Chapter 1: New Beginnings
The steady patter of rain against the windshield was a stark reminder to Bella Swan that she wasn't in Phoenix anymore. As Charlie's police cruiser wound its way through the verdant maze of Forks, Washington, Bella couldn't shake the feeling that she was entering another world entirely. "You know," came a lilting voice, audible to both Bella and Charlie, "for a town named after cutlery, this place is about as sharp as a spoon." Bella suppressed a snort, glancing at the iridescent dragon perched on her shoulder. Prism, currently no larger than a house cat, had scales shifting in a moody blue-gray to match the overcast sky. Charlie's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, where a much larger, crimson-scaled dragon head was visible in the back seat. "Inferno," he said in a warning tone, "play nice." The red dragon huffed, sending a small puff of smoke curling around Charlie's headrest. "I didn't say anything," Inferno rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly. "You were thinking it," Charlie muttered, then turned his attention back to Bella. "Everything okay, Bells?" he asked, his gruff voice tinged with concern. Bella looked at her father, taking in the worry lines etched around his eyes. "Yeah, Dad. Just... adjusting."
As they pulled up to the modest two-story house that would now be her home, Bella felt a twinge of nostalgia for the summers she'd spent here as a child. Before everything had changed. Before her mother had... "Hey," Prism's voice cut through her brooding, gentler now. "One step at a time, kid. We've got this." Bella nodded as she climbed out of the cruiser. Charlie was already hauling her bags from the trunk, his movements betraying a nervous energy. Inferno shrank down to match Prism's size, perching on Charlie's shoulder.
"I, uh, cleared some space in the bathroom for you," Charlie mumbled, leading the way into the house. "Thanks, Dad," Bella replied, following him up the creaky stairs to her old room. It was largely unchanged, a time capsule of her childhood visits. As Charlie set down her bags, an awkward silence fell between them. They were alike in so many ways—both private, both bearing the weight of a secret that would shake the foundations of the world if discovered. Yet in this moment, they were just a father and daughter, navigating the choppy waters of change.
"Well," Charlie cleared his throat, "I'll let you get settled. School starts tomorrow. You sure you're okay to drive yourself?" Bella nodded, fingering the keys to the old Chevy truck Charlie had bought for her. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks again for the truck, Dad." As Charlie turned to leave, Inferno spoke up. "Remember, young one," he said, his eyes fixed on Bella, "caution above all else. This town holds more secrets than most." Prism rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, we know. Blend in, stay low, don't breathe fire on the locals. We've got it covered, old scale." Charlie and Bella exchanged a look that was equal parts amusement and exasperation at their draconic companions' banter. "Alright, that's enough, you two," Charlie said, shooing Inferno out of the room. "Let's give Bella some space to settle in." As the door closed behind them, Bella flopped onto her bed with a sigh. Prism curled up next to her, scales shifting to a warm, comforting gold. "Home sweet home, huh?" the dragon quipped. "I bet the local wildlife is just thrilled to have two apex predators in town."
Bella rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "We're here to blend in, remember? No dragon business unless absolutely necessary." Prism's eyes glittered with mischief. "Define 'absolutely necessary'." Before Bella could retort, a floorboard creaked outside her door. Charlie's voice came through, soft and uncertain. "Bella? I, uh... I'm glad you're here. Both of you." Bella's throat tightened with emotion. "Me too, Dad," she managed to reply. "Us too," Prism added, loud enough for Charlie to hear. As Charlie's footsteps retreated, Bella turned to her window, gazing out at the misty forest that seemed to press in from all sides. Tomorrow, she would start at Forks High School, just another new girl trying to fit in. If only they knew. "Well," Prism chirped, "look on the bright side. At least there's a low bar for excitement in this town. Who knows? Maybe you'll be voted 'Most Likely to Stay Awake in Class'." Bella chuckled softly, grateful for her snarky companion. As the rain continued its relentless rhythm against the roof, she began to unpack, steeling herself for whatever this new chapter might bring.
Little did she know, in a house on the outskirts of town, a family of vampires was about to have their world turned upside down. And deep in the forests of the Olympic Peninsula, ancient powers stirred, awakening to the presence of the last dragon shifters. Forks was about to get a whole lot more interesting.