#felix volturi x alabaster torrington

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Midnight Roses (1)

AN: This fic contains canon-typical violence and behaviours, manipulation, mentions of death, murder, orphans, pain, blood, blood drinking, torture, memory manipulation, prison, and criminals.

Chapter 1

“Some things will never change,” Rosalie thought with a mental shake of her head after Edward and Bella had left the Cullen’s house.  The family’s return to Forks had been anything but peaceful especially since Edward, Bella and Alice had just returned from Volterra.

Rosalie was mature enough to admit to herself that she was partially responsible for sending Edward to Volterra to face the Volturi.  However, she was also calm enough to realise that Alice and Edward were the main ones to blame for that situation.  Had Alice contacted Edward directly (and Rosalie knew that she could because the two had been in contact during their time away from Forks), this entire situation may have been avoided.

Rosalie knew that some of her family didn’t believe her apology to Bella and Edward was genuine.  That annoyed her.   Rosalie wasn’t one to behave thoughtlessly or recklessly, especially when it came to her family.

All she had been trying to do was remind Edward of the Volturi and their rules when it came to vampires and humans yet it seemed that her adoptive brother had been all too willing to ignore those rules.  Now not only were the Volturi aware of Bella’s existence, but they had also ordered that she be changed into a vampire or face death.

The blonde vampire wasn’t naïve enough to think that if Edward ignored the Volturi’s ruling that Bella’s death would be the only one that the Volturi would seek.  The Volturi would destroy the majority of her family, leaving only the repentant ones.

In this instance, repentant was code for vampires that had a gift that Aro wanted.  While Rosalie knew she was beautiful by human standards and even by vampire standards, she didn’t have a gift that Aro would want to possess which meant that she would be one of the vampires that was killed because of Edward’s disregard of the Volturi’s rules.

Physically shaking her head this time, she walked out of the front door.  The air outside was warm but Rosalie paid it no mind.  She came to a stop twenty metres away from the Cullen house and as she leant against a lush, ancient tree, she closed her eyes.

“I tried to show Bella that being a vampire isn’t a goal she should fight to attain but she chose not to listen to me.  Please, somebody out there, show her that being ‘in love’ with Edward isn’t a good enough reason for her to become a vampire and throw her life away.  Help me.”

Rosalie smelt the change in the air before she felt it.  her eyes snapped open just in time to see a green orb appear in front of her.  She blinked in order to confirm what she was seeing and the orb exploded outwards before she even had a chance to think or yell.

Caught in the grip of the orb, Rosalie was dragged through the air at speeds she didn’t think were possible.  When the orb let her go, Rosalie felt dread curdle in her stomach.

She and her adopted siblings along with Bella were standing in the middle of the throne room in Volterra and the Kings of the Volturi along with the guard were staring at them.  Rosalie’s feeling of dread grew stronger as she noticed the two wives, Athenodora and Sulpicia, were also gazing at the Cullens.

Rosalie had a very bad feeling that the Volturi had been discussing the course of action that they were going to take after Edward’s dramatic actions in Forks and Volterra.

“We did not expect to see you again so soon.”  Marcus intoned gravely, “I am certain however that your arrival has to do with the unexpected appearance of this book.”  Marcus held up a book with a black background and two pale hands cupping a red apple.  Rosalie could easily make out the title of the book from where she was standing.  She had no idea why a section of the day was the book title but that wasn’t her most burning question.

“Great King Marcus,” Rosalie began.  “When did that book appear?”

Aro inclined his head at her polite address of his brother, “It is splendid to see that my old friend Carlisle has taught one of his children how to behave.  To answer your question, this book arrived mere milliseconds after Bella, Edward and Alice left.  It is such a fascinating book.”

Movement caught Rosalie’s eye and she noticed Jasper’s posture change.  “Why do you believe that King Aro?” Jasper asked formally.

Aro smiled, “Because this book is about our dear young friend Isabella Swan of course!”

“You mean that book contains my thoughts and feelings and you intend to read them out loud?!”  Bella gasped.

Rosalie was grateful she didn’t shriek with outrage.  If Bella had, it could have ended very poorly considering where they currently were.

“Oh no, Bella,” Caius stated with a mocking note in his voice.  “You misunderstand.  All of us have already read the book and we have more than a few questions about the content of it.  You have been brought here to answer those questions.”

