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Chapter Text

I wouldn't say I hear voices in my head, but rather I experience a series of auditory intuitions that never seem to be wrong

Lilith Swan

As much as I didn't trust Alice Cullen I loved my dad more. If following my selfish sister to Italy to ensure her safety, thus saving his sanity, then it was a journey I was willing to make. If only she would think about how her actions affected those around her then maybe we wouldn't be here in the first place.

Cliff diving

Motorcycle racing

Storming over to a boy's house when his father doesn't want you there

Involving yourself in a vampires life when he pushes you away

This whole scenario could have been avoided. Had she thought about her actions and what they would cause.

Alice pushed open the doors to the clock tower with surprising strength. Whatever she said went past my ears as I looked over to Bella clutching a bronze haired boy as if he would disappear if she let go for merely a second. His eyes were sunken in an awful shade of purple. Hair dishevelled and dull. Even for an undead creature of the night, his pale skin was almost grey and tired looking. This boy looked like he had been forced to exist, though if what I have gathered of the story is true then he basically had. As we made eye contact his face twisted into something awfully confused and almost frustrated.

Edward Cullen

But before I could ponder any longer on my thoughts, they were disturbed by the sense of someone looking down my back, sending shivers down my spine. I looked over to see a pair of men. The one on the left was far shorter than his companion. Though by glancing at him, this was something that couldn't be helped. He had a charming smirk on his face and a mischievous glint in his eyes. The one on the right, however, caught my attention in a way I could never prepare myself for. As we looked into each other's eyes, some part of my subconscious mind clicked into place with an immediate sense of satisfaction, a part of my mind that wasn't even aware it wasn't satisfied until this very moment. I could only describe it as my soul calling out across the universe for a lover lost long to time.

Mate

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

The day dad called me heartbroken about Bella running away was the day I realised we would never get along. Despite being two years older than Bella the gap between us seemed vast and infinite. Rene sent me away to a boarding school in Britain when she realised she couldn't handle raising two children. But then again she could barely look after herself. I just wished she had allowed Charlie to keep custody of me if she knew she couldn't handle the responsibility.

Selfish

She was selfish. Wanting to look like the perfect parent and not quite reaching the mark. Not that many people can, being a parent is difficult and will always be difficult. Mood swings, hormonal tendencies, and that small twinge of heartbreak when your chick finally wants to leave the nest. But at least she tried, with Bella that is and the apple never seems to fall far from the tree. Dad was trying as hard as he could to look after her in Forks, but being the chief of police was always going to take a lot of his time. Either she couldn't fathom what he does for her or she didn't care either way.

Though now I've finished the first 2 years of university I have the chance to spend a year abroad. So I've chosen to live with dad for the year while I do my online work so that I could hopefully help ease his stress. Charlie was trying his absolute best but he was going to need some help. It wasn't fair for him to work full time, look after the house, and manage with Bella at the moment. He needs a break.

That's how I found myself suitcase in hand just having exited the taxi stood outside of my home. Excitement rising in my stomach as I knocked on the door. Although I visited him during the holidays and sent letters throughout the years, nothing came close to just being able to see him without that time limit looming over my shoulders.

"Dad" I breathed in relief. I was pulled into the tight embrace that I missed so much whenever I was away from home. ''Its been a while kiddo, how have you been?'' Something that I always loved about dad was his genuine and seemingly inescapable sense of awkwardness. Even as we hug in the doorway after such a long time he acts like it is the first time I'm visiting. ''Great, even better now that I'm home again'' Dad grabbed my suitcase and started leading me inside the house. ''I haven't changed your room since you last visited, it's nice of you to come and visit your old man when you can'' he playfully spoke as we walked up the stairs so I could get settled in.

''My dorm has gotten too full of work and course books, so I thought I would come and invade your home instead'' I joked back as the door to the attic was opened. ''yeah well you have plenty of space up there to invade to your heart's content'' he chuckled, helping me by placing my suitcase up in my room. He still looked so exhausted even with the content smile upon his face. I believe he knew that Bella and I would never get along, but with every phonecall up until now, he was sounding more and more tired.

''She isn't doing well, Lilith,'' he explained as we walked into the old room. ''I know that the two of you haven't had much interaction with each other over the years but I need some kind of reaction out of her, even if it's nothing but an awkward conversation between you'' he looked at the floor sheepishly ''Well that and I missed you while you're at school'' Same old Charlie, still an awkward lovable teddy bear.

''Well I missed you too, that and someone had better come and make sure you get a good evening meal'' a wide grin on my face. Whenever I had come to visit I loved cooking for dad. He worked so hard that he would often go to the diner for meals as he didn't have the time or skill to make food after work. Steak and cobbler. Every. Single. Time.

''Were you meant to be working today?'' I asked as I really took in his appearance for the first time today. His black hair was greying, I imagine from the added stress, he had dark purple bags under his mildly bloodshot eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in a month. He probably hasn't. He sighed, running a hand over his face. ''Yeah, but I wanted to get you inside and settled in first and foremost, when was the last time you visited? six, seven months ago?''

My eyes widened as a sudden sense of guilt washed over me. ''I'm sorry, I didn't realise it had been that long''

''You have nothing to be sorry for, you can't help it, you're at university now. I'm glad that you're working so hard for your future''

He reached across the bed and he pulled me into another hug, he always made me feel safe and loved for no matter what happened across the years. Memories of him hugging me as a child came flooding back. When I fell and scraped my knees, when I had a nightmare, when I had to leave for school again. No matter what was thrown my way, a hug from dad would always sent the bad feelings away.

Eventually, I pulled away from him and put a smile on my face. ''Well so long as you have today off let's make the most of it.''

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

As the months passed on Bella started functioning a little better than when I had first arrived home. Though this wasn't by her own choice. This 'encouragement' of better behaviour came from me practically forcing her to eat, shower and complete her school work. It was awkward at first. We had barely seen each other up until now, made worse when she decided to stop visiting dad, and now she had a twenty-year-old stranger she had to call sister telling her what to do. Though I suppose it was for her own benefit. She was wasting away in front of that window.

I thought it would be for the best if I didn't ask her about Edward or the rest of the Cullens, we weren't that close yet, not after 4 months. But that didn't stop my morbid curiosity. However, the relief that followed dad whenever Bella did something made me feel better. Even if we both truly know that she isn't getting better, she's just pulling through to get us off her back. Writing emails that would never be sent.

It wasn't until mid-January that things started to change.

We had tried to discuss professional help to Bella before but she had always refused, for what reason we didn't know, but we weren't going to push her if it made things worse. So now I sat on my laptop, mouse hovered over each listing to Florida. Dad had decided that a change of scenery was in order if Forks reminded her so much of what she lost. So he made a few calls to Renee to see if she could help. Though now I felt a sense of hesitancy when all is said and done.

As much as I wanted her away from the place that is causing her such pain, I had no idea if removing her from the last place of memories that she had of the Cullens was a good plan. Or if she would think that I was taking her place with Charlie. Not that she spent much time with him from what I've gathered. Charlie was heartbroken the day she decided to leave only to end up in the hospital that very same night. He still feels guilty. That he could have done more to keep her home. That he should have put a limit on how much time she spent with Edward. She never really saw dad once they got together.

I caught a glimpse of dad outside with Bella through the window. I wandered closer to the partially open window to see what was wrong. ''That's it'' he said with a great sense of finality. He was awkwardly looking at the ground and avoiding eye contact with Bella. This was too soon.

''What?''

''You're going to Jacksonville to live with your mother.''

A small spark of rage ignited in Bella's eyes. This was the first emotion besides sadness that she had shown since I had arrived. This was going down like a lead balloon. ''I'm not leaving Forks'' She was adamant. ''Just because Lilith is here doesn't mean that I have to leave.'' She was glaring at me through the window before looking back to dad.

''Bells,'' He sighed. ''He's not coming back.''

''I know''

I felt my heart break for him all over again. But at least she had accepted the truth. ''It's not normal this behaviour, quite frankly it's scaring the hell out of both of us and your mother.'' He looked at her now ''Baby, I don't want you to leave, especially not just because your sister is here now. I really don't. But...just go to Jacksonville and make some new friends''

Bella shook her head and looked at the ground. ''I like my old friends''

Bella had never been a great liar, though that isn't something to complain about. She hadn't even attempted to contact any of hem since he left. Not for comfort or anything else. It made me wonder if she had ignored them too since she got with Edward. Just like she did dad.

''Bella, you never see them anymore''

Bella nodded in that awkward shaky way. ''I do, I-'' She took a deep breath and met Charlie's eyes again. ''I'm gonna, uh, go shopping tomorrow, with Jessica.''

Lies

Charlie stood up a little straighter. I don't think he quite believed it either.

''You hate shopping.''

''I need a girls night out'' She replied with a forced smile on her face.

''Alright,'' He didn't look convinced. But he was trying for her sake. ''Girls night shopping. I like it...go buy stuff''

Bella then proceeded to get into her truck as dad walked away.

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

For the last two months, things seemed to be getting better. Bella started hanging out with Jacob again, and it didn't take a genius to see the puppy dog love radiating off him. However, now that he's fallen sick with mono Bella is starting to get angsty and I can only hope that her need for male attention doesn't get her into trouble. I could commend her for her determination, no matter how ill-placed it seems. It was like watching someone desperately cling to the sand slipping between their fingers, though after what I had been told her fear of abandonment wasn't completely irrational, if not a bit extreme.

I hadn't seen her much, though this doesn't surprise me. I had instead turned my time to my online assignments and hanging out with dad whenever he wasn't busy. I know I'll start to miss him when I have to leave but that's a different problem for a different day.

I was sat looking out the window into the vast rain-soaked forest of Forks while dad and Harry geared up to go fishing. He deserved it. ''Jacob please, call me'' she pleaded down the phone, surprisingly this was one of her shorter phonecalls as off recent and I would assume she had more to say if it wasn't for the small group of us in the living room. For a brief moment, dad and I shared a glance of concern and mild irritation on my end. ''Okay, we should be back around three'' he informed us. Though if Bella had herd him she gave no apparent reaction to his words, more concerned with the young boy ignoring her calls.

I nodded my reply and smile to both dad and Harry who, after smiling back went promptly to his fishing magazine. The sooner he leaves the more time he has to relax. ''Hey,'' dad started, finally getting Bella to pay attention with a look of frustration sweeping over his face. ''I don't have to go fishing today-" and although I could understand where he was coming from at this moment, I really wish he would have more selfish desires. He needs to look after himself too.

Luckily he was cut off by Harry who clearly had the same sentiments as me. "Yes you do" and from both his voice and his eyes there was to be no disagreement. I couldn't help the small smile on my face knowing that Harry Clearwater had saved the day. There was no way dad could say no now. He wouldn't be allowed to.

"Yeah you do'' despite her rather unconvincing nature, I was glad that Bella decided to put aside her self for a single second to try and get him to go. "Just be careful out there okay" A frown fell over his face and before he could get another word out I decided to chime in. "Come on Chief Swan if you don't leave this instance I'm gonna have to kick you out of this house myself" walking over and giving him a farewell hug.

He scoffed and retorted " As if you could kick me out my own damn house, I think you'll find yourself mistaken little lady'' returning my embrace before I swiftly moved him out the door. Harry stepped forward with the gear ready to make a move too. "Don't worry girls those bears don't stand a chance against me" he spoke with a lighthearted grin and final goodbye as both men left the house.

All was silent for a brief second before Bella started up again. She made a beeline towards the coat rack quickly searching for her raincoat. "Where are you going?" she was starting to annoy me now as I could guess gift or not where she was going to go. "I have to see him" was my curt reply before she went back to the rack. "why? you know he has mono and Billy doesn't want you to see him. I think you need to start respecting people's privacy" It wasn't mono but I had a reason for knowing that, Bella, on the other hand, needs to respect the information she had been given. I certainly wasn't going to be using any clairvoyance to pry any further.

She threw me one last angry look before leaving the house.

"I'm going to see him"

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

When Bella returns she seems antsier than she has been for the past few months. She flung her coat up in a rush before attempting to head upstairs. "What happened?" I asked. Something had happened on the reservation. "What do you mean?" she sputtered out looking mildly irritated from the top of the stairs. "What I mean is, you went to see a friend, one who had been ill and said to stay away, and now when you return home you are pale and skittish. That's not normal behaviour Bella I want to make sure you are safe" the frown on her face seemed to deepen as she walked back towards the stairs. "And why would you care about me or my safety?" She still didn't get it. She has people that want to care for her like Charlie and I however she is still so desperate to cling to Edward Cullen and then fill what hole he had left that she won't except any help from anyone that can't fill that void. "Because last time you left in a hurry to crashed a motorcycle into a rock, you may have hidden what actually happened from dad but you can't hide it from me" Now her anger shifted to complete bewilderment, although this shouldn't be a surprise she had never been a particularly good liar.

She started her descent down the stairs and headed towards me "You know nothing!" her pale face becoming quite flushed. She stood now tensed and almost shaking. "Because you refuse to confide in anyone, we cannot know if you do not tell" I was trying to be gentle, after all, I don't know what Edward did but I can figure that out later. She seemed to calm down a little after that and awkwardly shifted her gaze to the floor. "I imagine you can't talk to dad about boys and Renè is always travelling, so why don't you tell me?" I invited her over to the sofa where I was previously doing work for university, maybe getting whatever repressed feelings she had off her chest would help her cope a little bit better.

"You always seem to know what's going on, like always"

"I just like to say that I have a good intuition, now talk to me" She was sat opposite me now curled up in her seat, but at least she would make eye contact which was a better start than nothing. She then proceeded to tell me everything.

"Lilith, what do you think of the supernatural?" Bella asked hesitantly. She began chewing her lip and glanced down at her hands anxiously.

This will either be about Jacob or the Cullens. Either way whatever has happened will have consequences upon me knowing.

"I am not opposed to the idea why?" I didn't want to be too certain but if whatever gift I have, intuition or not can exist then I don't see why other things cannot.

