#renesmee/alec

[theamityelf]

A compilation of my previous Twilight videos, plus some extra commentary and retrospective thoughts. This is a long'n, so if you want something to pop on while you get some work done, this video can be that for you, lol

[raindancer2004]

Merry Christmas Everyone!! Hope you all have a Wonderful Day!!

[daystar-by-jacqui-natla]

17. AN OFFER

VIOLET KHOTLER

THE NIGHT WAS SHAPING UP TO BE A nightmare of epic proportions. The rain was coming down in sheets, a relentless onslaught that pounded against the earth like a petulant child throwing a tantrum. Once upon a time, I would have revelled in the luxury of a good downpour, but those days were long gone. Now, the rain was nothing more than a nuisance, drenching the trees and soaking nature's grass.

The only sound in the room was the steady ticking of the grandfather clock, a metronome that marked the passage of time as we waited in anxious silence. The guards could be here any moment, and the tension in the air was palpable. We all knew what was at stake.

Ingram was sitting beside me, his arm slung protectively around my shoulders. His touch was grounding, his presence the only thing keeping me from spiraling into the abyss of my own thoughts. I leaned into him, drawing strength from the quiet, steady energy he exuded.

"You're too tense," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I turned my head slightly to meet his gaze. His light gold eyes, usually so sharp and calculating, were softer now, filled with concern. "Can you blame me?" I whispered back.

He didn't respond immediately, just tightened his arm around me and pressed a kiss to my temple. The warmth of his lips against my skin was a brief reprieve from the icy dread that had settled in my chest.

Across the room, Gabriel stood by the window, his silhouette sharp against the rain-slicked glass. His posture was rigid, his golden eyes scanning the storm outside as though he could see through the darkness. Helena was beside him, her arms crossed over her chest, her face unreadable.

"They're close," Gabriel said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

I straightened instinctively, my senses sharpening. Ingram's hand slid down to my waist, his grip firm but reassuring.

"How close?" Simon asked, stepping into the room with Alana close behind. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a tension that betrayed the weight of the moment.

Gabriel didn't turn from the window. "Minutes," he replied, his tone grim. "They're not making any effort to mask their approach."

"Of course they aren't," Alana muttered, her golden eyes narrowing. "They want us to feel their presence before they even step inside."

Joseph's voice carried from the doorway, smooth and laced with tension. "Classic Volturi intimidation tactics. They thrive on fear, on making us doubt ourselves before they've even spoken a word."

He stepped into the room, his gaze sweeping over all of us before settling on Gabriel. "They've slowed down slightly. Likely deciding how to stage their entrance. They'll want it to be dramatic."

A low growl rumbled in Gabriel's chest, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "Let them play their games. It doesn't change the fact that we need to be ready."

Rhona was the last to enter, her movements fluid despite the tension crackling in the air. Her presence was like a blade sliding into its sheath—sharp, purposeful, and undeniably dangerous. Her gold eyes immediately sought out Joseph, and a subtle, unspoken exchange passed between them.

"All the back doors have been locked and secured," Rhona said, her voice calm but laced with steel.

I turned to see Ethan, who had been staring at the active fireplace silently, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering flames. His jaw was set, his usual easy demeanor replaced by something far more serious. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and steady, but there was a sharp edge to it.

"And Leah?"

"She's still in the hidden room with the supplies," Helena replied, her tone firm. "She'll be safe there."

Ethan gave a curt nod, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his fists clenched and unclenched at his sides. He didn't trust the situation—none of us did.

I glanced at Ingram, whose expression mirrored my own unease. We were a family, bound not just by blood or circumstance, but by something deeper, something forged in the crucible of survival. And now, we were about to face the Volturi again — a force that had the power to shatter everything we'd built.

"They're here," Joseph said suddenly, his voice cutting through the room like a whip.

The air seemed to grow heavier, the atmosphere thick with an almost tangible sense of foreboding. Gabriel turned away from the window, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator preparing to strike.

"Everyone knows their roles," he said, his voice a quiet command. "No one acts without my signal."

The room was silent except for the crackle of the fire and the relentless ticking of the grandfather clock. Each second seemed to stretch into an eternity as we waited, the storm outside a mirror of the chaos brewing within.

I felt Ingram's hand tighten on my waist, his touch grounding me even as my nerves threatened to fray. My gaze flicked to the others—Simon and Alana standing side by side, their expressions grim but resolute; Rhona and Joseph, their sharp gazes locked on the front door; Gabriel, a pillar of unyielding strength at the center of it all.

And then, the knock came.

It wasn't a polite knock, nor was it frantic. It was measured, deliberate, the sound echoing through the house like the tolling of a bell.

Gabriel's gaze swept over us, his golden eyes sharp and commanding. "Remember," he said, his voice low but firm. "We don't provoke them. We listen, we assess, and we respond only if necessary."

No one moved as he strode to the door, his posture regal and unyielding. The room seemed to hold its breath as he reached for the handle, the silence so complete that the sound of the latch turning was almost deafening.

The door swung open, revealing four figures standing on the threshold.

Jane, Alec, Felix, and Demetri.

They were exactly as I'd remembered when the confrontation happened —the embodiment of power and menace. Jane's childlike appearance was a stark contrast to the cruel intelligence in her red eyes. Alec stood at her side, his expression unreadable but no less chilling. Felix loomed behind them, his massive frame radiating brute strength, while Demetri's calculating gaze swept over the room like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Gabriel," Jane said, her voice sweet and venomous all at once. "It's been far too long."

Gabriel didn't respond immediately, his gaze steady as he met hers. "Jane," he said finally, his tone as neutral as the expression on his face. "To what do we owe the honor?"

Jane's smile widened, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, we were in the area," she said lightly, her tone dripping with false innocence. "And we couldn't resist paying a visit to such... distinguished company."

Felix let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling through the air like distant thunder. "Distinguished. That's one way to put it."

Demetri's gaze lingered on Joseph for a moment before shifting to the rest of us. "You've been busy," he remarked, his tone casual but laced with meaning. "Quite the little family you've built here."

Gabriel didn't rise to the bait, his expression remaining calm and unreadable. "We value our privacy," he said evenly. "Something I'm sure you can appreciate."

Jane's smile didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something darker in her eyes. "Oh, we do. But privacy is such a fragile thing, isn't it?"

And with that, the four guards stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of weakness. We were all on edge, waiting for the inevitable confrontation that would determine our fate. The night was far from over, and the worst was yet to come.

