"Final Class, Final Day"
"It's finally the last class on the last day of school!" Miranda cheered as they stepped into the biology classroom.
"It's not over just yet," their teacher cut in, amusement evident in his tone. Laughter rippled through the class, with Ash Nightsun shaking his head as he took his seat.
"Today's going to be relaxed," the teacher continued. "We're just going to watch a Bill Nye episode. This one's about blood circulation, so as you watch, think about the journey of a red blood cell through the system—just like we learned this year."
A collective, half-hearted "Yes" came from the students as they settled into their seats.
Bella, however, remained silent. She barely registered the familiar jingle of Bill Nye the Science Guy playing as the lights dimmed. Around her, quiet murmurs flitted through the room—Ash whispering something to Miranda until the teacher shot him a pointed look.
"This is not social hour," the man chided. "I know you're excited, but keep quiet for the sake of those who actually want to watch."
"Sorry, sir." Ash chuckled softly before turning his gaze back to the flickering screen.
The room fell into stillness again, save for the television's glow illuminating attentive and distracted faces alike. Bella, for her part, found herself sneaking a glance at Ash.
He looked so human. Too human.
And yet, something about him set her nerves on edge. The way he moved, the subtle precision in his actions—there was an uncanny grace to it, an ease that didn't quite fit. She'd spent weeks agonizing over it, digging through myths and folklore, desperate for an answer that might help her understand. Help her find Edward.
But nothing. No mention of anyone like Ash Nightsun.
Every day, her need for answers grew, gnawing at her alongside the emptiness in her chest. The physical ache was becoming unbearable, a gaping wound threatening to consume her. What happens when summer starts? she wondered. Would she be able to function, or would she become a prisoner of her own grief? How would she explain her sudden decline to Charlie?
Her fingers curled into fists under the desk. She couldn't keep wondering anymore.
She leaned closer and whispered, "What are you?"
Ash didn't react, didn't even spare her a glance. His gaze remained fixed on the screen as he replied smoothly, "I can't explain that here."
"Then where will you tell me?" she pressed.
"Somewhere private. I can't have people overhearing us." He smiled, an almost playful curve to his lips, as if they were discussing the weather instead of something far more serious.
"We could go to La Push," Bella suggested.
Ash's smile widened, but he shook his head. "Not an option. Too much bad blood between me and the Quileute people."
"Why?"
"I can't answer that here either."
Frustration flared in her chest, but she forced herself to take a breath. "Fine. Then we'll just… start walking away from the school until you're willing to talk."
Ash finally turned to face her, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Isn't it a bit irresponsible to walk into the woods with someone you don't feel safe with?"
Bella hesitated for only a second before answering. "Even when you were trying to kill Edward, you were protecting me." Her voice was quiet but sure. "I don't think you want to hurt me."
"You're very correct, Bella," Ash murmured. His smile was genuine this time. "I'd never hurt a human unless they came in my way".
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"The Truth Unfolds"
As soon as the class ended, Bella caught Ash's gaze. There was a brief hesitation—uncertainty flickering in her eyes—before she turned and walked out of the room.
Ash followed, his pace unhurried, yet deliberate, keeping a measured distance between them.
Bella moved swiftly through the school grounds, her steps carrying her toward the edge of the forest. The air grew colder, the sounds of the school fading behind them.
Ash trailed behind her, his pace lazy, almost casual—yet every step was precise, his presence lingering like a silent shadow.
The forest stretched around them in a hush of green and shadow, damp earth muffling their footsteps. Bella had started leading Ash in a direction with purpose, not just aimlessly away from town. He let her, curiosity piqued.
Minutes passed. The deeper they went, the quieter the world became. Not a single bird chirped. Even the wind seemed to hesitate, as if the trees themselves were holding their breath.
When they were far enough from the school. "We're far enough out now," Ash finally said. "I can talk."
Bella stopped abruptly.
She turned to face him, her brown eyes guarded. Ash stepped beside her, his expression unreadable, waiting for her to speak.
She didn't.
So he did.
"I'm a hunter," he admitted.
Bella's brow furrowed. "A hunter?"
Ash exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to the dense canopy above them before meeting hers again. "Not the kind you're thinking of." His tone was careful, measured. "I don't hunt animals."