I know Jacob didn't have mono, there was something about going through a change.

Bella started to fiddle with her fingers before running a hand through her hair. "There was something different about the Cullens" her hands started to fiddle again. "They are vampires"

She's telling the truth

"Okay, is that the real reason why you broke your leg before prom?"

Yes

Her head snapped up at the question before she sheepishly nodded at the question. I knew that there must have been something up with Edward to cause this reaction in Bella but I didn't quite think it was going to be because he was a vampire. It was hard to believe but my intuition isn't wrong and Bella cannot lie so I would be able to tell if she was. "So let me try to understand" Maybe I was the one who didn't quite get it. "You see Edward whenever you do dangerous things so now you do these things to keep seeing him?" She nodded again. "What about Charlie? what if you do something that kills you?" Her brows furrowed at the question as if she had never thought about it before, and knowing Bella she probably hadn't.

"I would never do something that dangerous and anyway you seem to be taking this too well" She dodged. Though she did have a point.

"My intuition says you are telling the truth so I will take it that you are, there is no point overreacting to what has already been. What is to come in the future is a question for another day Bella" She looked surprised at this and looked down in contemplation. "Just promise me that you will try to look after yourself for Charlie's sake, no more danger okay?"

"I promise"

It took Bella less than a week to fuck everything up.

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

I was staring down a small beautiful pixie-like woman with molten gold eyes, deep concern evident through her expression. Panic started to burn in my chest as the unknown woman seemed to freeze on the spot with an expressionless face. She looked like stone. An uneasy feeling began to wash over me the longer she stood there.

Alice Cullen

"Hello, would you care to explain how you got into the house?" As much as I wanted to jump to the phone and call for help I had no real idea of what she was capable of, and after hearing about Bella's daring, sparkle filled escapades I don't think I want to be on the other end of the vampire's strength. She seemed to snap out of her daze before beginning her frantic questions.

"Where is Bella?!" "Is she okay?" "Are you her sister?" "Have you heard from her in the last few hours?" "How come I didn't see you?" Though that last question was more mumbled and I guess I wasn't supposed to hear it. Her rapid-fire questions did nothing to lessen the anxious feeling gnawing at my chest especially since I hadn't heard from Bella after she rushed off earlier this afternoon. But before I could begin to answer the front door slammed open with both Bella and Jacob entering with two vastly different emotions.

"Alice?" Bella beamed, her once gloomy demeanour instantly brightening upon the sight of the small woman. Though I can't say that the feeling was instantly shared, Alice seemed relatively upset at the sight of my sister and judging by her still damp hair and paler than usual complexion that she had yet again been up to something. Despite her promise.

"Would you like to explain how you're alive?" She demanded, hands on her hips.

"What?" Bella replied anxiously glancing between the two of us.

"I saw a vision of you, you jumped off a cliff, why the hell would you try and kill yourself? What about Charlie?" This seemed to jolt Bella who immediately began fidgeting with her hands while looking down at the ground.

"I didn't try to kill myself, I was cliff jumping. Recreationally. It was fun" She wiped away the tears that begun to fall down her face as she explained what actually happened to the both of us. I left them to catch up on the sofa and began to make hot drinks for me and Bella while Jacob was stalking around the ground floor, doing God knows what. Something about leeches and Bella.

After a few minutes, the phone began to ring and Jacob took the call. "Swan residence. He's not here night now. He's planning a funeral" Then he proceeded to slam the phone back onto the receiver. A small wave of anger shot down my spine at his audacity. No matter how ill I thought of Edward Cullen there was no need for Jacob to insert himself into an already delicate situation. As much as Edward isn't good for her neither is Jacob, though I suppose she did manipulate him and is about to break his heart.

Whatever love blind haze Bella was under instantly dissipated at his harsh words and she made a grab for the phone.

"Bella it was Edward, He's going to the Volturi. He wants to die too" Alice came fluttering into the kitchen, panic evident on her face. After that everything seemed to kick off as Bella ran to grab her coat.

They are going to Italy to save Edward from suicide

"I am coming with you whether you like it or not, no if, and or buts. You have already broken your promise to me not to endanger yourself for Charlie's sake and now you are about to dash off at night to go on an impromptu trip to Italy. I am can't keep pretending that everything you're doing for this boy is healthy Bella. He left you in the woods for crying out loud" I demanded as I began writing a note for Charlie. This would be just like what she did last time with James, but at least she wouldn't be breaking his heart to his face. Even after all this time and no matter how petty it may seem I just can't forgive Bella for the way that she treats people who aren't in her idealistic life plan. I guess that she just thought Charlie would be nonchalant about everything she does to him and that it wouldn't hurt his feelings.

Just as Bella was about to object Alice stopped her. "She can come with us Bella" and I was almost suspicious of her fast agreement until.

She wants you as a scapegoat in case it goes wrong

In the event I am left in Italy to die, at least I can hopefully bring Bella back to Charlie

How we ended up in a bright yellow Porsche speeding down the near-empty Italian roads into Volterra was beyond me, but If was Alice was saying was true then there were only five minutes left to save Edward.

"He'll be under the clock tower go!" and before another breath could be taken Bella ran off into the crowd of chanting red cloaks. Due to the police monitoring the festivities we had to find someplace else to park the car.

As much as I didn't trust Alice Cullen I loved my dad more. If following my selfish sister to Italy to ensure her safety, thus saving his sanity, then it was a journey I was willing to make. If only she would think about how her actions affected those around her than maybe we wouldn't be here in the first place.

Cliff diving

Motorcycle racing

Storming over to a boy's house when his father doesn't want you there

Involving yourself in a vampires life when he pushes you away

This whole scenario could have been avoided. Had she thought about her actions and what they would cause.

Alice pushed open the doors to the clock tower with surprising strength. Whatever she said went past my ears as I looked over to Bella clutching a bronze haired boy as if he would disappear if she let go for merely a second. His eyes were sunken in an awful shade of purple. Hair dishevelled and dull. Even for an undead creature of the night, his pale skin was almost grey and tired looking. This boy looked like he had been forced to exist, though if what I have gathered of the story is true then he basically had. As we made eye contact his face twisted into something awfully confused and almost frustrated.

Edward Cullen

But before I could ponder any longer on my thoughts, they were disturbed by the sense of someone looking down my back, sending shivers down my spine. I looked over to see a pair of men. The one on the left was far shorter than his companion. Though by glancing at him, this was something that couldn't be helped. He had a charming smirk on his face and a mischievous glint in his eyes. The one on the right, however, caught my attention in a way I could never prepare myself for. As we looked into each other's eyes, some part of my subconscious mind clicked into place with an immediate sense of satisfaction, a part of my mind that wasn't even aware it wasn't satisfied until this very moment. I could only describe it as my soul calling out across the universe for a lover lost long to time.

Mate

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Whatever moment we were having was sharply interrupted by a seemingly innocent-looking child with pristine blonde hair and crimson eyes, although based on the reaction of everyone else in the room there must be more to her than how she appears. Both Edward and Alice looked to the floor in submission of her presence. Any fight that Edward might have held towards the other two guards soon died out at her entrance.

"Enough" her voice was strong and authoritative "Aro sent me to see what's taking so long" and before anyone could breathe another word she turned back expecting us to follow.

"Just do as she says" whispered Alice, though I doubt it did much good in a room full of vampires. Edward, Bella and Alice took off first but I hung around for just a second to distance myself from the reunited lovers and his sister. I was followed in quick succession by the two male vampires, whose names I quickly learnt were Felix and Demetri thanks to my gift as we were lead down the old yet beautiful halls and taken down to the lower levels of the castle. If I was to be honest with myself I felt a lot safer with Felix than I did with any of the Cullens. Edward was handed a fitting blood-red robe as we descended down the stairs.

"Don't be scared" Edward whispered to Bella.

"Are you?" She replied, and despite how she acted in front of the boy I could tell she was nervous.

"No" He sounded confident and I can't tell if that confidence came from genuine belief or sheer stupidity. Either way, I do not think he has quite grasped the severity of our situation. From what I have been told by both Bella and my intuition was that one of the most important rules that governed their kind was that humans must not know of their existence, and here we are. Humans. Waltzing straight into their court.

Jane scoffed at the two lovers and I had to hold back a small chuckle at her reaction. She was openly repulsed by the bronze haired mind reader and I honestly can't blame her, but whether that disgust came from his dietary choices or just his 'Edwardness' in general, was left open to the imagination. The magic of walking through the time preserved castle was slightly broken at the sight of a very modern-looking lift, playing some Italian opera, but I suppose it was better than walking down a giant flight of stairs. As we stepped in I ended up squashed quite close to Felix with Demetri stood to my right as everybody else filled in the front. The tension was thick and highly uncomfortable, with an unspoken understanding that whatever was about to happen wasn't going to be ending happily. My heart was pounding. If Alice didn't want me to come then she was more than capable of making me stay in Forks. I know she brought me here as a scapegoat, maybe as a bargaining chip and I would be a fool to think that I could walk out of this castle scott free. Maybe if I was pushing my luck than my gift could save my life, but I doubt the Volturi would have use for someone like me.

The nerves burning through my body were slightly cooled by Felix's comforting hand on my wrist, thumb stroking between my lower palm and forearm. If the situation wasn't so serious I might have been more embarrassed that my heartbeat could have put a hummingbird to shame but now wasn't the time.

We quickly came to a stop and exited into what I assumed to be the final stretch of our destination. As we walked through the foyer we were greeted by a friendly-looking Italian woman whom I could only assume was some type of secretary. But it seemed slightly odd that in Dracula's castle she appeared to be the only human thus far.

"Is she human?" Bella asked.

"Yes." Edward was rather blunt in his response.

"Does she know?" Bella continued.

"Yes." This time he seemed almost reluctant to reply.

"Than why would...she wants to be" Bella finally put the puzzle together.

"And so she will be" came Demetri's smooth interruption.

"Or dessert" Jane seemed rather...amused at the thought. Our conversation quickly came to a close as jane pulled open a set of rather large glossy looking oak doors into a large white open stone room. From the looks of it, it was all marble. In the centre of the rather grand looking room sat three thrones atop a small set of marble stairs.

On the far left sat a rather melancholy looking man with long brown hair, and much like everyone else present, his skin was ghostly pale with sad crimson eyes. The way that he was slumped in his throne suggested that he would rather be anywhere but here, and if the look in his eyes gave anything away, he would rather be dead.

Marcus Volturi

On the right side was an angry-looking platinum blonde with a scowl like thunder and his piercing eyes never seemed to stop glaring at Edward or Alice. Unlike Marcus, he was sat upright with an almost perfectly straight spine. He also looked like he wanted to be elsewhere but it was apparent that this was due to his hatred of the Cullens.

Caius Volturi

Lastly in the middle was a man with long silky black hair. Though unlike the other vampires around the room his eyes held a certain quality that made them differ from the rest, like they were almost milky in some way. Unlike his counterparts, he seemed rather relaxed and more carefree. However, judging by the aura of authority he gave out he was still to be respected.

Aro Volturi

"Sister, they sent you out to get one and you bring back two...and two halves. What a clever girl" Jane seemed to glow under the praise of the black-haired boy who after looking at their shared features must be her brother. They both shared incredibly similar childlike faces, they can't have been turned any older than 13 to 14 at most.

Alec Volturi

As we entered the room both Felix and Demetri went to stand at the side leaving me feeling incredibly exposed under the stares of the three men ahead of us. It was clear that some were judging us more so than others.

"What a happy surprise! Bella is alive after all. Isn't that wonderful, I love a happy ending they are so rare" came Aro's joyous celebration as he took Edward's hand.

"La tua cantante"

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

"La tua cantante" His eyes lighting up in wonder "Her blood appeals to you so much. It makes me thirsty. How can you stand to be so close to her?" His voice was soft and smooth if not just a touch unsettling, though I am sure that this is just a result of our present circumstances.

"It's not without difficulty" Edward croaked with an almost snarky undertone.

"yes, I can see that" Aro continued to hold Edward's hand as if he were searching for something.

"Aro can read every thought I've ever had with one touch" Edward explained to us, mainly Bella, before turning back to the vampire before him "Well now you know everything so get on with it" For the position, he was currently in Edward was both curt and rude.

"You are quite the soul reader yourself, Edward. Though you can't read Bella's thoughts. Fascinating" Aro's eyes flicked between my sister and her lover. Maybe he can't read her thoughts because her head is empty. Edward's golden eyes harshly turned to me before returning to Aro. "And judging by the second girl we have here with us today, and a distinct lack of her presence in you memories Edward, I clearly don't know everything" Aro appeared before me faster than my eyes could track however, he did not appear to be threatening me, rather looking with a sense of curiosity. "And what would your name be my dear?"

"Lilith Swan sir" I fought hard to keep my voice steady and composure collected under his watchful gaze.

"Lilith my dear, may I" He delicately held out his pale papery hand for me to take, and so I did. There was no indication on my end that he was searching through my memories. No other physical or mental sensations aside from my hand in his.

"Eccezionale" His milky red eyes filled with almost child-like glee "How absolutely extraordinary to have such a gift as yours" He gently released my hand before guiding me over to Felix and Demetri before he held his hand out for Marcus to take. Much like in the lift I felt Felix's large hand on my wrist which immediately filled me with a sense of comfort. "Today truly is blessed for us as our dear Felix as found his mate" Aro was now stood at the base of the centre steps with a wide cat-like grin.

"You said the girl was a gift brother, what is it?" Came the sharp voice of Caius, who had now lent forward on his throne, hands gripping the arms tightly.

"Clairaudience, she can hear a many manner of truths and intentions from those around her"

"So what? she can hear voices in her head?" Came the disgruntled snipe of my sister, who was now cowering into Edward's arm.

"I wouldn't say I hear voices in my head, but rather I experience a series of auditory intuitions that never seem to be wrong" If anyone is going to call me crazy, I am not letting it be Bella Swan.

