𝟎𝟎𝟖. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇

The usual morning glow that would creep into the Cullen house was notably absent, replaced by the heavy gray of Forks' overcast skies. In Evander Denali's room, shades of black and midnight blue softened by scattered golden accents made the space feel serene. Curled in the bed, surrounded by the plush comforter and pillows, lay Delilah Swan, her breathing even and her face relaxed in peaceful slumber. Her dark hair fanned out across the pillow, and the faintest trace of a smile lingered on her lips—a testament to the warmth and safety she felt in her mate's presence.

Just outside the door, Evander stood like a sentinel, his arms crossed tightly over his chest and his jaw clenched. His piercing golden eyes were locked in a fiery glare aimed directly at Emmett Cullen, whose loud, booming laughter echoed up the staircase and reverberated through the quiet house.

"Could you be any louder, Emmett?" Evander hissed, his voice sharp enough to cut through stone. He stepped forward, his usual calm unraveling. "She's sleeping. Actually there are two humans sleeping in the house! Do you ever think about anyone but yourself?"

Emmett, who had been mid-stride toward the kitchen with a bright grin on his face, froze in place. He turned slowly, raising an eyebrow as if confused by his cousin's uncharacteristic outburst. "Relax, Van. It's not like I woke them up. Humans can sleep through anything."

Evander's hand twitched at his side, a clear warning. "Do not test me right now. You have no idea how close you are to regretting that statement."

At this, Emmett let out a loud bark of laughter, his broad shoulders shaking. "You're wound up so tight. What's the big deal? They'll wake up eventually."

The sound of Evander's knuckles cracking filled the hallway as he took a deliberate step forward, his temper teetering on the edge of explosion. "I swear to the Volturi, Emmett, if you don't shut up—"

Before he could finish, a wave of calm washed over him, cooling the fire burning in his chest. His sharp glare shifted to Jasper, who had materialized at the top of the stairs. The empath looked amused but determined to ease the tension, his golden eyes scanning the scene with practiced ease.

"Evander," Jasper said in a soothing tone, his Southern accent adding a calm cadence to his words. "Take a moment. Emmett's just being... well, Emmett. Let it go."

"Let it go?" Evander echoed, though his voice had softened slightly under the Jasper's influence. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep her comfortable and safe when this idiot stomps around like a bull in a china shop? Because she usually always has sleepovers at her house, it's where she's comfortable, and I want her to be comfortable here."

Jasper gave a faint smile. "Believe me, I understand. But getting worked up won't help her. You'd be better off going back to her side."

Evander's eyes flicked to the closed door of his room, his focus momentarily shifting to Delilah. Just the thought of her soft breathing and warmth beneath the blankets steadied him slightly, though the tension in his shoulders didn't fully ease.

Before Evander could respond, Carlisle appeared at the top of the stairs, his calm and commanding presence immediately diffusing some of the remaining tension. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice even.

"Evander was just about to tear Emmett a new one," Jasper answered with a dry chuckle, still maintaining the subtle thread of calm with his gift.

Emmett, for his part, looked amused rather than apologetic. "I didn't mean to upset him. Honestly, it's not my fault humans are so sensitive."

At this, a new voice joined the fray. "Sensitive, huh?" Rhyland Hale emerged from his room, tugging a T-shirt over his head and glaring at his brother. "Well, maybe you can keep it down so the rest of us don't have to deal with Evander's wrath at dawn. Some of us like peace and quiet."

The moment Rhyland caught sight of Evander's expression, however, he stopped mid-step, his brow furrowing. "Whoa. Okay. Noted. I'll be quiet."

A loud huff echoed up the stairs, and Rosalie appeared, her sharp gaze locking onto Emmett. "What did you do this time?"

"Nothing!" Emmett protested, throwing his hands up in mock innocence.

Rosalie wasn't having it. She marched up the stairs, grabbed him by the arm, and began dragging him back down. "I don't care. You're coming with me, and we're going to have a very long conversation about personal boundaries."

"Babe, come on—"

"Don't 'babe' me!" Rosalie snapped, her lecture continuing as they disappeared from view.

