»—— act three. eclipse
☽⋅── FIVE ──let's do it again ─⋅☾

Victoria's successful evasion of capture stirred uneasiness within both the pack and the Cullens, as the spectre of her continued presence continued to loom over them. Eve, however, found herself grappling with a different kind of unrest. She was acutely aware of Victoria's thirst for revenge against her, a consequence of her role in James' demise.

Eve knew that her own actions had set these events into motion, and the weight of guilt and responsibility rested heavily on her shoulders.

As thoughts of Victoria's uncontrolled malice clouded her mind, Eve found herself lost in reflection. She knew that this was only the tip of the iceberg; the situation was bound to escalate further.

Eve grappled with the realization that they were merely scratching the surface of Victoria's wrath. The storm that brewed in the distance loomed ever closer, its arrival inevitable.

But amid the escalating danger, Eve found solace in one unexpected friendship. Since declaring their friendship, Leah had become a source of comfort for Eve, providing her with an outlet for conversation and connection outside of Carlisle or Eleanor.

When the weight of her thoughts and fears became too heavy, when she needed a friend to confide in, she could always turn to Leah. Their friendship had become an unexpected refuge amid the looming storm.

If Eve were to be honest, Leah might very well be her first true friend. Despite her centuries of existence, she had always been hesitant to forge lasting friendships, concerned about the challenges that arose from her extended lifespan. However, after encountering Carlisle, she began to understand that embracing closeness and letting people into her life could bring unexpected joy and connection, like never before.

As Carlisle entered the room, he discovered Eve relaxing on her own, engrossed in a book on the balcony. The gentle evening air blew through the open windows, providing a peaceful backdrop to her quiet moment of solitude.

He smiled at the sight of her, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the ambient lighting. He quietly approached and took a seat beside her, mindful not to disturb her contemplations.

"Lost in a literary world?" he asked softly, watching as her eyes flicked away from the pages to meet his gaze.

Eve looked up from her book, her gaze meeting Carlisle's as she closed the book gently. "Something like that," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Eve revealed the book to Carlisle, a medical journal, which made him chuckle. "Ah, it seems like you're feeling uneasy," he observed.

It was no secret that when she immersed herself in medical literature, it was her way of trying to find some measure of calm.

Carlisle then began to pay closer attention to her choice of reading material, realizing that the genre of books she chose often correlated with emotions consuming her thoughts.

He had noticed that on days when she picked up a book of poetry, it meant her thoughts were more romantic in nature. On days when she delved into a medical journal, it meant that her worries and anxieties were taking over.

And while he knew that she would never admit it, on the days when he found her reading a mystery novel, he knew that something was troubling her deeply, and her mind was swirling with questions.

Carlisle gently took the book from her hand and closed it, knowing that the best cure for her current state was a conversation and not a book. He turned to her, his eyes searching hers, "What's on your mind?"

He studied her for a moment, noticing the subtle tension in her shoulders and the way her gaze avoided meeting his directly. He had witnessed this behaviour from her before, and he knew that she was wrestling with something that was weighing heavily on her heart.

Carlisle listened closely as Eve confessed, her voice tinged with a mixture of remorse and worry. "It's my fault," she repeated. "That Victoria is still around. I don't know what she has planned, but I just know it's going to get worse from here."

Carlisle gently placed his hand on hers, offering a comforting gesture. "Eve," he said softly, meeting her gaze. "None of this is your fault."

He continued, his voice firm yet gentle, "You did what you had to to protect yourself, and Eleanor. Victoria's actions are her own, and they reflect her own dark nature."

Carlisle then looked at her intently, wanting her to truly understand his words. "Do not carry the burden of responsibility for her choices upon your shoulders."

He paused for a moment, his gaze still fixed on hers. "And as for the unknowns of what she's planning, we will face it together, " he assured her. "You're not alone in this."

Eve turned to face Carlisle before moving closer, wrapping her arms tightly around his torso. "What would I do without you?" she whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability and gratitude.

She nestled closer to him, finding comfort in the coldness of his presence. She felt Carlisle's arms wrap gently around her in a protective embrace, providing a sense of reassurance and security.

"Thank you," Eve murmured against his chest. "For being here."

The words were simple, but they held a deep meaning. Carlisle's presence in her life had become a constant, a pillar of strength that she could always lean on. And in that moment, as they held each other in a silent embrace, Eve felt a profound sense of gratitude for the support and love he offered.

...

Over the ensuing days, they developed a consistent routine, as a lingering sense of danger hovered in the air. Because of their failed attempt to capture Victoria, the mother and daughter were constantly being watched. Either the Cullens or the pack were always nearby, diligently keeping an eye on Eve and Eleanor whenever they ventured out.

One day, as Eve and Carlisle had a day off, they stood outside, both dressed in active wear. Eve had made up her mind that she didn't want to spend her day off being consumed with worry, so she proposed to him that they finally put her strength to the test.

To their surprise, Emmett and Rosalie had tagged along, having nothing better to do since the rest of the family was at school. They were interested in observing how this test would unfold.

Rosalie leaned against a tree, watching as Emmett energetically moved around, visibly eager to get involved in the spar.

Carlisle stood poised at one end of the yard, while Eve was positioned at the opposite end. Rosalie's voice rang out, her question laced with concern for Eve's well-being.

"I know we've seen you take down James, but do you truly understand the extent of your strength?"

Eve felt a pang of anxiety at Rosalie's question. "I believe I have a good idea," she replied, her voice steady. "But I'm eager to actually find out."