Emmett moved to stand next to her and she looked into his eyes, which was easy to do because of the heels she was wearing.  Due to their history and the amount of time they spent together, they were easily able to read each other’s body language.  Emmett was curious about this turn of events and Rosalie could tell that he was also curious about the orb that had brought them to Volterra.  Admittedly, Rosalie was curious about that too.  It must have taken a tremendous amount of power and intent to control energy like that.

There was a faint clang that disrupted the silent conversation between Rosalie and Emmett.  Her enhanced senses registered another heartbeat and the soft thudding of footsteps.  Rosalie knew that the Volturi would have been able to detect these new sounds as well yet they didn’t seem bothered by them.

Rosalie saw Bella turn towards the doorway as the unknown individual moved closer.  A young man appeared in the doorway.  Rosalie estimated his age to be around twenty-four at the most.  He was tall although Rosalie observed that he was noticeably shorter than Marcus.  The stranger had calculating green eyes and brown hair that had been neatly styled.

“Alabaster!”  Aro cried joyfully, “Welcome home!  I trust your journey was an eventful one?”

Alabaster had a small smile on his face, “I am glad to be home.”  He commented as he moved toward the dais.  He greeted each member of the Volturi guard individually and Rosalie saw a soft look sweep across his face as he gazed at Felix.

“The Cullens, I assume?” He asked once he had reached the dais.  The brunet stood with his back to the Volturi as he gazed at the guests standing in the throne room.  “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”  He remarked, clasping his hands behind his back, and fixing the family with a shrewd gaze.

Something warned Rosalie that there was more to this young man than met the eye and she chose to hold her tongue.

“Alabaster, you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting young Bella Swan yet, have you?” Aro questioned.  “She is a new addition to the Cullen family.”

Rosalie tensed. 

Alabaster nodded in understanding, “It’s not the first time I’ve heard of a human thinking they’ve fallen in love with a vampire.”

“I am in love with him!” Bella replied heatedly.

“I do love her!” Edward retorted immediately.

Alabaster focused on them.  Edward glared back at him in response.

The staring contest ended a few moments later when Alabaster shook his head dismissively.

“Do you bring news Alabaster?” Marcus demanded.

Alabaster turned to face the King.  “My apologies.  I was distracted. Your mate is tying up a few loose ends and then she will return to Volterra.”

The effect that Alabaster’s words had on the occupants of the room was instantaneous.  The guard stood up straighter and Marcus shifted in his seat.  Rosalie noticed that even the two wives had content expressions on their faces.  The mood in the room changed from a tense one to a relieved, happy one.

“Who are you talking about?” Edward demanded, “Marcus doesn’t have a mate.”

The mood soured again and Jane bared her teeth at the vampire as she stepped forwards, “Be grateful you have been granted awareness of this information.  Few are privy to it.”

“Jane,” Alabaster sighed.  “My father taught me that there is nothing to be gained by arguing with someone ignorant.”

Jane clenched her jaw but stepped back to stand next to her brother.

“Is she…?” Bella asked tentatively.

Alabaster raised an eyebrow, “Ask the question on your mind or remain silent and wonder for the rest of your days.”

“Human.  Is she human like you?”  Bella finished her previous thought and red coloured her cheeks.

“Not that it’s any of your business but she and I are not simply human.”

“You have a heartbeat!”  Alice protested.

“And a heartbeat is an indicator that an individual must be a human?”  Alabaster challenged. 

“As amusing as this interaction is, perhaps we should return to the matter at hand?” Caius prompted.

Alabaster inclined his head and sat down on the steps of the dais.  He grinned up at a beautiful brunette vampire who glided forwards and came to a stop at the foot of the dais.

“Unfortunately Bella the last time you were here we were not introduced.  I am Sulpicia.  Are you aware that you are not Edward’s mate but his Singer?”  Sulpicia questioned.  Her voice was melodious.  Rosalie had never met a vampire who didn’t have a melodious voice and she guessed that was a way to lure their intended prey.  There was something else in her voice though, something old.

Bella looked at the Cullens, mainly focusing on Alice and Edward before she looked at Sulpicia.

“No.  I didn’t know that.”  Bella replied, “What is the difference?”

To Rosalie’s surprise, none of the Volturi snarled in response to her question. 

“Maybe they understand that it’s a genuine question and their anger lies with Edward.” Rosalie thought.

Sulpicia tapped her hand against her thigh.  “It’s a very important difference.  A vampire can never harm their mate because the idea is too repulsive.  However, a Singer has enough power to constantly cause the vampire to crave their blood.  The vampire is at risk of losing all self-control whenever they encounter their Singer.”

“Can a vampire grow to love their Singer?” Bella asked.

