Authors note: Anything in italics is her thoughts. Anything in italics and underlined is someone else speaking in her mind.

This begins in January of 2006

Illiana POV

    I let out a sigh as I pick up my last bag from the floor and make my way to the car. I take one last look around the tiny room I was forced to live in for the past 5 years and can't help but smile. I'll finally be free. I shuffle through the front door, and push my warm brown hair out of my greenish-blue eyes, only to see my egg donor and twin hugging goodbye dramatically for the tenth time. I roll my eyes, quickly maneuvering past them and place my bag in the full trunk. They act like they are never going to see each other again.

I enter the back right seat of the car, behind the passenger seat and click my seatbelt into place. I slip on my noise canceling headphones and turn on my rock playlist while watching the scenery pass as we make our way to the airport. Smells Like Teen Spirit blasts through my ears and I instantly begin to sing along silently. Right before we get to the airport, I slip my silver Razr cell phone from my pocket and shoot a quick text to dad letting him know we are leaving then do the same with Clarissa, my best friend since I was in diapers. It used to be just me, her, and Leah. Well until the thing happened. My mind drifts back to memories of us catching lightning bugs, sleeping outside in tents, fishing with our dads, and Friday night diners.

Her phone
I had this exact cell phone 🥲

The Swan's 🦢

Lil Punk 👹
Hey, we are leaving
for the airport now.
See you soon!
XoXo

🫶🏻 Daddio
Don't terrorize the pilot!
Love you Lils, be safe.

Bestie 👯‍♀️

Demon 🫶🏻
Leaving for the airport.
Pray that I don't kill
Isabella. See you soon!
XoXo

Angel 🫶🏻
Lol see you soon.
Prayers that you don't
take down the whole
plane 👀

    I'm brought from my daydream by a smack to my arm and whip my head to see Isabella getting out of the car. Little brat. I quickly exit the car and grab my things, not having much. I nod my head at Phil and walk away without saying goodbye to Renée or waiting for Isabella. You see Isabella, Renée, and I don't get along. Renée always wanted a perfect daughter and I just never lived up to her perfect Isabella. No matter how many times I made dinner even after a full day of school and extra curricular activities. Even when I was forced to do all of Isabella's homework just so she wouldn't flunk. No matter what I did, I was never good enough.

As for Isabella, she hates me. For what reason? Who knows that girl is a bag of crazy. She definitely gets that from Renée. I quickly get checked in with my bags and make my way to the gate, grabbing a toasted almond iced coffee and a book called Marked from the House Of Night series since the rest of my books are in Forks already. (Seriously my fav series) I begin to read as they start calling boarding passes and don't get very far before I have to get up. I don't see Isabella until after I've boarded the plane and found a window seat. Because I would absolutely throw up if it wasn't a window seat. Isabella boards the plane then looks over to me and sits down a couple rows ahead of me. Thank gods.

    I put my headphones back on and listen to music while reading. Or try to, my excitement to see my father is building and I can't wait to wrap my arms around him. It's been years since I was here last thanks to Isabella and Renée. I bounce my leg up and down to calm my anticipation, while still trying try to read. Before I know it, we've landed. I grab my things and exit the plane. Then make my way towards baggage claim and grab my two bags off the rotator. I walk towards the front of the airport looking for my father. The only person I like honestly, well minus Clarissa. I spot him with a large sign that reads 'Welcome Home' and Isabella standing beside him awkwardly. I smile lightly and run towards him.

   Once I reach him, I shoot straight into his awaiting arms wrapping my own arms around him tightly. He lets out a little 'oof' then weaves his arms around me tightly and squeezes "I missed you Lils." I breathe in his cologne and woodsy smell. Home. The smell of home. "I missed you too dad" I whisper. Isabella clears her throat loudly and I sigh. We both pull apart and shuffle our way outside to the cruiser with the brat following behind us. Since I'm the older twin, I get the front seat and Isabella has to sit in the back. Not that she minds. Dad and I catch up a bit on the way home. Mainly me listening to him talking about his buddies and the town gossip; but I can't help the large smile that rests on my face. I'm finally home.