Rosalie looked intrigued, moving away from the tree and questioning further, "Have you ever been in a fight before James?"

Eve crossed her arms, thoughtfully replying, "I've had a few moments," she admitted. "I do have a faint memory of someone teaching me how to fight, but it's not very clear in my memory. I was hoping my muscle memory would kick in—but I believe when I killed James, that was something I had learned a long time ago."

Emmett nodded in agreement, "Muscle memory can do miracles," he confirmed.

Carlisle hummed in concurrence, chiming in, "True, but when you took on James, your approach was actually quite well-executed. You were aggressive and direct."

Eve winced slightly, reflecting on her actions. "That time, it was pure fury, I guess," she responded. "For the future, I think I'd rather use a more cautious approach. Am I right in saying that I was too open for an attack if there was someone behind me?"

Rosalie nodded, affirming, "You were a bit open."

Eve nodded in understanding, taking in their words. "I appreciate the feedback," She said.

Carlisle then interjected, his gaze serious. "Remember, strength doesn't always mean brute force. It's about finesse and precision as well."

Emmett chimed in, a smirk on his face. "And sometimes, you just gotta throw a good punch."

Rosalie rolled her eyes at Emmett's remark, a mix of annoyance and amusement on her face. "That's his solution for everything," she quipped, shaking her head.

"Hey, and it usually works," Emmett protested, grinning at Rosalie's annoyance.

Rosalie then took a step forward, moving closer to Eve to offer her some advice. She instructed, "To start, see how strong you are currently. Try going for a hold on Carlisle. He'll attempt to dodge, but see if you can hold onto him, any way you can."

Eve nodded, feeling both nervous and excited as well. "All right," she murmured, her voice steady with determination.

Carlisle, standing in the middle, braced himself, ready to dodge any potential attack. But he was also eager to see how much strength Eve truly possessed.

Eve took a deep breath, preparing herself for the challenge. She focused her attention on Carlisle, watching his every move, trying to predict his next move.

A beat later, she made her move. Closing the distance between them with a powerful leap, she aimed to grab Carlisle's arm in a firm hold.

Carlisle was taken aback by her sudden move, but he swiftly tried to counteract, sidestepping and attempting to avoid her grip.

However, Eve persisted, determined to show her strength. She moved with remarkable agility and speed to adjust her position and finally managed to lock Carlisle's arm with hers, their bodies close.

Emmett watched the scene intently, his whistle expressing his surprise, "She's got the speed,"

Rosalie, her eyes narrowed in concentration, observed Eve's movements closely. She then turned her gaze to Carlisle and spoke, her voice firm, "Carlisle, don't hold back this time. Try dodging her for real," she smirked, adding, "She already has the strength. But if she really wants to learn how to fight, you need to push her."

Carlisle nodded in acknowledgement of Rosalie's words. He was holding back, not wanting to accidentally hurt Eve.

"Understood," he responded, his voice steady. He then took a step back, creating distance between him and Eve, ready to try and dodge her next move.

This time, with Carlisle no longer holding back, Eve found it more challenging. As he dodged her attacks, she struggled to keep up. However, in every miss and every failed attack, Carlisle noticed a pattern - she was learning, and quickly. Her muscle memory seemed to be taking over as if her body was remembering skills long forgotten.

Emmett couldn't help but grin as he observed Eve now utilizing her speed to her advantage, swiftly moving between Carlisle's dodges. Next to him, Rosalie stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the pair, a look of awe on her face.

It was like watching a dance. Carlisle would dodge, and Eve would respond, closing the distance in an instant, their movements quick and precise, yet with a hint of grace.

Rosalie's voice was almost a whisper as she observed their movements. "She's surprisingly quieter than I thought she would be."

Emmett couldn't help but nod in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the pair. "Fast, quiet, and strong," he mused, a hint of admiration in his tone. "She's definitely got a lot going for her."

Rosalie thought for a moment before speaking. "If you didn't hear the sound of her heartbeat, Eve would be almost invisible," she added, a hint of appreciation in her voice. "She moves with such silence and speed that it's almost unnerving."

"She's got stamina too," Emmett chimed in, both of them realizing how long Carlisle and Eve had been going at it. Minutes had turned into perhaps an hour.

Finally, after yet another failed attempt to catch Carlisle, Eve managed to get a firm grip on him, but she inadvertently used too much strength, sending Carlisle flying over her shoulder.

This unexpected moment caused Emmett and Rosalie to struggle to hold back their laughter, as both Carlisle and Eve were caught off guard, with Carlisle now lying on the floor and Eve sitting on top of him.

Carlisle winced as he lay on the ground, feeling the impact of being thrown over Eve's shoulder. He looked up at Eve, a mix of surprise and bemusement on his face.

Eve, on the other hand, looked incredibly sheepish. "Sorry," she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "I forgot I had to hold back at that moment and just.. threw you."

Emmett and Rosalie couldn't contain their chuckles any longer. They let out a collective laugh, the sight of Carlisle lying on the ground and Eve sitting on top of him was too comical to ignore.

"Nice throw," Emmett managed to say between laughs, trying to compose himself.

Carlisle took a moment to compose himself after being thrown to the ground. He then looked up at Eve, a hint of amusement in his eyes, "Well, I think it's safe to say you have the strength," he said with a smile.

Eve smiled back, helping him up from the ground. "Let's do it again!" she exclaimed, a spark of determination in her voice.

Emmett and Rosalie's laughter grew louder at Eve's eagerness.

Carlisle chuckled and dusted himself off, "Alright, fine by me," he responded, clearly amused by her enthusiasm.