Beginning note: This extra mini-chapter takes place (obviously) somewhere in the sequel and is from Ryan's point of view.

-Ryan: Like a Poison-

For the first time in my life as a vampire, I found it difficult to breathe.

I stood amongst my substitute family in the open field, my head bowed. It was dreary today, not one spot of sunshine, and the wind whipped fiercely in the open space. I was dressed nicely – a suit, if you can believe it – and the combative air currents pressed my shirt and jacket to my chest before tugging it forward.

The entire Quileute tribe was here as well – at least those who were in on the secret. The shape-shifter's stench assaulted my nose but I didn't flinch away this time. It was a relief, almost a mercy that anything at all could distract me from my bipolar, stubborn thoughts.

Edward was speaking now, but I could not focus on anything he had to say. I know I should; I know I should be the one to be giving the speech. But I just couldn't. What would I say? I glanced over at Jasper, who was visibly hunched over from the intense emotions from everyone. Alice curled an arm around him and I breathed in a deep breath, letting it out with a shudder. I had to get a handle on my emotions.

Little Renesme had tears streaking down her face as she held both Jacob's and Bella's hand, and I had to turn away. Esme's nearly-silent sobs were muffled by Carlisle's shoulder; they were clutching each other for dear life. Emmet and Rosalie were more stoic than the rest of us – Rosalie's empty gaze wasn't immediately recognizable as grief, but it was there in her eyes. Emmet blinked rapidly but stood silently and held his wife's hand.

It was hard for anyone to imagine – me especially – that someone like her could be taken away. I suppose as the younger sibling I had always looked up to my sister, though I did not always do as she did. She was my hero, my team-mate; we relied on each other for everything and now she was gone. Just like that. No goodbye, no last words; just a body.

I tightened my grip the handle of my sister's knife and clenched my jaw. They would pay for this; if it was the very last thing I did, I would destroy them all. But especially him. I would take my time with that monster – I would carve him with this knife. It would be poetic, but I don't think I would care.

Billy Black walked forward to give his speech after Edward was finished. "Emily Ambrose was a great friend to me and to the Quileute people," he paused and wiped a tear that fell down his wrinkled cheek. "She did something for me that I thought would be impossible – she gave me back my legs – and I could never repay her for that.

"But the impossible never applied to Emily, from what I have seen. I doubt any other person would have gone to the lengths she had for her family – for her brother. She was fiercely loyal and one hell of a fighter; and I am thankful I knew her in the brief time I spent with her."

My eyes fell to the disturbed plot of dirt that would be Emily's final resting place. I took another deep breath, attempting to douse my rage and slip into numbness. Anything to be rid of the rollercoaster ride of my spiraling emotions.

I stepped forward and kneeled down next to the tombstone. I had to let it all out now. I knew I would never fully heal from this, but I had to try. My dry sobs shook my body and I was thankful that Jasper let me feel this. The sounds and scents around me faded into nothingness as I looked on at all that was left of my best friend and sister.

Emily Mara Ambrose

November 1, 1951 – July 7, 2007

Daughter, sister, friend.

End notes: Unstoppable Force will be posted sometime in early November. It will be the conclusion to this story arc.