"How does it work and how did you know?" Caius questioned with malice hidden intrigue.

"At first, I didn't notice it, I would wonder simple thing like 'where did I put my keys' or 'where is my lecture hall' simple things that were reasonable for me to have known and just remembered. However, every single time I asked the response I would get from my mind was always correct. But then I started to get answers to questions I definitely couldn't have known, such as the names of people I've never met before and being able to tell exactly when someone is lying to me or when they are telling the truth. For the names of people, my gift works automatically after a small observation I know who they are, similar to lies I am told after I have heard their statement. However, for general 'intuitions' or other questions, I just have to ask, either out loud or in my head and the answer soon follows" The angry blonde seemed satisfied with my explanation and Aro looked like he had just won the lottery with how the excitement seemed to take over his face.

"Now my dear, we will sort out the situation with you shorty, Bella on the other hand, I would love to see if you are an exception to my gifts as well" Aro walked calmly into the centre of the room, just out of Bella's reach so she would have to leave Edward. "Would you do me the honour?" Aro asked as he held out his hand. Slowly as if parting him would cause her great pain did Bella finally walk over and take his hand.

"Interesting" He chuckled "I see nothing" and he swiftly let go of her hand and walked closer to the thrones. "I wonder if...Let us see if she is immune to all our powers. Shall we, Jane?" He looked over expectantly.

"No"

"Pain" and before Edward could move much closer he crumpled to the floor in agony, veins that shouldn't be working were straining around his face and neck as his sickly pale skin lightly tinted purple. Jane had the ghost of a smile on her face at his painful squirming and quite frankly I couldn't blame her. Bella tried to intervene but Alec sped over to restrain her.

"Stop. Don't please stop. Stop! Just stop hurting him, please. Please!" Bella screamed desperately trying to escape Alec's hold as Alice tried to comfort Edward on the floor.

"Jane?" Called Aro.

"Master?" Her voice was innocent as if she didn't just torture a man with her mere gaze.

"Go ahead, my dear" He waved calmly.

"This may hurt just a little" Her subtly smile returned to her face. However the longer she looked the more her smile twisted into a frown as nothing happened to Bella. The moment was interrupted by Aro's sharp gleeful laughter.

"Remarkable" He clapped. "She confounds us all. So, what do we do with you now?" He questioned.

"You already know what you are going to do, Aro" Came Marcus' dull voice.

"She knows too much, She's a liability" Caius chimed in, seemingly pleased at this turn of events,

"That's true" Aro sighed with pity, by whether it was genuine or not was beyond me.

"Felix"

Alec turned Bella to face the towering vampire.

"No!" Edward cried as he attempted to fight off Felix. Heavy emphasis on attempted. Faster than my eyes could catch Edward was slammed into the marble floors with cracks lining his face. Alice also tried to fight but just as fast as she was off the floor Demetri had her by the throat and out of the way. Edward soon made a second dash for Felix but just as quickly he was thrown into the marble steps with Felix soon holding him up by the neck ready for execution in front of Aro.

"Please no! please please!" Bella screeched, the movements accompanied by her cries reminded me of a sprayed cockroach fighting for life. "Kill me, kill me not him" She pleaded. Aro quickly stopped Felix from killing Edward as he turned to face Bella. Felix still had Edward in a strong grip as Aro stalked down the steps towards my sister.

"How extraordinary, you would give up your life for someone like us? A vampire. A soulless monster" Aro looked at Bella with a sense of morbid curiosity and I can't bring myself to understand why she would give up her life for someone who left her alone in the woods at night when there has been a history of vampires coming into Forks. That and according to Bella herself Edward loves her because her blood smells exceptionally tasty. Another red flag.

"Just get away from her" Edward chocked out still in Felix hold.

"You don't know a thing about his soul" Except for the fact that he thinks he doesn't have one.

"Forse. Ne il vostro l'uno o altro" Aro muttered seemingly to himself. "This is a sadness, if only it were your intention to giver her immortality" But before anything could happen to her Alice cried out from Demetri's arms."Wait! Bella will be one of us, I've seen it. I'll change her myself" Edward seemed heartbroken at the sentiment. Aro rushed over and took her hand as Demetri let her go.

"Mesmerising to see what you have seen before it has happened" He moved over to Bella and put his hand delicately on her chin. "Your gifts will make for an intriguing immortal Isabella" Then he turned to me. "Now my dear, what shall we do with you, as Felix's mate we will have to turn you I am afraid as it is a crime in itself to separate mates"

"I have finished the first two years of university and am on a years break, I only have one year left and would finish next July. If I was changed then I could leave without raising suspicion and without going missing. My university wouldn't question my whereabouts and I could tell my dad that I got a job in Itay" After pleading my case I could only hope that they would agree, it would give me time to say goodbye to dad and let me see him for just a bit longer. In perfect honesty, I should count my lucky stars that I would be allowed to leave this room alive. A smile shone brightly on Aro's face.

"Perfect! we wouldn't want to raise any suspicions now, would we? However, I will have to send Felix with you, both as your mate but also to ensure that dear Isabella is turned" He clapped once again and turned back to his throne. "Go now make your preparations"

"Let us be done with this, Heidi will be done any moment. Thank you for your visit" Marcus bid us goodbye, standing from his throne.

"We will return the favour I would advise that you follow through with your promise soon. We do not offer second chances" Caius spit. I suppose he was angered by the ruling presented, but just like everyone else wanted us gone.

"Goodbye, my young friends" Was the last thing Aro said to us before we were escorted out by both Felix and Demetri.

Chapter Text

Third-person Perspective

Caius sat forward in his chair with a murderous glint in his crimson eyes, rage clear on his face as the sound of the tourists echoing down the hall got closer. "Why on earth would you give the girl so long to change Aro she has little over a year!" His words were spat venomously yet quickly at the black-haired man who was now comfortably sat on his throne. "Because Caius it is such a short time to wait for such a rare prize, besides if we want her to stay loyal with us she needs to spend time with and get to know Felix for without him she has no reason to stay. That and it would be nice to give them some time together before they return would it not?" Aro's calm voice replied just as quickly as Caius. In seconds everyone in the room sat pristinely in place for their awaited meal. Aro had a welcoming smile on his face, hands clasped and ready.

"Welcome friends to Castle Volterra, unfortunately, this will be your final destination"

Lilith Swan

As we were escorted back through to reception we came across a group of tourists excitedly walking through the castle. The group consisted of a variety of people both young and old, families with children, couples and people who came alone. It didn't take a genius to figure out why they were here. The group were being led by a female vampire, approximately my height in a long red dress, black gloves and boots and she appeared to be holding a grey cloth in her hand. Possibly a cloak? I imagine she was dressed in such modest clothing to stop herself from being exposed in the sunlight when luring in the tourists. This must be the Heidi that Marcus mentioned.

"Nice fishing Heidi" Demetri complimented.

"They do look rather juicy" She replied. How none of the tourists picked up on this I'll never know, though as morbid as it sounds it wouldn't matter if they did anyway.

"Save some for me" He left their conversation on that note before continuing to lead us out back towards the reception.

"This way, please. Stay together" And with that, she guides them into the throne room. Seconds later the painful screaming began, tortured wails of the dying. As much as the sound was stomach-turning and nauseous I couldn't let myself dwell on it for too long. In the long term, there was a vast overpopulation of humans, and I suppose this wouldn't be as bad if we didn't cause the mass extinction of animals for the mere fact that we perceive ourselves to be better than them. Tearing down habitats for more housing. This is why no matter what Bella thinks or tries to convince me I can not bring myself to respect the Cullens for their dietary choices. They feed regularly on forest animals, which if they aren't careful will cause them all to die thus leaving them with no food and destroy the Forks ecosystem. Quite frankly I don't believe in the superiority that they set themselves on for not eating people. There are hundreds if not thousands maybe even millions of guilty people in the world, liars, murderers, cheaters, abusers and the list goes on and on. Yet there is not a single guilty animal in sight, they don't hold the capacity for evil. In some kind of sick, twisted way I was glad that I wouldn't have to join the Cullens in that regard because I don't think I could commit to it.

The screaming continued as Demetri took us to the seating at reception. Bella instantly began to cower into Edward's arms as both he and Alice tried not to focus on the sounds echoing around us. Felix and I took some seats a little bit away from the trio, as I didn't particularly want to be around my sister's melodrama right now.

"Gianna my love I need you to do a quick favour for me" Demetri exclaimed with a charming smile on his face, coming to lean on her desk with his elbows. A red hue took over her cheeks at the charismatic cold one and she agreed obediently. "I need you to write a letter to a Miss Lilith Swan explaining that there is a job available at Castle Volterra starting on the first of August next year. It needs to be convincing and like an opportunity worth taking. I'll need it done as fast as possible as they are leaving the city at midnight" He winked before walking down the hall stopping and turning to face us "We have a flight prepared to leave at midnight, however, you will have to stay here meanwhile, any questions and you have Felix to provide you with answers" And with that, he was gone, presumably to feed.

It was going to be a long wait until midnight and the sound of Bella crying as she continued shaking into Edward was beginning to get annoying. Gianna took pity on the girl and asked if she could get her anything but they declined. I don't see the point in crying over spilt milk. There are countless vampires out in the world both in covens and nomadic who drink of people every day. Even if that wasn't the case people die and are murdered each day as well. It is simply the way life goes. It is inevitable. In all fairness, Bella should be grateful that she is still alive and to be leaving the castle at all, and if it wasn't for Alice she would have been dead. After everything she told me, I would have assumed that she would be ecstatic that she was being forced to turn. She has been begging for it for months and now the opportunity has been presented on a silver platter. Much to Edward's dismay.

Sighing I leant my head onto Felix's shoulder and shut my eyes as the adrenaline from today's events started leaving my system. I felt numb. I was glad to be sitting because I don't think I would have been able to stand on my own much longer as my legs started to falter and quiver. Beyond my own control, my hands started to jitter and I fought with myself for control over my own body. But before I could dwell on the situation any further I felt Felix's large ice-cold hands take my own, ceasing their incisive shaking. "Are you okay?" questioned Felix. His voice was deep and smooth like honey. "Yeah, I'm okay as one can be in this scenario, but I'd rather leave the more serious conversations to when we are without company" I opened my eyes briefly to stare over at the Cullens before returning to rest on his shoulder. Thankfully Felix seemed to understand that I didn't want to talk around them.

We made lazy idle chat while waiting, talking about anything andeverything until it was time to leave the city.

Chapter Text

Bella Swan

The Cullens and the Swan sisters were being escorted back to Forks on a small yet luxurious private jet back to Forks, yet Bella couldn't feel relaxed under the judgement filled glare of Felix Volturi. The small but curt words he had shared with her and the Cullens was enough of an indication that he didn't take too kindly to their presence. Lilith was asleep and had been carried to the plane by the mountainous vampire, who also held a beautiful looking letter adorned with fine gold ink and red wax seal in his fingers. Ever so softly he placed Lilith down on a row of seats a few isles back from where Bella, Edward and Alice sat. He covered her with his cloak and made every effort to ensure her comfort. As she glanced back at the pair she couldn't help but feel envy begin to burn in her chest. The day she first encountered Edward Cullen was memorable, and not in the way she wanted.

Bella had grown up like many girls before her dreaming of a Prince Charming to one day leap out of his castle and find her to sweep her off her feet. To live a lavish life with her one true love with no problems, no arguments, no feuds and a happily ever after. Meeting Edward Cullen had not been like that. At first glance he had seen her and immediately looked like he wanted to choke down vomit. He glared at her with burning venom in his eyes and ran away the second the opportunity had presented itself. He avoided her, came back and was cryptic and rude, his sister hated her and yet after all that she believes that she loves him. Just as he believes that he loves her. She called his attitude mysterious, intriguing and brooding while others would certainly not agree. But they convinced themselves that what they had was love, even if that love started over the scent of her blood. His food source.

Yet as Bella looked over at her sister and her mate she saw non of that. Felix never looked at her with venom or malice. Instead when their eyes first met his were filled with excitement and longing. He never flinched from her touch or acted like she was poison, rather he sought out to soothe her fears with his own comforting touch. Even as they were sat in the reception of Castle Volterra their conversation to pass the time came easy. Not that Bella paid too much attention to what was being said over her own tears and tunnel vision on Edward as he finally returned to her. But they both seemed content with each other, not strained or stressed. Not like her and Edward at the beginning of their relationship, or even now a year after they got together. Edward was still nervous to touch her in case he would hurt her, he wouldn't sleep with her, no matter how much Bella tried to convince and reassure him. Her scent would put him on edge, as if he would lose control. And yet as she looked over at Felix he seemed almost effortless with his affections.

Lilith looked serene laying wrapped up in Felix cloak, her head now delicately placed in his lap to protect it during the flight. His hand was running through her black curly hair as he watched her with a loving look in his eyes. As the plane took off on their way back home Bella couldn't help but feel envy burn in her chest as she closed her eyes and tried to follow her sister in dreamland.

Lilith Swan

I arose from my slumber not long before we were to land back home. Felix and I agreed to introduce him to dad tomorrow as I have a feeling he won't be to impressed at our impromptu trip to Italy and I didn't want to overwhelm him. "Do you want this back?" I asked almost reluctantly, my many hours of sleeping in his cloak made it warm and cosy and the fabric was incredibly soft. Though I imagine if I were to stand up in it I would look like a child dressed as Palpatine. "You can keep it, for now, I suppose" He jested down at me with a cheeky smile on his face. "Thank you" I smiled back before buckling up as we started our descent back home.

Approaching the porch to an awaiting Charlie I threw myself into his arms for a strong hug before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "We'll talk in a minute" He whispered to me before turning to glare at the bronze haired boy who was carrying my sister. Ever since we landed she's refused to leave his arms. Something about being scared he going to leave again. It's quite pathetic. Dad tried to take her inside but again she refused to leave Edward so dad let him bring her inside but we made sure he left swiftly. Felix said he needed to speak to a man named Carlisle to inform him of the current predicament we were in and of how he was going to hunt for the duration of his stay. He explained that it could take the whole night so fortunately, we could leave a lot of the semantics of his stay until tomorrow.