Evander pinched the bridge of his nose, his golden eyes narrowing in frustration as he exhaled slowly. The faint echo of Emmett's retreating voice still lingered in the hallway, but the tension had yet to fully leave his body. Rhyland, now leaning casually against the banister with his arms crossed, grinned faintly.

"Don't worry about it," Rhyland said, waving Evander off with a lazy flick of his wrist. "Braelyn's still asleep, thank God. But if you'd gone any louder..." He let the implication hang in the air before pushing off the banister and making his way down the stairs.

Jasper lingered nearby, his presence a constant source of grounding. He leaned casually against the wall, his sharp gaze locked onto Evander. "You good now?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Evander nodded, his fingers briefly flexing before relaxing at his sides. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for... you know."

"Anytime," Jasper replied with a small smile, his power subtly ensuring that Evander remained steady. "You might want to try and keep your temper in check, though. Don't want Delilah waking up to a war zone."

Before Evander could respond, soft footsteps approached, and Esme's warm, motherly presence filled the hallway. She smiled gently at both of them, her golden eyes shining with a quiet understanding. "Good morning, boys," she greeted, her voice soothing. "I'll be starting breakfast soon. You should go wake the girls—Delilah and Braelyn have had quite the late night."

Evander's expression softened instantly at Esme's tone. "Thanks, Esme. I'll take care of it."

"Of course," she replied, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder for a brief moment before disappearing down the stairs.

Jasper gave Evander a final nod, his job done, before he too headed toward his room. Alone once more, Evander stood in the hallway for a moment, letting the silence settle over him before turning back toward his room.

The room was still dark, the thick drapes Alice had picked out doing an impressive job of blocking out the weak morning light. Evander's keen eyesight adjusted effortlessly as he stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. The tension he'd carried moments ago seemed to melt away as his gaze landed on Delilah.

She was still curled up in the center of the bed, her small form cocooned in the soft blankets. Her face was relaxed in sleep, her nose scrunched up slightly as if she were dreaming about something amusing. The sight sent a warm pang through his chest. How could someone look so peaceful and beautiful at the same time?

Evander sighed quietly, his steps silent as he approached the bed. He hesitated for a moment, reluctant to wake her. This was his favorite version of Delilah—the one who let her guard down completely, trusting him with every vulnerability.

With a soft smile, he kicked off his shoes and slid into bed beside her. The moment his weight shifted the mattress, she instinctively moved closer, her face pressing against his chest as if drawn to him even in sleep. He couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips.

"Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated against her cheek. He pushed a stray strand of hair away from her face and leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "It's time to wake up."

Delilah grumbled in response, burying her head further into his neck. "Five more minutes," she mumbled, her voice muffled and laced with sleep.

Evander chuckled, the rich sound deep and velvety, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "If I give you five more minutes, Braelyn will come up here herself, and we both know she won't be as gentle."

"Mean," she muttered, but there was a lazy smile on her lips now, even as she resisted opening her eyes.

An idea sparked in Evander's mind, and a mischievous glint flickered in his gaze. Before Delilah could react, his hands slipped under the blankets and found their way to her sides. His long fingers began to tickle her mercilessly, eliciting a burst of surprised squeals and gasping laughter.

Evander's lips twitched into a wicked grin as Delilah squirmed beneath him, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Her attempts to twist away were futile—his long arms kept her securely pinned, and his fingers mercilessly danced over her sides. Her breath hitched as the assault continued, and finally, through gasps of laughter, she cried out, "Mercy! Evander, I can't—I'm done!"

He relented with a triumphant chuckle, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "You surrender, sweetheart?" he teased, his free hand cupping her jaw as his lips found her nose, then her flushed cheeks, before hovering just above her lips.

Her laughter faded, replaced by a breathless stillness as she looked up at him. His golden eyes softened, that familiar, loving expression crossing his face—an expression he reserved only for her. It made her heart race, even more than his relentless tickling had.

Not wanting to wait a second longer, Delilah closed the gap, pulling him closer with her arms around his neck. Her lips pressed firmly against his, and the warmth of the kiss sent a surge of contentment through her.

He let her take control for a few moments, his hands resting on her waist as he savored the contact. But he reluctantly pulled away, pressing his forehead to hers with a soft sigh. "As much as I'd like to stay here with you all morning, Esme will send the cavalry if we don't get moving." His smile was tender, and he squeezed her hip before standing, his movements fluid and graceful.

