The months that followed were filled with growing concern for all of us. Renesmee's rapid development was alarming; her growth rate far exceeded anything we could have imagined. Every day, she seemed to mature before our eyes, leaving us in constant uncertainty. We had no idea how much time we had with her, or how long this accelerated pace would last. Still, we did our best not to let it overshadow the happiness she brought us.

I cherished every moment with her, using my magic to amaze her. At bedtime, I would share tales of witches centuries ago, the same stories my Grams had once told me when I was younger. She loved the stories and would often ask why there were no witches around anymore. But I could never bring myself to tell her the truth.

I found myself constantly going back and forth between my Grams' place and the Cullens' house, which had become a second home to me. Emmett and I spent more time together than ever before, and I felt my love for him grow stronger with each passing day. No doubt he felt the same.

Emmett's large hands covered my eyes as he guided me through the house. He had picked me up from my Grams' and brought me to his place, but the moment I stepped out of the car, he playfully blinded me with his hands. He was standing behind me and was my guide.

"Where are you taking me, mister?" I teased playfully as we moved together, practically in sync. I could tell we were heading toward the back of the house—I knew the place well enough by now.

"You'll see," Emmett replied softly, a hint of excitement lacing his words despite his attempt to keep it subtle.

My feet crunched against the dirt path, twigs and leaves breaking beneath my steps. The air was cold, with a sharpness that hinted it would soon turn freezing.

Our footsteps gradually slowed, and I could sense we were facing the house. "Surprise!" A chorus of voices echoed through the air as Emmett removed his hands from my eyes. As my vision adjusted, I took in the sight of everyone gathered before me.

Balloons adorned the edges of the house, their colours bright against the backdrop of the evening, and a large banner hung above the door, declaring in bold letters, "Happy 18th Birthday." I had told Emmett I didn't want a party or anything extravagant, but as I took in the scene, my heart melted at the thought and care everyone had put into this. My gaze fell on my Grams, standing with a wide smile, her eyes filled with love as she looked at me.

"Happy birthday!" they all cheered in unison as I stepped closer to them. Near the back door, I spotted a table adorned with a few wrapped presents and several envelopes, all waiting for me.

"You guys..." I whispered, my voice filled with warmth and gratitude as I looked around at everyone who was there. It was just the Cullens, Jacob, and my Grams—everyone I needed.

"I know your birthday isn't until tomorrow," Emmett said, catching my attention. "But we thought it would be nice to celebrate a little early." His words were gentle and heartfelt, making me smile at him, as he glanced around at everyone, revealing that they were all in on the surprise.

"I love it," I said, my voice tinged with laughter, before throwing my arms around him and pressing a kiss to his lips. Emmett's arms wrapped around me as he deepened the kiss.

"Anything for you," he said with unwavering devotion, mirroring a man filled with love and devotion for another. If this wasn't true love, then I don't know what is...

Hours passed as I mingled with everyone and savoured the evening. I left most of the presents for tomorrow, but I was particularly excited about one: the family Grimoire. At last, I would get to explore its pages, and discover its spells and potions.

The chilly air nipped at my cheeks, but it couldn't dampen the happiness I felt at this moment. As midnight approached, my anticipation grew. My Grams had shared more about the tradition of passing down the family Grimoire. She explained that at the witching hour, the Grimoire is presented to the next generation of witches.

I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling the soft fabric of my cardigan against my fingers, and gazed up at the sky. It was a clear night with a full moon, as if the universe knew how important tonight was for both me and my Grams. The stars sparkled above, and I took a deep breath of the crisp, cold air, letting it fill my lungs.

"Enjoying your night?" Emmett's husky voice resonated in my ears, his presence behind me felt even before he spoke. I guess my Grams was right—I had begun to develop that sense for vampires, knowing when they were near.

"I have," I replied softly, without turning to face him. I felt his hands glide down my arms as he pressed his body against mine. I leaned into him, resting my head on the solid surface of his chest. "Thank you," I said sincerely. I didn't need a grand party with hundreds of guests—especially since I don't even know that many people.

"You're welcome," he murmured softly, lowering his head as his arms wrapped tighter around my waist, pulling me closer. I felt the brief chill of his lips press gently against my cheek. I melted into him, feeling completely safe within the comfort of his strong embrace.

"It'll be time soon," Emmett said after a moment of silence, his voice laced with understanding. I knew exactly what he meant. "Are you ready?" he asked as if this book might transform a part of me. It was a significant event in my family, but I knew that no matter what secrets it held, it wouldn't change who I was.

"I don't know what to expect," I admitted honestly. "I only found out about it a few months ago." I lifted myself from leaning against him and turned to face him, his hands still resting on my waist. "Centuries of knowledge, all that remains of my ancestors," I whispered, my voice soft as I gazed into his golden eyes. "I want to learn what they knew," I added, determination threading through my words, as a smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

"And you will," he assured me softly, his smile warm and endearing. "I wonder if there's a love spell in that book," he teased, pulling me closer until I was pressed against his solid chest. I looked up at him, our lips almost touching. "Did you already put one on me?" he joked, a playful glint in his eyes.

I shot him a playful grin, arching an eyebrow. "If I had, you wouldn't even know it," I teased, savouring the moment as his deep chuckle filled the air. Then, he leaned down, his lips finding mine in a soft kiss that made the world fade away until it felt like it was just the two of us.

"I love you," Emmett murmured against my lips, his words resonating with a truth that left no room for doubt in my heart.

"It's time," Alice's voice cut through the moment, just as I was about to respond to Emmett. Her pixie-like figure appeared at my left, her eyes flickering between the two of us. I had asked my Grams if the Cullens could be a part of this, remembering how she said that daughters, sisters, and mothers always gathered for the passing down of the grimoire.

I offered Alice a small, knowing smile and nodded softly. She returned the smile before turning and heading back up the stairs into the house, where everyone was already gathered.

Emmett and I walked toward the house in comfortable silence, hand in hand. We passed the balloons, the banner above the door, and the table of presents. We crossed the threshold and entered the seating area, where everyone was gathered, waiting for us. At the centre of the room stood my Grams, holding the familiar book that I had summoned in my time of need.

In the process of striding towards her, my hand left that of Emmett's, and in no time, I stood a few inches away from my Grams. A smile decorated her face.

"My granddaughter," she began, her voice filled with joy, "I've had the privilege of watching you grow into the brilliant, kind, and exceptional young woman you are today. I've watched you develop your magic with such skill, surpassing even those who came before you... And now, it's time for you to inherit knowledge from millennia past," she extended her arms, presenting the grimoire with its pentagram prominently displayed at the centre, and facing me. The weight of the tome was evident in her expression, but she held it with unwavering grace.

I slowly reached out, my fingers brushing over the smooth leather and tracing the decorative metal border of the book. Once I had a firm grip on the book, my Grams released it, and I was reminded of its familiar weight from a few months ago.

"I, Pauline Elizabeth Morgan, hereby pass on the knowledge of our ancestors to Charlotte Grace Matthews. May she use the wisdom within to learn and uphold the balance of nature." My eyes remained fixed on my Grams, as tears welled up, threatening to spill. "Witnessed by those who care for her and love her like family," she added, making me smile broadly. I glanced around the room, taking in the faces of everyone there, except for Rose and Renesmee.

My gaze fell to the Grimoire as my hand traced the metal outline of the pentagram. I could feel the latent power resonating from each page as if the book itself was calling out to me. The sensation ran deep within my bones, something irresistible that I didn't want to ignore.

With knowledge at my fingertips, I wondered where to begin...

***********