»—— act three. eclipse
☽⋅── TEN ──while we demonstrate ─⋅☾

It took several hours and numerous conversations back and forth, but ultimately, the pack reached a consensus and agreed to assist. Leah, trusting her friendship with Eve and Jacob, and Embry and Quil having a bond with Eleanor, helped to convince the others.

As evening fell, Eleanor decided to stay over at Emily's place, with Jacob and the pack promising to take her to the meeting location the following day. And so, Eve began the drive back home, but upon reaching the treaty line, Carlisle was already there waiting for her.

She stopped the car and got out, walking towards him as the cool night air embraced them both.

Carlisle met her halfway, his eyes searching hers intently, trying to gauge her mood. "How did it go?" he asked quietly, his voice gentle.

Eve let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Surprisingly well," she answered, a hint of relief in her voice. "They agreed to help us."

As she wrapped her arms around her torso, she continued, "Mostly, it was Leah, Jacob, Embry, and Quil who really advocated for it." She leaned against his chest, and he ran his hands through her hair.

Carlisle then inquired, "How are your headaches?"

Eve sighed in relief, replying, "It's gone now, but it was so unusual that I even got a headache from it; it never caused me any pain before." She furrowed her brow in confusion as his fingers gently caressed her head.

Carlisle hummed softly in response, his eyes filled with concern. He could sense her confusion and discomfort at the unexpected occurrence. His thumb gently caressed the base of her skull, trying to ease the tension that lingered there.

She tilted her head back and tenderly placed her hands on his cheeks, a grin appearing on her face. "With the positive news about the pack agreeing to help, I feel unusually energized," she mused. "Having them by our side means we have a better chance of evening the numbers."

She paused for a moment, studying his face, noticing a mix of worry and concern. "What's troubling you?" she inquired.

He replied cautiously, "I want you to know that Newborns are a whole different level of challenge. I acknowledge your skills, but please try to stay close and fight by my side. Avoid going solo if possible."

She gently caressed his chin as she took in his words. She understood the seriousness of the situation and the dangers involved. "I'll do my best to stay near you," she assured him, her voice firm. "I know the risks, and I'll fight alongside you."

Carlisle pushed himself off the car, not letting go of her. He murmured, "Sounds good; let's go and relax until tomorrow."

Her mischievous grin widened, and she suggested, "Or we could have some fun together." She leaned in and kissed his lips again.

Carlisle chuckled softly against her lips, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Tempting, but the rest of the family is at home," he mumbled, gently returning her soft kisses.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And? We can be quiet," she whispered suggestively, a smile playing on her lips.

He chuckled, his smirk widening as he lifted her in his arms. "No matter how quiet we are, they'll still hear us," he teased. In a swift motion, he carried her into the backseat of the car.

Once inside, he closed the door behind them, sealing them off from the outside world, and gently laid her on the back seat. He leaned over her, his body pressing against hers, his arms on either side.

"Now, where were we?" he murmured, his voice low and filled with desire. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her neck, his lips trailing along her sensitive skin.

They allowed themselves to indulge in the moment, surrendering to each other's touch and kisses, though they didn't go any further. The back seat provided a cosy haven for just the two of them, a secluded space for their intimate connection.

...

The following day arrived quickly, and the Cullens, including Eve, gathered at their designated meeting place, engaging in casual conversation as they patiently waited for the pack to show up.

Alice stood a little apart from the others, her expression less cheerful than the rest. Her gaze trained on Jasper as he stretched his arms, readying himself for action. She looked almost petulant as if she were pouting silently.

Carlisle noticed Eve's concerned look directed towards Alice. Next to them, Edward chimed in, his voice low, "The werewolves are on their way, so she can't see anything that will happen now. It makes her uncomfortable to be blind."

Alice, having overheard Edward, looked up and stuck her tongue out at him, prompting him to chuckle.

Emmett sauntered over to Eve and grinned, "So, are you gonna practice too? Wanna be my sparring partner?"

Eve chuckled, shaking her head, "No, our goal is to teach them, not turn it into a lengthy display."

Emmett snickered, "Oh, come on, I've got your moves down, you're not getting away from me!"

Edward couldn't help but chuckle, having overheard Emmett's thoughts. "He's bluffing," he interjected, "He can't remember a single move."

Emmett shot a playful glare at Edward, "Hey, what happened to bro code?" he shot back, a hint of faux ooffencein his tone.

Edward smirked. "Bro code doesn't apply when you can't even remember the basics," he teased.

Rosalie concealed her grin behind her hand as she chimed in, "Well, he does have a point. Why don't you spar with Eve? You're the only one who hasn't tried it yet, and it would make for a good demonstration."