“There are instances where that has happened in the past,” Sulpicia admitted.  “Many Singers have been transformed into vampires because the vampire convinced themselves that they loved the human.  Believe me when I say the relationships fizzled out after a short period of time following the Singer’s transformation.”  Sulpicia’s voice held a note of sadness as she finished her sentence.

Bella’s leg twitched like she wanted to step away from Edward.

“My turn.”  Demetri announced.  “What do you like about Edward, Bella?”

“His hair, his eyes, the way he smiles.  My favourite smile of his is the crooked one that he has.”  Bella answered instantly, looking up at Edward.

“Let me rephrase that,” Demetri scowled.  Clearly he was dissatisfied with Bella’s answer.  “What personality traits do you like about Edward?  I know you’re not that shallow that you simply focus on an individual’s appearance.”

The throne room was quiet as Bella tried to find an answer for the tracker.  “He’s a good listener.”  She answered eventually, “He remembers things that I’ve told him.”

“I disagree.”  Felix stated.  “We read that you told him you didn’t want to go to prom long before the two of you encountered James, Victoria, and Laurent.  Following James’ attack and your release from hospital, Edward ignored your wishes and took you to prom.”

“Yes but…”

“But what Bella?”  Alabaster prompted.  His voice was slightly muffled due to the fact that his chin was now resting in his hand. 

“He didn’t want me to miss out on any human experiences because I was dating him.”

“But you told him that you didn’t want to go to prom.”  Alec retorted harshly.  “Weren’t you angry with him for ignoring your wishes?”

“What do you want me to say?” Bella erupted.  “Yes, I was angry with him after he ignored what I said!  My leg was broken in two places and in a cast because of a vampire that attacked me!  I nearly died in that attack!  Maybe that’s why I didn’t protest like I normally would when I realised that Edward had ignored me!”

Edward looked at Bella as if she’d grown a second head.

“They’re not trying to be mean or aggravate you.  Sulpicia, Demetri, Alabaster and Alec are trying to make you understand that your relationship with Edward is not a good one.”

At the same time, Rosalie and Bella spun around to see the new person that had spoken.  Rosalie had that feeling about there being more to the person again when she gazed at the new arrival.

Demetri sped to the newcomer’s side and the two of them had a rapid conversation in Greek. 

Rosalie pivoted around and she saw Alabaster lift his chin out of his hand and smirk at the new arrival.  Marcus’ face looked gentler and kinder as he gazed at the new arrival.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Midnight Roses - Master List

AN: Here is the Twilight x Percy Jackson fic that I promised months ago. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I hope you enjoy the fic as well. Comments and reblogs are very much appreciated! There are some darker elements in this fic; please read the warnings below. The warnings will be the same for every chapter.

This fic contains canon-typical violence and behaviours, manipulation, mentions of death, murder, orphans, pain, blood, blood drinking, torture, memory manipulation, prison, and criminals.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Epilogue

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Midnight Roses (2)

This fic contains canon-typical violence and behaviours, manipulation, mentions of death, murder, orphans, pain, blood, blood drinking, torture, memory manipulation, prison, and criminals.

Chapter 2

The relief on Aro’s face as you stepped into the throne room was visible for everyone to see.

“Our family is whole again.”  He purred, “Welcome home (Name).”

You grinned, “I apologise for the delay in my return.  There were a few pests I needed to deal with.”

“And have they been?” Alabaster inquired.

You shook your head and gazed at your friend with a touch of annoyance, “If they weren’t dealt with, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

“Just checking.  Claymore told me to say hello.”

“Please give my regards to him.”  You replied before greeting Sulpicia, Athenodora, Felix, Jane, and Alec.

Moments later, you climbed the dais and Aro held out his hand.  Without hesitation, you placed your hand in his.  Aro’s eyes glazed over as he viewed your memories.

“You did well,” he praised, releasing your hand.

You greeted Caius with a nod which he returned and after promising to sit down with him for a game of chess, you made your way over to Marcus’ throne.  When you were close enough, the King rested his elbow on the arm of his throne and you linked your fingers with his.

Had you not had visitors, Marcus would have pulled you onto his lap and held you close.  You felt a brief stab of resentment that that wasn’t the case.

“You’re Marcus’ mate!” A golden-eyed, auburn vampire cried.

“And you’re rude.”  Alabaster snapped back. 

“Edward, control yourself.”  Aro chided.

“So, you’re the mind-reader Aro told me about,” you fixed the young-looking vampire with a glare.

