The forest was colder than usual tonight. A late wind stirred the evergreens around you, making the leaves whisper like they were in on a secret neither of you had said out loud yet. The moon hung low, a thin crescent slicing the sky, just enough to cast a silver glow on Edward’s face.

He stood still across from you—statue-still—like he had been for the last minute. Just watching you. There was a look in his eyes, not soft, not sweet, but something deeper. Tortured, conflicted. You hated when he got like this.

You crossed your arms, your voice tight. “You said we’d talk about it again. So talk.”

Edward’s jaw flexed. His amber eyes searched yours like he was trying to memorize you. Or say goodbye.

“I’ve been thinking about it,” he said slowly. “About turning you.”

“And?”

“And I’ll do it.”

A breath caught in your throat, but before relief could sink in, he added quietly, “On one condition.”

You already knew what he’d say. You knew it the way you know a storm’s coming before the clouds turn black.

“I want you to marry me,” Edward said.

Silence. Not even the wind dared move.

You stared at him. “Is this some kind of ultimatum?”

“It’s a promise,” he said. “I’ll give you forever, but not without a vow. Not without knowing you’re truly mine first. It’s not just about eternity—it’s about meaning. And if I damn you… if I take your soul—”

“—then you want the rings and vows to make it feel less like murder?” you snapped.

He flinched. You hadn’t meant to sound cruel. But anger was easier than fear.

“I’m eighteen, Edward,” you said, quieter now. “Barely. If I show up a year from now frozen in time, looking like a teenager with a wedding ring, never aging—do you know what people are going to think?”

His brow furrowed. You stepped closer, your voice dropping to a raw whisper.

“They’ll think I got knocked up and married young. Like I made some huge mistake and had to grow up too fast. That I didn’t get to live my life.”

“You’d rather they think you died?” he said sharply.

You blinked. That shut you up.

“I know what I’m asking is selfish,” Edward continued, voice low, strained. “But I’m trying to hold onto one part of your humanity before I take the rest. Let me marry you. Let me have that moment with you before I change everything.”