It had been nearly two months since we cast our votes regarding Bella's life-altering decision. Graduation loomed ahead, a milestone she aimed to pass before embracing her new existence. During these interim months, Bella and I had been inseparable. She balanced her time between me and Edward, ensuring we both received her attention. Together, we ventured into various activities, sharing laughter and inside jokes. I even mustered the courage to showcase some of my magic, which never failed to ignite her excitement. These moments together peeled away our layers, revealing newfound confidence.

When Bella visited Edward at his home, she always extended an invitation for me to join, and I eagerly accepted. While she spent time with him, I bonded with Alice and Jasper. Even Rosalie, initially reserved, gradually warmed up to me. Our interactions evolved from formalities to genuine conversations, bridging the gap between us. Each encounter with Rosalie chipped away at her icy exterior, revealing a softer side beneath.

There were moments of solitude, yet I found solace in unexpected company. Emmett often entered the room, sparking spontaneous conversations that traversed from mundane to profound. He patiently entertained my queries, no matter how trivial, fostering a sense of belonging within the Cullen family. They became my confidants, offering guidance on matters both mundane and supernatural.

Meanwhile, I dedicated myself to mastering my witchcraft, gradually shedding my fear of losing control. With each practice session, my confidence swelled, buoyed by the presence of my grandmother nearby for support. She served as my anchor, ensuring I never strayed too far and got lost within myself.

Academically, I was thriving, maintaining the top position in my class. Jessica, the valedictorian, was slated to deliver a speech at our upcoming graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, Alice proposed throwing a pre-graduation party at their house, extending invitations to all. The prospect of attending my first house party filled me with excitement, stirring a sense of anticipation I hadn't felt before.

"So, you're heading off to visit your mom?" I inquired, my voice floating through the room as I watched Bella meticulously pack her suitcase. I sat cross-legged on her bed, knowing I'd be sleeping over tonight before she was away for the weekend.

"Yeah, I want to see her before graduation," Bella replied, darting back and forth from her closet, grabbing clothes and tossing them into her open suitcase on the floor.

"Do you mean before you turn?" I asked, causing her to pause and turn towards me. There was a flicker of pain in her expression, knowing she couldn't visit her mother after her impending transformation. "You'll have an amazing time," I insisted, my gaze locking onto hers with intensity. "Cherish every moment with her. Do you understand?" My tone was firm, and I could sense the seriousness in my own words.

"I will, I promise," she replied, brushing off my concern, determined to make the most of her time with her mother before her transformation. "Did you see Alice the other day?" Bella changed the subject, returning to her packing.

"Do you think she had a vision?" I countered, raising an eyebrow as Bella briefly met my gaze.

"I know she did, and I made Edward tell me," Bella remarked, her tone tinged with concern. "It was about Seattle. There have been a lot of disappearances, and killings. Edward thinks it could be vampires, and they've been tracking the situation for a while." Her words hung heavy in the air as she relayed the unsettling news. "He thinks the Volturi might intervene if it is, and if they do, they could come up here and still see I'm human," she added, her worry evident as she mentioned the potential consequences of their discovery.

"They would have to get through me first," I retorted with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. I wiggled my fingers playfully at Bella, who snickered before tossing some shirts into her overpacked suitcase. From my vantage point, it was clear there was no way she was getting it closed.

"Have you thought more about his proposal?" I inquired, recalling what Bella had told me was a tense moment in the woods when Jacob and Edward's confrontation had unfolded, leading to Edward's unexpected proposal.

"It's just a piece of paper," Bella remarked, her stance unchanged from months ago. She reiterated her indifference towards the idea of marriage, despite Edward's old-fashioned views on the matter.

"Might be. But still, he wouldn't have offered if he wasn't madly in love with you," I insisted, emphasising Edward's genuine feelings for her.

"Speaking of love," Bella redirected the conversation, stepping closer to her bed frame and leaning in. "When are you going to find it?" Her playful teasing drew a laugh from me, but her question lingered in the air.

"Have you met me?" I chuckled, acknowledging my own social awkwardness. "I'm socially awkward. Who harbours a secret that would make men run," I joked, but Bella's raised eyebrow suggested she wasn't buying my excuse.

"Bewitch them. I'm sure you can," Bella teased, wiggling her fingers playfully as she leaned closer.