    We pull up to dad's house and I quickly get my things while dad laughs at me. "Your room isn't going anywhere baby" he says with a smile. I shake my head then rush into the house and upstairs, leaving Isabella and dad alone. I spot Isabella's room but continue up the second set of stairs to my room. I open the door and see that it's exactly as I left it. My room is more of a attic but I love it. There are three huge windows with a little reading nook on the right side and lots of pillows. On the left side of the windows, is a desk blocking half of the window. The middle window still has sun catchers and sage hanging from it. There are also small glittery stars all over the windows from Leah, Clarissa, and I. We got obsessed with them three summers ago when we were all three 15. That's the last summer I stayed in Forks.

Right Window

Left Window

    I sigh and walk towards my bed. It's a king size and has a new black bedspread with dark green vines all over it. It still has the black lace canopy hanging over it with a pure white dream catcher hanging in the middle. I place my bags on my bed and walk to the bathroom. The wall around my bathroom door is covered with books and a small sliding ladder sits in the left corner. I smile at the familiar smell of old books as I run a hand along the bookcase. Opening the door, I veer to the left into the closet. My closet is full of overly bright clothes. Great. I thought I asked dad to throw these out. I start grabbing any item that isn't black, grey, or neutral colored and placing it in the very back of my closet. After I shove all of my bright clothes to the back, I realize I'm only left with a handful of clothing options and sigh. I need to go shopping for new clothes.

Her bed
Imagine the bedspread or whatever else you'd like instead

Her bookcase
leads to her closet and bathroom

Her closet

  I release a small sigh before walking out of my closet and into my bathroom. There's a large claw foot tub by a huge window. Plants that are somehow still alive, fills the space along the tub. Dad must have kept them alive for me. The shower curtain that goes around the tub is black with the same dark green vines as my bedspread along it. That's new but I like it. I swivel around to see my vanity with makeup still piled on top of it. My hair products and tools rest in a large drawer beside the vanity. I sigh and start walking back into my bedroom. This place has too many memories of the old me.

Her bath tub/shower

Her vanity

     I hear a light knock on my door and I walk over to open it, only to see dad standing there playing with his hands. "Hey dad, what's up?" I ask. He smiles a bit but it quickly turns into a grimace. He starts rubbing the back of his neck "Um, I don't know how you feel about them but Billy Black and Jacob are on their way. I bought a truck off of him for Isa- I mean Bella. Your vehicle got here a couple days ago so you can leave if you want.." he trails off. "Thanks dad. How about I go pick up some pizza after I grab some things for myself from the store? Actually, do you mind if Clarissa spends the night? I can go pick her up. I know Mrs. Stanley doesn't care." I glare at the floor thinking of Rissa's adopted family.

     He smiles at me "That sounds good sweetheart. It'll be nice to see Rissa again. Do you need my card for clothes or things for the house?" He asks. "No. I appreciate it though. Um, I will be back before 8 with dinner, pepperoni and mushrooms right?" He nods at me with a smile. "Of course, it's our favorite!" His smile quickly turns into a grimace though. "Um, I also set up a doctors appointment for you" he says with a sheepish grin. My whole body freezes and my stomach drops. Why can't he just drop it? I don't need therapy.

    He holds up his hands in surrender. "I know I know, you don't want to but you have to. At least until we get you a good therapist. Which reminds me, do you need any of your night meds? I think Dr. Cullen would make an exception if you-" I quickly cut him off . "No. I'm fine dad. Really. Thank you for making the appointment. Just write it on the calendar and I'll make sure to be there." I cut him off with a tight smile. He gives me a halfhearted smile "I know you don't want to talk sweetheart but if you ever do I'm here. And if you don't want to talk, I can just sit with you. Anything you need okay? I can't.." he trails off with sniffles "I can't lose you okay?"

   I gently hug my father and pat his back while he wipes his tears away. Guilt slowly pools in my chest and my stomach begins to churn. I kiss his cheek before he pulls away and quietly leaves my room. You are such a horrible person. How could you do that to your father? He doesn't deserve this. He deserves better than you. I shake my thoughts away and grab my purse. I quickly call Rissa and she picks up immediately.

