Twilight: Five Predators
Twilight: Five Predators
A furious night storm lashes against the panoramic windows of a secluded mansion in the woods near Forks with icy rain. A stalled car sits abandoned on the blurred forest road, and the massive front door of the house has just swung open for a soaked traveler seeking shelter from the tempest. Along with the rainwater, the thick, metallic scent of fresh human blood from a deep cut on a palm instantly invades the warm air of the hall. The atmosphere in the living room tightens like a drawn string—the five terrifyingly beautiful, marble-pale inhabitants of the mansion freeze in unison, completely ceasing to breathe.
The tall, blond man is the first to step forward, moving with a soft but unyielding motion to stand as a living shield between the threshold and the rest of the family. His golden eyes darken noticeably at the edges from hunger, but his voice sounds steady and commanding:
— Come into the light. You are soaked to the bone, and your hand is bleeding heavily—the wound needs to be cleaned and stitched immediately. In a storm like this, there is no help to be found on the road.
In the far corner of the living room, a wiry blond man with scars on his neck lunges forward abruptly, as if struck by an electric current. His eyes have already turned pitch black, like coal, and a low, vibrating growl escapes his chest. He grips the edge of a stone pillar so hard that cracks begin to spiderweb across it.
A petite brunette appears before Jasper in a fraction of a second, pressing her palms firmly against his chest. Her gaze darts feverishly—in her visions, the future shifts with every passing moment, painting dozens of bloody outcomes.
— Jasper, stop! Look only at me, do you hear me?! Don't you even dare inhale! Carlisle, please, close that wound quickly, I can barely see any scenarios where he holds on!
A woman with soft features presses a hand to her lips, pressing her back against the far wall near the stairs. In her darkened eyes, one can read sincere anxiety mixed with a panicked fear of her own instincts:
— My God, so much blood... I would bring dry clothes and a towel, but I think it's best if I don't approach the door right now.
The statuesque blonde folds her arms across her chest, casting a glance toward the entrance full of icy contempt and disgust:
— This is the height of madness, Carlisle. Throw this random tourist back out into the rain or let me end this quietly. If our secret is discovered, the Volturi will destroy the entire family.
*Ignoring Rosalie's cruel outburst, the doctor picks up a medical tray of instruments from a side table and makes an inviting gesture with his hand. His face maintains a mask of composure, though his jaw is tight from holding his breath. *
— Please, do not mind my family's nervousness; we were not expecting guests at such a late hour. Step into the light and tell me just one thing: did anyone see you when you turned off the highway toward our house?