“Indeed he is.”  Aro allowed.  “Permit me to introduce you to the Cullens.”

Quickly Aro introduced you to each member of the Cullen family.  Aro introduced Bella last, as she was the youngest of the family, and you focused on her as Caius spoke.

“To further prove that your relationship with Edward is not a good one, can you explain why you were okay with Edward climbing into your room at night to watch you sleep repeatedly?”

“That crosses so many lines,” you spoke before Bella could.  “At the very least, it’s breaking and entering.”

Bella winced, “He said it was soothing.”

“I’m noticing a pattern here,” Jane remarked.  “Everything seems to come down to Edward’s wants and desires.  I believe that is called manipulation and it has no part in a meaningful relationship.”

“I agree,” Rosalie spoke.  Had you met her when you were at Camp before you met the Volturi and found out that you were Marcus’ mate, you would have asked her for styling tips.  There was a casual elegance to her that you found yourself admiring.

“Rest assured, we will definitely be bringing this to Carlisle and Esme’s attention,” she continued.

“There’s no need for that.”  Edward protested, “I was there to protect Bella from harm.  Yes, I did find it soothing but my main intention was to protect Bella.”

“I find that very hard to believe,” Alabaster leant forwards.  “Despite the liberties that some immortals take in our world,” each member of the Volturi knew that he was referencing the Greek gods and not the vampires around the globe, “there are lines that even they do not cross.  Well, except for one immortal.”

“Yes, but he’s never been very good with self-control.”

Alabaster immediately understood who you were referring to.

“What happens now?” Jasper inquired.  There was an undertone in his voice similar to the one Sulpicia had when she spoke.  Like Sulpicia, the undertone in Jasper’s voice suggested that he was much older than he appeared to be but you doubted that he was as old as Sulpicia who had been the last Roman demigod born before Rome fell.

“That is part of our dilemma,” Aro admitted.  “The last time that you visited us, you were permitted to leave under the condition that you were changed into a vampire in the near future as we believed that you were truly Edward’s mate.  Knowing what we do now,” Aro gazed stonily at Edward.  “I do not believe that it would be in any of our best interests if you were to leave here with Edward and resume your relationship as if nothing had occurred.”

“You’re going to force me to stay here?!” The volume of Bella’s voice and the outrage in her tone had the Volturi guard snarling.

“NO!”  Edward roared before going rigid.

“Perhaps then, you would prefer my second suggestion.”  Aro continued as if there had been no interruption. 

“I’m not listening to anything you have to say until she” Bella shot a venomous look at Jane, “stops hurting him.”

“And the gods thought I was petulant,” Alabaster muttered.  You did your best to stifle a snort of amusement.

Edward remained immobile on the floor.

“Jane, you’ve had your fun.”  Aro chided.  “While some of us have eternity to wait until Edward learns manners, others do not.”

Clearly disappointed, Jane released Edward from her control and the young vampire laid on the floor panting unnecessarily.

“My second suggestion is that members of the Volturi guard and perhaps a King,” Aro looked at Marcus from the corner of his eye, “journey with you to Forks.  There we will monitor your relationship with Edward and should we deem it necessary, permanently dissolve the relationship.”

“You have that much power?” Bella gasped.

Demetri smiled mockingly, “And more.”

Marcus’ thumb rubbed reassuringly across your knuckles as he tried to ease your mind.  You knew that he wasn’t fond of leaving Volterra and would not do so unless he absolutely had to.  You forced down the desire to complain.  You had just returned to your mate and now Aro wanted to send him on a mission despite his clear reluctance?  It wasn’t fair.

“You know why he would suggest Marcus over Caius.”  The more rational side of your brain whispered, “Marcus is known for his skills throughout the vampiric world as a diplomat while Caius is known as the ‘blood-thirsty one.’  If a situation were to break out in Forks, Marcus would diffuse it unless it threatened your safety or the Volturi’s.  Then he could be even blood-thirstier than Caius.”

“May I propose a third option, Aro?”

Startled, you gazed at Alabaster who was regarding the Vampire King with a contemplative expression.  Aro’s lips twitched and you realised that Aro had planned this.  The Cullens had acted exactly the way that he knew they would.

Silently and with an amused lilt to his lips, Aro gave Alabaster permission to voice his option.

“I propose that I cast a time distortion spell which will allow Bella and the Cullens to remain in Italy for a week.  Then based on the observations we have made with our own eyes; we shall pass judgement and decide upon our next course of action.”