Dad and I both collapsed on the sofa once the whole Bella ordeal was over, but Edward was probably going to sneak himself in later and I couldn't be asked to deal with that today. Dad had made it clear she was grounded and that she was to have a limit on her contact with the Cullens but that wouldn't mean much to her. "You really worried me today, you both did bumblebee I mean I appreciate that you at least left me a note to say where you were but I was so worried" Charlie's tone was soft yet scolding and I couldn't blame him. "I know dad, I'm really sorry but Alice just came back and something happened to Edward and she was going to run off regardless. I just didn't want anything to happen to her because she can't keep leaving you for dangerous situations. It's not fair on you after everything you do for her" I wanted to cry. Charlie works so hard to provide and look after us both and yet she acts like he's an afterthought in his life. "I know bee but I can handle her, you need to look out for yourself too, I don't know what I'd do with myself if something happened to you" Well now I really wanted to cry. I don't know how I'm supposed to leave him next year, but the consequences if I don't mean death and that would break his heart. "Well when I was out in Italy I found a great job opportunity for once I leave uni"

I felt the guilt increase tenfold as I lied to him handing over the beautifully made letter. "There is actually someone from Volterra who is staying in Forks at the moment. His name is Felix and he would be happy to answer any questions that you might have." I explained nervously twiddling my thumbs. He looked over the letter wide-eyed yet contemplative. "Well bee as much as I hate the thought of you being so far away, I think you should take it, if that's what you really want?" He looked over at me with a judgement-free face.

"It is dad"

"Well then" He started, wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulder "I hope you don't forget about your old man, and you better come visit" He finished, kissing me on the temple.

"I could never forget about you, even if I wanted too, I love you too much"

"I love you too bumblebee always will"

My peaceful sleep was interrupted by Bella storming into my room, and based on the speed at which she flew in here I'm surprised she didn't trip up the attic stairs.

"We're going to the Cullens"

"Excuse me?"

"You need to hurry because we need to go quickly. It's important"

"I'm sorry? Did I mistakenly give you an indication that I wanted anything to do with them?"

"Lilith I'm not playing, hurry up"

And with that, she snuck out back down the stairs. Releasing a heavy sigh I looked down at my 'pyjamas' which consisted of a royal purple oversized cotton button-up shirt that fell halfway down my thighs and some matching cotton shorts. Deciding that I wasn't going to be at the Cullens long and that I wanted to come home and pass out, I changed my shorts for a pair of black leggings and I put on some black flats. Once outside I saw Bella and Edward standing in front of a black volvo XC60 both of them looked rather unhappy and I suppose that has something to do with why we are sneaking out the house this early in the morning.

When we arrived everyone was gathered around the main living room of the house, and if I wasn't so irritated right now I would have complimented the house on it's beauty. I couldn't see Felix among the vampires in front of me, so maybe he had gone back to the house?

"You all know what I want and I know how much I'm asking for. The only thing I can think of for it to be fair is just to vote" Bella fumbled awkwardly, looking for confirmation in the golden eyes watching us.

"You don't know what you're talking about" Edward rasped from behind us on the stairs.

"Shut up" Came Bella's hushed reply, and if this was any other situation I would have laughed.

"Alice" Bella wanted to open the vote with the person she knew would never object to her wish. It was clever, if not slightly underhanded.

"I already consider you to be my sister. Yes" The pixie-like vampire beamed, giving my sister a hug and guiding her down the rest of the stairs.

"Thank you"

"I vote yes. It would be nice to not want to kill you all the time" Came the strained voice of a curly blonde haired man. If not for his otherworldly beauty the expression on his face may have seemed quite pained.

Jasper Whitelock

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry to both of you for how I've acted and I'm really grateful that you were brave enough to go and save my brother. But this isn't a life I would have chosen for myself and I wish there had been someone to vote no for me. So, no" The beautiful blonde woman who spoke had a bitter and sombre look in her eyes. From the way she was speaking and the hurt on her face it was clear that she was forced into this life.

Rosalie Hale

"I vote hell yeah! and we can pick a fight with these Volturi another way" The bear looking vampire picked my sister up in a hug before returning her back to Alice. He was tall and muscular looking but nowhere near as big as Felix. He had a friendly demeanour despite his rather intimidating appearance.

Emmet McCarty

"I already consider you a part of the family, yes" The older woman looked rather peaceful and homely and it was obvious by her motherly smile and kind eyes that she was the matriarch of the family.

Esme Cullen

"Why are you doing this to me? You know what this means" Edward was still resisting the inevitable. This whole vote was pointless anyway, Felix was staying both for me and to ensure that Bella turns. If they don't turn her I imagine the Volturi will kill her.

"You've chosen not to live without her which leaves me no choice. I won't lose my son." The voice of the blonde doctor was calm and scolding. He was the clearly the patriarch of the coven however I would question his authority seeing as Edward managed to convince the whole family to move on a whim for him.

Carlisle Cullen

"And what about you Lilith?" came the voice of my sister still tucked into Alice's side and I couldn't stop the bitter laugh escaping my throat. But just, before I started speaking Felix returned to my side placing a comforting hand on the small of my back.

"You're voting like you have some kind of choice, you know that after what has happened in Italy that you are expected to turn, and quite quickly at that so what do you expect me to say? Because I really don't understand what you're trying to achieve here. Or maybe you have just come to the crippling realisation that you've stuck your nose in to far. Alternatively, you seem to be trying to get the reassurance of everyone here, to know that they want you here and that you haven't just inserted yourself into their lives because you couldn't just mind your own fucking business. There is no choice here Bella so I do not know why you're asking" Inside I was seething. I couldn't believe the audacity she had to ask me about her turning as if everyone here could just ignore what was happening. Though Felix's hand rubbing circles on my back was stopping me from completely exploding.

"I have to agree. If you think the Volturi are just gonna let you walk out of this one alive, or hide under the radar, then I think you have greatly misunderstood the situation you have been placed in. She turns or she dies." Felix's voice was commanding and left no room for counter-arguments. The longer this conversation went on the more tortured Edward looked, but if he wanted to have a bitch fit about it than that was his own problem, he either needed to accept it or move on. The atmosphere in the room seemed to drop with heavy realisation. Bella looked bewildered as if she hadn't considered the meaning of Felix being here at all. But then again I don't think Bella considered anything outside of her dream plan for life. But ultimately I was done here and just wanted to leave.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I'd like to go home now" My tone leaving no room for argument, and with that Felix and I left, the Cullens could sort out the rest as I really could not care less about what they choose to do. For what time I had left as a human I wanted to spend as much time with dad as possible so Bella could do whatever she wants. I'm not going to make it my problem anymore.

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

I felt the stress and stuffiness of the family meeting melt away into the cold March night as Felix and I left the glass house. "Right mia dolce ragazza, let's head back" He smiled crouching down so that I could get on his back. "Please keep your hands, arms legs and feet inside the ride vehicle at all times" He announced with an incredibly cheesy customer service voice. "Oh my god I can see my house from up here" I replied with a mocking valley girl voice as he straightened to his full height, causing him to let out a loud laugh that I could feel reverberate throughout his being. "Seriously though I would hold on tight" Was his final warning as I made sure my arms were firmly wrapped around his neck before he took off at speeds I couldn't comprehend. I was forced to shut my eyes against both the force of the wind around us and the motion sickness from the unperceivable speed, but just as quickly as Felix started running he had stopped and we were both now in my bedroom.

There wasn't much to it but that's exactly how I want it. I was fortunate enough to get the front-facing bedroom growing up and true to Charlie's word it hadn't changed at all aside from the few things I brought back from the dorm. The right wall was just a whole bookshelf, filled with all the books from my English literature and language course that I had to bring with me when I left the dorm and all the new ones I had since gotten after coming home. The left-hand side consisted of a variety of shelves holding different house plants and all my vinyl records from over the years. My desk was on the same wall as the door with my wardrobe in the far corner, and my bed under the window with my favourite dark purple sheets, the walls are lavender and now that I think about it I don't think I could have made it any more obvious that my favourite colour is purple. I hopped off Felix's back and made my way over to the bed, my childhood Paddington bear was waiting for me like he always was.

"I know that you have to watch over me while we're here but it might get quite boring at night if you don't have anywhere else to be, so feel free to help yourself to any of the books on the shelves" After the last few high-octane filled days, the now calm fallout seemed a little out of place, that and I wanted to talk about the whole 'mate' thing as I still don't quite understand what it means, but I know it's important. "Felix, what does Aro mean when he says I'm your mate?" I asked moving to sit cross-legged on the bed facing the tall vampire placing Paddington on my lap. At the question, he looked nervous and almost sheepish like a child caught in the act of stealing a cookie out the jar.

"Well, 'mates' are a supernatural phenomenon that most otherworldly species experience, although each different species have different names and slightly varying bonds or rituals between them. For vampires, your mate is the other half to your soul, the one person that you could never live without once you've met them. Once you encounter your mate there is a bond that forms that leads to the strong desire to protect and provide for your mate and ensure that they live happy and content. They are your soulmate. Mates are to be protected under law and if you have to kill one half of a mated pair you have to kill the other, because once your mate dies it's like you die too. Many grow depressed and wish to die while others grow mad with a vengeance that can't be cured. These laws were put in place after the death of master Marcus mate Didyme." After his explanation, a subtle look of fear took over his handsome face and I feel sympathy for him. He's probably been waiting for me for so long and now he doesn't know how I'll react. I pat the space on the bed next to me for him to sit down as I give him a judgement-free and hopefully reassuring smile. The bed dipped under his added weight and I place my head on his shoulder.

"I'm not going to reject you if that's what you're worried about Fe" At my words, he visibly relaxed and I could sense his head turn to look down at me. "I knew we were mates when we met in Volterra due to my intuition, but I didn't know what it meant and I suppose with everything going on I pushed it to the back of my mind but, I am willing to give this whole thing ago if you are" I tilted my head to meet his rich crimson orbs as I linked our hands together.

"I wanted to wait to tell you even without knowing the outcome of the trial. I just don't want you to feel like you are forced to love me, humans can't feel the mating bond until they are turned as it is a vampire thing." He brought our linked hands up to his face to place a gentle kiss on min the look in his eyes turned almost melancholy at the sentiment of me feeling forced.

"I don't feel forced Fe, being with you for these past few days feels...natural and safe. To be fair I always imagined I would be a crazy cat lady English teacher living in Forks for the rest of my days" I joked to lighten the now sombre mood. "Besides, what's the harm in trying right?" His once sad expression now turned content as he smiled down at me.

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot" Flopping down onto the bed I turned my gaze to the stale white ceiling, a small smile gracefully falling onto my face. "How'd you know I was the one anyway?" I was genuinely curious as he must have met countless people both vampire and human alike during his undead days.

"Well, it was like the moment I set eyes on you my soul just went 'Oh look, she's finally here' and I remember feeling so content and excited to be near you. That and you smell like old books, fresh rain and vanilla, it's incredibly soothing and makes me feel both safe and like I want to protect you." Both a sense of flattering warmth and deep confusion ran through me and I felt my brow subconsciously scrunch.

"Well then why does Edward seem to uncontrollable around Bella's blood if mine doesn't have an effect on you?" A deep chuckle erupted from Felix's chest at my question.

"That's because they aren't mates, she's his 'La Tua Cantante' which means 'blood singer'. Her blood is extremely appetizing to him and that's about it, though I suppose they've convinced themselves that they have something for than that" Great. So now not only is Bella delusional about their love but Edward is too, meaning that whatever crazy rollercoaster everyone's been on probably isn't stopping anytime soon. I felt Felix move up the bed beside me to delicately push the loose strands of my hair out my face and place a kiss on my forehead. "You're thinking too hard Amore Mio, it's their problem now. It's time for you to sleep as it's far too late" I wasn't going to disagree, if it wasn't for Bella I would have been asleep already anyway. As if on queue a wave of drowsiness washed over me.

"Goodnight Felix" I yawned getting into bed.

"Goodnight mia dolce ragazza, sweet dreams"

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

The first month back home was pretty uneventful aside from Bella's constant grumbling about being grounded. But to his credit dad was uncharacteristically and astonishingly strict about her seeing Edward after returning from Italy. Though I wonder how he would react if he were to find out that Edward was breaking into his house every night. Watching his daughter sleep.

He was disconcertingly creepy.

Felix and dad got on like a house on fire after they first met and I had no ideas that Felix knew so much about football and fishing. However, I would make sense that he would have had a better understanding of the modern era due to being sent out on constant missions. We told dad that Felix was temporarily living on the outskirts of town while running some scholarly errands for Castle Volterra and he would be returning to Italy roughly the same time I would be set to depart. Demetri had sent over some of Felix clothes from Volterra and a copius amount of brown contact lenses for when we were around dad for long periods of time. But importantly for me I had managed to get approved by my university for me to do my final year online so that I could stay with my father, and after telling him that I was planning to move to Italy once I had my degree, he seemed pretty happy that I would be staying for a little while longer.

I was sat on what I have now claimed as 'my' chair by the window, trying to finish my assignment that was due next month. Maybe I was panicking but I always try and get my assignments does as quickly as possible. Felix was out hunting in Sequim, a small area not that much further than Port Angeles. Something about a treaty the Cullens had with the La Push boys that meant he couldn't hunt in Forks or the immediate surrounding area, which was probably for the best seeing as dad would have to be investigating any caught bodies. Though I highly doubt that Felix would be that sloppy with leaving behind evidence unlike the nomads. The front door slammed shut as Bella walked in and threw herself on the sofa next to Charlie.

"4 o'clock on the dot. That kid trying to brown nose me now or something?" He was just as scolding as ever.

