»—— act five. breaking dawn, part two
☽⋅──THREE──irina─⋅☾

Thankfully, the twins' rapid ageing eventually seemed to slow down. Both Celeste and Ciel remained at the physical age of four for a longer period, bringing a sense of relief to the family. Celeste, ever attuned to her instincts, was the first to offer reassurance. "It won't happen again," she said with quiet certainty, her words easing some of her parents' lingering fears.

Despite the reassurance, Eve and Carlisle couldn't help but ponder why the twins had aged so quickly in the first place. The question lingered in their minds, haunting their quiet moments.

One evening, as the two sat together after putting the twins to bed, Eve voiced a thought that had been simmering in her mind. "What if it wasn't random?" she asked softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the arm of the couch. "What if there's more to this than we understand?"

Carlisle nodded, his expression pensive. "I've considered that too," he admitted. "There's something unique about their biology—something we haven't seen before. It could be tied to their heritage, or perhaps even the circumstances of their birth."

Eve glanced toward the twins' room, her heart heavy with curiosity and concern. "We'll figure it out," she said determinedly. "Whatever it takes, we'll find the answers."

Carlisle reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Together," he said, offering a small smile.

For now, they clung to the hope that their children's growth had stabilized, but the mystery of why it had happened at all continued to loom, pushing them to uncover the truth behind the twins' extraordinary nature.

Eve glanced out to the backyard, her eyes softening as she watched Celeste and Ciel tossing a baseball to each other. Their laughter echoed in the crisp air, unburdened by the mysteries of their rapid growth or the concerns of the family. Rosalie sat nearby, smiling warmly as she occasionally chimed in with playful advice, while Eleanor stood next to Edward and Emmett, observing the twins with a mixture of admiration and quiet contemplation.

Inside the house, Alice and Jasper sat with Carlisle and Eve in the living room, their conversation a mix of light chatter and quiet planning. Despite their attempts to focus, their eyes frequently wandered to the window, where the sight of their family enjoying the peaceful moment outside brought a sense of calm.

For Eve, these moments were precious—a reminder that, despite the uncertainty surrounding their children, the family's bond remained strong. "They're growing up so fast," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Carlisle, seated beside her, followed her gaze and smiled gently. "In more ways than one," he said, his voice tinged with both pride and a touch of lingering concern.

Alice turned her head toward the backyard, her keen eyes taking in every detail. "They're happy," she said softly, offering a reassuring smile. "And that's what matters right now."

Jasper nodded, his calm presence radiating throughout the room. "Let's enjoy it while it lasts."

Eve took a deep breath, her gaze lingering on the twins as they played. For now, she allowed herself to bask in the warmth of the moment, holding onto the peace while it remained.

Eve leaned her head against Carlisle's shoulder, the comfort of his presence grounding her as they both gazed out at their family. The sight of their children playing and the laughter shared among the others brought a sense of solace.

"Eleanor has been doing better," Eve mumbled softly, her voice filled with quiet pride and relief.

Carlisle nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "She has," he agreed. "In just a few more weeks, she'll officially have golden eyes." There was a note of admiration in his tone, a reflection of how far Eleanor had come since her transformation.

Outside, Eleanor, with her enhanced senses, heard their conversation. She turned toward the house, her gaze meeting theirs through the window. A smile spread across her lips, soft and genuine, as if silently thanking them for their encouragement.

Eve smiled back, her heart swelling with pride. "She's stronger than she knows," she whispered, her eyes never leaving Eleanor's.

"She always has been," Carlisle replied, gently kissing the top of Eve's head. Moments like this reminded them of the resilience and love that held their family together, even through the challenges they faced.

Eleanor had recently begun her college classes online, a significant step forward in reclaiming a sense of normalcy. The transition had been smoother than expected, though it was clear she still carried the weight of her transformation. Despite the challenges, the structure of her classes gave her a focus and purpose that she hadn't felt in a while.

She had her rough moments—times when the cravings or the memories of what she'd lost overwhelmed her—but she was determined. And while the road ahead wouldn't always be easy, she drew strength from the unwavering support of her family.

Her siblings often helped her with her studies, Edward provided insightful advice and Alice made sure Eleanor stayed ahead on assignments. Rosalie made the house a calm and encouraging space, while Emmett's humour lightened her mood when things got tough. Jasper helped her manage the waves of emotion that sometimes came with her lessons, and Carlisle and Eve were always there to guide her when she needed reassurance.

Eleanor knew she wasn't alone. Her family was her anchor, and with them by her side, she was starting to believe she could handle whatever lay ahead. College was just the beginning of this new chapter, and for the first time in a while, she felt hopeful.

Eve, who hadn't returned to working at the hospital since the twins' birth, had instead shifted her focus to home care. It wasn't the same as the bustling hospital environment she had once thrived in, but it gave her a sense of purpose. She tended to the health needs of her family and occasionally assisted with care for nearby patients who couldn't make it to a clinic. It was quiet, fulfilling work that allowed her to stay close to her children and adapt to their unique circumstances.

She knew, deep down, that this arrangement wouldn't last forever. One day, the family would have to leave Forks, as their unchanging appearances would eventually raise suspicion. But instead of dwelling on that inevitability, Eve chose to make the most of the present. She embraced her new role, finding joy in the smaller, quieter moments that life in Forks allowed her.

For Eve, it was a gradual transformation—not just of her circumstances but of her mindset. She had spent so much time feeling lost after her transformation and then overwhelmed by the rapid changes in her children. But now, she was beginning to rediscover herself.

It wasn't perfect. Some days were harder than others. But overall, she was finally learning to find peace in the life she had. She cherished the time she spent with her family and, most importantly, the chance to be fully present for her children's milestones.