As his former acquaintances entered the living room, they were met with a cold reception. Jane and Alec, draped in black long-sleeved cloaks, refused to be ushered by Gabriel. They pulled down their hoods, revealing their contrasting hair - Jane's blonde locks and Alec's dark tresses. Meanwhile, Felix and Demetri, donning dark grey cloaks, had already lowered their hoods.

Demetri's red eyes scanned the room, taking in the surroundings before his nose flared at the unpleasant smell. "Nice place you've got," he commented, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Gabriel was quick to respond, "Spring cleaning. We were in the middle of it."

Jane put on her sweet voice, "Lovely little family you've got, Gabriel."

Felix let out a dark chuckle, "I always thought you were living in a cave. I didn't think you would have a coven after what you did."

Gabriel let out a sigh. "I did used to live in the sewers before this, I confess to that."

Jane tilted her head, her smile sharp and mocking. "A step up, then. Though I imagine your neighbours must miss you."

Gabriel's face remained impassive, but the subtle shift in his posture was a warning. He wasn't one to be toyed with, and Jane knew it. Still, her amusement didn't waver.

I could feel Ingram's hand tense on my waist, his body coiled like a spring. I reached down, placing my hand over his to steady him. This wasn't the time to let emotions take over. Not yet.

Gabriel's chalky face grimaced as he turned his back. He grabbed Mum's hand and looked back at his former acquaintances.

Felix sneered, "Why would you introduce your coven members to us?"

Gabriel's golden eyes flashed, but his expression remained composed, his voice steady. "This isn't just a coven. It's a family. Something I doubt you'd understand."

Jane's smile didn't falter, but the glint in her eyes sharpened. "How sentimental of you, Gabriel. I never took you for the nurturing type."

I felt a growl rising in my throat, but Ingram's hand on my waist tightened, a silent reminder to hold my ground. This wasn't the moment to lose control.

One by one, and reluctantly, Gabriel told them our names but never mentioned our gifts and Leah. It was clear that he was trying to protect us from their prying eyes.

The stillness of the air was palpable, and I couldn't help but notice the guards standing before me. Their obliviousness to my presence was almost comical, and I found myself staring at them in disbelief. For a moment, they didn't utter a single word, and I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me like a volcano ready to erupt.

And all I could think about was Bree.

Bree.

Her name was a whisper in my mind, a ghost that refused to be silenced. I clenched my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fought to keep my composure. The memory of her haunted me—her wide eyes, her trembling voice, the way the Volturi had snuffed out her life like she was nothing.

I wouldn't let them do it again. Not to us.

Jane's gaze flicked toward me, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly, and for a terrifying moment, I thought she'd caught the flicker of rage in my expression. But she only smiled, that sickly sweet smile that made my stomach churn.

"And you," she said, her voice syrupy as she tilted her head, studying me like a scientist might study a bug under a microscope. "You must be Violet. Aro told us about you."

Of course he did. We did had a brief conversation at the Cullens' trial considering Renesmee. He did look at me like he was seeing a ghost. I learnt that, from Amun, Stefan and Vladimir, that Aro had a sister named Didyme — a sister who had died long ago, but whose name lingered like a shadow in the Volturi's history. No one knew how she died, but Amun claimed that I looked like her.

But something tells me that they had never met Didyme at all before she died.

I tried to steady my breath, but the memory of Bree, of the way the Volturi had extinguished her life so carelessly, surged through me. The rage that had been simmering beneath the surface threatened to boil over. I clenched my fists harder, my nails digging into my palms, fighting to keep control.

Ingram's hand on my waist tightened, a silent anchor, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this. But even his presence couldn't fully quell the storm inside me.

Jane's smile didn't waver, her red eyes still fixed on me with that unnerving, calculating intensity. "I'm curious," she continued, her voice a sickly sweet lilt. "What is it that makes you so special, Violet? Aro seemed... intrigued by you."

The room felt colder, the weight of her question hanging like a guillotine ready to fall. I knew what she was after—information. The Volturi were always searching for weaknesses, for anything they could use against us. I had to be careful. I couldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me unravel.

I met her gaze with as much composure as I could muster, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "I'm not special, Jane. I'm just another vampire trying to survive in a world that's constantly changing."

Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but it was enough for me to see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She was trying to figure me out, trying to understand why Aro had taken such an interest in me. But I wasn't about to give her the answers she wanted.

Felix's eyes narrowed as he studied me, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face. The intensity of his gaze felt like a weight pressing down on me, his size and strength more than enough to intimidate anyone. I could feel the tension radiating from him, like a storm building just beneath the surface.

"Ah, so this is the one Aro's so interested in," he said, his voice deep and rumbling. "And dare I say, you are beautiful for an immortal."

Ingram tensed beside me, his arm tightening around my waist, but I didn't flinch. I refused to let Felix see how much his words rattled me. The Volturi were masters at psychological warfare, and if I showed even a hint of weakness, they would exploit it.

I met Felix's gaze squarely, forcing my voice to remain calm despite the simmering fury inside me. "I'm not here for your approval, Felix. Nor do I care what Aro thinks."

His smile only widened, amusement dancing in his red eyes. "Oh, I'm sure you don't. But you should know, Aro's interest is never without reason. And I'm sure he'll be very pleased to hear how... charming you are."

I could hear Ingram's growl behind me. "She's already taken," he said, his voice low and firm, the threat in his tone unmistakable.

Felix's grin faltered for a split second, but he quickly recovered, chuckling darkly. "Such a protective one, aren't we?" His eyes flicked toward Ingram, sizing him up. "You must be the one to keep her in check, then."

I could feel the tension rising between us, the air thick with unspoken threats. Ingram's grip on me tightened, but I didn't need his protection—not in the way Felix thought. I wasn't some fragile thing to be guarded. I could hold my own.

"Enough," Gabriel said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. He stepped forward, his posture commanding. "We're not here to entertain you, Felix. If you've come to discuss business, then let's get to it."

Jane's smile never wavered, but there was a glint of something darker in her eyes. "Business, Gabriel? This isn't about business. We want you to help us."

Gabriel's gaze hardened, his golden eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. "Help you?" he repeated, his voice low and controlled, though the weight of the words hung heavy in the air. "I don't think I owe you anything, Jane."

Jane's smile turned colder, her expression never faltering. "Oh, Gabriel, I think you misunderstand," she purred, her voice dripping with venom. "This isn't about owing us. It's about survival. Yours and your little family's."

