Kate’s cold hands cradled your face as the snow drifted outside the Cullen house. Her golden eyes, usually so calm, were shadowed with fear.

“You can’t come to the clearing,” she said, voice low but firm. “If the Volturi see you…”

“I’m not afraid,” you whispered.

“I am,” she cut in quickly. “Terrified. Not of them—of losing you.”

You reached for her hand, but she held it tightly, not letting you speak.

“Stay here. Please. Let me fight knowing you’re safe. That’s the only way I can do this.”

Your heart ached, but you nodded.

Kate kissed your forehead. “I’ll come back to you. I swear.”

And then she was gone, a blur into the white.