Emmett stepped forward, “If we spend a week here, how much time will pass in Forks?”

“One hour.”  Alabaster replied.

Emmett grinned, “His proposal sounds reasonable.”

“EMMETT!” Alice shrieked in betrayal.

Rosalie’s jaw locked as she glared at her ‘sister.’  “Be careful how you address my mate.”  She warned threateningly, “Emmett speaks the truth.”

“I agree,” Jasper drawled. 

“Even if Alice and Edward disagree with Alabaster’s proposal, like I think they’re going to, there’s one more opinion to consider.  It’s Bella’s.  The question is: will she agree with Alabaster’s proposal?  Or will she try and maintain her standing in the Cullen family by siding with Edward and Alice?”

“Will the magic have different effects on the different residents of Forks?”  Bella questioned.

Alabaster arched a critical brow, “No.  My magic does not discriminate between what some might call the mythological beings of the world.  One hour for a human will be one hour for a vampire.”

“In that case,” Bella chewed her bottom lip for a few moments before coming to a decision.  “Your proposal makes sense.”

“Splendid!” Aro crowed triumphantly, “Then we shall proceed with Alabaster’s plan.  Cast the spell if you would, Alabaster.”  The delight on his face was visible for everyone in the throne room to see.  Caius, Athenadora and Sulpicia, as well as the guard, had cottoned on to the fact that Aro had manipulated the visitors and it had turned out exactly as he planned.  There were varying degrees of amusement, admiration, and victory on the faces of the vampires in the room. 

Said demigod climbed to his feet and stood at his impressive height of six feet and two inches and focused on his jeans brushing some imaginary dirt off of them.  When his head snapped back up, the varied gasps from the Cullens told you that his green eyes were glowing with the power that he had inherited from his mother.

“Incantare: tardus tempus!” He boomed.

The air around Alabaster flashed green for the tiniest second before the air around the demigod flattened itself out like a wave and pushed forwards rising and accelerating at a rapid, increasing speed.  It passed over the Cullens and Bella.  You had the oddest feeling that the magical wave knew exactly who its intended target was.  Knowing Alabaster as well as you did, you wouldn’t be surprised if the demigod had focused on the destination and beings prior to releasing his magic.

“Now that that has been resolved,” Aro stated smoothly when he was certain that Alabaster’s spell had left Volterra, “perhaps we should show our guests to the rooms that they will be using for the duration of their stay?”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Midnight Roses (5)

This fic contains canon-typical violence and behaviours, manipulation, mentions of death, murder, orphans, pain, blood, blood drinking, torture, memory manipulation, prison, and criminals.

Chapter 5

Athenadora wrapped a hand around your wrist closest to her and pulled you along as she sped through the halls of the castle.  This wasn’t the first time that you had travelled at this speed with her (behind closed doors, Athenadora was quite the thrill seeker – you often wondered whether this was a product of her previous existence and the time period in which she grew up) but it was the first time that the cloying stenches of fear and urgency hung in the air with this much intensity.

“The less our enemies know about your divine parentage, the better.”  Aro had said once when you asked him why he didn’t let you use the full range of your godly abilities.  Caius had agreed and added that if too many supernatural beings observed you using your godly abilities, not only would they be able identify your immortal parent but they would also be able to identify the weaknesses in your defences.

Alabaster was standing in the throne room when you, Athenadora, and Jasper appeared in the doorway.  Claymore was nowhere to be seen.  Felix stood in front of Alabaster protectively with a snarl on his face.  Your own mate was holding Edward by the throat while the younger vampire writhed in his grip.  Metres away, Jane stood next to Aro, glaring at Edward with narrowed eyes. Rosalie and Emmett were glaring furiously at Edward as he twitched. Sulpicia was present as well.  Her hand was wrapped around the left pole of Aro’s throne.

What surprised you the most was not the fact that Alice was standing protectively in front of Bella but the fact that she was glaring intently at Edward.

“You thought that you could abuse our generosity and sneak away from Volterra with your family undetected?”  Marcus snarled furiously.  If your mate’s actions hadn’t clued you in that Edward had grievously offended the Kings then the change in your mate’s words definitely would have.

When Alice spotted you, Athenadora and Jasper, she gently tugged Bella over to the three of you.  The female vampire took great care to walk quickly behind the Volturi guards to reach you; she probably figured that she and Bella would be safer if they were closer to you and Athenadora.

