Chapter 72

The eerie silence of the clearing stands in stark contrast to the distant sounds of nature, swallowed by the dense forest. Thick mist clings to the ground, swirling with every gust of wind. The sky is a blanket of dark, overcast clouds, casting everything in a muted grey hue. All is still, until WHAM

Emmett is flung through the air, his massive frame twisting, arms flailing. The mist parts as he crashes onto his back with a resounding THUD, leaves scattering around him. He doesn't stay down as his body recoils with the impact, but he instantly springs to his feet, muscles coiled, eyes locked on Jasper across the field.

Emmet grinning shouted."Again."

Carlisle, Esme, Lia, Adam and Ashley stand to the side, silently watching the sparring match. Each of them is poised, still, their eyes fixed on Jasper and Emmett like predators watching prey.

Here's a more cinematic and immersive version of the scene:

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The low, guttural growl of an approaching engine broke through the oppressive silence of the mist-shrouded forest. The sound grew louder, cutting through the murk like a predator stalking its prey. A sleek, silver Volvo emerged, headlights piercing the fog. The vehicle skidded to an abrupt stop beside Jasper's Jeep, gravel spraying in a sharp arc. The car rocked slightly from the sudden halt before the door opened.

Edward stepped out, his movements fluid and purposeful, boots crunching against the gravel as he strode into the clearing. The mist swirled around him like a living thing, reluctant to release him from its grasp. He stopped abruptly halfway across the field, his body taut, his head tilting as if listening to an unseen signal.

"They're here," Edward said, his voice low but sharp, slicing through the silence.

From the fog, shapes began to form—massive, hulking figures, their glowing eyes piercing the dim light. One by one, twelve giant wolves emerged, their presence primal and commanding, each step deliberate. Their fur rippled with every movement, blending seamlessly with the forest, as if they were extensions of the wilderness itself.

A low growl escaped Paul's massive frame, his golden eyes locking with Emmett's. Emmett's lips curled into a defiant smirk, the tension between them crackling like a live wire. The others stilled, sensing the rising friction.

Then, slowly, the wolves began to shift. Their colossal forms shimmered and contorted, muscles rippling as fur gave way to flesh. In moments, the Quileute warriors stood in human form, their expressions stern, their presence unyielding. At the forefront, Sam and Rachel stepped forward, their commanding gazes meeting Carlisle's calm demeanor.

Lia stood at the edge of the clearing with her family, her arms crossed tightly as she watched the wolves emerge from the mist. Her gaze lingered on the hulking forms as they began to shimmer and shift. The transformation was mesmerizing—the seamless blur of fur retreating and skin taking its place, muscles rippling as the wolves returned to their human forms.

And yet, their clothes remained intact, as if untouched by the impossible metamorphosis. Lia's brows furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly, her voice low but audible in the hushed clearing.

"I still don't know how they do that."

Adam, Esme and Ashley agreed with Lia, they found it intriguing and confusing.

While.Carlisle, ever composed, stepped forward, his movements deliberate and nonthreatening. He nodded to the leaders with a polite smile. "Thank you for coming," he said, his voice warm and steady.

Sam's sharp gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained cautious. "We're here to listen."

Carlisle gestured toward Jasper, who lingered at his side. "Jasper has experience with newborns. He'll teach us how to defeat them."

Rachel crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Our ancestors have dealt with newborns before. What more can he tell us?"

Carlisle nodded solemnly. "Newborns are different. They're stronger than any of us because their human blood lingers in their tissues. Our kind is never more physically powerful than in the first few months of this life."

The Quileute warriors exchanged glances, absorbing every word with grim understanding.

Carlisle turned to Jasper. "If you will."

Jasper hesitated briefly, the weight of so many eyes pressing on him. But he squared his shoulders, his tone firm and authoritative as he stepped forward. "Carlisle's right," he began. "That's why newborn armies are created. They don't need thousands like a human army. No human army could stand against even a fraction of their strength. Two things you must remember: first, never let them get their arms around you—they'll crush you instantly. Second, never go for the obvious kill. They'll expect it, and you will lose."

The Quileute warriors nodded, their expressions hardening as the gravity of the situation settled over them.

From the edge of the clearing, hidden in the shadows, Hadrian observed the gathering with Rosalie and Kate. The faint light played across their faces, illuminating the concern etched into their features.

"Are the number of missing people increasing?" Rosalie asked, her voice low but tense.

Hadrian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes. They're targeting the most ruthless gang members, homeless individuals—people no one would miss when they disappear."

Rosalie's jaw tightened as Kate added, "This is going to be one hell of a fight."

Hadrian's lips twitched into a grim smile. "A fight the Volturi have definitely noticed."

Rosalie shot him a sharp look. "So, they're waiting for something?"

Kate tilted her head, her voice thoughtful. "They're probably hoping the Cullens will be wiped out by the newborns."

Hadrian crossed his arms, his tone measured. "That's likely Caius's strategy. But Aro would want to recruit the survivors. Destroying Carlisle's family outright would create ripples. Carlisle's alliances aren't insignificant, and an overt move could destabilize Aro's plans."

Kate and Rosalie exchanged a glance, their silence speaking volumes. The mist thickened around them, an ominous veil shrouding the calm before the storm.