Walking to the window, he opened the heavy curtains, flooding the room with weak morning light. He glanced back at her, the golden glow catching the sharp angles of his face. "Take your time, love. Shower, get dressed, and meet me downstairs. There's something we need to talk about—something you need to know about Edward and Bella."

Delilah, who had been watching him closely, raised a brow. His posture had shifted slightly, tension visible in the way he held himself. "Something I need to know?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Evander hesitated, avoiding her gaze for a moment before finally meeting her eyes as he gravitated towards her. "Yes. But first, Esme insists you eat something."

Rolling her eyes, Delilah grumbled, "Of course she does." She reached up to tug playfully at the strands of hair at the nape of his neck, grinning when he sighed softly. Pressing a kiss to his forehead—a mirror of what he'd done to her moments earlier—she slid off the bed.

As she grabbed clothes from her overnight bag, she glanced back at him with a mischievous smile. "By the way, let Alice know she outdid herself with this bed."

Evander chuckled, his sharp eyes softening as he watched her disappear into the bathroom. "I'll be sure to tell her," he called back, shaking his head as he set about making the bed. His movements were meticulous, smoothing every wrinkle until it was as pristine as the day he arrived in Forks.

When Delilah descended the stairs a short while later, dressed in one of Evander's oversized hoodies and her own leggings, the smell of breakfast greeted her. She couldn't hide her delight when she saw the spread Esme had prepared—chocolate chip waffles, fresh fruit, and a fancy latte that looked straight out of a café.

"Wow, Esme," Delilah said, sliding into a seat at the dining table. "This looks amazing. Thank you!"

Esme smiled warmly, sitting across from her with a cup of tea. "Anything for you, dear. You've been such a lovely addition to our home."

As Delilah dug into her waffles, she chatted animatedly with Esme, her voice occasionally interrupted by laughter from the living room. Glancing over, she spotted Evander sitting on the floor in front of the couch, controller in hand as he faced off against Emmett in a game of Mario Kart.

"You're cheating!" Emmett growled, his expression comically petulant as Evander's character zoomed past him once again.

"Emmett, you just don't know how to strategize," Evander replied, his voice smooth as he leaned back casually. Jasper, seated nearby, chuckled quietly as he observed both the game and the growing frustration on Emmett's face.

Carlisle, seated at a chessboard across from Jasper, glanced up with a small smile. "I think you've met your match, Emmett."

Delilah couldn't help but grin at the scene. The Cullen family dynamic was something she hadn't fully experienced before, and it was unexpectedly warm and lively. Her gaze lingered on Evander, whose face was lit with rare amusement.

But when her eyes scanned the room again, she realized someone was missing. Where are Braelyn and Rhyland? she wondered, her brow furrowing slightly.

Evander, still focused on the game, replied, "Rhyland's with her now. He's telling her... the big family secret today."

Delilah shot him a sharp look with a small pout on her lips. "Evan, stay out of my head," she said firmly, earning a smirk from him as he glanced her way.

"I didn't have to read your mind to know you'd ask, princess," he teased.

Shaking her head, Delilah turned back to her breakfast, unable to keep the smile off her face. Even amidst the chaos, there was an undeniable warmth in the air, and for the first time in a long time, she felt completely at home.

Delilah hummed softly to herself as she placed her empty plate and mug into the dishwasher, glancing over her shoulder at Esme. Moving on impulse, she leaned down and placed a light kiss on the matriarch's cheek, earning a delighted laugh from the older woman. "Thank you, Esme. Breakfast was incredible," she said warmly, giving her a quick squeeze before skipping off into the living room.

Her movements were light and carefree, mimicking Alice's usual energetic skips. The moment she entered the living room, she paused behind Carlisle and Jasper, who were deep in their chess game. The other Cullens paused to watch as Delilah bent over slightly, studying the board intently.

"What are you doing, sweetheart?" Evander's amused voice floated over from his spot near the couch, but she ignored him.

After a moment of deliberation, Delilah moved one of Carlisle's pieces. "Checkmate, cowboy," she said, her voice teasing as she turned to wink at Jasper, who was frozen in place, his wide eyes flicking between the board and her face.