Jasper nodded, joining the conversation, "It would be an excellent showcase. Eve doesn't know your fighting style."

Emmett chimed in, crossing his arms behind his head. "But Edward's observed Eve, so he technically has an advantage."

Alice then flashed a smile, "No, let them spar; it would be rather interesting."

Edward glanced at Alice, trying to get a glimpse of her thoughts, but she successfully filled her mind with unrelated thoughts, making it impossible for him to discern what she knew.

Carlisle chuckled, his interest piqued. "It would indeed be fascinating to watch," he agreed, nodding.

Eve glanced at him and then the others before turning to Edward. "So, what do you say?" she asked, her eyes locking onto him.

Edward shrugged nonchalantly, "Why not? I've been waiting for this opportunity anyway."

Emmett then sighed as he posed the question, "Any idea when they'll arrive?"

Edward focused for a moment, then sighed. "In about a minute and a half," he revealed. "But I'll have to translate since they don't trust us enough to use their human forms."

Carlisle acknowledged this, nodding. "It's difficult for them," he noted. "I appreciate that they're even showing up."

An odd gleam appeared in Edward's eyes, as though he had just had a realization, one that seemed somewhat appealing to him. He spun away abruptly before anyone could catch a full glimpse of his reaction.

"Be cautious," he urged, turning back to Carlisle and the others.

"What do you mean by that?" Alice pressed, her voice urgent.

"Shhh," he cautioned again, his gaze fixed in the distance.

The initial clustering of the Cullens transformed into a loose line formation, with Jasper and Emmett assuming the lead.

Carlisle slowly and deliberately took a step forward, his movement measured to convey reassurance. One of the wolves who had carried Eleanor cautiously approached before she dismounted and walked towards them.

"Welcome," Carlisle greeted the wolves.

In a peculiar, emotionless tone, Edward responded on behalf of Sam, "Thank you."

Edward spoke again, maintaining the same detached tone, repeating Sam's words, "We will observe and listen, but no more. This is the most we can demand of our self-control."

Carlisle replied, "That is more than enough," and gestured towards Jasper, who stood poised and ready. "My son, Jasper, possesses experience in this realm. He will instruct us on how the creatures fight and how to overcome them. I am confident that you can adapt this to your hunting style."

"They are different from you?" Edward repeated, posing the question on behalf of Sam.

Carlisle nodded in agreement. "They are quite inexperienced," he explained. "They have lived this life for mere months, making them, in a sense, children. They possess no skill or strategy, only raw strength. Right now, their numbers total twenty. Ten will confront us, ten will face you. It should not pose much difficulty."

A murmured growl echoed down the shadowy line of wolves, an eager and low mumble that seemed to convey excitement.

"We are willing to take on more than our share if required," Edward translated, his tone tinged with less detachment now.

Carlisle chuckled. "We shall see how it unfolds."

Edward relayed Sam's question, "Do you know when and how they'll arrive?"

The Cullens shared glances, aware that Alice didn't have an exact answer. However, Eve, having felt her instincts form within her thoughts, now had a confident and definitive response. Eve held Carlisle's hand for a moment before stepping forward. "We have exactly one week. They will approach through the mountains, very early in the morning."

This revelation prompted the wolves to turn their attention to her, including the Cullens.

Edward looked at her, "Your instincts provided a precise answer this time," Edward observed, having heard her thoughts loud and clear.

Edward relayed the question from Sam, "They want to know how you know this, Eve, and they're curious about your involvement."

Eve's reaction was to blink before sharing a glance with Carlisle. Before addressing the pack, she said, "I've shared with Leah how I've lived an extended life. However, I cannot provide you with a specific response about what I truly am since I am uncertain myself. I possess strength and speed comparable to vampires, though."

She then focused her gaze directly on Sam, her voice steady. "And I possess instincts that guide me and impart knowledge, one of which prompted me to ask you and your pack for assistance in this fight."

"Why did it cause you to ask for our help?" Edward repeated Sam's question.

Eve answered with conviction, "Because it's the only outcome that can save Forks from becoming a bloody battlefield." Her gaze hardened as she looked directly at each of them. "I understand that you might find this explanation insufficient—"

Edward spoke on behalf of Leah this time, his tone resolute. "I trust you," he affirmed. "You have always been honest and have been my friend. I have no reason to doubt you."

There was a moment of prolonged silence as Edward nodded slowly, expressing his gratitude to the others. "They want to know more about your story, Eve," he translated. "They won't fully trust you without hearing it, but since Leah trusts you, they will help, but they want to meet after the fight's over."