"He has a name. And now he's too punctual for you?" Bella practically snapped. It's like she still didn't understand what she had done to him, or what she continues to do.

"Okay...You understand why you're being punished, right?" I don't think she does. Not really.

"I know, I put you through hell" Bella didn't sound particularly genuine, that and she was avoiding eye contact with dad now.

"Yes, you did. But I have other reasons for grounding you. Like uh I just want you to get some separation from him" Dad was trying to be nice about it now, he was much more gentle with his tone.

"Dad there's nothing you can say. Edward is in my life." She snapped forward on the sofa now making eye contact and getting typically defensive. She can't handle so much as hearing someone say that Edberto might not be with her forever. She has never been able to accept the thought however her reactions are becoming more extreme.

"Yeah I'm gathering that. How about this? I'll make you a deal. You're not grounded anymore, if you use your new found freedom to see some of your other friends too, like...like Jacob. He's going through a really tough time right now. His dad's really worried about him. I remember when that was you. You needed a friend, Jake was there." Dad was offput now, clearly showing his dislike of their relationship that they were so set on defending. Bella had been ignoring all her school friends for months now so I doubt that they would really want to talk to her after all this time. Unfortunatly for dad though Jacob didn't come without issues of his own, but I suppose he isn't allowed to know that, Billy would have told him otherwise.

"And anyway what about Felix?" She snarked at dad, her tone unconsciously causing anger to flair in my chest. She had a lot of audacity to insinuate anything about him after all Eddie boy's done.

"What about him?" He looked so clueless at her implication, taking another swing of beer. We made brief and confused eye contact before he turned to face my sister again.

"He's been allowed around a lot and Lilith doesn't really know him" She continued as is anything she was saying held any kind of weight.

"Well first off it's rude to talk like Lilith isn't right there, secondly she's 20 so she can make her own choices about her life and ultimately Felix seems like a good kid. And he hasn't left her alone in the woods all day so that scores pretty big in the bonus points." I snorted trying to cover my laughter at his last statement. As much as dad could be painfully awkward he also had his moments where he refused to mince his words.

Felix had returned not to long ago and we were wasting some time watching horrible slasher movies. The current atrocity we were watching was about zombie beavers. It was so stupid but that's what makes them so funny. Just as the movie was coming to an end I heard Bella attempting to start her truck and it sounded bad. I hopped up to look out the window and I could see Bella frustradendly slamming her stearing wheel.

"Does she always try and get herself into trouble or can she just not help it?" Came Felix playful tone as we watched Bella have a mini melt down in the driver seat.

"By this point I think she's cursed but that truck as been working perfectly fine up until now so it seems suspicious that it's broke outta nowhere" I voiced my concerns. We both made our way outside to see Edrick and Bella now sat in the truck.

"Hey Bella, pull the latch so I can open the bonnet" I called to her, I have my theories about what has happened and the pale penny haired boy sat in the passenger seat is the cause of most of them. Bella swiftly did as I asked and I made quick work of opening and securing the bonnet up. As I looked over it was very clear what was wrong with the old thing.

"Hey Edbert. Wanna give the spark plugs back or am I gonna have to go and get some more tomorrow" I was completely and utterly unimpressed at the boy. Talking to her about visiting Jacob is one thing but breaking her truck is another. There wasn't a single plug left in the engine bay. It wouldn't have been so obvious is he had actually attempted to put the wires back in place.

Edward Cullen is an absolute prick.

I smugly looked over at the forlorn expression on his face as he realised that there was no way that Bella wasn't going to go and see Jacob. He disappeared for but a second and returned with the missing spark plugs. I didn't take me long to grab a socket wrench and put them back in their rightful place.

"May I suggest not trying to visit someone in the dead of night? Go tomorrow" I left the conversation at that before heading back to bed, it was far too late to be dealing with their drama.

"You know I'm pretty sure that girl is only with him for the immortality" Felix commented once we were back in my room, he had a big playful grin spread on his face. He gently pulled my into his chest and wrapped his strong arms around me. I can't disagree with him, she hadn't stopped begging him to change her but they have currently set the date for after her graduation.

"If they are La Tua Cantante, what happens if one of them finds their mate?" I was genuinely curious about this as it could go south very quickly, especially if Edward found his mate before they changed her.

"Well put it simply, whatever fascination he has with her blood will instantly disappear. Instead his instincts won't allow him to abandon his mate. So let's hope that none of this happens while she's still human because if they don't turn her the Volturi will kill her." He was blunt in his reply but this is something I've come to know and appreciate about Felix.

He doesn't lie or blame or exaggerate. He simply says things as they are and doesn't care if people don't like what he has to say. Not that many people can physically do anything about it anyway. While most vampire's skills are more mystical or stereotypically superpower-like, Felix gift suits him well. He's faster and stronger than other vampires and noticeably so. It's understandable that Aro made him the executioner as most vampires can't contend with his physicality.

"Now you lily pad need to sleep because we have a long day tomorrow" He stated with a teasing tone.

"Oh do we now?" I played along. But I couldn't help but feel excited at the idea of spending the day doing something together with Felix. I could take a break from my laptop every now and then.

"Yes we do" And with that he placed a kiss on my forehead and let me escape his cool grasp, I climbed into bed and quietly went to sleep, imagining what tomorrow would hold.

Chapter Text

Felix Volturi

The first thing Felix noticed when picking up Lilith was the dusting of blush over her nose and cheeks that seemed to permanently stain her pale complexion. It was probably the only thing Felix would miss about her being human, however, eternity with your soulmate was worth the loss of one minor facial feature. Her long curly black hair was pulled up into a messy bun with a few stray pieces framing her face. She looked comfortable in her black sweater, leggings and red plaid skirt, having told her to dress warmly for the date he had planned.

She was the most beautiful thing Felix had ever seen in his life. Both immortal and otherwise.

She kissed her father goodbye before coming to join him on the porch. Felix surprisingly found himself getting along with Charlie. Though he supposed that he would get along with anyone that would defend and care for his mate just as fiercely as himself, and despite his awkward demeanour Charlie opened up quite quickly once they discovered their shared love of sport. On the other hand, Felix also found himself despising the other Swan sister and their mother alike and his dislike of the Cullens quickly curdled into hatred.

He found the pale brunettes general lack of care for her family and those around her to be disgusting, her infatuation with the bronze-haired mind reader to be utterly pathetic and the way she treated her sister to be truly abhorrent. The last reason being the reason he hated her the most, for Felix would destroy anyone who harmed his mate. They were traits in the girl that he wondered if they were inherited because from what Lilith had said Bella was a lot like their mother.

She took both her children out of spite despite knowing she couldn't look after them both than kicked out the one that she loved so that she could follow a minor league baseball player around the back alleys of America. They were both selfish in their actions and Bella certainly proves it time and time again. If it wasn't for his master's friendship with the blonde patriarch of the Cullen clan he would have killed her for the events that took place in Italy. Though that smaller voice of reason in the back of his head would remind him that if those events did not occur than they would not have met in that moment and he would have had to wait even longer to find her. For Felix firmly believed that true mates were destined to cross paths at some point in life, for the universe would not have mated them otherwise.

Lilith smiled up to him as they made their way down into the tree line and Felix swore to himself that he would fight to protect that smile, for every day of the rest of hs life if he had to.

"So bear, where are we going today?" She asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"That my dear lily pad is a surprise" He jested back gently booping her nose. The small laugh she let out warming his heart. Felix crotched down so that she could climb on his back. Felix would be lying to himself if he said he didn't enjoy the way her arms would tighten around his neck she she would bury her face in his shoulder whenever he would run her anywhere. Just as they were getting closer to their destination Felix ran into an ally as not to draw suspicion to the pair as they were now in a big city. It would be hard to explain to the humans how they just appeared out of nowhere.

"Now close your eyes and trust me" He spoke softly as she jumped down from his back. He pulled her in close to his side and placed a cool hand around her waist. Not only did Felix not want to lose her in the mildly congested crowd, but he also wanted her to feel safe on their way.

He wouldn't let her fall on his watch.

"You're definitely not kidnapping me right Fe?" She joked nuzzling into his side "Cause we have come along way from home just to end up in an ally"

"Now hush you" Felix smiled back "I am for a fact not arousing suspicion" His tone lighthearted and open. They made idle chat as they slowly strolled down the path Felix was taking them. Once they had gotten to the intended building Felix gently pulled her to the side to reveal his plan for the day.

"You can open your eyes now" He whispered in her ear as not to startle her as she then slowly peeled away from his embrace. She opened her eyes and turned her gaze towards their intended location before her eyes lit up in excitement.

"We're going skating?" The look of genuine childlike wonder on her face alone made the whole trip worth it. Felix remembered that during one of their late-night conversations Lilith had said she enjoyed ice-skating as a child, however lost the time to do so as she grew up. She held a particularly fond memory of Charlie taking her to an ice rink once when he got a weekend off from his job as sheriff after René had allowed for her to visit him. Not long after that visit Lilith was sent away to boarding school and didn't get much time with him during the years afterwards.

Felix wanted to bring back some of those fond memories and create more of their own before they would be back in Italy on constant missions for the Volturi. And maybe just maybe Felix wanted to catch her if she stumbled, like her own personal hero. Not that he would ever admit it out loud. There was always a benefit in holding an inhuman amount of balance and grace.

The inside of the building was naturally chilly not that Felix could tell. However, he made sure to wrap his mate in his scarf and a spare pair of gloves so that she wouldn't get cold. Once on the rink, he could only describe Lilith's movements like that of a newborn deer. Though as adorable as she looked trying to stabilise herself on the ice after such a long time it would be cruel of him to just leave her to struggle.

Taking her hand Felix pulled her closer to him so that she could balance herself on him.

"Don't worry I'm not gonna let you fall"

"You better not mister" She joked in reply, tightening her arm around his own. As they began their journey around the rink Lilith slowly began to gain confidence in her ability to stand up on her own. A small part of Felix subconscious wished that he could stay in this moment forever. His mate was happy and laughing. Happy and laughing because of him, and they could just spend the hours together with no missions, no responsibilities and no one else to bother them.

To bring an end to the day Felix had taken them deep into the forest past both the Cullen's and pack's territories so that they could speak privately without interruption from either clans. The forest was much more serene in the deeper parts of the woods as the animals did not fear the golden-eyed covens eating habits and run on sight.

Once there Felix pulled Lilith to sit on his lap and wrapped his far too large for her cloak around her shoulders. "I have something for you" he announced pulling a sleek looking black box out of his jacket pocket.

"You didn't have to get me anything Fe" She blushed with an appreciative smile on her face.

"I know, but if it's not too much, I want you to have this" As she delicately opened the box her eyes widened. It was a Volturi crest necklace, matching the one that Felix wears.

"Felix it's beautiful, thank you so much" She delicately lifted the necklace out of the box before putting it on.

"How did you end up with the Volturi in the first place?" She asked curious to know.

"I was born sometime during the first Punic war in Rome. Unfortunately, though I was a slave to the empire and due to my size and stature growing up I was forced into gladiatorial fights as soon as I had the strength to wield a sword. Those who went and spent their whole life training in Rome felt like they were worth more than us slaves and like they were entitled to win their games and much to the disdain of the gladiators who went to school and trained I just kept winning. Game after game after game. Eventually, I bought my freedom from my master however, I still chose to fight, but this time I was contracted as a fighter under my own terms. However, life became monotonous and lonely, yes I had friends and such but every night I was always alone.no matter what riches or land I had my life was always missing something.

Not long after the rise of my fame in the colosseum, I was brought to talk to a strange pale man named Aro and he promised me that I could have the one thing I wanted most. He told me that his brother Marcus could sense bonds between people and that by joining them I would have a mate that I could love and would love me too, Aro also believed that due to my physicality as a human that I would pass on a gift into my life reborn and I had. I am much stronger and faster than the average vampire, something Aro finds great benefit in by making me executioner so that is how I joined the Volturi.

My entire life I was told that I would have rewards greater than I could ever imagine, by emperors, generals and lords and Lady Victoria has bestowed upon me the greatest gift that I could ever receive."

His cool hands had come to rest gently on either side of her face, as she leant into his touch. Felix slowly yet purposefully brought her face closer to his as he brought her into a sweet kiss.

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

The weekend had been unnecessarily hectic for one to many fanged reasons. Aside from Edward's unnerving, insistent need to be the one to take Bella to Florida. I had no idea what he could even do there seeing as the place was known as the 'sunshine state'. But a ginger-haired vampire named Victoria decided to pay Forks yet another visit after the death of her mate James.

Fantastic really.

And to top off the weekend of fun, an unknown vampire entered the house while Felix went out hunting. Though if anything, I am grateful that dad and I are still alive after the visit from our midnight intruder. Unfortunately, though this now leads us to our current predicament at the Cullen household. I could already feel the beginnings of a headache throb behind my eyes. Not only was it an ungodly hour of the night but I couldn't care less about Bella's next drama.

"Who was it? Someone we know?" Carlisle questioned once everyone had joined in the living room.

"A stranger. I didn't recognise his scent" Edward replied solemnly.

"A nomad passing through?" Esme theorised. Aside from Rosalie, Esme was the only other Cullen I had come to like after my brief encounters with them. She was motherly and warm and incredibly understanding, she added a much-needed dynamic to the chaotic coven.

"A passerby wouldn't have left Bella's father alive, nor Lilith" Rose spit out Bella's name like to was acid on her tongue. Not that I blame her.

"The scent disappeared about five miles south of Bella's house" Jasper explained, the seriousness of the situation growing more apparent as it was becoming clear that whoever was doing this was planning every single detail. They weren't intending to get caught.

"Someone's orchestrating this" Carlisle announced, not that this information wasn't now obvious.

"Victoria?" Bella questioned.

Victoria Sutherland wants revenge on Bella and Edward

"I would have seen her decide" Alice spoke up dismissing the idea not realising how wrong she was.