A chill ran down Bella's spine.
She didn't move. Didn't breathe.
"Vampires and werewolves have always preyed on humans," Ash explained, kicking a loose rock out of his path. "But some people decided to fight back. Learn how they work, what makes them tick, how to kill them. My family has been hunting for generations."
Bella absorbed his words in silence.
"My grandparents wanted me to get away from our small town for a while," Ash continued. "They thought a change of scenery would do me some good. I picked Forks because of the mysterious deaths."
"The Cullens weren't behind those," Bella revealed. "Another coven invaded their territory. One of them—James—targeted me because I was too close to them. He hunted me all the way to Phoenix and… he would have killed me if Edward hadn't stopped him."
Ash tilted his head slightly, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Just because they weren't responsible this time doesn't mean they haven't done it before." His piercing blue eyes held Bella's gaze, unyielding.
Then, with a slow exhale, he continued, his tone edged with something almost mocking. "And as for your naïve belief that Edward 'saved' you? Let me guess—you think it was out of love?" He chuckled, low and humorless. "No, Bella. He didn't save you. He just didn't want another vampire to get a taste of his 'singer.'"
Bella stiffened, her hands balling into fists.
Ash took a deliberate step closer, his expression unreadable. "That obsession might seem romantic now, but what happens when he tires of this little game? When the thrill fades?" His voice dropped, sharp as a blade. "Do you really think he'll just let you go? No, Bella. When that day comes, he won't hesitate. He'll drain you dry."
Bella's breath came fast and shallow, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. It was one thing for people to warn her about Edward—it had happened before. He was dangerous, they said. A monster. But they had never seen him the way she did.
And yet, Ash's words slithered through her thoughts like poison, wrapping around memories she had once held as absolute truths.
"He is a predator, Bella. You are his prey."
Her mind rebelled. No. She had seen Edward fight against himself, struggle to hold back the instincts Ash spoke of. She had felt his gentleness, the way he treated her with a careful reverence—as if she were something fragile, yes, but not food. Never food.
Hadn't she?
For the first time, doubt crept in.
The image of Edward's golden eyes flashed in her mind, but it was quickly followed by another memory—one she had tried to forget. The first time he had revealed what he was, standing in the sunlight, his voice like granite as he admitted how easily he could kill her.
"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb."
A beautiful sentiment, but at its core, wasn't it just another way of admitting that danger was woven into the very foundation of their relationship?
Her stomach churned.
"No," she whispered, shaking her head as if she could physically dislodge the doubt Ash had planted. "You don't know him."
Ash tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Neither do you."
Bella's temper flared, her face flushing with anger. "That's not true!" she snapped. "Edward would never hurt me! The Cullens aren't like that—they don't drink human blood! They're vegetarians they only drink animal blood."
Ash smile vanished and with a hint of disappointment he said " Bella you are too naiev "They don't kill humans now," Ash corrected. His voice was sharp, disappointed. "Do you really believe they were always this way? That they were born so controlled? How many lives do you think they took in their early years? How many people screamed before they figured out how to 'live among humans'?"
Bella flinched but held her ground. "That was different. They didn't know better. They were driven by instincts back then, but they chose to change. Everyone has the right to be better."
Ash's expression hardened. His voice dropped, low and furious.
"Everyone has the right to change—but monsters like them don't change." His eyes burned with something dark. "It's in their nature to kill, to hunt, to feed. And testing their 'self-control' means that the lives they've taken hold no value." His voice grew harsher. "Does a human life mean nothing to you, Bella? Do the people they slaughtered mean nothing?"
Bella's hands clenched at her sides. "That's not fair."
Ash let out a sharp, frustrated scoff. "You're hopelessly naïve," he muttered, shaking his head.
Then, his expression darkened, his voice dropping to a low warning. "And don't let that naivety of yours get in the way of my hunt." His piercing gaze locked onto Bella's. "I may not kill humans as a rule, but make no mistake—if someone stands against me, I won't hesitate."
Bella flinched at ash words. Her blood running cold but Before she could answer, Ash moved—too fast.
In a blur, He shifted, his back pressing against hers, his stance loose but coiled like a predator waiting to strike.