This new chapter wasn't without its challenges, but Eve had stopped feeling sorry for herself. It was still the beginning of her journey, but it was a beginning filled with growth, acceptance, and quiet happiness.

...

One crisp morning, Eve decided it was time to take the twins out for an adventure. It had been a while since they'd ventured beyond the safety of their home, and she wanted to create a special day for them. However, to avoid the bustling town and any unnecessary attention, she opted for a trip to the mountains.

The twins were thrilled at the idea, their excitement bubbling over as they helped pack snacks and essentials. When Eve mentioned the outing to Eleanor, her eldest daughter eagerly agreed to join them. It would be a chance for Eleanor to bond with her younger siblings and enjoy the fresh air away from her studies and struggles.

As they prepared to leave, the twins made a special request: they wanted Leah and Seth to come along in their wolf forms. "We want to ride on their backs!" Celeste said enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ciel nodded in agreement, adding, "It'll be fun, like our own wolfy horses!"

Eve chuckled at their excitement and reached out to Leah and Seth, who happily agreed to join. They had always shared a fondness for the twins, and the chance to spend time with them in such a playful way was a welcome break.

The group set off, the twins laughing with delight as Leah and Seth, now in their sleek wolf forms, allowed them to climb onto their backs. The journey to the mountains was filled with giggles and playful banter, with Eleanor walking alongside, occasionally helping to guide the twins or point out interesting sights in the woods.

When they reached a clearing in the mountains, the group paused to take in the breathtaking view. The air was crisp and cool, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling their senses. The twins slid off Leah and Seth, running around with boundless energy as they explored the area, their laughter echoing through the trees.

Eleanor stood beside Eve, a soft smile on her face as she watched her younger siblings. "They're really something," she said, her tone tinged with admiration.

"They are," Eve agreed, her eyes never leaving the twins. "This is what it's all about—giving them moments like this."

Leah and Seth, still in their wolf forms, lounged nearby, their expressions almost mirroring the contentment of the family. The day was a perfect mix of peace and joy, a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, moments of happiness could always be found.

Once they reached a spacious clearing in the mountains, the group paused to soak in the serenity of the place. The sun filtered through the tall trees, casting golden light over the grassy expanse, and the cool mountain breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers.

Eleanor and Eve found a spot near the edge of the clearing, where a fallen log provided a natural seat. They settled there, content to watch the twins release their endless energy.

Celeste and Ciel laughed and squealed as they ran around, playing a game of chase with Leah and Seth, who remained in their wolf forms. Seth crouched low, wagging his tail playfully before springing up and darting away, with Celeste giggling as she tried to keep up. Leah was more patient, letting Ciel climb onto her back and pretending to be a mighty steed, much to Ciel's delight.

Eleanor chuckled softly as she watched, her golden eyes reflecting the warmth of the scene. "They're so full of life," she said, her voice tinged with both amazement and a touch of wistfulness.

Eve nodded, her gaze fixed on her children. "They are. It's moments like these that remind me why everything we've been through is worth it." She paused, then added with a small smile, "And it's good for Leah and Seth too. I don't think I've ever seen them so relaxed."

Eleanor glanced at the two wolves, noting how even Leah, usually so guarded, seemed at ease, her posture playful and her movements light. "They really love the twins, don't they?"

"They do," Eve replied, her smile widening. "It's hard not to."

The two women fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the twins tumbled through the clearing, their laughter echoing through the mountains. For that moment, it felt like all the worries and uncertainties of their lives were distant, replaced by the simple joy of family and the beauty of the natural world.

As mother and daughter sat side by side, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, a sudden, subtle shift in the air made both of them open their eyes. Eve was the first to react, standing up swiftly as her sharp senses kicked in. Her gaze scanned the clearing, her brows furrowing as a familiar figure emerged from the shadows of the trees.

The figure stepped closer, her pale blonde hair catching the sunlight. Eve blinked in surprise and whispered, "Irina?"

Eleanor followed her mother's gaze, standing up as well. She turned to face the woman her mother had named. Irina stood a short distance away, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Her sharp golden eyes darted across the scene, lingering on Leah and Seth in their wolf forms before snapping to the twins.

Celeste and Ciel were mid-jump, their supernatural strength propelling them effortlessly into the air as they played. Irina's expression shifted to one of shock, her eyes widening, and then narrowing in suspicion. She took a hesitant step forward, her gaze fixed on the twins as they landed gracefully and giggled, oblivious to the scrutiny.

Eve followed Irina's gaze, her heart sinking at the realization that something about the twins' display had unsettled her. She opened her mouth to call out, to explain, but before she could speak, Irina's figure blurred.

"Mom," Eleanor said, her voice low and tense, "she's gone."

Eve turned quickly, her eyes scanning the trees, but there was no sign of Irina. She had disappeared as swiftly as she had appeared.

Eleanor glanced at her mother, her expression concerned. "What do you think she saw that made her leave?"

Eve hesitated, her mind racing. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice quiet but firm. "But whatever it was, it didn't sit well with her."

In the clearing, Celeste and Ciel continued to play, their laughter ringing out. Leah and Seth had noticed the sudden tension and now stood protectively near the twins, their wolf eyes scanning the forest.

Eve exhaled, trying to steady herself. "We need to tell Carlisle," she said, her tone resolute. "If Irina misunderstood what she saw...this could be trouble."

Eleanor nodded, her jaw tightening. "Let's get back," she agreed, already stepping closer to her younger siblings to ensure their safety.

Eve cast one last glance at the spot where Irina had stood, worry gnawing at her. Whatever had brought Irina there—and whatever she thought she saw—couldn't be ignored.