The room went silent, the collective shock palpable. Even Alice, who had just walked in with Rosalie, stopped mid-stride, her golden eyes wide with disbelief. Carlisle looked at the board with raised brows before a slow smile crept across his face.

"Did... did you just beat Jasper?" Emmett asked, his video game controller dangling from his hand.

Jasper finally snapped out of his stupor, a small, rare smile tugging at his lips. "Welcome to the family," he said with a chuckle, shaking his head in amusement.

Delilah's cheeks flushed slightly under the weight of everyone's stares, but she grinned, her confidence returning as she sent Jasper a playful wink. "Guess I'm unofficially officially one of you now," she teased, before moving toward Evander.

Evander, who had been leaning back against the couch, tilted his head to look up at her, his golden eyes filled with a mix of amusement and admiration. As she plopped down behind him, he stood fluidly and took the seat beside her, pulling her into his arms as she tucked her legs onto the couch.

"You're full of surprises, princess," he murmured, brushing his lips against her temple.

Delilah smiled against his shoulder but then remembered the earlier conversation. Leaning back slightly, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and whispered, "You said you had something to tell me."

The room grew unnervingly quiet, so silent that Delilah felt her pulse quicken. She pulled back to glance around, her eyes landing not on her mate but on Carlisle. He was sitting stiffly, his hand interlaced with Esme's, who rubbed soothing circles on his back. The patriarch of the family looked thoughtful, his golden eyes glancing at Evander before nodding at Delilah.

"You have every right to know, more about our world," Carlisle said softly, his voice steady but laced with seriousness.

Delilah, feeling the weight of his words, instinctively slipped her hand into Evander's. His cold fingers laced with hers, to assure her he was there, as Alice sat down beside her, her expression calm yet reassuring already knowing the outcome.

Carlisle leaned forward slightly, his expression gentle but earnest. "You've already seen how deeply the mate bond affects us, Dee. For vampires, it's everything. It's sacred." He paused, letting his words sink in. "When we find our mate, it's unlike anything you can imagine. It's not just love—it's a soul-deep connection. Being apart from your mate feels... unbearable."

Delilah nodded slowly, her brow furrowing. She already understood some of this, but the gravity in Carlisle's tone made her realize there was more to it.

"It's not as strong for humans," Carlisle continued. "But once you're turned, the bond intensifies tenfold. It becomes all-consuming. And for us, there's only ever one mate. If you lose them... you never recover."

He let out a quiet sigh, his gaze softening. "That's why Marcus Volturi— one of our kings — is the way he is. He lost his mate centuries ago, and he's never been the same. He's a shell of who he once was."

Delilah's grip on Evander's hand tightened slightly as her heart sank. The thought of losing him—or him losing her—was unbearable.

"You're telling me this... why?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.

Carlisle's gaze flicked to Evander briefly before returning to her. "Because being a part of this family, being with Evander, means you're part of this world now. You'll need to understand the weight of that bond, the consequences of it, and the dangers that come with it."

Delilah sat back slightly, her other hand tugging at the oversized sleeves of Evander's hoodie. She was grateful for the comforting scent of his cologne, which grounded her as her mind raced.

Alice placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Dee. And you're not alone in this you have all of us, even stone cold Rosalie."

Evander leaned closer, his voice low and comforting. "You don't have to face any of it alone, sweetheart. I'm here. Always."

Her eyes met his, and she nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips despite the weight of the conversation. "I know," she whispered.

The family relaxed slightly, the tension in the room easing as Delilah leaned into Evander's embrace. Though the gravity of the discussion lingered, she felt safe—secure in the knowledge that she had found not just her mate but an entire family willing to stand by her side.

Delilah felt the ache in her chest intensify as Carlisle spoke, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy blanket. She bit the inside of her cheek, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of unease and curiosity. Her emotions, as raw as they were, caught Jasper's attention. His sharp golden eyes flickered to her, the faint tug of his gift reaching out to steady her. But before he could act further, she turned to him, offering a small, assuring smile that said, I'm okay.

Evander, however, wasn't convinced. He tightened his hold around her, his arms wrapping firmly around her back as his hand moved in soothing circles along her spine under the shirt she wore. His touch, cool yet comforting, made her lean into him for comfort.

