Twilight Reign: The Violet Lightning

The Pacific Northwest air was thick with pine, earth, and warning.

Raiko moved through the ancient forest outside Forks with fluid grace, the loose tie of her college uniform fluttering behind her. She didn't walk—she glided, as if the ground itself made way for her. The trees whispered, but not just to the wind — to her.

She wasn't alone. The presence grew heavier with every step.

A voice broke the stillness. "We need to talk."

Raiko turned slowly, her long hair swaying like silk. Standing twenty paces away was Jacob Black, shirtless, his arms folded across his chest. Behind him loomed four others — all tall, intense, and unmistakably Quileute wolves.

"You've stirred the nest," Jacob said. "Everyone's nervous. The Cullens, the tribe. Even the air is buzzing because of you."

"I don't recall asking for your opinions," Raiko said quietly, violet eyes glowing faintly.

One of the wolves behind Jacob shifted uncomfortably. "We don't need another bloodsucker war."

"I'm not a vampire," Raiko said. "And I didn't come to wage war."

Jacob narrowed his eyes. "You radiate power. It's unnatural. We're here to protect humans from things like you."

Raiko stepped forward, slow and measured.

"I was human. I lived. I died. And I woke up as this."

The mist thickened. Lightning flickered in the distance. A fox darted from the underbrush and fled.

Raiko stopped a few feet away from Jacob. The power radiating from her was almost suffocating now.

"If you draw your claws against me, Jacob Black, make sure you can survive what follows."

Jacob's body trembled — not from fear, but from the urge to shift.

Then, unexpectedly, Raiko stepped back.

"I don't want enemies. But I will not tolerate threats."

One of the wolves growled, leaping forward — brown fur exploding from skin mid-air. Raiko didn't flinch.

She raised her right hand. A bolt of violet lightning flashed horizontally, striking the ground in front of the wolf. Not a scratch on him — but he tumbled back, yelping from the sheer force of pressure.

"Try again, and I will remove your soul from this forest."

Jacob raised a hand. "Enough!"

The wolf stopped mid-shift, panting.

Jacob's tone shifted. "Why Forks?"

Raiko exhaled softly. "Because something inside me longed for this place. A strange pull. A fate I didn't ask for."

Jacob met her gaze. "The pack will watch you. Closely."

"I expect nothing less."

With that, the wolves faded into the woods, their steps silent despite their size.

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Later, under the dull amber of a streetlight, Raiko walked past the college library, her thoughts turbulent.

"Careful." She turned. Rosalie Hale leaned against a lamp post, arms folded, legs crossed casually.

"You met the wolves."

Raiko nodded. "They're afraid."

Rosalie stepped closer. "Of you?"

Raiko nodded. "Of what I represent."

Rosalie's voice dipped. "I've seen you fight. That wasn't just power. That was restraint."

Raiko paused. "I don't want to become a god of war."

"Then don't," Rosalie said, brushing a hand lightly against Raiko's wrist. Raiko's breath caught.

It wasn't electricity this time. It was something far more dangerous.

Emotion.

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Elsewhere, Alice sat alone in the Cullen home, sketching the forest in charcoal. Her eyes were distant.

Flashes of Raiko kept interfering with her vision — unpredictable and brilliant. Lightning over water.

Raiko alone, staring up at the moon.

Raiko bleeding, reaching out — and two hands catching her: one golden, one pale.

Alice dropped her pencil.

"She's ours," she whispered.

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Far across the sea, deep within the marble walls of Volterra, Aro received word of the confrontation.

"She clashed with the wolves," the scout reported, kneeling.

"And did she kill them?"

"No, Master. She showed mercy."

Aro smiled slowly. "Even gods know restraint. Fascinating." He looked at the others. "Send the twins. I want to test her heart."

The Volturi began to move.