     "I'm already at the end of my driveway with my bags. You better be here soon or I'm walking over there!" I let out a chuckle, shaking my head at her. "About to leave now but I have to go by the store for a few things. And we have to grab pizza for dinner" I explain. "Oh! Also Billy and Jacob are coming over soon too" I mumble. "Ugh not those two assholes. Want me to hit them? Charlie wouldn't arrest me right?" I can't help the cackle that escapes my lips. "Stop incriminating yourself, I'm going to change them be over. Love you." She sighs then mumbles "fine, ruin my fun. Love you too" before hanging up.

I look down at my outfit, an old pair of leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. Yeah definitely need to change. I look like a hobo. (Tbh I am a hobo 99% of the time too) Walking to my suitcase I grab a black tank top, cream colored cardigan, ripped black jeans, my black leather combat boots, and my undergarments. I fix my smudged makeup in the mirror then twist my long and very frizzy, curly hair up into a bun. I already have jewelry on so I just spray myself with my favorite coconut and almond perfume then start walking downstairs.

Her outfit

   I make it into the kitchen, passing tons of photos of dad and I, with the occasional photo of young Isabella. There is one where I'm holding a large fish with a wide grin while dad holds a smaller fish and a pout on his face. Then next to it is the day I learned to drive the boat. I'm in dad's lap with my hair sticking everywhere and a hot pink life jacket on. I'm gripping the steering wheel tightly with a large grin on my face, though I'm missing half my teeth. Dad smiles down at me in the photo and I can practically feel the love through the photo.

   My eight year old self stares brightly back at me with a shine that I lost a long time ago and I sigh, continuing down the steps. I spy my keys hanging from the hook and snatch them up. "I'm leaving dad. Love you!" I yell, not hearing a response. Fuck. I hope the Blacks aren't here. I groan inwardly when I open the door to see Jake getting Billy out of the truck. Thinking on my feet, I quickly duck my head then run to my truck and try not to catch anyones eye. Dad notices me as I get into my vehicle and discreetly waves at me. I wave back with a smirk.

Her vehicle

    I smile and quickly start my 1968 black Ford Bronco. She loudly comes to life, catching Billy and Jacobs attention. Well shit. Oh well, at least I made it into the truck. I buckle up and take off without another glance. I don't think I could ever speak to those two again. Especially Billy. I connect my phone to the car and start playing the last song I was listening to, Never Satisfied by Corpse. (I know this starts in 2006 and I'm using newer music). I gently nod my head to the beat as I speed down the road towards Rissa.

    I pull back into the driveway at 7:30 at night with Rissa in the passenger seat. "Oh you should see the new stuff dad did with my room. It looks really nice!" She nods her head absentmindedly, as she grabs the bags from today. I grab the pizzas first to take in for Isabella and dad. Then I grab the rest of my bags to lug them inside. I have to get everything in one trip. There's no way in hell I'm walking back and forth from the attic just to grab my stuff. Rissa trails behind me with her own bags and a few of mine.

     I open the front door, letting her in first and go into the kitchen to put the pizzas down. "Pizza is here guys!" I yell and turn to go up the stairs, grabbing Rissa's hand in mine. "Let's hurry before bitchella gets here" Rissa whispers and I stifle a giggle. Dad walks in first with an apologetic smile and quickly walks past me. Then I see why. Billy and Jacob Black are making their way towards us. Shit. I sprint up the stairs, pulling Rissa with me, before either of them can say anything. I pass by Isabella's room and hear her complaining to Renée about her new truck. Of course. Rissa and I shuffle up to my room and drop the bags. I lock my door and turn on some music.

    There. Now it's loud enough that I can pretend to not hear anyone. Rissa sets her things down beside mine and we both begin to unpack. I restock my bedroom, neatly putting stuff up as she puts her clothes in the closet on the other side of mine. I get into the shower, quickly washing myself as Rissa sits on the toilet and tells me the latest gossip. After that I change into my favorite giant band tee and fluffy shorts. The t-shirt huge and tattered with the occasional burn hole in it. Tears threaten to spill over as I inhale his scent. Rissa grabs my hand and pulls me to her chest, gently playing with my hair. "It's okay love, let it out" she whispers.