"Has to be the Volturi" Edward concluded. Though it didn't take a lot for that boy to blame the Volturi for anything. It was almost like he couldn't comprehend that the Volturi had more important things to worry about rather than some pathetic teenage boy and his melodrama.

Before anyone could get another word in Felix spoke up with dangerous authority in his voice.

"Watch your tongue boy. The Volturi aren't stupid enough to be orchestrating this neither do we care enough about your pathetic love affair with the human. No matter your opinion of the Volturi, Master Aro still holds Carlisle's friendship in high regard and wouldn't wish to jeopardise it over something so useless" The already cold atmosphere of the room dropped even lower. Felix had taken on his 'executioner' demeanour now. Unlike his usual playful self, he was now stern-faced and standing broad. Although he is never particularly open or relaxed around the Cullens, his powerful and looming stance over the rest of the golden-eyed clan showed that at this moment he was dangerous and ready to defend his coven.

Edward began to growl at the realisation that he couldn't blame the Volturi anymore. Black eyes attempting to glare daggers into my mate. However, if Edwards was snarling like an animal Felix was thunder. Raw and unyielding. Not wanting a fight to break out in the house I spoke up.

"It's a woman named Victoria Sutherland, whether or not she is in Alice's visions, she is ultimately the one behind this. Maybe she's playing with the blind spots in her visions?"

Edward's face scrunched up into an ugly scowl at this new revelation, like he didn't want to believe it. "So let's say it is Victoria and she's using subordinates to do her work, then how are we supposed to find out who it is anyway?"

"So we keep looking" Emmett interjected, arms crossed meaning business.

"We'll also take shifts guarding Bella at her house" Carlisle suggested now talking to the rest of the coven. I can't imagine that this was going to go well seeing as their last protection plan ended up with Bella almost dead in a ballet studio.

"Another protection detail?" Rose seethed.

"Rosalie" Carlisle went to scold her before being interrupted by Bella.

"No, she's right. You can't protect me, watch my dad and search for the intruder." Bella tried to look scared and innocent, and to someone that wasn't used to her antics, she looked almost convincingly so. But there was that look lingering just behind the browns of her eyes that showed that she was enjoying this. The attention. The very idea that so many supernatural creatures were going out of their way to protect her. A human.

"And for Victoria" Rose added.

"And keep yourselves fed" Bella concluded.

"If it's any more help the intruder that you're looking for in called Riley Biers" I chime in. "I'm pretty sure he was that boy that went missing in Seattle not that long ago" and a brief look of realisation came across the faces of the pale family.

"Well I'm not leaving you here defenceless" Edward snapped towards Bella, the utter seriousness of the situation now finally sinking into his thick glittery skull.

"Well, I'm not gonna let you starve, and I wouldn't be unprotected I...I have-" Bella stuttered out, fingers now playing with the ends of her sleeves.

"What?" Edward questioned.

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

After the late-night discussion at the Cullen's the patrols had begun around the house. Aside from the pleasant visits from Rose and Emmett it had become all too suffocating. Apart from Jacob, I didn't know a single one of the wolves which made it all the worse knowing they were constantly surveying the house. The discomfort slowly began to creep over Felix leaving him frustrated and irritable at both the Cullens and the Quilleutes. Bella on the other hand was thriving under the attention. Who, despite claiming to be 'Switzerland' to their world war was practically beaming. She had Edward, Alice, Carlisle and Esme in one hand. Just waiting for the days of her eternal youth and Jacob in the other. Though whether she would acknowledge the irate looks from every other supernatural being around her was yet to be discovered.

Jacob came with his own bag of problems almost as bad as Bellas. The sixteen-year-old boy, which was already problematic in itself, was now short-tempered and throwing tantrums in between his pining. He seemed okay sometimes by himself but the second he was in the presence of my sister he became utterly unbearable.

Felix and I were 'invited' i.e forced over to the Cullen's house to further investigate the current issue in Seattle. As we walked into the living room the echo of the news report was the only thing that could be heard.

"Seattle is in a state of terror. Police are baffled by the escalating murders and disappearances. Theories range from a vicious new gang to a wildly active serial killer reporting live Don Shebae CNN" The tv was abruptly interrupted by Carlisle turning it off alongside the arrival of Edward and Bella.

"It's getting worse. We're going to have to do something" Carlisle explained, voice thick with apprehension and regret.

"It takes more than one of our kind to cause the damage they're reporting. Quite a few more and they're undisciplined, conspicuous" Jasper explained, now clearing up the reason for us being here.

"It's newborns" Edward stated.

"What, like new vampires?" Bella scoffed like she wasn't the reason for this problem.

"In the first few months after the change" Edward began but awkwardly trailed off like he was saying something he shouldn't.

"It's when we're at our most uncontrollable. Vicious. Insane with thirst" Jasper finished. It was like he was subconsciously trying to sway Bella off her immortal quest. From what few interactions I've had with Jasper, he also seems to side with Rose in regards to Bella's want of being a vampire. He only really agrees at face value because it's what his wife wants.

"Something to look forward to" Emmett smirked, eyes full of mischief.

"Nones trained these newborns, but this isn't random" Jasper continued.

"Someone's creating an army" Carlisle stated, though by this point it was obvious, we knew about Victoria but unfortunately we only knew little about Riley. "From what we know, Victoria must really be avoiding Alice's visions and she's acting a lot smarter than what we have previously given her credit for" The regret further sinking into his voice.

"Now we're definitely going to Seattle" Emmett jumped up smile even wider on his face.

"An army of vampires" Bella asked now fully intrigued. Maybe she thinks she can 'accidentally' get turned in the battle. Wouldn't surprise me if she did, she's disgustingly persistent.

"And they've been created to fight someone" Jasper pointed out. It's almost painfully obvious why Victoria is doing what she is but unfortunately I have found that the Cullen clan collectively share one brain cell that's usually being used by Rose, and she's not here right now.

"We're the only clan even close to Seattle" Edward looked perplexed and mildly constipated. It wasn't a very good look on him.

"Regardless of why they were made, if we don't put a stop to them the Volturi will. I'm surprised they've let it go on this long" Carlisle nervously shifted his eyes over to Felix for the briefest of seconds, not wishing to push the executioner's buttons.

"Maybe they're behind it. In Italy, I read Aro's mind. He wants me and Alice to join him, he knows we'll never choose him as long as our family's still alive" Edward blurted out as if Felix wasn't stood a mere foot away from him. His stupidity and selfishness was honestly astounding at the best of times, and downright murder worthy at the worst.

"I have personally sent Master Aro a letter explaining in great and extensive detail what has happened here in Forks while you have been involved with Bella" Felix spat out my sister's name like it was acid crawling up his throat. "With both Rosalie, Emmett and Lilith's gift, I gathered the full and complete story of what has happened and have sent the letter off this morning" Felix stood up straighter and tenser with every word being fired and the bronze-haired boy and his once-vibrant crimson eyes slowly meld into deep black with the pent up rage he had been feeling over the last week or so. "Give a few days for the letter to arrive and I am certain Aro will send the guard to deal with it granted they have not been made aware. So I would watch your mouth boy especially with the kinds of acts you have committed here" the last of his words being practically growled out.

"Like?" Edward snarled in retaliation, attempting to size up to Felix.

"Like you killing only one half of a mated pair" and this revelation shot through the room like a bullet. From what Felix has told me, Marcus had enforced a new rule after the death of his mate Didyme. If under any circumstances one had to kill a vampire that you know is mated, you must kill their mate as well. I believe he just wants others to not have to feel his eternal heartbreak. It was near impossible not to feel guilt for the man who was being forced to live.

Felix then turned to face Carlisle, the anger slowly falling off his face to reveal his more stoic nature. "You had better be prepared to kill Victoria Carlisle, this is still a crime you have committed and not the first under your time with Bella Swan" and his words hung heavy in the air.

This was almost defiantly going to come down to a fight, but whether or not it would be Victoria versus the Cullens or Victoria versus the Volturi was yet to be confirmed.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Even in everyday life, in the smaller picture where we aren't worrying about Victoria matching an army to our doorsteps, Bella and her two suitors can't help but constantly cause problems. Though this time I will admit it was entirely Jacob's fault. He thought that if he couldn't convince Bella to love him, then he could force her, by kissing her without her consent. Not that I don't believe she doesn't deserve the broken hand, but the sexual assault is inexcusable.

As everyone was crowding around Bella much to her enjoyment, I saw Rose slip out into the balcony out of the corner of my eye, and sick of the other golden-eyed vampires I decided to join her. As I silently shut the door behind me Rose shot me a weak smile. We had gotten along well ever since being introduced to each other, and I was more than happy to keep in contact with the fiery blonde once moving to Volterra. As much as Edward tried to make her out to be a spiteful, vain and egocentric girl, but she is actually very intelligent. And for a woman of her time was absolutely incredible at car mechanics. I found myself learning a lot from her as we spent time together. But before we could begin a conversation Bella decided to so generously grace us with her presence and Rose's mood instantly soured.

"Go blather to someone else about the joys of becoming a newborn" She spat, fire in her eyes.

"Okay," Bella whispered just as awkward as ever. "Rosalie I don't understand what I did to make you hate me so much" she was as stiff as a board and I quite frankly had no idea why she even came out here in the first place.

"Hate? I don't hate you." Rose scoffed in reply "I don't particularly like you, and if your behaviour carries on like this I might begin to hate you, but Bella I envy you" and she gave a brief pause "Well I envy your choice" she finished.

"What? that's ridiculous" Bella was making a poor attempt to hide the glee in her voice causing Rose and I to simultaneously roll our eyes.

"No, it's not. You have a choice. I didn't. None of us did, and that includes Lilith, which is your fault by the way, but you do and you're choosing wrong. I don't care how miserable your human life is" Rose was clearly angry now that Bella just couldn't seem to get it.

"My life is not miserable. It's not perfect. Nobody's life is perfect" I couldn't control the scoff that escaped my throat at Bella's statement. As if her constant begging and whining over her humanity wasn't evidence enough that she thought her human life was condemnable.

"Mine was" Rose stated with absolute clarity. "Absolutely perfect. There were things I still wanted. To be married with a nice house and a husband to kiss me when he came home. A family of my own" Her voice turned soft and longing at the memories of the life she could have once had. "Royce King was the most eligible bachelor in town. I barely knew him but I was young. I was in love with the idea of love. On the last night of my life, I left a friends house late. I wasn't far from home." As Rose began to briefly discuss what her vile fiance and his friends did to her, I couldn't help the rage and sadness that was burning through my veins. "They left me in the street thinking I was dead. Believe me, I wanted to be. Carlisle found me, he smelled all the blood. Thought he was helping me"

I pulled Rosalie into a side hug hoping to provide at least a little bit of comfort. But even I wasn't stupid enough to believe that this was a type of pain that would just simply go away. It was a type of evil in its purest form what happened to her and it shouldn't have to happen to anyone.

"I'm sorry" Bella spoke unconvincingly like she hadn't even been listening.

"I got my revenge on them" Rose smirked. "One. At. A. Time" Bella started to look nervous now. "Saved Royce for last, so he'd know I was coming. I was a little theatrical back then. Things got better after I found Emmett. But we'll always be this. Frozen. Never moving forward. That's what I miss the most. Possibilities. Sitting on a front porch somewhere. Emmett grey-haired sitting by my side. Surrounded by our grandchildren. Their laughter" That look of longing and sadness washed over Rose's face once more as she leant her head on my own, eyes glossing over with venom. Tears that would never fall. In an attempt to comfort the forever eighteen-year-old I began to rub circles on her back.

"I understand that's what you want" Do you really? "There's nothing I'm ever gonna want more than Edward" Bella pathetically tried to justify herself. I know you just told me that you got raped and murdered in an alley by your fiance and his friends then you were turned into a vampire without your consent and forced to live with a strange man and his not son son for all of eternity before he started to collect kids like pokemon and the only thing you want in life is kids and you now can never have them, but like I want Edward so like get off my case. If I could explode my sister's head in this very moment for her ignorance I would do so in a heartbeat. Cullens be damned. It's like she didn't even listen to anything that Rosalie just told her.

"You're wrong again" Rose tauntingly called. "After you've been changed there's one thing you'll want more. One thing you'll kill for" she continued condescendingly.

"Blood"

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

The house was surprisingly empty with Bella at her graduation party and dad working late down at the station. For once it was nice to have a single evening without any Cullens or wolves patrolling the house. But before Felix and I could start watching a movie the house phone began ringing. Groaning Felix went over and picked up the phone only to swiftly put it back down, his words spoken too quickly for my human ears to perceive.

"I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count" He grumbled mild pout adorning his face. As much as I wanted to be annoyed at being summoned by the Cullens I couldn't help the small laugh that bubbled out my throat at the cute face he was making. He gasped in playful mock offence before speeding over to me on the sofa and nuzzling his head into my neck.

"Here I am just trying to enjoy my evening with my mate when I am oh so rudely interrupted, and then said mate has the audacity to laugh at my misery" his low growly voice tickled the side of my neck causing me to laugh harder at his childish antics.

"The sooner we get this over with the faster we can leave!" I chocked out through my last dying giggles as Felix only lifted his head enough for us to have eye contact. A look of mischief and mirth danced across his crimson eyes before he released me and offered his hand so that we could begin our journey into the vampire den.

"They'll be here in four days" Alice explained to us, worry thick in her voice,

"This could turn into a bloodbath" Carlisle's face was yet again riddled with grief and regret, something that had become all too common over these coming weeks.

"Who's behind it?" Edward asked.

"I didn't see anyone I recognised apart from one. Riley Biers" came her scared reply. As a seer, I can imagine that Alice is usually in a position of always knowing what will be, so being stuck where she doesn't know what's going to happen must be jarring and unfamiliar.

"He's local but we know he didn't start this, have you seen any sign of Victoria?" Edward's questioning was turning harsh and desperate. However, her only response was a quick shake of her head.

