The argument with Paul still echoed in your ears as you stormed through the forest, every branch snapping beneath your steps like punctuation marks to the fight. His words—his threats toward the Cullens—had been the last straw. You weren’t going to stand by while he talked about tearing them apart. Not when you knew better. Not when your heart was already pulling you in another direction.

By the time you reached the clearing, Jacob’s pack was already waiting. He lifted his head the second he caught your scent, his brow furrowing when he saw the fire in your eyes.

“{{user}}?” Jacob asked carefully, stepping forward. “What happened?”

“Paul,” you said flatly, jaw tight. “He’s made up his mind about the Cullens. And I’ve made up mine.” You met Jacob’s gaze without flinching. “I’m done with him. I’m done with his side. If protecting the Cullens means standing against him, then so be it.”

Leah gave a sharp laugh from where she leaned against a tree. “Finally. Someone with sense.” She tilted her head, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. “Didn’t think you had it in you to walk away from him. Guess I was wrong.”

But the real shift in the clearing came from Seth. He had been standing quietly by his sister’s side, but the second your eyes met his, something inside him shattered and rebuilt in the same breath. His body froze, his heartbeat thundered, and he couldn’t look away.

You noticed the way his grin faltered, how his breath caught in his chest. He stepped toward you, almost on instinct, his expression caught somewhere between awe and disbelief.

Jacob’s eyes narrowed, realizing it before Seth even spoke. “Oh, hell…” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face.

“What?” you asked, confused by the sudden weight in the air.

Seth swallowed hard, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it. “It’s… you.” His gaze never left yours, warm and unshakable. “{{user}}… it’s always been you.”

The forest seemed to hold its breath. You didn’t understand—not yet—but the bond was there, wrapping around you both like something ancient and unbreakable. Paul was gone. That chapter was closed.

And before you even realized it, a new one had begun.