friend," my voice escalated in both concern and urgency. I couldn't just stand by anymore.

"We won't let anything happen to her," Carlisle reassured, his sincerity evident in both his words and expression. "And we won't let anything happen to you," he added, his gaze unwavering.

"I'm not the one I'm worried about," I responded, meeting Carlisle's eyes with a firm look of my own. My tone echoed my conviction. I could take care of myself, but if Edward wasn't around to protect her, then it fell to me to keep her safe.

"Charlotte, there is nothing you can do," Carlisle replied, his tone devoid of malice, stating it simply as a fact.

I gazed at him thoughtfully for a moment, considering his words. "You're wrong," I countered, rising from the couch and clutching my grimoire. "Thank you, Carlisle. I really appreciate it," I expressed my gratitude sincerely as he nodded in acknowledgement. With that, I made my way towards the front of the house.

As I rounded the corner, my gaze fell upon Emmett standing by the front door, his arms folded across his chest. Despite the wet clothes clinging to him, he seemed unfazed by the cold or the dampness.

"Are you planning on changing out of those?" I quipped, raising an eyebrow playfully, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips.

"Charlotte, whatever you do, don't," his tone was unusually grave, a stark contrast to his usual playful demeanour. Emmett was typically lighthearted and jovial, someone I found easy to talk to, much like Bella. There was a comfort in his presence that felt natural as if he just belonged.

"Don't go looking for her. You'll die. We'll handle it," Emmett's tone was firm, his stance unwavering as he emphasised the seriousness of his words.

"I don't want to stand around and wait for other people to save me," I replied, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "I'm not a damsel in distress. I want to be useful. I am useful," the words spilt from my lips, each one charged with determination. My voice lowered, unable to meet his gaze, and a swell of tears threatened to spill from my eyes. Suddenly, I felt the cool touch of his fingertips under my chin, gently lifting my head to meet his gaze.

"You are," Emmett responded softly, his eyes conveying genuine understanding.

"I could be more," I replied, pulling away from his touch and brushing past him. "Alice-" Before I could finish, she appeared at my side, as if she had sensed my decision or overheard our conversation. Unfazed by her sudden presence, I turned to her. "Will you take me home?" I asked, briefly meeting her gaze before she looked at Emmett, but I didn't catch what her expression held.

"Sure," Alice agreed, stepping forward to offer me a ride. Without another word, I made my way to the door, leaving Emmett to contemplate my words.

The silence settled heavily within the confines of the car, wrapping around us like a suffocating blanket. My grip on my Grimoire tightened, holding it close to my chest as if seeking solace from its familiar weight. I sensed Alice's gaze flickering towards me intermittently, her scrutiny palpable even in the silence that filled the space between us. Despite the weight of her unspoken questions, she remained silent, allowing the tension to linger in the air, thick and stifling.

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