Alec remained silent, his eyes sharp and calculating as he watched us, but his presence was no less intimidating. Felix, on the other hand, looked as though he were savoring the tension, his predatory grin widening with every passing second.

Demetri's gaze shifted to Joseph, his red eyes narrowing with a quiet intensity. "Oh, I should just..." he was checking his hand. "Hm, what does these humans say all the time? Oh, yes—" he rose his head to face us. "Go straight to the point."

"And what might the point be?"

"To help us, Gabriel," Jane said, her voice soft but urgent. "We need you and your coven to do something for us."

Gabriel waited, his own arms folded, his gaze fixed on Jane. "Go on," he said, his voice steady. "Tell me what you need."

"We've been searching for a vampire named Joham," Alec continued, frustration etched on his face.

Gabriel's eyes flickered with interest, though his expression remained guarded. "Joham?" he asked, his voice cool. "What makes you think we can help you find him?"

Jane's smile was tight, her patience clearly wearing thin. "Joham is a rogue vampire," she explained, her voice dripping with disdain. "He's been causing... problems. His experiments have gone too far, and now we need him neutralized before he becomes a real threat."

Felix let out a low, menacing chuckle. "He's been playing with fire, and now it's time to burn him down."

Gabriel remained silent for a moment, his golden eyes flicking to each of us in turn. I could feel the weight of the decision hanging in the air, the tension building as we waited for his response.

"You want me to hunt down a rogue," Gabriel said, his tone flat, "and eliminate him. Just like that?"

Jane smiled. "Just like that."

The memory of the confrontation flooded my mind, like a wave crashing onto the shore. Alice and Jasper had been the ones to bring Nahuel and his aunt forward, revealing the dark deeds of his father. But as they spoke, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. This had nothing to do with us, or Gabriel for that moment.

I clenched my fists, willing myself to remain seated and composed. My mask firmly in place, I asked the question that had been gnawing at me. "Why do you want us to do it?"

Demetri's voice rose, yet remained composed as he gestured out of the window. "Because you're not on anyone's radar," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "You're off the grid, Gabriel. Your little family operates in the shadows, unseen and unnoticed. That makes you perfect for this task."

Gabriel's expression darkened, his golden eyes narrowing. "So, you want us to do your dirty work while you sit back and watch from your ivory tower?"

Jane's smile returned, sharp and cold. "It's not dirty work. It's justice. Joham's actions threaten the balance we've worked so hard to maintain. Surely you understand the importance of order."

Gabriel let out a bitter laugh, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Order? Is that what you call it? The Volturi's version of order has always been about control, not balance."

Felix took a menacing step forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the room. "Careful, Gabriel," he growled. "You wouldn't want to test our patience."

Ingram shifted beside me, his muscles taut as a coiled spring. I could feel the barely contained fury radiating from him, but I placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stay calm. This wasn't the time for a fight—not yet.

"You've faced tougher challenges than this, yet you're struggling to handle it!" I said, my voice tinged with brief anger.

Gabriel quickly hushed me, sensing the tension in the room. Felix, on the other hand, released a low growl, attempting to intimidate me. But I refused to back down.

Ingram stepped forward slightly, placing himself between me and Felix, his golden eyes blazing with defiance. "She's right," he said, his voice steady but filled with restrained fury. "If Joham is such a problem, why haven't you handled him yourselves? Or are you afraid he might be more than you can handle?"

Felix's growl deepened, but Jane raised a hand, silencing him. Her crimson eyes flicked between Ingram and me, her expression unreadable. "Such boldness," she said, her tone almost amused. "But I suggest you tread carefully. You're speaking to the law itself."

Gabriel's voice cut through the tension, calm but commanding. "Enough," he said, stepping forward to place himself at the forefront once again. "If you want our help, you'll need to be honest with us. Why is Joham such a threat that even the mighty Volturi can't deal with him alone?"

Jane hesitated for the briefest moment, a flicker of something—uncertainty, perhaps—crossing her face. Then she spoke, her tone measured. "Joham has created something... unnatural. A hybrid army. And he's no longer content to keep them hidden. If he succeeds in his plans, it could expose our kind to the human world in ways we cannot control."

Alec added, his voice low and tense, "He's gone rogue, even by our standards. He's unpredictable, and his hybrids are dangerous. We can't afford to risk an all-out war with him—or worse, human discovery."

The room fell silent as the weight of their words sank in. Gabriel's expression was unreadable, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind, calculating the risks and weighing our options.

"You expect us to put our lives on the line for this?" Rhona asked, her voice sharp. "To clean up your mess?"

Demetri's gaze snapped to her, his tone cold and clipped. "It's not just our mess. If Joham succeeds, it will affect all of us. Your family won't be safe either."

Gabriel held up a hand, silencing both sides. "We need time to consider this," he said firmly. "This isn't a decision we can make lightly."

Jane's smile returned, though it was more of a smirk this time. "Of course," she said sweetly. "Take all the time you need. But remember, Gabriel, the clock is ticking. And so is our patience."

With that, the Volturi guards turned and began to make their way toward the door. But before they left, Jane glanced back at me, her crimson eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Oh, and Violet," she said, her voice like silk. "Aro sends his regards."

The door closed behind them, leaving the room in heavy silence. The tension lingered like a storm cloud, and I could feel the weight of their visit pressing down on all of us.

Gabriel turned to face us, his golden eyes scanning the room. "We need to talk," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "Now."

Joseph attempted to lighten the mood. "Well, that could have gone worse."

"Go and get Leah," Gabriel ordered, his voice thick with emotion.

"Finally!" Ethan shouted and we all looked at him; his composure changed. "I mean, on it."

He followed Helena to the fireplace and the fire immediately died out.

The room remained heavy with the tension left in the Volturi's wake. Gabriel's golden eyes swept over each of us, his usually calm demeanor strained. I could feel the weight of the decision hanging over him, the burden of protecting his family clashing with the danger of entangling us in the Volturi's schemes.

Ethan disappeared with Helena, leaving the rest of us in the suffocating silence. Ingram's hand still rested protectively on my waist, but his fingers twitched slightly—a sign of his barely contained anger. I reached up and placed my hand over his, grounding him as much as myself.

Gabriel finally broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "This isn't just about Joham," he said, pacing the room. "It never is with the Volturi. They always have another angle."

Rhona crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "So, what do we do? Play along? Or fight them off when they come back?"