"They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision" Carlisle reasoned pushing off the table he was previously hunched on.

"Either way the army is coming and there isn't enough of us to protect the town" Much like Felix, Jasper was very blunt and to the point in these types of scenarios and he tends not to speak much either.

"hold up! What damn army?" Jacob immediately became angry at the idea. Though I must say that this was a surprise. The pack knew about Victoria after the patrols so I don't know why he wouldn't know about what was happening in Seattle, especially seeing as how much time he spends with my sister.

"Newborns. Our kind" This was the first time I had ever heard any bluntness from Carlisle, the patriarch was often soft-spoken and rather docile.

"What are they after?" questioned one of the pack boys.

"They were passing around Bella's scent, a red blouse" Alice explained. This must have been what was stolen before the first meeting we were forced to.

"They're after Bella. What the hell does this mean?" Jacob clearly wasn't quite with it. The answer is obvious. They want her dead.

"It means an ugly fight with lives lost" Carlisle grimly explained.

"Alright, we're in" Jacob agreed.

"No. You'd get yourselves killed. No way" I don't know what Bella was getting so worked up about. He's a shapeshifter and she's a human, if anything she should be concerned about herself.

"I wasn't asking for permission" He sniped.

"Edward?" Bella begged.

"it means more protection for you" He relented, acting as if the words caused him physical pain.

"Jacob, do you believe Sam would agree to an understanding?" Carlisle asked, already knowing that there was no choice but to fight.

"As long as we get to kill some vampires" He agreed.

"Jasper?" Carlisle wanted to affirm with the southern boy.

"They'll give us the numbers, newborns won't know they even exist that'll give us an edge" He seemed to agree with the plan, everyone seemed to agree par Bella.

"we'll need to coordinate" Carlisle planned out loud

"Carlisle they're gonna get hurt" Bella began begging again, but her pleas seemed to be falling on deaf ears.

"And you're not" I snapped, she seemed to forget that the both of us are the only vulnerable people in this whole scenario. She quickly sat back down.

"We'll all need some training fighting newborns requires knowledge that jasper has, you're welcome to join us" Carlisle offered to the pack.

"Alright, name the time and place" Jacob agreed.

"Jake, you don't know what you're getting yourself into" Bella began yet again.

"Bella this is what we do. you should be happy look at us, working together. you are the one who wanted us to get along, remember?" Although he was being incredibly condescending, this exact moment is probably the only time I haven't disliked the boy.

"Well this is all good and grand, but can I ask why the two of us were even summoned in the first place?" Felix harshly questioned from beside me. Carlisle looked a touch awkward before slowly bringing his hands together.

"Well seeing as Bella is Lilith sister we thought that she might want to be informed about what is happening" but he was quickly cut off by Felix.

"Are they passing about her scent?" Alice shook her head no. "Are they showing any kind of interest in Lilith at all?" and she shook her head again "Would Victoria have a single shred of a reason to harm her?" and for the final time Alice shook her head as Felix scrutinising eyes cast over the Cullens present in the room. "Then this isn't her problem" He finished.

"I can understand where you're coming from Felix, but we were wondering if you would be willing to help us, at least with the training even if you don't fight when the army comes to Forks" Carlisle kept his voice calm and mild as not to further anger the executioner as he towered over the rest of the Cullens.

"That I can assist with, however, whether or not I fight in your battle will depend on what message comes back from Aro and the guard, as well as what Lilith wants me to do, as I have stated, this is not our fight. It's yours Cullens, and maybe if you had killed her the first time as you were supposed to this wouldn't have been a problem."

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Rosalie Hale

The blonde vampire had to hide the smirk creeping up her face watching her husband get thrown like a rag doll by her 'brother'. The almost pout on his face as he rushed up ready to fight, "Again!" came his angered voice. However, the moment was harshly interrupted by the sharp arrival of a jeep containing Edward and the human. Rosalie had never been the biggest fan of Bella, the way she treated immortality and the privileges she was given as a human, throwing away her chance at the family Rose could never have. However, her opinion of the girl curdled over time, especially after the trip to Italy. When she told Edward about the true nature of Alice's vision she never meant for this to happen. She just assumed that Edward would get over his obsession with his la tua cantante and wait to find his true mate like he had before Bella had even entered their lives. How wrong she had been. If it wasn't for Bella and Edward then Lilith wouldn't have been forced to turn by the Volturi and a small part of her felt that guilt was her own as she drove Edward to Italy in the first place.

She had surprisingly become fond of the black-haired woman, much to her own shock. Though she supposed that their relationship hadn't started out with the same animosity that she held with Bella, as Lilith wasn't choosing this life for herself. But as the two girls got along Rosalie came to realise that maybe going to Italy had been good for Lilith in the long term. It was clear that Lilith and Felix were destined to meet, and even now as the pair walked up the forest path to meet the rest of the family, it was clear by the look in their eyes that they cared deeply for each other. It reminded Rose of herself and Emmett. Emmett was her salvation from her past life as much as Lilith was for Felix.

Emmett brought out her softer emotions, as much as she tried to hide them from everybody else. Her outwardly vein and petulant attitude, especially the attitude she showed to Edward was her self defence mechanism. In her human life, she was far too open and naive, trusting and unquestioning. That's what, in her mind, lead to her death. Emmett on the other hand was open and loving, goofy and playful, sure he died trying to physically fight a bear but he wore his heart on his sleeve with a smile on his face.

Rose could see that in Lilith and Felix, he was a hardened executioner for the Volturi whether he agreed with the outcome or not, and Lilith was a calm but passionate literary nerd with a golden heart and silver tongue, though more often than not to was weaponised at her sister. Rose found herself greatly enjoying the verbal lashing both Felix and Lilith could provide at a moments notice.

Her inner thoughts were slowly interrupted by the stench of wolves approaching the clearing as the pack apprehensively came to join them.

Lilith Swan

Mere moments after Felix and I arrived at the clearing were we greeted by the pack.

"They don't trust us enough to be in their human forms." Edward explained as the wolves stood up on the small forest hill.

"They came. That's all that matters. Will you translate?" Carlisle asked. The bronze-haired boy nodded.

"Welcome." the patriarch addressed "Jasper has experience with newborns as does Felix. They'll teach us how to defeat them." he explained in his usual friendly way.

"They want to know how the newborns differ from us." Edward translated.

"They're a great deal stronger than us because their own human blood lingers in their tissues. Our kind is never more physically powerful than in our first several months of this life." Carlisle finished letting Jasper take the reins.

"Carlisle's right." he began "That's why they are created. A newborn army doesn't need thousands like a human army but no human army could stand against them. Now the two most important things to remember are, first: never let them get their arms around you. They'll crush you instantly. And second: never go for the obvious kill. They'll be expecting that and you will lose." and soon the training began.

Jasper and Emmett went up to fight first, ready to watch I sat comfortably on the jeep's bonnet with Rose and Felix stood nearby. I couldn't process much of the action with my human perception, only the fleeting moments of stillness after an attack had been struck. From the way Emmett was forced to the floor, I could only assume that Jasper won.

"Never lose focus."

Next up was Carlisle and Edward. Father and son. Over just as quickly as the previous match it seemed like Edward had outmatched the blonde vampire, only for Edward to foolishly turn his back on him. Quicker than lightning Carlisle got off the ground to win his fight against Edward.

"One more thing. Never turn your back on your enemy."

Lowering my voice for Rose and Felix, though knowing their senses this was a pointless action, "You'd think for a mind reader that he'd use his powers to know his opponents next moves, he can literally hear their thought process." naturally my whispering was futile but it caused a snicker from Rose, Felix and Emmett. As well as a nasty glare from the telepath himself but it was all worth it in the end.

There were many matches that followed, Jasper versus Rose, Alice versus Jasper, Felix versus Carlisle, but now was the match everybody was anticipating. Felix versus Emmett. Both boys had enhanced strength but Felix had the edge having enhanced speed as well. Just as They were preparing to fight I called to Felix.

"Give me your cloak" I softly demanded making grabby hands at the vampire. He only smirked in return. "Stealing the clothes off my back now are we?" he chuckled removing the fabric and delicately wrapping it around my shoulders. "I am not stealing I am merely liberating you of your possessions, now off you go" I joked shooing him away once I got my prize. Laughing as he prepared in the 'arena' both Felix and Emmett grew serious as they started to size each other up.

Faster than I could comprehend both men sped off into their fight, the blurs of this match lasting far longer than anyone else before them. However, quickly their fight slightly lost control as they ended up out of the arena area and deeper into the woods, both sets of booming laughter echoing from within the trees. After a few more minutes of laughter and tense silence from some of the Cullens, they both returned. Though now they were slightly ruffled and covered in leaves and miscellaneous debris.

"I'm telling you, man! I am so getting you next time" Emmett as his usual came out the woods grinning despite his evident loss.

"I'd like to see you try, child" the taller vampire replied victorious smirk plastered on his face.

Shortly after it was called quits for the day and the pack retreated back into the woods, ready to do this all again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Almost everyone had left the clearing now, the rest of us straggling behind. "Jasper?" I called to the southern boy, causing him to stop and face me from my position on the Jeep. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help?" I asked, mainly for the benefit of Rose and Emmett. I sure as hell wasn't going out of my way for Bella or Edward but the brunette girl seemed perfectly content with letting everyone else die for her. Minus her batted eyelashes at Jacob every time she saw him, practically foreseeing his death with the amount of times she was telling him he would die.

Softly smiling he shook his head "Bella's presence alone, her scent, will distract the newborns. Their hunting instinct will take over and drive 'em crazy, and I am very much inclined to agree that this isn't your problem so don't worry too much about it anyway" he finished giving the side-eye to the girl currently enamoured with Edward.

"Well if you're sure. Hey, if you don't mind me asking, How do you know so much about this? I mean if it's too personal you don't have to answer" I didn't want to make the poor boy uncomfortable with my questions.

"I didn't have quite the same upbringing as my adopted siblings." He rolled up his sleeves to reveal his pale white arms, though unlike the rest of the Cullens whose smooth stone-like skin looked like pure porcelain, his arms were covered in bite marks.

"Vampire bites?" though the answer seemed obvious.

"Battle scars" he smirked "All the training the Confederate Army gave me was useless against the newborns. But still, I never lost a fight." At the mention of his past military service, you could see the guilt and regret swarming in his honey eyes. Though he perked up just a bit at his win ratio.

"So you were turned during the Civil War? Pardon my inquiry but they don't teach us about these things in Britain"

His smiled ever so slightly softened "I was the youngest Major in the Texas cavalry, all without having seen any real battle" there was a deep bitterness in his voice. A solemn sounding tone mixed with remorse that couldn't be shaken.

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking."

"I met a certain immortal. Maria. I was riding back to Galveston after evacuating a column of woman and children. When I saw them, I immediately offered them my aid." His eyes became distant and unfocused, and I began to wonder if I was pushing too far but before I could stop my questions we were interrupted by my sister.

"Maria was creating an army?" Bella asked seemingly uninterested, as she leant against the bonnet.

"They were very common in the South. There were constant brutal battles for territory, Maria won em all. She was smart, careful and she had me, I was her second in command. My ability to control emotions served her well. I trained her newborns, an endless occupation since she never let them live beyond their first year. It was my job to dispose of them. I could feel everything they felt. I thought what Maria and I had was love, but I was her puppet. She pulled the strings." His once smooth voice became thick with a tense recollection of the past, venom ever so slightly pooling in his eyes. Though a relieved smile slowly took over his face. "I didn't know there was another way til I found Alice. She'd seen me coming, of course." A look of adoration could clearly be seen now on his face.

"You'd kept me waiting long enough." the pixie-like vampire joked, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

"My apologies, ma'am." his accent thickened "I don't know what I'd have become without her." she playfully shushed him in return. the love between the two vampires was clear. It was clear between all the Cullen clan pairs. All except Edward and Bella. But before I had any more time to ponder on the toxic relations of my family Felix picked me up off the Jeep.

"It's time to head back mia dolce ragazza, it's getting late." Accepting his softly spoken words we took off back to the house.

My morning reading with Felix was rudely interrupted by Bella and Edwards petty arguing outside the front of the house.

"I'm not just gonna hide while you're out taking all the risks for me" Bella whined.

"If it's Victoria involved, I need to keep you as far away from the fight as possible" Edward argued back.

"Jasper said that I could be of help." Felix and I scoffed in sync at her factless statement.

"We won't need your help. With the wolves in this, it's an easy win. The rest of us aren't gonna have enough to do." Edward lied. We don't know how many newborns are arriving so he can't claim that we have this covered.

"Okay, it's either so dangerous that I have to hide or it's gonna be so easy that you're gonna be sidelined. Which is it?" She continued.

"It's dangerous for you, easy for us" He wasn't wrong. Bella seemed to ignore the fact that she was human and could be snapped like a twig with a one-way ticket to the afterlife.

"I think it's dangerous for us to be apart. How many times do we have to prove that? I'll be worried. You'll be worried. And we'll both be more vulnerable." The only reason there has ever been danger when apart is Bella herself, first, she ran alone to a ballet studio with a vampire then she chose to swan dive off a cliff. If anything she's the problem.

"Okay. You're right" Edward agreed.

"So I'm coming with you" Bella sounded much happier with this statement.

"No, we'll both stay away together" what?

"I can't make you choose between me and your family" Bella further tried to argue.

"The only way I can protect you is to be with you" and soon they left for their final preparations.

I felt Felix lean his chin on my shoulder once the pair had left.

"Was she born broken? Why does she keep trying to join in the fight?" Felix asked, his deep voice rumbling through his chest. I snorted out a singular laugh at his question.

"I personally think she's trying to get turned mid-fight. Think about it, she can't fight, she's human and she's desperate to be a vampire. A rouge newborn could solve her problems. However, I think she's a bit too stupid to realise that said rouge newborn would probably kill her rather than turn her."