"Yes, I'll do it to the first man I see," I replied with a laugh, playing along with her banter. The bedroom door was gently rapped upon, and with a creak, Charlie entered, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Bella and me. Our eyes met, sharing a knowing glance, before a shared wave of amusement overtook us. Laughter bubbled forth, filling the room as Charlie stood there, his expression a mixture of confusion and amusement at our sudden outburst.

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

I bid her farewell the next morning, with a tight hug, reluctance clinging to every part of me as I savoured the embrace. Reluctantly, I released her, offering a smile to Edward who stood nearby, her suitcase already stowed in his car. As they climbed into the vehicle, I stood by the curb, waving fervently until their car disappeared around the bend, my heart heavy with the weight of her absence.

Left alone on the sidewalk, a sense of emptiness enveloped me, unsure of how to fill the void left by Bella's absence. Yet, as the gentle breeze whispered through the trees, a curious notion tugged at my thoughts, beckoning me with its promise of intrigue. It was an idea that seemed to offer a challenge, an opportunity to test the limits of my newfound control...

Returning home, I retrieved my grimoire, cradling it securely against my chest with both arms. With a sense of purpose, I ventured into the expansive forest, surrendering myself to the guidance of nature. Each step felt liberating as I traversed the earthy paths, serenaded by the melodies of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

After what felt like an endless trek through the forest, I finally sensed a magnetic pull leading me to a majestic tree. Its roots snaked along the ground, resembling unearthed bones reaching out into the surrounding wilderness. This spot exuded an aura of calm, perfect for testing my control. With a sense of reverence, I knelt down gracefully, positioning myself beneath the towering branches.

As I opened my Grimoire, the crisp pages whispered promises of wisdom. Each turn produced a soft rustle, a symphony of knowledge waiting to be unlocked. Despite its unassuming appearance—a simple tome bound in weathered leather—the book held a wealth of secrets within its pages. There were no jewel or mystical symbols etched into the cover, yet its size and depth hinted at the vast reservoir of knowledge it contained.

After a brief search, I discovered the page I sought within the Grimoire. The cursive script danced across the left-hand page, each letter flowing elegantly as if imbued with a life of its own. Ornate symbols adorned the margins, adding a touch of mystique to the intricate text. As I scanned the words and instructions before me, I noted the simplicity of the spell—a straightforward incantation beckoning to be cast.

With the spell firmly imprinted in my mind, I leaned closer, sliding my hands into the cool, damp soil, feeling it beneath my fingertips. Around the base of the towering tree lay scattered remnants of once-vibrant blooms, now wilted and lifeless. Inhaling deeply of the forest's fragrant air, I fixated on a solitary dead flower before me, determined to harness the power of Nature without losing control. Silently repeating my resolve, I steadied my focus and prepared to enact the spell.

With a sense of calm, I began the incantation, the ancient words tumbling softly from my lips like a sacred hymn. "Phasmatos tribum, melan veras," I murmured, feeling the pulse of nature coursing through my veins, a connection deepening as I invoked its power. As I repeated the spell, my voice gained strength, infused with the energy of the earth itself. "Phasmatos tribum, melan veras," I intoned again, feeling the magic surge within me, flowing seamlessly into the soil beneath my fingertips. With a sense of wonder, I watched as delicate periwinkles, their petals adorned in shades of lavender and soft pink, began to unfurl, blossoming into full bloom around the base of the tree.

A wild smile stretched across my face, and an incredulous chuckle bubbled up from within me. I couldn't believe it—I had actually done it. There was no sense of impending loss of control, no fear of the unknown. At that moment, I felt utterly connected to nature, as if I were an extension of its very essence.

"Blooming flowers, really?" A female voice rang out, dripping with mockery, jolting me to my feet as I spun around. Before me stood a figure with wild, curly red hair and piercing crimson eyes.

"Victoria," I whispered, her name escaping my lips as she loomed just a few feet away. She smiled wickedly, pleased that I knew her name.

"I must admit, I was taken aback by your throwing prowess," Victoria remarked, referencing the incident months ago when she attempted to attack me, and I instinctively used my powers. "At first, I thought it was a mere trick of the mind. But seeing you conjure those things," she nodded towards the flowers behind me with a sly smirk, "You're a witch." My breath caught at the word, my heart quickening its pace, and she let out a wicked laugh, clearly relishing the sound of my rapidly beating heart. "I'm surprised the Volturi didn't get you all," she remarked, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"I'm not afraid of you," the words quivered out, my voice breaking as I struggled to maintain composure.

