Afternoon – Forest Trail Near Forks
Desmond moved with purpose through the trees, each step careful but confident. The forest felt alive around him—rustling leaves, distant howls, and something deeper, a subtle hum under his skin that had started days ago. It was like the Earth itself was aware of his presence.
Elias walked beside him, quiet, watchful.
"You've changed," he finally said. "More focused. More... aware."
Desmond didn't break stride. "The fog's lifting. I don't remember everything, but I remember enough to stop being stupid."
Elias smirked. "About time."
"I know I'm being watched," Desmond added. "The new students. The wolves. The vampires. And now, something else. Something older."
"That's what you get for being born between bloodlines," Elias replied, voice serious. "Your existence upsets the natural balance. Some want you dead. Others want to use you."
Desmond stopped, eyes narrowing. "And you?"
"I'm just here to make sure you survive long enough to choose for yourself."
Evening – Cullen House
Edward sat on the couch, eyes closed, trying to focus.
"I can't read him," he muttered. "Every time I try, it's like staring into static. It's getting stronger. His mind isn't just hidden—it's evolving."
Alice frowned. "And my visions? They stop short every time he makes a decision. It's like he reshapes the future just by existing."
Jasper stepped in from the porch. "We need to talk to him. Before someone else does."
Carlisle nodded. "Agreed. But we must tread carefully. He's not just powerful—he's uncertain. Pushed the wrong way, Desmond could become something... dangerous."
Same Night – La Push
Jacob sat by the fire with the elders, his jaw tight.
"I don't trust him," he said. "There's something wrong with that guy."
"Wrong," Billy said slowly, "or unfamiliar?"
Jacob didn't answer.
Leona stepped into the circle. "He holds knowledge he shouldn't. Secrets that belong to beings who walked this Earth before us."
Billy looked up. "And you know what that means."
Jacob clenched his fists. "He's not one of us."
"No," Billy agreed. "But he might be the only thing that keeps the rest of us alive."
Midnight – Desmond's Home
Desmond stood at the mirror, shirt off, staring at the marks on his chest. They were growing—faint lines glowing faintly like circuitry laced into his skin. They pulsed gently, responding to his thoughts, his anger, his fear.
A knock echoed from the front door.
Desmond turned sharply. He hadn't sensed anyone approach.
Opening the door, he found one of the new students waiting—a girl with golden eyes and a knowing smile.
"You're not like the others," she said. "Neither am I."
Before he could respond, she held out a pendant—an ancient symbol carved into the stone.
"Keep this. When the time comes, you'll need it."
Then she was gone.
Desmond looked down at the symbol. It matched the one from the vial. The same as the one in his dream.
The storm was no longer approaching.
It was here.