Joseph leaned casually against the wall, though his lighthearted attempt at humor had faded. "Fighting them isn't exactly an option, Rhona. Not unless we've got a death wish."

I couldn't help but speak up, my voice sharper than I intended. "They're afraid of him. Joham. That's why they're here. They don't want to risk their own necks."

Gabriel stopped pacing, his eyes locking on mine. "Exactly," he said, his tone grim. "Which makes this even more dangerous. If Joham has created a hybrid army and the Volturi are too cautious to face him directly, it means he's a threat unlike anything we've dealt with before."

Simon stepped forward, his voice tight with frustration. "And they want us to deal with it? What happens when we're the ones caught in the crossfire? Or worse—when they decide we're a liability?"

Gabriel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's why we need to be careful. We can't let them manipulate us into doing their dirty work without understanding the full picture."

The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway as Ethan and Helena returned, Leah trailing behind them. Her deep brown eyes scanned the room, taking in the tension with a single glance.

"Well," she said, her voice dry. "Looks like I missed quite the show."

Gabriel turned to Leah, his expression a mixture of relief and urgency. "Well, the good news is that they didn't arrive for you."

Leah raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And the bad news?"

"Joham," Gabriel replied, his voice heavy. "They want us to hunt him down. Apparently, he's been creating hybrids—an army of them. They claim he's a threat to all of us."

Leah's jaw tightened, her sharp features hardening. "And they expect us to clean up their mess?"

"Exactly," Rhona muttered, her tone laced with bitterness. "Because we're so expendable in their eyes."

"And none of you find this weird?"

"What do you think mean?" Alana asked, looking at her.

"Well, Violet's tapes about her mother's past, connected to Joham," Leah explained. "The tapes goes missing and not mention the Volturi is suddenly at our doorstep, asking us to deal with Joham. Seems like more than just coincidence to me."

The room fell silent as Leah's words sank in. She was right—there was a connection here, something deeper than what the Volturi had revealed. My stomach churned at the thought of those tapes, the secrets they held about my mother's past and how they might be tied to Joham's twisted experiments.

Gabriel's expression darkened, his golden eyes flickering with a mix of anger and concern. "You think the Volturi took the tapes?" he asked, his voice low.

Leah shrugged, her gaze unwavering. "It's possible. Or maybe Joham did. Either way, someone doesn't want us knowing the full story."

Ingram's hand tightened on my waist, his voice a low growl. "If they think they can manipulate us like this, they're in for a rude awakening."

Joseph sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This just keeps getting better and better. So, what's the plan? We can't just sit here and wait for them to make the next move."

Gabriel nodded, his posture tense but resolute. Helena's delicate fingers traced patterns on his forearm, a gesture of love and concern.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" she whispered, her voice soft and soothing.

His response was equally tender, his eyes meeting hers with a depth of feeling that spoke volumes. "Yes, love," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude and affection.

But as I watched this intimate moment unfold, I couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. After all, Gabriel had been hiding from the Volturi for centuries, and now, here we were, thrust into their crosshairs, their demands threatening to unravel everything he had worked so hard to protect. His love for Helena, his family, his coven—it was all on the line.

He gently caressed her hands, feeling her skin against his own. His forehead rested against hers, a gesture of comfort and reassurance. The man before me was clearly frightened, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape.

Alana, unable to bear the tension any longer, strode over to the table and picked up the TV remote. She clicked it on, the sound of the news filling the room. It was a welcome distraction from their troubles, if only for a little while.

Leah looked at Alana with a quizzical expression, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Alana, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Alana's fingers danced over the remote control as she pressed the button to switch on the TV. "I'm checking the weather," she replied, her eyes fixed on the screen.

Leah's confusion deepened. "The weather? Why do we need to check the weather?"

Alana turned to face her friend, a serious expression etched on her face. "Because if it's sunny, we need to make plans. We can't waste on times like this."

The TV flickered to life, and Alana quickly tuned into the BBC news channel. A woman with piercing blue eyes and short dark hair sat behind a large desk, her green-sleeved top hugging her curves. The BBC logo glowed in the corner of the screen, as the news ticker scrolled from right to left.

Suddenly, the news anchor's voice cut through the silence. "Another woman has been found dead in the alleyway at Bengal Court this morning," she announced, her tone grave. "The woman was identified as Nancy Clarke, a twenty-two-year-old student. She is the seventh victim of the notorious serial killer, Dark Angel."

Leah's eyes widened in horror as she listened to the news. "Oh hell," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "This is getting out of hand."

The name 'Dark Angel' had a certain allure to it, one that could easily capture the attention of anyone who heard it. The latest victim, Nancy Clarke, was the unfortunate seventh to fall prey to this mysterious entity. I couldn't help but wonder if there was a connection to Joham, or perhaps even something more sinister at play. Could it be a vampire who had carelessly left the body behind? If so, they had done a terrible job of disposing of it.

Joseph spoke up, "This seems like a promising lead to investigate."

"I couldn't agree more," Gabriel replied.

Leah let out a groan, "Can I at least get some rest? You guys don't need sleep, but I sure as hell do."

"Of course, take all the time you need," Ethan reassured her.

"We'll reconvene in a few hours," Gabriel declared, and we all nodded in agreement. The hunt for the Dark Angel had only just begun.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

I'm gonna build on that "Jane and Alec in SAO" ask.

It's been years since I saw the anime, and I barely remember it anyway. But, I think the way the VR machine works is that it puts you to sleep and you're essentially lucid dreaming when you play. Since it's designed to work on humans that can sleep, it wouldn't work on vampires who brains simply can't switch off like that.

So, Jane and Alec would just be disappointed their new VR game won't work for them. They don't get stuck in the game, and the world avoids the vampire apocalypse.

Now Renesmee on the other hand, she can sleep. And the Cullens probably did get that new VR machine for her to play...

Anon's referring to this post.

Ah, one of those, I see. Yes, Jane and Alec are sad because they can't play the video game in the first place and these stupid VR games made for stupid humans while Jane and Alec have to play Atari like n00bs.

And god, poor Renesmee, stuck in a video game thanks to a combination of Jacob, Emmett, and Aunt Alice.

