Chapter 1

The rain fell in silver sheets over Forks, Washington, turning the sleepy town into a watercolor painting of grays and greens. Inside the sleek black Volvo, Carlisle Cullen glanced at the silent girl beside him.

Mengyun Xing—Star, as she preferred—sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her dark eyes fixed on the blur of trees outside the window. She was beautiful in an unsettling way, like a porcelain doll carved with too much precision. Her skin was pale, nearly translucent, and her black hair fell in a silken curtain down her back. She carried herself with the quiet dignity of someone who had been raised to command.

"You'll find Forks... different from what you're used to," Carlisle said gently.

Star turned her head slightly, just enough to acknowledge him. "I don't expect it to be like home." Her fingers absently touched the star-shaped jade pendant at her throat—the Mengyun family crest. "Just until Mother and Father settle our affairs back home," she reminded herself.

The Cullen house loomed ahead, its glass walls reflecting the stormy sky. As they pulled into the driveway, Star studied the structure with detached interest.

The front door opened before Carlisle could reach for the handle. Edward stood there, golden eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"You must be Edward," Star said, tilting her chin up.

His lips thinned. "And you must be the guest."

Carlisle sighed. "Edward."

Star didn't show any sign of disappointment about not being welcomed. Instead, she offered a small, polite smile—the kind reserved for diplomats and enemies. "I'll try not to be a burden."

Edward's gaze flickered to her pendant. His mind, usually a cacophony of thoughts from others, was surprisingly silent.

"Interesting," Star noted. "He really doesn't want me here."