Carlisle hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze flitting between her and the rest of the family before he continued. His voice was gentle but deliberate as he gestured around the room. "Everyone here has found their mate. You've seen it with Rhyland and Braelyn. It's a bond that grounds us, gives us purpose."

Delilah nodded faintly, her eyes flitting to Rhyland's empty seat, imagining her best friend being let in on a truth she had only just begun to grasp.

Carlisle paused again, this time taking a deep unnecessary breath, and his voice dropped slightly, tinged with regret. "But when it comes to Edward... things are different."

A ripple of tension passed through the room. Evander stiffened beside her, his jaw tightening as Carlisle continued.

"Edward believes that Bella is his mate," Carlisle said, his voice carefully measured. "But..." He hesitated again, clearly weighing his words before letting out a quiet sigh. "She is not."

Delilah blinked, confusion knitting her brows. She glanced up at Evander, whose expression was unreadable, his golden eyes fixed on Carlisle. "What do you mean?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Carlisle sat up more, his hands clasped together as if bracing himself for the conversation. "There's something else you need to understand," he began, his tone shifting to something more somber. "Vampires have something called a blood singer. It's... rare, but it happens. A blood singer is someone whose blood appeals to us on an almost primal level. Their scent, their taste—it's impossible to describe how intoxicating it is. For most vampires, the urge to drain them is overwhelming. Very few can resist it."

Delilah froze, her heart skipping a beat as the words sunk in. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no sound came out.

Carlisle gave her a moment, his gaze gentle as he let her process what he had said. "Bella is Edward's blood singer," he finally explained. "Not his mate."

The silence that followed was deafening. Delilah's chest tightened as the weight of Carlisle's words pressed down on her. She turned to Evander again, her wide, questioning eyes searching his face for answers.

Evander let out a low sigh, his hand rubbing her arm reassuringly. Ignoring Carlisle's warning glance, he decided to elaborate, knowing Delilah wouldn't stop thinking about it until she fully understood. "What Carlisle isn't saying," he began, his voice calm yet edged with frustration, "is that what Edward is doing—what they're both doing—is incredibly dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Delilah repeated, her voice trembling slightly.

Evander nodded, his gaze locking onto hers, softening when he noticed the small pout accompanied with a furrowed brow as she struggled to piece it all together. "Bella doesn't belong in this world, Delilah," he said carefully. "She's a human. And while Edward might love her—or at least believe he does—her blood will always be a temptation for him. No amount of self-restraint will ever change that."

Carlisle shifted uncomfortably, but Evander pressed on, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "And it's not just about him. The Volturi won't stand for it if they see her as a risk. If Edward slips—even once—it could mean her life. Her knowing is already a problem. And if she becomes a liability to our kind, the Volturi won't hesitate to intervene."

Delilah's breath hitched at the mention of the Volturi. She had heard vaguely about them from Evander about them but had never truly understood their role until now.

"But why would Edward even risk it?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "If he knows how dangerous it is..."

Evander's jaw tightened, his golden eyes darkening slightly. "Because Edward believes he's in control," he said flatly. "He's convinced himself that he can handle it, that he won't give in. But it's reckless. And Bella..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "She doesn't understand the reality of what she's stepping into. She doesn't see how much danger she's putting herself—and all of us—in."

Delilah swallowed hard, her grip on Evander's hand tightening as her mind raced. The tension in the room was palpable, each member of the family lost in their own thoughts.

Alice placed a hand on Delilah's shoulder, her expression gentle yet firm. "You don't have to worry about Edward and Bella," she said softly. "We'll handle it if needed... but not even I can assure you of anything. But it's important that you understand what's at stake."

Delilah nodded slowly, her eyes drifting back to Carlisle. "Thank you for telling me," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Carlisle offered her a small, reassuring smile. "You're a part of this family now, Delilah. You deserve to know the truth."

Evander leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "And no matter what happens, I'll always protect you," he murmured, his voice low and resolute.

Delilah closed her eyes, leaning into his touch as a sense of calm washed over her, eyes drifting to Jasper who gave her a kind brotherly smile. Though the truth was heavy, she knew she wasn't alone in facing it.