[saritathefictionist]

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: Twilight Series - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight Series - All Media Types, Twilight (Movies), Twilight Saga Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Jane/Embry Call, Edward Cullen/Bella Swan, Alec/Renesmee Cullen, Jacob Black/Renesmee Cullen, Jacob Black/Leah Clearwater, Jane (Twilight)/Original Character(s) Characters: Jane (Twilight), Jacob Black, Jasper Hale, Bella Swan, Alec (Twilight), Embry Call, Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Aro (Twilight), Caius (Twilight), Marcus (Twilight), Sulpicia (Twilight), Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen, Esme Cullen, Leah Clearwater, Emmett Cullen, Quileute Shifters (Twilight), The Volturi (Twilight), Cullen Family (Twilight), Demetri (Twilight), Felix (Twilight), Zafrina (Twilight) Summary:

(Also Known as Evil Angel on FFN - This is the updated version) Jane, a dedicated Volturi member, strictly follows Aro's vampire laws. When Aro offers her a chance to enhance her powers, it leads her to an unexpected encounter with Embry, a wolf shifter from Jacob Black's pack. Their connection defies Aro's rules, risking their hidden world. Jane and Embry's love grows in secret, but the danger of exposure looms. Jane faces a choice: betray Embry or defy Aro for love.

[jessicanjpa]

Another one for the fake fics: “Teenagers” (with Maggie, Benjamin, Tia, Renesme, and Seth)

(from the Fake Fic ask game)

Disgusted with the uncertain status quo after Breaking Dawn, several of the younger gifties leave their covens and band together to protect themselves from the greed of the Volturi. Benjamin and Tia, being the oldest, are the elected "parents" of the new Kid Coven. They welcome newcomers with open arms. Rebel Toddler Renesmee? Sure! A young werewolf? Why not? But when Jane and Alec show up asking to be "adopted" one day, things get a little more complicated.

[janevolturi]

also im def back to writing fic im gonna finish the one teen me wrote but then im actually going to really get into volturi character study

[scvereignreignedarchived]

Tag Drop - Rosalie Hale ( part 1)

🌹🩸– rosalie

🌹🩸– edward

🌹🩸– alice

🌹🩸– bella

🌹🩸– esme

🌹🩸– renesmee

🌹🩸– carlisle

🌹🩸– emmett

🌹🩸– victoria

🌹🩸– james

🌹🩸– laurent

🌹🩸– jasper

🌹🩸– jacob

🌹🩸– aro

🌹🩸– cauis

🌹🩸– marcus

🌹🩸– jane

🌹🩸– seth

🌹🩸– charlie

🌹🩸– leah

🌹🩸– paul

🌹🩸– irina

🌹🩸– kate

🌹🩸– demetri

🌹🩸– alec

[tragcdysewn]

"of course it was. how else would you take that?" she asks, raising one eyebrow with a confused expression. "there's never anything right around here, come on."

alec frowned ❝ it was a compliment? alright, thank you? truth be told, i have no idea what i am doing. now it seems too there's something not right around here ❞

[fashionteahouse]

ultimate master list vol. 2

started: 10/12/2024

updated: 12/18/2024

~ heyy beautiful people, I didn’t know there was a 100 link post limit sooo u can still click the master list link to view the 1st one. I have decided to create this •master list• to make my page more easier to navigate and enjoy :) i take requests so feel free to drop whatever you want because I write everyday! the wolfpack is my preference but I will write for any other twilight characters as well :> however, I wont write about jacob black x renesmee and quil x claire xoxo (plagiarism of my writing is NOT allowed)

Twilight Saga

moodboards

alice cullen

rosalie hale

alec volturi

caius volturi

victoria

paul x reader home

edward cullen

la push, washington

jasper hale

wolfpack imagines

paul lahote

still sane

biting down

feel good

i think

guilty conscious

xo

just for now

hit me where it hurts

melting

infatuation

fallen alien

super freak

no problems

an angel cried

sweet insomnia

taking responsibility

bb

now or never

my sister says the saddest things

come on let’s go

door

hit me where it hurts part 2

where do we go

door part 2

it’s nice to have a friend

all for us

hold no grudge

so hot you’re hurting my feelings

sticky

how to disappear

embry call

forget it

know the way

cross you out

which way

freedun

which way part 2

l$d

coming back

lonely star

l$d part 2

take it back

the man with the axe

jacob black

rumors

sam uley

plastic doll

sour candy part 2

jared cameron

love scars

seth clearwater

billions

robbers

you’re not the one

judge judy

supernova pt 2

save me

on earth

kiss me more

disease

quil ateara

eventually

leah clearwater

kill v maim

what a girl wants

official

out of the woods

never be the same

reader x paul x embry x seth

wanted u

wanted u part 2

wolfpack smut

paul lahote

pretty

nsfw alphabet hcs

sfw alphabet hcs

quil x embry x reader

groupie love

wolfpack series

out of your league part 12

out of your league part 13

out of your league part 14

out of your league part 15

out of your league part 16

out of your league part 17

out of your league scenario (paul’s version)

out of your league part 18

out of your league part 19

out of your league part 20

out of your league part 21

out of your league part 22

wolfpack blurbs

pack x reader

444+222

sundress

tongues

heat

ideal

vampire imagines

alec volturi

ghostride

caius volturi

don’t forget

plans

twilight imagines

victoria

life in the vivid dream

trans!jacob black x alice cullen

snow on the beach

[hotelsrexford]

ROLEPLAY PARTNERS WANTED ! ! ! !

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ┊ hi ! i'm KAYLA (25f). i've been roleplaying since i was wayyyyy too young. i've recently gotten into discord roleplay, and am looking for people to write with. i'm write a few paragraphs, but i'm not super picky on length. i try to match the energy i'm given. mainly mxf pairings, but that is by no means a hard set preference. i will only write with 18+ so, minors DNI ! ! ! below are a list of my fandoms. i do canon x canon, and canon x oc. if the character is bolded than i would prefer to write them in the ship, otherwise there is no preference. just ask and we can plot things out ! i also am not in just these fandoms below, i have a wiiiiide variety of interest. so PLEASE, ask ! [ my discord is zelonq. ]

FANDOMS:

HARRY POTTER (open to many ideas)

lucius x narcissa , regulus x marlene, fred weasley x beauxbaton's oc, sirius black x arabella figg, rowena ravenclaw x godric gryffindor, tom riddle x oc.