Eve acknowledged this request with a nod, stating, "I see no reason not to share my story with them."

Edward addressed his family, "They will observe us while we demonstrate," he informed them, his voice firm.

Jasper stepped forward into the open space between the vampires and the wolves, throwing a wary glance toward Edward before turning his back to the pack. He sighed softly, clearly feeling uneasy.

"Carlisle is correct," Jasper said, speaking only to the vampires, seemingly trying to ignore the audience behind him. "They will fight like children. The two most important things you need to bear in mind are: first, don't let them get their arms around you, and second, avoid going for the obvious kill. They will be anticipating that. As long as you attack from the side and stay in motion, they'll be unable to respond effectively, Emmett?"

With a huge smile on his face, Emmett stepped out of the line.

Jasper retreated to the north end of the space between the two opposing sides. He gestured for Emmett to step forward.

"Alright, Emmett first," he said. "He's a perfect example of a newborn's initial assault."

Emmett's eyes narrowed as he grumbled, "I'll do my best not to break anything."

Jasper smirked. "What I meant is that Emmett relies solely on his strength. His attack is very straightforward. The newborns won't resort to anything subtle either. Just go for the easy kill, Emmett."

Jasper retreated a few more steps, his body tense and ready to respond. "Alright, Emmett—try to catch me," he challenged.

Emmett was incredibly fast, charging at Jasper like a bear, growling with a playful grin on his face. However, despite his velocity, he was no match for the elusive Jasper. It seemed as though Jasper had no substantial presence, effortlessly evading Emmett's grip each time he attempted to capture him.

Before Emmett could react, Jasper materialized behind him, his teeth a mere inch from Emmett's throat. He muttered a frustrated swear.

A low murmur of admiration came from the watching wolves.

"Again," Emmett demanded, his smile vanishing.

Edward protested, "It's my turn."

Jasper nodded in agreement and then turned his attention to Eve, asking, "Ready, Eve?"

She nodded, a grim determination on her face. "Yes, I'm ready."

Jasper stepped back, now moving around to the sidelines. Carlisle stayed just behind Jasper, watching intently.

Edward kept his eyes fixed on Eve, knowing that this was a critical part of the demonstration.

Eve stood motionless, her expression stern as Edward moved forward and sidestepped to her left. His movements were stealthy, stalking toward where she stood. Suddenly, Edward lunged at her, disappearing in an instant. The next moment, he was on the other side of her, and it appeared as if she hadn't moved.

Edward quickly turned again and pounced on her. However, he landed in a crouch behind her, just like the first time. Eve remained still throughout.

But before Edward could reach her, Eve ducked beneath the outstretched arm aiming for her. In a lightning-quick move, she jumped onto his back and swiftly backflipped out of his reach as he attempted to grab her.

The wolves watched the display, their eyes wide with a curious mix of awe and concern. Some, like Seth, marvelled at Eve's capabilities, finding it both impressive and a bit unsettling. Others, such as Sam, kept their reactions guarded, attempting to maintain a stoic appearance.

Despite Eve's impressive ability to evade Edward, he wasn't easily discouraged. Jasper continued to share information with Edward, teaching him how to attack like a newborn would. Even though Eve didn't have the benefit of relayed assistance, her instincts proved effective, enabling her to move with incredible speed.

Edward's grin of triumph was short-lived. In his moment of victory, he made the critical error of turning his back on Eve.

She seized the opportunity and delivered a swift kick to his leg, sending him crashing to the ground. Eve then wrapped her arms around him, using her remarkable strength to hold him in a tight grip.

"Well done, Eve," Jasper praised, a grin on his face. He then glanced at the watching pack, offering a crucial piece of advice. "Remember, never turn your back on the enemy. Even when you think you've got them down, make sure you finish the job."

The pack watched as Edward struggled to break free from Eve's grasp. His efforts were hindered by her unyielding grip, showcasing her surprising strength.

Carlisle couldn't help but chuckle, saying, "Alright, Eve, you can let him go now. I think he understands."

Although Edward was free from her grip, Eve relished the victory for a brief moment, enjoying her triumph. E dward conceded defeat with a smile. "Okay, I surrender. You win," he conceded, aware of her thoughts.

Eve laughed and sprung to her feet, helping Edward up. Carlisle smiled and kissed her forehead, expressing his praise. "Well done," he said approvingly.

Throughout the remainder of the day, the Cullens, including Eve, shared various strategies and techniquesforn fighting against newborns. Each member learned valuable lessons and discovered unique advantages that could be exploited in combat scenarios.