章節 29: Persecution and Loss
Chapter 28: Persecution and Loss
The days passed since the conversation with Jacob, and Bella tried to resume her life normally, although the restlessness persisted. The promise that the pack would be watching over her did not completely calm her thoughts. Meanwhile, Ethan felt a change inside him; since he had managed to pass the first test, a strange peace had invaded him, very similar to the peace he felt when he was around Rosalie. He no longer felt that constant rage that pushed him to explode every second, although deep inside he knew that this peace would remain until he completed the last test of his ancestors.
While patrolling, Ethan was reflecting on what Sam had reported about the murder of one of the vampires that accompanied James. The only one missing was the redhead, Victoria, who was prowling both the Quileute and Cullen territory. So Ethan decided that while the Cullens were not patrolling, he would not let this vampire roam freely around Forks.
Change of Perspective
A group of men, among whom were Charlie Swan and Harry Clearwater, patrolled the woods with weapons in hand, following reports of "giant animals" in the area. Harry knew deep down that they were referring to Ethan's pack, but he remained silent, trying to protect both his friend Charlie and his community. As they advanced through the terrain, they did not realize that Victoria was observing them from the top of the imposing trees, calculating her next move. Her target was Charlie, as he carried Bella's scent on his jacket, which convinced her of their close relationship.
Victoria smiled sadistically and prepared to attack. Harry spotted her and, without hesitation, pointed his gun at her to shoot, but with a superhuman movement, Victoria disarmed him and grabbed him by the neck, ready to end his life. Before she could do so, Jacob, in his wolf form, arrived just in time, charging at Victoria and forcing her to let go of Harry. However, the shock and strain were too much for Harry, and his weak heart could not withstand the stress. He fell to the ground, clutching his chest as life drained from him.
Jacob's howl resonated in the air, calling the pack. Ethan, who was patrolling the Cullen territory, heard his brother's call. He knew immediately that Victoria had left false trails to keep him away from her true target. With a mix of fury and frustration, he rushed toward the location, but Victoria, using her cunning, had already jumped off the cliff before he arrived. Frustrated, Ethan and his pack knew they had fallen into her game.
Bella's POV
For her part, Bella felt more alone every day. Edward's visions were becoming less frequent, and her desperation grew within her. Sadness suffocated her; the feeling of emptiness was so strong that she could barely think of anything else. What was left if Edward didn't come back? If she didn't feel his presence again? These were frequent questions that plagued Bella's mind.
In a fit of desperation and immaturity, she decided to head to the cliff where she once saw Sam and the other boys jump. Her mind was a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts, convincing herself that this rush of adrenaline would somehow bring her closer to Edward. She felt that putting her life in danger would bring him back. But as she approached the edge of the cliff, a part of her knew it was a stupid idea. However, her broken heart no longer listened to reason.
She jumped into the water, but she was not prepared for the force of the waves. Soon, the current swept her away, and in her struggle to stay afloat, she hit her head on a rock, falling unconscious.
Jacob, who had quickly returned after the confrontation with Victoria, found her in time. He dragged her to the shore and, filled with concern, gave her first aid. Although he managed to save her, anger grew inside him. How could Bella be so irresponsible?
When Bella woke up, she felt the cold on her skin and saw Jacob next to her. The relief on his face was mixed with anger.
"What the hell were you thinking, Bella?" Jacob said, unable to hide his frustration. "You could have died."
Bella stayed silent, feeling shame sink into her chest. Tears began to well up in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jake... I don't know what I was doing. I just miss him so much."
Jacob looked at her for a moment, holding back his emotions, before responding more softly.
"I understand, Bella, but you can't keep putting your life in danger for him. This isn't worth it."
Change of Perspective to Ethan
Meanwhile, Ethan, after learning of Victoria's attack on Harry and his subsequent heart attack, quickly headed to the Clearwater house. The gravity of the situation overwhelmed him. Upon his arrival, he found the family and Charlie surrounding Harry in his final moments of life. Harry, in a weak whisper, asked to speak alone.
Ethan leaned in to listen, and Harry, in a broken and weakened voice, begged him to take care of his children.
"Seth and Leah are changing, Ethan. They will soon begin their transformation. Protect and guide them, please. Be the alpha you need to be for our people."
Ethan nodded solemnly as he felt the weight of responsibility fall upon him. With those last words, Harry Clearwater closed his eyes forever.
Ethan was left alone for a few moments, processing the burden he had just received. The responsibility of protecting the entire pack and, now, of guiding Harry's children toward their transformation was overwhelming. The pain in his chest was mixed with anger toward Victoria, toward the situation, and toward his own fate. But he knew that he couldn't hesitate.
At that moment, he received a message from Jacob informing him that Bella had jumped off the cliff and almost drowned. Frustration and anger took over him. He couldn't understand how someone could be so reckless, putting her own life and the lives of others in danger for such an impulsive decision.
"Take her home," Ethan replied sharply. "Then come back immediately. We have work to do."
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