HELLUVA BOSS / HAZBIN HOTEL (open to the ideas below and many more.)

verosika mayday x vox , lucifer x oc , vox x oc, adam x oc, stolas x blitz

TWILIGHT (open to ideas)

alec volturi x renesmee, angela webber x paul lahote

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

gustav sebald x duchess of winnipeg, kit snicket x olaf, beatrice x lemony

FALLOUT (tv and games- open to sooo many)

arthur maxson x oc, nick valentine x oc, 76!oc x johnny weston,

RANDOM ! ! !

frances mosses x doorman!oc (that's not my neighbor!), elle woods x emmett forrest (legally blonde), coraline x wybie,

i also will write some dc, just depends on the ship !

[the-dawn-star]

Few stupid and less stupid headcanons of the Twilight universe. 

A/N: These are my own opinions and I realized that I had a lot less to say about the Twilight universe than I had with TVDU. @sarahelizabeth_talks on TikTok is amazing and I pretty much agree with her every Twilight take. The stupid ones are more like they don’t have any canon content behind them so they are just what I think of. 

-S 

+400ish words. 

The less stupid ones…

Jane and Alec view Aro as their dad and on the other hand Aro is super protective of them (especially with Jane). More than once over the centuries the twins have called Aro their father as an accident and Aro respectfully ignores it because he knows that if the twins had realized it they would have been mortified with shame. 

All of the higher Volturi guards have movie nights where they talk shit and talk about any drama that’s happening with the lower guards. They also get jealous when Aro is trying to make a vampire join the coven because of their powers. 

Carlisle and Aro were dating when Carlisle was a part of the coven. (Fight with the wall.) (I feel like I want to write a gothic, dark academia, religious undertones fic about them!!) 

Carlisle was born in the 1700s so he is quite religious and he goes to church with Esme on major holidays. It makes him feel more human and helps him to remember how he doesn’t want to hurt people. 

Rosalie and Emmett get married again every once in a while, that’s a fact. But I think Rosalie’s dresses are never pure, stark white. She likes to be a bit out of the box with stuff like this. 

Jessica will be a successful woman who takes no shit from anyone. She and Angela will stay as really good friends their whole life. (Justice for the human characters!!)

The stupid ones…

After a few years of happy family life, Bella will break up with Edward and they try to co parent Rigatoni (Renesmee) but both of them are really bad at it. (After that Bella will start to drink human blood and Edward will be disgusted by it.)

Renaissance (Renesmee) will be weirded out when she realizes that her parents were so okay with the whole imprinting thing. For a while she doesn’t speak to anyone of the coven + Jacob. 

If you read the similar post about the TVDU, in that one I said that all vampires are some sort of queer and I would like to say the same shit with this universe too but fuck Twilight vampires are so heteronormative. 

All of the Cullens have so many unpaid speeding tickets and that's one reason why they have to move around. They also owe millions to the tax department. 

Caius is a fashion nerd. The man loves expensive and luxurious clothing. 

Jacob in his wolf form once slipped while running next to a river. He fell into the water being drenched. Later, all of the pack members laughed at him and he is still a bit embarrassed about it but it’s all in good fun. 

