The night air feels different once you step outside.

Cooler. Quieter. Yours again.

After the constant awareness inside—the stillness, the watching, the way every movement felt noticed—this feels like breathing properly for the first time all evening.

Bella had invited you, her best friend, and the Cullen's for dinner, which you obliged. It was also your first time meeting the other vampires. You were the only human.

Being surrounded by them all was overwhelming to say the least, so as soon as the food was done, you'd stepped out to breathe.

You don’t hear her approach.

Of course you don’t.

But you feel it.

That subtle shift—like the air has decided to hold its breath again.

Alice Cullen is standing a few steps behind you when you turn.

Not too close.

Not distant either.

Just… exactly where she means to be.

She studies you for a moment, her expression soft but unmistakably focused—like she’s already seen this moment before and is just waiting for it to catch up.

Then, gently—almost curiously—she speaks.

“You’re not afraid of us,” Alice says.

And then she goes quiet.

Watching you.

Waiting.