"It wasn't too hard to
figure out that you were
the one. Imprinting on you
only just set it in stone."
In which a shapeshifter and
a witch become unconditionally
and irrevocably in...
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Over the next few days, Rowan found herself putting on a facade, wearing a mask of calm and reassurance as she helped her aunt comfort Charlie. She assured him that Bella was safe and sound, having already confided in Rowan about her plans for a last-minute trip with her friends.
Rowan's words were carefully chosen to ease Charlie's nerves, to reassure him that Bella was in good hands and that there was nothing to worry about. Despite the underlying tension and the weight of the secrets she carried, Rowan continued to play her role, offering support.
As Bella embarked on her journey to save Edward, Rowan found herself immersed in the somber atmosphere of Harry Clearwater's funeral. The funeral was a somber affair, with close friends and family members gathering to pay their respects. The presence of the pack and the Coven of Witches added an air of solemnity to the proceedings, their combined grief palpable in the air.
The once-bright-eyed Seth Clearwater now seemed utterly depressed, his grief weighing heavily on him despite the attempts of those around him to offer comfort. Even Lilura, with her gentle nature and soothing presence, couldn't seem to reach him.
Meanwhile, Leah and Sacha had chosen to stay behind at the Clearwater house, with Leah unable to face the crowd gathered for the after-service gathering. The thought of mingling with friends and family members was too much for Leah to bear, her grief still raw and overwhelming. Sacha, being her only form of comfort, remained by her side, offering whatever solace she could in the midst of her sorrow of her dead father.
As Rowan navigated the crowded house Of Emily's, her heart heavy with the weight of loss and uncertainty, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection from those around her. Despite the shared grief that bound them together, there was an underlying tension in the air, a sense of unease that seemed to hang over the gathering like a dark cloud.
Rowan found herself drawn to Jacob's side. Though they exchanged few words, their silent companionship spoke volumes, offering a sense of comfort and solace. As they stood side by side, lost in their own thoughts and memories, Rowan couldn't shake the lingering guilt that weighed heavily on her heart.
She knew she had been harsh with Jacob in the heat of the moment, her words driven by frustration and fear. Yet, despite her regrets, she found herself unable to voice her apology, the words caught in her throat as she struggled to find the right moment to make amends. And so, she remained by his side, silently offering her support and understanding, hoping that her presence alone would convey the depth of her remorse.
* * *
The next day unfolded with a sense of cold in the air, as if the very atmosphere itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the events to come. Rowan had already woke up early, the weight of impending news heavy on her mind, while her aunt, Evelyn, was out attending to errands, leaving Rowan alone with her thoughts.
As morning light seeped through the curtains, a soft rap at the door pulled Rowan from her thoughts. With a sigh, she crossed the room to answer it, her heart sinking at the sight of Bella standing on the doorstep. Despite the slight warmth of the day, a chill seemed to settle over them as Rowan stepped aside, allowing Bella to enter. Though her expression remained composed, a large array of emotions grew beneath the surface as Rowan led Bella into the dining room.
Taking a seat at the table, Rowan observed Bella closely, noting the tension etched into her features and the weight of unspoken words lingering between them. It was as if the air itself crackled with a sense of urgency, a prelude to the impending revelation that hung heavy in the silence.
"Is he alive?" Rowan's voice wavered with a mix of apprehension and curiosity as she posed the question that had lingered in her mind since the previous night.
"Yes." Bellas said, looking down at the table. Rowan raised an eyebrow.
"But this isn't the reason why you came here."
Bella finally looked up at her. "It's official. After graduation, I will be one of them... a vampire."
The weight of Bella's words hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over Rowan's already troubled thoughts. Rising from her seat, she paced the room, her mind racing with many emotions—fear, confusion, and a gnawing sense of dread.
"Bella, you can't be serious." Rowan's voice wavered with disbelief as she struggled to come to terms with the enormity of Bella's decision. "You don't understand what this means."
Bella remained resolute. "It's already final. We all voted on it."
Frustration and helplessness washed over Rowan like a tidal wave, leaving her feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty. "You can't put something like this to a vote. This is your life."she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.
"Exactly. My life." Bella retorted.
"I can't believe you're doing this, Bella." Rowan spoke, "You're choosing this life willingly, without fully understanding the consequences."
Bella's jaw tightened. "You don't understand, Rowan." she countered, her tone defensive. "This is my choice, my decision. I can't keep living in fear of what might happen."
"But do you even realize what you're giving up?" Rowan pressed, her voice rising slightly with each word. "Your humanity, your family, everything you've ever known, it's all going to change. Is it worth it?"
Bella's response was immediate. "Yes. It's worth it to be with Edward, to have eternity together. I can't explain it to you, Rowan. You just have to trust me."
Trust. The word hung heavy in the air, a silent testament to the fracture that had formed between them. Rowan's heart ached with the weight of it all, the reality of Bella's decision hitting her like a tidal wave.
"I can't do this, Bella." Rowan finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You need to leave."
"But-" Bella began.
"Leave." Rowan interrupted. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"I'll go." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
As Bella made her way to the door, Rowan choked back a sob. With trembling hands, she reached for her phone, dialing her aunt's number with shaking fingers.
Minutes later, her aunt arrived, concern etched into her features as she took in Rowan's distraught state. Without hesitation, Rowan told her the situation, her aunt's expression hardening with determination. Evelyn wasted no time in springing into action. Leaving Rowan, she swiftly departed to inform Circe of the unfolding situation, her mind already racing with plans and contingencies.
Meanwhile, Rowan found herself driving to the familiar comfort of the reservation, her heart heavy with the weight of what was to come. Arriving at Jacob's house, she hesitated for only a moment before ringing the doorbell, her hands trembling with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
In the blink of an eye, Jacob appeared before her, his expression shifting from confusion to concern as he took in the sight of Rowan's tear-streaked face. Without a word, she collapsed into his arms, her emotions finally breaking free in a torrent of tears.
"It's happening." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. And in that moment, she knew that everything was about to change.