“Edward was plotting to manipulate the Kings’ minds and make them think that their mates were in danger.”  Alice explained in a rush, “The next part of his plan was to depart Volterra with us when the Kings were distracted, knowing that it would take time and resources for the Kings to arrive in Forks.  By that time, he planned to fabricate events after he broke the spell on the residents of Forks and mislead Carlisle and Esme into thinking that the Volturi held us hostage.”

As Alice summarised Edward’s plan you felt your anger grow until it was nearly reaching boiling point.  Your rage amplified Marcus’ and his grip on Edward’s throat tightened.  Spotting this, Jane increased her attack on Edward.

“While the immediate reaction to Edward Cullen’s betrayal is amusing to say the least, we must consider the repercussions of his actions.”  Demitri drawled.

Aro considered Demitri’s words before laying a hand on Jane’s shoulder.  She stared up at Aro and after an unspoken exchange, Jane released Edward.  The vampire went limp in Marcus’ grasp and Marcus threw him onto the floor with a distasteful flick of his wrist.  Despite his aggression, Marcus stepped silently over to your small group.  Your presence appeared to reassure him and the King lost some of his tension.

“Your plans and actions reflect badly upon you, your family and your sire.”  There was no friendliness in Aro’s tone and Edward sensed this.  He kept his gaze locked on the floor.

“The last time that you enjoyed our hospitality, you behaved in a similar manner.  You went so far as to try to attack one of the Guard.  Your attempt was unsuccessful but the fact remains that your intent was to harm one of the Volturi.”  Your eyes widened as your mind attempted to discern who Edward could have tried to attack.

Edward’s eyes cut over to Bella who was steadfastly ignoring him and choosing to peer at Caius instead.

“She will not help you this time.”  Marcus rumbled.  “It is time that you face the consequences of your actions.”

“To punish you is to punish all.”  Aro continued, “You did not consider the consequences of your actions when you brought Bella into our world underprepared.  She was exceedingly fortunate that she did not encounter a Strigoi or Empousai.  Her fate would have been much worse if she had.”

“Do not prolong this Aro.”  Marcus ordered.  “You already know the course of action that you wish to take and I have lost far too much time with my mate as it is.”

“I apologise brother.”  Aro inclined his head, “I know how important our mates are to us.  My judgement is that your relationship with Bella Swan cannot be allowed to continue.”

“And how will you enforce this ban on our relationship?”  Edward challenged.  “Forks and Volterra are quite far apart.”

“With my help and Bella’s permission of course,” Alabaster replied, stepping away from Felix.

“Bella won’t agree to whatever you have planned.”

“I am perfectly capable of making decisions for myself!”  Bella hissed venomously.  “Or did you forget that my vote was the deciding one when we discussed casting the spell on the residents of Forks to slow time?”

You were relieved that Bella had the courage to stand up for herself because prior to her outburst, you were worried that Bella had sacrificed too much of herself to stay appealing to Edward.

“Bella-”

“No Edward!”  Bella cut him off, “I’ve heard what you planned to do and now I want to hear Alabaster’s plan.”

Alabaster paused and you realised that he was waiting for someone to appear.  Part of you wondered whether he was communicating telepathically with whoever it was since that was one of his powers as a child of Hecate.  Within seconds, Chelsea raced to his side.  Fragments of Alabaster’s plan began to piece themselves together in your mind.

“Bella your life has been disrupted too much by the supernatural world.  With my magic, I plan to give you a chance at a normal life away from all of this chaos.  The spell I am intending to cast will bury your memories deep inside your mind.  Your memories will not be the only ones altered.  This spell will alter the memories of every being that calls Forks home, including her supernatural inhabitants.  If you and Edward are truly destined to be together, your memories will return and the sky will glow a radioactive pink for three consecutive years.”

“Alabaster.”  Sulpicia rebuked.  You could tell that her heart wasn’t really in the rebuke as a smile was tugging at the corners of her lips.

“If the universe corrects its mistake and the two of you aren’t destined for each other, your memories will stay forgotten.  This part of your life will be nothing more than a bad dream.  Chelsea is here to ensure that the bond-”

“The frayed and barely functional bond.”  She put in.

“The frayed and barely functional bond,” Alabaster agreed, “is broken painlessly.”

“What about Victoria?” Alice questioned.

“She will be dealt with.  By us.”  Athenadora vowed.

Bella scanned the room.  Her eyes lingered on the Cullens and you saw her mouth move as she focused on Alice.  You couldn’t make out what Bella mouthed to Alice but Alice bowed her head with a devastated expression.

“Do it.”  Bella ordered with a determined tone, “I’m ready.”