Bella was really grossed out when in New Moon Edward states that he is like 109 and for a moment Bella was ready to break up with him.

~~~

Feel like you want to support me via Kofi? No preasure tho!

[zapreportsblog]

Felix Volturi x Tall Cheetah shapeshifter Reader

This is after the battle to see if Renesmee is an immortal child or not.

The Volturi kings send Felix, Demetri and the twins to do a check up on The Cullens. Felix meets his mate during this checkup. She is really tall like 6 ft 2, has several tattoos and He was not expecting that. She has long black hair and tan skin. She also has martial arts and does boxing. She also plays piano and can sing. He does not find out she can shapeshift until they go back to the castle where Caius- his dramatic ass thinks the reader is wolf shapeshifter because she does smell human. He insults her but she just laughs not affected and shapeshift into a cheetah, walks over to him and demands head scratches.

I feel like Felix sometimes is insecure because of his height because he towers over everyone. He needs some love.

Feel free to change anything.

Good morning 🌞 let’s get this show on the road

❝unexpected bond❞

✭ pairing : felix volturi x reader

✭ fandom : twilight x reader

✭ summary : (y/n) is the mate of felix and he finds this out by paying the cullens a visit

✭ authors note : I got bacon cooking

✭ twilight masterlist

The aftermath of the tense standoff with the Volturi left the Cullen family both relieved and apprehensive. The fate of their half-mortal, half-vampire daughter, Renesmee, had hung in the balance. Aro's cold, calculating eyes had searched for signs of an immortal child, while Edward and Bella stood on edge, defending their unique family.

Weeks had passed since that encounter, and the Cullens had settled back into their tranquil existence in the lush forests of Forks. The peace, however, was punctuated by the unexpected arrival of four Volturi guards: Felix, Demetri, and the formidable twins, Alec and Jane.

Esme greeted them with a cautious smile, an attempt at diplomacy to mask the tension that always lingered when the Volturi were concerned. Carlisle, as always, maintained an air of calm professionalism, ready to cooperate in whatever manner necessary. The Cullen clan, a united front, gathered in the spacious living room to face the impending scrutiny.

Alec's sharp gaze swept over the room, his gift already on display, a quiet but potent reminder of the danger he posed. Jane's small frame stood beside him, her lips curled in a faint, knowing smile, her power too well-known to the Cullens to be underestimated.

Demetri, always the mediator, offered a polite nod to the Cullens before his eyes landed on Renesmee, who peered curiously from behind Bella. It was Felix, however, who stepped forward with a mixture of wariness and intrigue.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 2 inches, Felix's presence was undeniable. His chiseled features and deep-set eyes gave him a rugged charm that belied his lethal nature. His gaze, however, was momentarily diverted from the task at hand when it fell upon you.

You were a surprise, a friend of the Cullens visiting during this critical juncture. Your tall, statuesque form stood out even in the supernatural crowd. Your arms bore an intricate tapestry of tattoos, each telling a story only you could decipher. Felix, who had expected a mere mortal, was taken aback by the intensity of your aura.

You caught his gaze, your own eyes holding a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Meeting the guards of the Volturi was nothing short of unsettling, but it seemed that fate had other plans. As Felix's eyes locked onto yours, something shifted within him. A connection sparked, a pull that neither of you could ignore.

"Ah, the Cullens are never ones to disappoint with their company," Aro's voice cut through the silence, bringing Felix's attention back to the situation at hand. The Volturi king's gaze shifted from you to the rest of the family, his interest piqued by the unexpected dynamics that seemed to be unfolding.

As the examination continued, Felix's thoughts wandered back to you. There was an unspoken understanding, a recognition of something profound. Despite the circumstances, he found himself drawn to you in a way he hadn't anticipated. And in the heart of a tense moment, amidst immortal beings and fragile alliances, a bond was forming that would forever alter the course of both your lives.

Days turned into weeks, and the connection between Felix and you deepened in the most unexpected of ways. While the Volturi guards remained stationed in the area, Felix found himself drawn to your presence like a moth to a flame. From his vantage point, he observed you with a mix of fascination and intrigue.

He learned that you possessed an aura of strength that transcended your physical appearance. The Cullens had mentioned that you were proficient in martial arts, a detail that intrigued Felix immensely. He often watched from a distance as you practiced your forms, your movements precise and controlled. The way you carried yourself spoke of discipline and determination, qualities he couldn't help but admire.

On weekends, he noted, you would disappear for a few hours, only to return with a subtle glow of satisfaction. A conversation overheard revealed that you indulged in boxing lessons, a fact that amused Felix. The contrast between your ethereal appearance and your fierce pursuits was nothing short of captivating.

But it was during a quiet evening at the Cullens' home that Felix discovered yet another layer of your complexity. Unnoticed by everyone, he observed you seated at the grand piano in the living room. As your fingers danced across the keys, a melody emerged, one that resonated deep within him. The haunting notes held a mixture of sadness and longing, a reflection of the immortal existence he had come to accept.

But it wasn't just your instrumental prowess that held Felix's attention. To his surprise, you began to sing, your voice a clear and melodious accompaniment to the piano's melancholic tune. The combination was nothing short of enchanting, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away.

As you sang, Felix's thoughts were drawn back to the bond that had formed between you. He recognized that there was more to you than met the eye, a complexity that mirrored his own existence. The pull he felt was inexplicable, a connection that defied reason. It was a bond that transcended words and logic, one that left him both bewildered and oddly comforted.

In the days that followed, Felix found himself drawn to your presence even more. He would steal moments to watch you, to absorb the essence of who you were. He marveled at the way you navigated your interactions with the Cullens, your genuine friendship evident in the way you interacted with them.

Despite his guarded nature, Felix felt a growing desire to know you better. He longed to understand the intricacies of your mind, the stories behind your tattoos, and the experiences that had shaped you into the person you were. It was a longing that both excited and terrified him, a vulnerability he had never anticipated feeling.

And so, as the days turned into nights, Felix found himself walking a delicate path, teetering on the edge of a newfound connection that had the power to change his eternal existence in ways he could never have foreseen.

The passage of time had done little to quell the ever-present tension between the Cullens and the Volturi. The familiar chill ran down their spines as the Volturi kings, Aro, Caius, and Marcus, along with their guards, descended upon the Cullens' tranquil abode once more.

As the Volturi leaders entered the Cullens' living room, their piercing eyes took in every detail. Aro's keen interest scanned the faces before him, Marcus's distant gaze seemed to penetrate the very souls of those present, and Caius's disdainful sneer barely concealed his contempt.

Caius, always the most outspoken and critical of the three kings, couldn't help but fixate on you as he surveyed the room. There was something different about your scent, something that didn't quite align with the familiar fragrance of humans. His lip curled in a silent snarl as his suspicions grew.

"Ah, the Cullens have expanded their company since our last visit," Caius drawled, his voice dripping with disdain. "A wolf shapeshifter, perhaps? It seems our hosts have chosen rather exotic companions."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable as his words hung in the air. However, instead of appearing offended or intimidated, you let out a musical laugh, the sound ringing with genuine amusement.

"Oh, mister, how your imagination runs wild," you replied, your tone light and teasing. "I'm not a wolf shapeshifter. But I do have a little secret."

As you spoke, you felt a thrill of excitement ripple through you. The moment had come to reveal a side of yourself that had remained hidden until now. With a subtle shift, your form shimmered, and before the astonished eyes of the Volturi, you transformed into a sleek and powerful cheetah.

The room erupted in shocked gasps and murmurs as the cheetah prowled forward, your eyes holding a mixture of confidence and challenge. In an audacious move, you approached Caius, who seemed momentarily taken aback by the transformation.

"Seems you've made a miscalculation, dear Caius," you purred, your voice taking on an unexpected and exotic resonance. "I'm no ordinary companion. And I demand some respect... and head scratches."

With a surprising mix of amusement and disbelief, Caius hesitantly extended his hand to scratch the cheetah's head. The gesture seemed almost absurd given the circumstances, yet there was an undeniable camaraderie between you and the normally rigid Volturi king.

