(Short chapter~Sorry..)
Carlisle saw a familiar car outside. He moved to the door, expecting Frankenstein- his colleague from the hospital, nothing more. But when he opened it, Frankenstein wasn't alone.
A young man stood beside him. His hair was dark, his eyes red, too red. His presence elegant.
Frankenstein didn't look at Carlisle. Instead, he bowed his head slightly. "Dr. Cullen, this is my master, Raizel."
Carlisle's eyes widened. Master? He'd never heard Frankenstein address anyone like that. It was wrong somehow. Especially from someone like Frankenstein.
Carlisle nodded stiffly, instinct making him polite. "Welcome. Please, come in out of the rain."
As Raizel stepped inside, Carlisle finally met his gaze. The moment their eyes locked, something wrong ran through him. He knew that feeling. He hadn't felt it since he was human, a night long ago, a presence in the shadows, eyes that watched without blinking. A Noble, he'd learned later. Powerful. Inhuman. The only reason he'd survived was pity.
But this presence felt heavier, like whatever he'd met back then, multiplied.
Esme, sensing something was off, stepped close. "Carlisle?" she murmured.
He shook his head once, kept his voice steady. "It's fine. Please, both of you..come in."
Inside, the rest of the family was gathered. Edward glanced at Raizel, confusion flickering across his face as he found nothing in the stranger's mind, just like last time.
Frankenstein stayed a step behind Raizel, posture deferential.
Carlisle recovered, just enough to try for normal. "If there's anything you need, you're welcome here."
Raizel simply nodded. "Thank you."
The Cullens watched in silence. The tension in the room was real, no one quite sure who, or what, had just entered their home.