    I shake my head no then take a deep breath, holding it for a second before shakily releasing it. I wipe the stray tears from my face before pulling myself together and sitting down on my bed. Rissa sends me a rueful smile, understanding that I just can't speak about it. "We don't have to talk about that" she murmurs, taking my hand in hers again. A tingly sensation trails up my arm and settles into a burn on my right ankle, the soulmate mark that showed up after my sixteenth birthday.

     "But we do need to talk about something else.." she starts, her eyes trailing the mermaid soul mark on my right ankle. My cheeks turn a bright red and I nod "um yeah. How do you feel about that?" Her cheeks turn a scarlet red but she tightens her grip on my hand "I think I've always loved you as more than a friend." A warm sensation encases my heart and I lean forward, placing my lips on hers. Then kiss her forehead "I've always loved you too. Now, if we're done with the sappy shit, I need to do something." She rolls her eyes but lets go of my hand with a smile.

     I grab my backpack and carefully lift out a heavy, old book then gently set it in my lap. I trace my fingers over the thick and ragged leather cover, while holding back a sigh. My grimoire. It was my grandmothers, Helena Swan. She left it with my dad before she passed with strict instructions to give it directly to me and to not let Renée around it. Rissa sits beside me, having seen the grimoire many times before. Though she had to make her own grimoire since she's adopted. She has used a lot of mine and others that we've both learned through the years. I gently leaf through it and find the charm I was looking for.

  (Just a heads up I made all of this up. This is not based off of anything other than the basic "witch". So please don't get offended ❤️)

Her grimoire

   I grab my candles form my beside table and go to my reading nook. Rissa sits beside me, grabbing the white sage and starts to burn it. I have a small altar that I set my candles on along with all of my other ingredients and crystals. I snap my fingers and two small vials made from black tourmaline appears in my hand. Man I love magic. Rissa just smiles, watching me work. I snap again and two leather necklace/straps appear. I prick my finger then Rissa's, mixing the blood together and put two drops of the mixture into each vial. I grab some moon water from my bag and pour a bit in each vial as well. Then I grab the last two ingredients, basil and lavender. I stick two small pieces into each vial. I then put the cork on the top of each necklace and start chanting with Rissa.

"The shield of protection
I carry it strong
No ill wishes or trouble
Can come along
You cannot harm me
Or weaken my soul
My light is my weapon
And peace is my goal!

As I will it
So mote it be!"

Her Alter

    I quickly pour the wax from the candles on each cork with the help of Rissa and let them dry. We blow out the candles and both thank Mother Nature. Then tie each vial up on the leather cords and place one around my neck. Then I slip the other over Rissa's light blonde hair and it hangs behind her own large t-shirt. Once that smells suspiciously like my own. I push that out of my head then start pulling the covers and pillows off the bed. Hopefully they don't break too soon. I don't want to be constantly making these. Rissa jumps into the bed with a smile. I smile and crawl into bed beside her. "I'm so glad you're back" she whispers before turning over.

But as I drift to sleep,
his face haunts me.

Authors note: okay, first chapter redone! And wow, this was rough. I can't believe I were this bad in 2022 and people actually read it 😭 Thanks guys, yall are the real MVP's.

• What did yall think about this chapter? And for re-readers, what do yall think of the changes?

• How do we feel about Illiana so far?

• Why do you think Isabella hates her?

• Who do you think he is?

• Who do you want her to meet first out of her soulmates?

• And finally, what would yall like to see in the future of this book? (I have a set plot but will add in what I can!)

Thanks my dears. 🖤 Please check out my other books:

- Abomination a 100 WTS book

- Apathetic a Twilight book

- Asperse a Percy Jackson book on BuckyVerstappen98 page :)

- Avenoir a 'future stories' book
(You can request a future story in this book)

- Autophobia a The Walking Dead book

- Acerbus a Marvel/Avengers book

- Alexithymia a Shadowhunters book

- Munificence a Santa Clause book

- Latibule a Sons of Anarchy book

- Aviothic a Fourth Wing book

- Crudêl a Chilling Adventures of Sabrina book

- Bellicostic a Game Of Thrones book

- Aeonian a House Of Night book

- Agathokakological a Once Upon A Time book

Please check them out and don't forget to vote/comment! Also I post a lot of stuff on my Pinterest Page.

https://pin.it/g750mpv

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