----
A low, amused voice slithered through the trees.
"Oh? Still have the guts to wander these woods without your lover boy, Edward. Even after nearly getting killed by James, Bella?"
Bella's breath hitched.
A figure emerged from the shadows—dark-skinned, dreadlocked, and grinning like a cat that had cornered a wounded bird.
Laurent.
Ash didn't move, but Bella felt it—the shift in his energy, the way the air around him sharpened into something dangerous. The easy warmth in his presence faded, replaced by something cold, something primal.
Laurent's golden eyes flicked to Ash, appraising, amused.
"I see you've brought a new little friend," he taunted, lips curling. "What happened to the Cullen boy? Now that he's gone, I see you've replaced him with a far less protective counterpart."
Bella tensed. She wanted to argue, to say something—anything—but her voice was caught in her throat.
Ash, however, merely chuckled.
Laurent's smirk wavered.
Bella wasn't sure what it was—the way Ash stood, too relaxed for someone facing a predator, or the glint in his ice-blue eyes, sharp and assessing, as if he had already dissected Laurent's every weakness.
Laurent dismissed the feeling and inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as his gaze slid over to Ash. A strange expression flickered across his face—curiosity, hunger... unease.
"Mmm. You both smell delicious." His tongue flicked over his teeth. "Especially you." His golden eyes narrowed slightly. "I've never encountered a singer who smells quite as good as you, boy."
Silence.
Then—
Ash smiled.
Not a normal smile. Not even a confident one.
This was something else entirely.
A slow, creeping grin, sharp enough to cut, stretching across his face like a blade being unsheathed. His ice-blue eyes gleamed, glacial and unblinking, a predator savoring its prey.
The moment stretched, unnatural in its weight.
Laurent stiffened. A shiver ghosted down his spine, cold and unwelcome.
For the first time, he felt like prey.
He didn't understand why, but something in his instincts screamed at him—wrong, wrong, wrong.
Laurent covered his unease with a scoff, shaking off the feeling.
"You're an interesting one," he muttered.
"I am," Ash agreed easily, his voice light—too light, almost playful.
Then, his smile widened just a fraction.
A breath of amusement left his lips.
"And before you dig in, let me share my last words."
Laurent frowned. That eerie smile was still there, untouched by fear, untouched by reality.
Something was off.
The woods felt quieter.
Bella felt it too. The forest around them was frozen, holding its breath.
A strange sense of finality laced the air, settling thick and suffocating over them.
Laurent feigned amusement, but the uneasy feeling gnawed at him, a slow-building dread curling in his gut. He forced out a chuckle, trying to break the tension.
"Go ahead, humor me."
Ash's grin turned razor-sharp, his blue eyes flashing.
His voice, when it came, was smooth, dripping with something ancient and inevitable.
"Venari incipit."
"The hunt begins".
----
Hello, dear readers!
Here's the second chapter of the week—just as promised! Cue dramatic applause.
At approximately 2,300 words, this chapter is significantly longer than the previous ones. It took much longer to craft, but the result is highly satisfying. Every moment spent refining it was worth it, and I hope you find it just as compelling as I do.
Now, before you start sharpening your pitchforks—yes, I know my second book hasn't been updated in three days. I can already feel the judgmental stares through my screen. But hear me out!
Life has decided to throw a boss-level workload at me, and on top of that, my exams are creeping closer like a horror movie villain I can't escape. I barely managed to squeeze out this chapter during my free time, and let me tell you—this one was relatively easier to write compared to the second book's romantic scenes. Because let's be real, writing romance while running on caffeine and stress is like trying to flirt with someone while tripping over your own feet. Not ideal.
So yes, the second book updates might take a little longer because I refuse to ruin perfectly good romantic tension by rushing through it like a panicked squirrel. You guys deserve better.
But don't worry! Once I survive my exams and defeat the monster that is my workload, I will make it up to you. Extra chapters? Special scenes? A dramatic reading in an over-the-top narrator voice? Who knows.
Until then, thank you for your patience, your understanding, and for sticking with this book even when updates slow down. You guys are the real MVPs
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P.S. If anyone has tips on how to absorb knowledge via osmosis while sleeping, I'm all ears.