"Are you certain? Witch," Victoria tossed the word like an insult. "Your heart tells me otherwise," a devilish grin stretched across her lips. "You know," she was changing the topic, and I feared it wasn't going to be good. "I've tasted witch blood before. It was delicious, so sweet," she declared, pacing back and forth as if she were the predator and I the prey. "It filled my veins with electricity and power. I couldn't stop even if I wanted to. I couldn't savour the flavour," she grinned like a wicked creature, sending shivers down my spine. She was proud of what she was and wasn't ashamed to tell others.

"Well, you ain't having my blood," I retorted, attempting to make my words sound strong and confident, though I couldn't be sure if they did.

"I wonder if the Cullens know?" She toyed with me, hoping to instil fear so I would flee and give her the thrill of a chase. "I'll take that as a no," she deduced, sensing my silence as confirmation that they were unaware. "Do you know what happens when a witch is turned?" Victoria inquired, raising her eyebrows in anticipation. I stayed silent, inviting her to elaborate. "They lose everything. No magic, no connection to this," she gestured around her, indicating to nature.

"You seem to know a lot about witches," I remarked, maintaining a steady tone without any wavering or hesitation.

"I've encountered many of your kind before they were slaughtered," she stated casually, a wicked smirk playing at her lips. "But it's been centuries since I last laid eyes on one. Until now," her crimson eyes glinted with anticipation as if yearning to relieve the sensation of tasting my blood. "Perhaps I'll take my time with you, savour every drop," she flashed her teeth with merciless intent.

Before Victoria could even take a step towards me, I focused all my energy and narrowed my eyes with determination. Suddenly, an invisible force gripped her, lifting her off her feet with a violent force. She was flung backwards as if propelled by a high-powered cannon. I watched in awe as she crashed through tree trunks, disappearing from sight. However, I didn't linger to see the aftermath. With my heart racing, I swiftly closed my Grimoire, clutching it tightly against my chest as I sprinted away from the scene, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I dared to steal occasional glances behind me, only to find Victoria hot on my heels, jumping between the trees, swiftly and in a blur.

If I don't do anything, I'll die in these woods. And that wasn't a comforting thought. In a split second, I felt a powerful force push me forcefully, hurling me off my feet and slamming me against a fallen tree trunk. The world blurred as the impact jolted through my body, my back colliding with the unyielding wood. My grip on my grimoire remained steadfast.

As my eyes fluttered open, I glimpsed Victoria prowling closer, her presence looming just a few feet away, sending a shiver down my spine. This was it, I was going to die. But I wasn't going out so easily. I raised my hand to summon my magic, desperation coursing through me, but before I could cast a spell, everything blurred. Suddenly, I was upright, suspended in mid-air, with Victoria's icy grip constricting around my neck. Her frigid touch sent shivers down my spine, and as my feet dangled helplessly, black spots swirled in my vision. I gasped for air, clawing at her hand in a futile attempt to break free.

"Can't cast spells if you can't talk," Victoria taunted with a smirk, her words barely registering in my dazed state. Her icy grip tightened around my throat, cutting off my air supply.

As I teetered on the edge of consciousness, a distant yet menacing growl reverberated in my ears, sending a sliver of hope through me. In a sudden release, Victoria's icy grip relinquished its hold on me, and I plummeted to the forest floor. Gasping for air, I greedily inhaled, feeling the cool oxygen flood my lungs, providing much-needed relief. My chest heaved with the effort of drawing in each breath, my body trembling, but I managed to lift my gaze up to see her dart off and a large wolf darting after her.

Seated on the forest floor, I gingerly brought my hand to my throat, fingertips tracing over the tender skin where Victoria's icy grip had left its mark. A wince escaped me as I felt the soreness, a telltale sign that a bruise was likely already beginning to form.

My gaze fell to the ground, where my Grimoire lay, speckled with dirt from its fall when Victoria had lifted me. I reached out and retrieved it, cradling it against my chest, feeling the rapid thud of my heart beneath its cover.

I had survived. Barely...

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