The room was filled with a strange mixture of tension and astonishment, with even the usually composed Felix appearing surprised by your transformation. His eyes held a mixture of wonder and understanding, as if he were finally realizing the depth of your uniqueness.

As the encounter unfolded, it became clear that you were a force to be reckoned with, a blend of strength and enigma that defied expectations. And in that moment, a silent understanding passed between you and Felix—a recognition of the bond that went beyond the boundaries of the supernatural world they inhabited.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

Which vampire child is more sad and lonely and ignored? Renesmee or Jane/Alec?

At the moment or in the long run?

In the long run, I'd say Renesmee. The Jacob thing's a ticking time bomb and no matter how it goes down she'll discover her family was a lie and they all have... priorities that aren't her...

Jane and Alec at least have each other and know where they stand. Their world is a much more honest (if brutal) one.

[saritathefictionist]

Chapters: 3/? Fandom: Twilight Series - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight Series - All Media Types, Twilight (Movies), Twilight Saga Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Jane/Embry Call, Edward Cullen/Bella Swan, Alec/Renesmee Cullen, Jacob Black/Renesmee Cullen, Jacob Black/Leah Clearwater, Jane (Twilight)/Original Character(s) Characters: Jane (Twilight), Jacob Black, Jasper Hale, Bella Swan, Alec (Twilight), Embry Call, Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Aro (Twilight), Caius (Twilight), Marcus (Twilight), Sulpicia (Twilight), Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen, Esme Cullen, Leah Clearwater, Emmett Cullen, Quileute Shifters (Twilight), The Volturi (Twilight), Cullen Family (Twilight), Demetri (Twilight), Felix (Twilight), Zafrina (Twilight) Summary:

In the realm of affection, there exists a love that surpasses all barriers, a love so exquisite that it compels us to brave any impediments it encounters. It is a love that stirs the depths of our souls and ignites an eternal flame within our hearts, an ardor worth relentlessly pursuing. (Also Known as Evil Angel on FFN - This is the updated version) Jane, a dedicated Volturi member, strictly follows Aro's vampire laws. Aro offers her a chance to enhance her powers, leading to an unexpected encounter with Embry, a wolf shifter. Their connection defies Aro's rules, risking their hidden world. Jane and Embry's love grows in secret, but the danger of exposure looms. Jane faces a choice: betray Embry or defy Aro for true love. This Twilight fan fiction explores love, danger, self-discovery, and the heart's resilience against threats.

[archoniluthradanar]

After the Confrontation

After the Confrontation : a Volturi one-shot

What happened when the Volturi returned home after meeting with the Cullens and their witnesses in America. Not everyone was happy with Aro's decision to refuse to fight, but then they did not see what Aro had seen. Does he dare tell them?

oooooooooooooooooooo

The Volturi had returned to Volterra and the sanctuary that was their castle, after their confrontation with the Cullens. Everyone had retired to their individual rooms to change from their battle dress and back into their everyday clothing.

Aro's thoughts were still on the meeting out there on the field of snow. Seeing his old friend Carlisle after so many decades felt good despite the circumstances. But Aro had no idea what Carlisle's true intentions were. Perhaps he had none. Edward's memories showed the ancient vampire the conception and birth of his and Bella's hybrid child. Vampires had existed under the assumption they could not breed as humans did. They could only create new vampires through transmission of their venom.

Aro had been allowed to share Renesmee's memories, as well as those of her father Edward. For the briefest of moments, he considered the benefit of having hybrid children in the coven, and decided the risks were too great. He was still disturbed by all he had seen and experienced. Even though it had not happened in reality, it felt as if it had.

Aro had barely finished dressing, when Caius stormed into his chambers.

"Brother, what was that all about? You refused to fight the Cullens despite their guilt."

Aro exhaled an unnecessary sigh. "Guilt? What were they guilty of, Caius?"

Caius opened his mouth to speak, then shut it. He fumed in silence, realizing Aro was right. The werewolves were not werewolves. but rather they were shapeshifters, born to destroy vampires in wolf form. That alone pissed him off, but they had not committed any crime. Not one he could see.

Aro had seen though. His vision showed him the destruction rained down on his people by the shapeshifting wolves. His most difficult loss was Jane, her child-like body mauled, her head removed by the sharp teeth of a large black wolf. Her brother Alec had already been destroyed, by the strong dark-haired Cullen son. No, this was not true. His coven was undamaged, whole, everyone still alive. He released a sharp exhalation.

Caius looked at Aro when he heard the sound. "Brother, what is wrong?"

Aro's thoughts were back in America. He turned and placed a hand on Caius' shoulder. "The field of snow. You have no idea what I saw, brother."

Caius stared at Aro as if the ancient vampire were demented. "I'll get Marcus."

"Yes, Caius, fetch Marcus. I want to speak with you both." Once Caius had left, Aro paced the floor. What was he going to tell them? He had heard the disgruntled whispers from his Guard. They had been gnashing their teeth, eager for a fight against the Olympic coven, and now wondered if their leader was a coward. Or had he put the interests of his former friend above those of their own coven.

It wasn't long before Caius had returned, followed by Marcus. "What is it you need to discuss with us, Aro?" the taller vampire asked.

"Please sit down, both of you. There's something you should know, before you accuse me of cowardice or favouritism toward Carlisle." Marcus sat on the sofa, while Caius took a seat on the chair by the fireplace. Aro paced on the tapestry that lay on his marble-tiled floor, muffling his footsteps.

"It happened when Alice appeared. I took her hand and began reading her memories. She had found someone who could explain the Cullen hybrid's existence and reasons why she would pose no threat to our kind. Truthfully, I didn't want to know more. My mind had been made up. Alice must have read that in me."

Aro was still shaken by the vision she had shared with him. He paced some more, before stopping in front of Marcus and Caius. "I was shown her vision of the future if we initiated combat with the Cullens and their witnesses. Our future, brothers. I saw no reason to proceed any further. And when her own witnesses appeared, and the truth was known, I decided going home was the better way, the only way to save us all."

"So that was your silent request for my approval," Marcus asked.

Aro merely nodded.

Caius was listening to Aro's words, but when he indicated it was to save them, he interrupted his brother's explanation. "What do you mean by that, Aro?"

"In Alice's vision, our coven was nearly wiped out," Aro replied. He looked down at both Caius and Marcus, his long ago co-founders of the Volturi. Together they sought out the best recruits, those with gifts that would build and strengthen the coven.

His expression took on a look of melancholy Marcus was familiar with. "What is it, Aro?" he asked.

"We...the coven members...were destroyed one by one. The first to go was Alec." Aro's eyes dropped to the floor. "Many others followed. Demetri was then destroyed by Edward. And Jane...that was the hardest to watch. I am Jane's sire, her father for all intents." He went silent, the scene still fresh in his mind. The shock of seeing Jane decapitated caused him actual pain. "Caius, you were next, destroyed by Irinas' sisters."

"Impossible!" Caius couldn't believe that any conflict would have him end as a loser.

"Marcus, the Romanians Stefan and Vladimir destroyed you. You did not seem to mind however."

Marcus thought a moment. More than likely, he would not mind. His days of loneliness would finally come to an end. "Is that so, brother?"

"And I was the last of us to go, at the hands of Edward and Bella."

"You should have killed them before, when you had the chance, Aro!"

"Caius, it was but a vision of our future, and why we could not do as you suggested and continue down the same path to that end. I decided I would rather look like a coward than lose any of you or the guards." His feelings felt sincere as he looked from Caius to Marcus.

"You are no coward, Aro," Marcus intoned. "You did what was best for the coven. We let them go home in peace, as we have returned home, and with no loss to either side."

"I don't think Tanya or Kate would agree. We still enforced the law." Aro knew he would have an enemy in the Denali sisters.

Caius went to stand at Aro's side. "Marcus is right. There was no gain in fighting the Cullens." It was difficult for the blonde vampire to articulate his desire to punish someone for the attack on him by the Children of the Moon. Fighting the shapeshifters would be like blaming an ant for something a spider did to him. "Should we tell the Guard the truth? If we let their beliefs fester, the leadership may be at risk."

Aro smiled, nodding his head. "We should. Not just to restore any lost faith, but because they deserve to know the truth." The three Volturi left Aro's rooms and headed for the audience hall. "Caius, gather the entire coven. I have an announcement to make."