POV Seraphina

The dense trees ahead of us marked the edge of the forest and the beginning of Forks. And there she was. The girl from Alice's vision. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as I looked at her.

She stood near the edge of a house, which had to belong to our local police chief, judging by the all-too-familiar vehicle parked in the driveway. Her movements were hesitant, almost uncertain, as if she were wondering whether she was in the right place or should turn back. A gentle breeze played with her hair.

"That's her," Jasper murmured, having stopped in his tracks as well. His gaze was intent, almost analytical.

I let my eyes wander over her. She looked... ordinary, almost unremarkable. Her brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her pale skin glimmered faintly in the early light. But there was something about her that made me pause. Perhaps it was the way she carried herself—a mix of vulnerability and determination—or maybe it was her eyes. They were a deep brown, calm yet filled with emotions that were difficult to grasp.

"What is she doing here?" I whispered, casting a sidelong glance at Edward. He was staring at her intently, his expression hard to read—a mixture of fascination, tension, and something that almost looked like pain.

"Edward?" Jasper asked softly, but Edward didn't respond. His entire body was taut, his hands clenched into fists. It was as though he was fighting something unseen.

"What’s happening to him?" I whispered, instinctively stepping a little closer to Jasper.

"It's... strange," Jasper replied hesitantly. "I can feel something. His emotions are chaotic. Confusion, attraction... and at the same time, restraint. I've never seen him like this before."

I wanted to say something, but my gaze drifted back to the girl. She didn’t seem to have noticed us. She just stood there, as if looking for something only she could see. A faint frown creased her forehead, as though she were deep in thought.

"Could she... have a gift?" I finally asked, keeping my voice as quiet as possible.

Jasper nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on Edward and the girl. "Perhaps. It wouldn’t be the first time a human has a natural ability beyond the ordinary." He paused before adding, "I don’t think she’s aware of it, but she’s affecting him. Something is blocking his perception—or maybe even his ability to process her."

I frowned, glancing back at Edward, who still stood frozen. His gaze hadn’t shifted, as though he was trying to unravel her but couldn’t.

"And what do we do now?" I whispered. My eyes stayed on the girl as she finally turned and began walking back toward the forest, as if she’d made a decision.

Edward snapped out of his trance as soon as she disappeared from view. His eyes looked clearer, but the tension in his shoulders remained.

"We should tell the others about her," Jasper said quietly but firmly. "Maybe Carlisle can help us figure this out."

I nodded, but a nagging feeling of uncertainty grew within me. There was something different about this girl. And whatever it was, it would change our lives forever.

When we returned to the Cullen residence, the atmosphere was tense but laced with a strange curiosity. The others were already waiting for us, and Esme opened the door before we even reached it. 
She looked concerned, though her gentle smile showed relief at seeing us unharmed. 

We stepped inside, and soon the entire family had gathered in the living room. The air was charged as Edward, Jasper, and I joined the others. Carlisle stood calmly as always, his hands clasped behind his back, though his sharp eyes were fixed on Edward. 

"You’ve seen her," he began matter-of-factly, though a trace of curiosity laced his tone. 
It wasn’t a question—it was a statement. 

Edward gave a curt nod. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he still looked as though he was wrestling with himself. "Yes, we saw her," he said finally, his voice quiet and almost distant. "But I can’t say what she is to me… or why I’m reacting this way."

Carlisle stepped closer, his gaze warm yet inquisitive. 
“The most important thing is that you didn’t lose control,” he said. “That speaks volumes, Edward. If she truly has such a strong effect on you, things could have gone very differently.” 

“Carlisle’s right,” Jasper added, nodding at Edward. “If she were your Bloodsinger, your reaction would’ve been entirely different. Maintaining control would’ve been nearly impossible. This feels… different.” 

Edward shot Jasper a sharp look, as if ready to argue, but eventually lowered his head and stayed silent. 

“I think I can help,” Alice interjected, drawing everyone’s attention. She was sitting in one of the armchairs, her legs casually tucked beneath her, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I had a vision. I’m sure her name is Bella—Isabella Swan. And she’s going to transfer to our school.” 

“Our school?” Rosalie repeated skeptically, her arms crossed over her chest. “How wonderful,” she said, her tone making it clear she found the situation anything but. 

