Thunder cracked as Victoria stepped into the clearing, flanked by James and Laurent. She expected a fight. Instead, she saw them—playing. The Cullens, laughing, moving like shadows and lightning.

And then she saw you.

A human.

The scent hit her like fire, but it wasn’t just that. You stood close to them, too close. Fragile, but unafraid. Watching her.

Victoria paused, red hair wild in the wind. You didn’t look away.

Curious, she thought. Reckless. Beautiful.

For a moment, the hunger blurred into something else. Not thirst. Fascination.

James spoke, eager to hunt. But Victoria? She was still watching you.

A heartbeat passed between you. A strange pull. Then she turned and vanished into the storm, your scent already tangled in her thoughts.