The room was still, save for Rosalie, who let out an exasperated huff, rolling her eyes at Evander's bluntness. "Typical," she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms over her chest. Despite her irritation, she stayed rooted in place, her sharp gaze fixed on Delilah, as though gauging how the human girl would react to the flood of revelations.

Alice, ever the reassuring presence, squeezed Delilah's hand gently. "You're taking all of this better than most would," she said with a soft smile, her voice soothing as always. "It's a lot to process, but you're stronger than you realize."

Delilah gave her a small, grateful nod while letting out a short laugh, her mind still buzzing with the information. It was then that Emmett, who had been unusually quiet, decided to break the silence in his typical fashion. "Oh, and by the way," he said, his booming voice startling a few, "Bella knows about us. Edward told her on Friday. You know, during school."

Delilah's head snapped toward him, her expression a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "He told her?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity. She looked at Evander, her brow furrowing as she tried to piece things together. "Is that why Edward and Bella seem... so different? I mean, compared to us?" She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting back to Carlisle. "Edward treats her like she's going to break at any second."

Carlisle inclined his head, his expression thoughtful. "Yes," he said, his tone patient. "Bella's humanity, coupled with her being his blood singer, makes their dynamic... complicated."

Before Carlisle could elaborate, Evander interjected, his voice calm but firm. "It's more than that." He turned slightly, meeting Delilah's gaze, his golden eyes softening. "Because Bella is Edward's blood singer, her blood calls to him. It's like... imagine a siren's song, luring sailors to their deaths. That's the effect her scent has on him. Every time he's near her, his self-control is tested. He can't even kiss her for more than a second without it becoming dangerous—for both of them."

Delilah's breath hitched at the revelation. Evander's expression softened further as he rubbed slow, soothing circles on her hand. "That's why they seem so... off," he continued. "Edward has to hold back constantly. He can't relax around her, not fully. And Bella knows it, even if she doesn't say it outright. That's probably why she seems so cold and distant sometimes. She knows she can't be close to him the way you and I are with each other—or the way any of us are with our mates."

The weight of his words hung in the air. Delilah nodded slowly, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of it all. In a strange way, it all clicked. She thought back to the way Bella always seemed on edge, her posture stiff, her smiles forced. It wasn't just Edward's brooding nature; it was the invisible barrier between them, one neither of them could truly overcome.

As the pieces fell into place, Delilah felt a strange sense of clarity. Bella's fascination with the Cullens—their world, their power, their immortality—suddenly made sense. It wasn't just curiosity; it was obsession. Bella wanted to belong, to be a part of something bigger, something eternal. But as much as she might wish it, Delilah could see the truth.

Bella didn't belong in this world.

Delilah's gaze dropped to her lap as the realization settled in. She thought back to the moments she had spent with Evander, the quiet intimacy of their bond, the way he could hold her without hesitation, kiss her without restraint. Bella would never have that with Edward.

"She envies you," Evander said quietly, as though reading her thoughts.

Delilah looked up, her lips parting in surprise.

"She envies how easy it is for you to be around us," he continued, his tone measured. "How you can sit here with me, with all of us, and not feel out of place. But Bella... she doesn't fit, my love. She's trying to force her way into something that isn't meant for her."

The words stung, not because they were cruel, but because they were true.

Carlisle cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "It's important to remember," he said gently, "that Bella's choices are her own. We can't control what she does or how she feels. But it's also important to acknowledge the risks—both to her and to us."

Rosalie scoffed softly, earning a sharp glance from Esme, but she said nothing.

Delilah nodded, her grip on Evander's hand tightening. "I get it," she said quietly. "I just... I wish she could see it too."

Evander leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her temple while applying some pressure to her hip. "She'll figure it out," he murmured. "Eventually."

The family lapsed into a contemplative silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Delilah leaned into Evander, her head resting against his chest as she tried to make sense of the tangled web of emotions surrounding her sister and Edward.

For now, all she could do was hold on to the certainty of her own bond, the warmth of Evander's presence grounding her amidst the chaos.

━━━━━━━━━━━

a/n: listen don't come at me and say it's nothing like the movies or books... this isn't about edward and bella, it's about my lovely delilah and evander, plus i did say it won't follow 100%