Alice ignored Rosalie’s remark and continued. “There’s more. Bella will share a class with Edward. This is our chance.” 

“Our chance for what?” Emmett asked, speaking for the first time. He leaned back, his tone curious. “To uncover her secret? Or to push Edward into an even bigger crisis?” 

Alice shook her head firmly. “Our chance to learn more about her. If Edward approaches her in a controlled environment—without overwhelming her—we might understand why she’s so unique.” 

Edward looked as if he wanted to protest, but Carlisle placed a calming hand on his shoulder. 
“Alice is right,” Carlisle said. “It’s better to proceed cautiously. Edward, you can try to learn more about her without putting yourself in danger.” 

“Or putting her in danger,” Rosalie muttered sharply, but no one responded. 

“This isn’t a good idea,” Edward said finally, his voice tense. “I don’t know how I’ll react if I get close to her. What if I lose control? What if I…” 

“You won’t,” Alice interrupted gently but firmly. “I’ve seen it, Edward. You’ll manage. It’ll be hard, but you won’t hurt her.” 

A brief silence followed as Edward seemed lost in thought. Finally, he nodded slowly, though reluctantly. “Fine,” he said quietly. “I’ll try to interact with her. But I’m not promising anything.” 

“That’s all we can ask,” Carlisle said with an encouraging smile. “We’ll support you every step of the way, Edward.” 

As the discussion wound down and everyone returned to their thoughts, I stayed quiet. My gaze drifted to Jasper, who was watching me intently. His calm expression was enough to ease some of the tension in me, but deep down, my worry remained. 

Whoever Bella was—and whatever she meant to Edward—she would change our family. And perhaps not for the better. 

Jasper’s room was, as always, a serene retreat—a place where the outside world seemed to fade away. The soft glow of a small lamp bathed the space in warm, golden light, and the soothing scent of wood and leather lingered in the air. It was a space that was utterly Jasper—calm, inviting, and safe. 

I lay beside him, enveloped in the strength of his arms, trying to quiet the storm in my mind. My thoughts churned endlessly around Bella, the council, and what the coming days might bring. But in Jasper’s presence, all of it seemed to fade, if only for a moment. 

He watched me with his deep, golden eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips. His fingers traced light patterns along my arm, leaving a soft, tingling warmth in their wake. “You’re tense, Phina,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, like a hum. “You don’t have to carry this alone. I’m here, always.” 

I sighed, leaning my forehead against his chest. “I know, but it’s so much. It feels like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders.” 

He chuckled softly, a deep, warm sound that resonated in my chest. “Then let me carry some of it for you,” he whispered. His fingers tilted my chin upward, forcing me to meet his gaze. In his eyes, I found an unshakable calm that wrapped around me like a shield. 

Slowly, he lowered his head and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, then to my cheek. It was as if he were trying to kiss away all the worries that plagued me. His lips were warm and soft, and each kiss made me sink deeper into the mattress, the tension slowly leaving my body. 

“Jasper…” I began, but he placed a finger gently over my lips to silence me. 
“No words, Darlin’. For this moment, there’s nothing but us.” 

Then he lowered his head again, his lips finding mine. The kiss started slow, almost hesitant, as if he wanted to ensure I was ready to let go and surrender to him completely. But soon, it deepened, growing more passionate. His hand cupped my face, his fingers sliding through my hair as he pulled me closer into the kiss. 

The world around us disappeared entirely. There was only his closeness, the heat of his lips, and the indescribable connection that bound us together like an invisible thread. My heart raced as I gave myself to him, my hands wandering over his shoulders and clutching at his shirt. 

He pulled me closer still, until there was no space left between us. The kiss was full of emotion, an unspoken promise that no words could ever convey. It wasn’t just passion—it was comfort, a silent reminder that I was never alone, that together we could face anything. 

When we finally broke apart, the room still seemed to hum with the intensity of the moment. Jasper looked at me, his gaze piercing and filled with love. 
“Feeling a little better?” he asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips. 

I laughed softly, resting my forehead against his. “Maybe a little,” I replied, my voice tender. “But I think I might need more of your medicine.” 

“As you wish, Darlin’,” he whispered before pressing his lips to mine again. And in his arms, I knew I could forget my worries for a little while longer. 

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A new chapter and my story will finally get on. I already wrote some more chapters and hope you all look forward to them. <3