Twilight Reign: The Violet Lightning

The fog over Forks thickened like a curtain drawn by invisible hands. Trees loomed like watchful sentinels as the wind whispered secrets only Raiko could hear. She stood on the rooftop of her apartment, her long violet hair waving behind her in the breeze.

Lightning flickered silently in the clouds.

The storm was watching — and so was something else.

From the shadows beyond the forest, a figure stepped into view. He wore black, his hood drenched in mist, eyes glowing faint red beneath the fabric. His steps made no sound.

Raiko didn't turn. She already knew.

"You can drop the cloak," she said aloud.

The Volturi scout obeyed.

"You're not like the others," he said. "You're not even like them."

"No," Raiko replied. "I'm worse. Or better. It depends who you ask."

"I was told to observe."

"And provoke," she added. "Your presence stinks of intent."

He smirked, drawing a thin black dagger etched with runes — ancient symbols that could wound even the undying. He lunged.

Raiko didn't move. Not at first. She waited until the blade was a foot from her throat — then vanished in a blink of violet light.

She reappeared behind him, hand glowing.

"Don't insult me with parlor tricks."

The scout spun, slashing — but his blade hit air. Raiko caught his wrist mid-strike, crushing it in her grip. Bone cracked.

He screamed.

She stared at him, expression unreadable. "You come into my domain. Threaten my life. And now you beg?"

He gasped, blood on his lips. "Aro wanted to see... if you'd kill."

Raiko paused.

Alice and Rosalie burst onto the rooftop, arriving in a blur.

"Raiko!" Alice called out.

Raiko didn't move.

"Let him go," Rosalie said. "This is what they want. A reason to call you dangerous."

Raiko exhaled slowly and released him. The scout fell to his knees, coughing.

"Tell Aro I am not afraid," she said. "But if he comes for me — I will erase his kingdom from the face of this earth."

The scout vanished into mist, carried by shadows.

-------------------

Back inside, the three sat in silence. Rain began to fall.

"You were going to kill him," Alice said softly.

Raiko looked down. "I didn't want to. But I was close."

Rosalie brushed her fingers along Raiko's arm. "That's what makes you stronger than them."

Raiko looked up. "I've killed before. In my past life. To protect… to survive. But I want to be more than that now."

"You already are," Alice said. "You're changing us."

Raiko smiled faintly. "And you're changing me."

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Far across the sea, in the ancient halls of Volterra, Aro watched through the eyes of his scout.

"She is magnificent," he whispered. "But she has limits. And that… is where we strike."

He turned to two figures — pale, ethereal, and merciless. "Jane. Alec. Go to Forks." They bowed silently.

The hunt had begun.