There was a brief moment of pause in contemplation before he responded. "That makes perfect sense, I think she'll leave once she's turned. She'll have gotten what she wants and move on to bigger things." I took his words into consideration. She claimed that Alice was her best friend yet never seemed to really take in what she says, though this can be said for her with all of the Cullens. She also claimed to love Edward yet was also obsessed with Jacob.

"Maybe she'll make a haram with Edward and Jacob, run away and find more supernatural boys to play her interests." I joked, feeling Felix laugh vibrate through his chest against my back.

"Maybe, I vote that her next target will be a demon or a goblin" He continued with our theory.

"I personally think she'll find a fairy or other fae possibly an elf, they're whimsical and sparkly like she's currently used to. Baby steps" I giggled before a was quickly flipped onto my back on the bed, Felix gently holding down my wrists.

"You making fun of the way I sparkle?" He playfully exclaimed, a cute scowl crossing his face.

"Yes," I whispered. oh no

"Apologise" was the last thing he said before beginning his assault on my rib cage, the ticklish feeling quickly taking over my body forcing me to laugh harder.

"Never!" His touch became faster as he tried to get me to relent.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry" I giggled out of breath as he eventually stopped tickling me.

"Now you have to say 'Felix Volturi is the best mate in the world and I'm sorry for making fun of his sparkle'" he jested.

"What are you five?" I asked still trying to catch my breath as the last few dying giggles left.

"Ah ah ah" he held his hands threateningly over my ribs "Don't make me ask you twice"

"Felix Volturi is the best mate in the world and I'm sorry for making fun of his sparkle"

"Now I want a kiss" So I lent up and placed a kiss on his cheek only to be met with a look of disbelief. "What?"

"You missed" He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I couldn't contain the smile that took over my face as I placed my hands on each side of his jaw, leaning up and giving him a kiss.

Thanks for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

The next day leading up to the battle seemed non-existent, it didn't quite feel real. Yes, there was training and strategising and preparation. However, it seemed almost like make-belief, that everyone was secretly paying a facade and it would all go back to normal next week. Fortunately for me though, I was not sleeping upon a frigid mountain top isolated from any help or assistance with no way of contacting anyone in case of an emergency.

I chose to stay at home during the battle, Victoria wasn't looking for me anyway, and in the worst-case scenario some poor newborn decided to eat me then I had Felix on standby. He received a letter in return from Aro detailing about the guard being sent to deal with the newborns, albeit later than he would have liked them dispatched, so they would undoubtedly make an appearance anyway.

As I was left to my own devices, finishing off the last of my work before I finished for good. A part of me felt successful. It was mid-June so my exams were over and any loose ends were being thoroughly knotted, but this was also the part that hurt the most. I never really had a plan once I got my degree, maybe I would have got a PGCE and become a teacher, moved down here permanently and gotten a job at Forks high school. Maybe I would have travelled for a year and seen anywhere. But now this would probably be the last few months that I would see Charlie, possibly not on the slim chance I could visit again if even once.

I never really made a close friend group at university, I had inherited far too many of dad's genes to not hold some level of awkwardness. That and my hidden bitterness at being sent away in the first place really wasn't helping my case. Though that was my own fault. Maybe I could have been more social, more open, more expressive. But there is no point in pondering those what-ifs now. I am alive. I have Felix. I have Rose and Emmett. Rose and I swapped contact details as soon as we could. I will certainly miss her snarky comments at Edward and Bella.

My moping was swiftly cut short by a timid knock at the door. Charlie went fishing and everyone else was at the clearing. An overwhelming sense of suspicion washed over me in waves, but before I could panic too much I was comforted by my inner thoughts.

You're not in danger, she wants answers

But before I could question myself anymore the knocking came again followed by a soft-spoken voice that was thick with paranoia and fear. "Please, I'm looking for someone and I thought you could help me?" and without even seeing the mystery woman face I could almost picture the tears streaming down her face.

Moving quickly off the sofa I darted to the door but didn't immediately open it. "What do you mean by 'I thought you could help me', I'm sorry but I don't recognise your voice" I could physically feel her fear through the door the longer we played this game. "I'm so sorry to bother you with this but I was looking for someone gifted with intuition, my own gifts have lead me here" Pausing to gather my thoughts I finally decided to let her in. In the worst-case scenario, Felix is one button away.

As I opened the door I was met with a tan woman of small stature. Her eyes were a captivating shade of forest green and her shiny hair a brilliant midnight black. At first look, her style struck me as very bohemian, the floral burgundy dress she was wearing suited her nicely. She looked appreciative as I invited her inside.

"Tea?" I offered as I lead her to the sofa so that she would be comfortable.

"Yes please if you wouldn't mind" she smiled as she sat down. "Oh, I'm Garnet by the way" the paranoia from earlier seemed to be slowly ebbing away.

"I'm Lilith, pleased to meet you" I replied on my way to the kitchen to grab all the necessary items for tea, putting the kettle on to boil. "You said you used your own gifts to find me?" I pushed, wanting to know why she would seek me out, as the kettle finished boiling I poured the water into the teapot before putting everything on a ray and taking it to the living room table.

"Ah" she started smiling gratefully at the cup handed to her "I am a witch you see, and I was looking for someone gifted with intuition to help me find someone and answer a couple of questions, but I needed someone already familiar with the more supernatural side of life, it does make it less awkward to explain" she slowly took a sip of her drink before continuing "You see I would have done it myself if I specialised in divination or more psychic work, however, I am but a humble herbologist and kitchen witch at heart and thought that it would be better to seek out someone more talented"

"So how did you end up here?" I asked now thoroughly confused.

"Victoria tried to turn me at first but I managed to convince her of my use as a witch, as a herbologist I can make some brilliant potions" she explained with a proud look on her face "However, she kept a very close eye on me to ensure I wouldn't try to escape or kill her. Not that I could. One night I managed to get alone I met a kind vampire named Demetri who was spying on the newborns. He suggested that when the army attempted to fight those Cullens that I use it as a distraction. While Victoria went for her revenge and the foot soldiers were being picked off I could run. He told me that his friend Felix had a mate who was clairaudient and might be able to help me." her fingers were anxiously running the rim of the mug she was holding.

"So that's why you were so scared, you thought that a newborn might find you before you got to me," I asked now piecing everything together.

"Honestly, I thought that you might have gone somewhere else for safety and that I would have been found a traitor" She attempted to laugh but sounded quite tense.

"Well luckily I was home" I joked "Don't worry the newborns will be destroyed and so will Victoria" I tried to reassure the woman, she looked around my age and clearly had her whole life ahead of her, she shouldn't worry about the newborns anymore. "I'll be glad to offer my assistance in any way that I can."

"Thank you so much" she smiled "As compensation for your help, I would like to offer you something, anything in return as a way to say thank you" and soon an idea came to my head.

"You said you can make potions right? Well, I have a question..."

I am about to mess with the entire canon : )

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

A lot had happened in over a month. Time was moving too all too fast yet not fast enough. It was like being in a strange limbo. Bella and Edward were getting married soon which seemed questionable at best. It also seemed like another excuse for Edward to delay Bella's turning much to everyone's dismay. Bella seemed to agree to his condition in exchange for vampirism, which seems like a poor excuse to get married. She was barely eighteen. Jacob had also gone missing in a temper tantrum causing dad to be overworked now both being the sheriff and trying to find his best friends missing son.

Fortunately, all this drama and preparation gave Garnet enough time to prepare the potion that I asked for, looking down at it now after opening the parcel sent to the house seemed so surreal. The clear glass showed the iridescent liquid, never quite setting down on one particular colour and in my hands radiated power. Getting this had not been easy, requiring not only mine and Garnet's combined efforts but also the help of another witch that Garnet knows. Luckily for me, she also sent over a letter detailing the precautions of the elixir and how to works so that I wouldn't have to memorise all the necessary information.

I can only hope that she likes it.

Setting it hidden away from any prying eyes, I then quickly joined Felix downstairs to head off for the wedding.

Alice had really outdone herself with the decorations, even at the reception the delicate white decorations really brought out the beauty of the Cullen house. Although the venom acting as Felix tears melted a few pairs of deep brown contacts, he had enough spares not to cause anyone at the reception any alarm.

For the most part, we had managed to stay hidden in a corner, partially to hide from my mother but also because we didn't care to talk to anyone aside from Rose and Emmett. I believe we were invited as not to cause suspicion to dad. Bella and I didn't like each other, that much was clear over the few months I had spent in Forks and her not inviting me would have been strange. But we could only stay hidden for so long before the aforementioned couple had spotted us.

"We were wondering where you two had snuck off to. If I have to interact with another human that I could not care less about I will commit a war crime" came Rose's irritated voice and I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. Her sour face softened to a smile as the four of us conversed away from the other guests. But not before long, we were interrupted by an angry female voice. "Why is a member of the Volturi here?". The woman in question was a pale blonde woman with molten gold eyes, so she must be from another 'vegetarian' clan. Based on what little information I know about clans outside of the Cullens and the Volturi, these vampires must be the Denali clan. Bella mentioned them before, but that's about as much as I know about them.

"Well, unless you've committed a crime you have nothing to worry about, anything to admit? if not then you can move along" Felix was was incredibly stern and hinting at sarcastic. Hos once lighthearted and warm eyes had become cold and icy. The clan quickly pulled their coven mate away before anything else could happen but just as Emmett was about to make a comment everyone was called in for the evening speeches.

Some of the words spoken about the 'happy' couple were more than awkward and at points were reeking of insufferable cringe. But for the most part, they seemed genuine, except for Bella's classmate Jessica. At some point in her lengthy monologue I could have won I heard Felix plead for death and being honest with myself, I wasn't too far behind him. Someone made the poor mistake of allowing Emmett to wing his speech, and that was too much power for the man to have. His subtle inside jokes flying over the heads of the more mortal guests causing the already awkward aura of the tables to intensify. Worse though than that someone of this godforsaken planet allowed mother to sing in front of all the guests which left much to be desired. If I had a will to live beforehand it was certainly long gone by now. But thankfully after a few sentimental words from the groom himself, it was over, after a painstakingly and endlessly long time, it was over. It was finally time to send the newlyweds off on their honeymoon for the next two weeks and we could finally go home.

The next day I invited Rose over to the house while dad was out at work, Felix knowing what I have planned went out to hunt so that we could have some privacy, this would be a big deal for Rose. I had the bottle wrapped carefully in a box on my desk as a gift and patiently waited for Rose to arrive, apprehension setting heavy in my gut.

She made herself known as she did every time she came over by appearing seemingly out of nowhere almost giving me a heart attack. "Where's the mountain?" she joked flopping down on my bed and making herself comfortable. "Eating" I replied just as jovial picking up the box and bringing it over to the immortal.

"What's the occasion?" she asked, confusion now thoroughly taking over her being as I handed over the box.

"Open it, let's just say a friend offered a favour and I thought you might like it" One part of me was excited to see her reaction, another was scared she might be offended or put off but I had an opportunity and there would probably never be a chance like this again.

With almost practised precision the blonde opened the box and took the letter off the top, honey eyes scanning over the text almost desperately. "Are you serious? Will this work" She sounded like she was fighting internally between utter disbelief and complete elation.

"As far as we know it should work perfectly, there have only ever been a few instances in history where a dhampir or vampire child has been conceived through the aid of magic, few magic users know of such magic however a witch offered me one favour in exchange for some help. She was taught by a coven that specialised in herbology, apothecaries and potion mastery, although she is solitary now she still keeps in contact with her old friends and her high priestess agreed to help us, I thought you might like something like this". Before I could say anything else I was pulled into a tight embrace, the woman in question was dry sobbing in happiness at the news.

Rosalie Hale could finally have a child.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Edward Cullen

The bronze haired telepath had never been more anxious in his life, alive nor dead. Even as he and his now-wife entered the beautiful house on Isle Esme he couldn't stop the echoing of Felix words in his head.

First, you said she would be turned at graduation, then you bargain with her to turn once you get married. If you keep postponing her change Cullen there will be consequences on you and your clan. If she isn't changed by the time you return then it will be decided by the Volturi whether she will be turned or killed. The Volturi don't give second chances.

He knew that this was it. The last chance. Either Bella was to be turned on their honeymoon or she and himself would most likely be killed for breaking the law. This was the right thing to do he repeated to himself over and over. I have no choice but to damn her, he thought like a mantra. Even now as Bella laid before him he wasn't sure if he would have the strength to pull away as her blood would touch his lips. If it wasn't for Carlisle he would not have stopped in the ballet studio, he would have drunk her dry and had to live with the consequences. But now, now there was no one else to stop him or pull him away.

In some ironic way, he was drawn into past conversations he had about blood singers with the rest of his family, he had been so sure, so adamant that Bella may have been his blood singer but she was also his mate. He couldn't be so sure now, but it was far too late. They were married now, far too deep to have regrets but maybe he should have thought about this sooner. Maybe he should have just taken her blood in that studio and moved on. But he couldn't

So as gently as he could he bit into the neck of Isabella Swan.

Rosalie Hale

Rosalie Hale had never been more elated in her life. Yes she had Emmett and she would never trade him for anything else in the world but this was something else entirely. They knew her pregnancy would be relatively short compared to humans, especially as their child would be a dhampir, but she didn't think it would be this short. Fortunately, as a vampire, she had very little if any of the negative side effects that most women would experience. However, one thing she didn't realise was that she would be able to eat small amounts of human food as well as the blood to feed her child, and she had come to see why Charlie had missed Lilith's cooking while she had been away. They had basically lived in the Swan's residence with the occasional visit from Jasper during her pregnancy.

She had spent a lot of time with Emmett at the Swan house while Charlie was out during this time as it brought her a sense of calm and relaxation. All four of them could be themselves without the other Cullens about. She loved her family she really did but sometimes she felt slightly disconnected from them.

Carlisle clearly favoured his first turned son, going as far as to change her in hopes that they would get along. Every decision from the past year or so with Bella had been driven by Edward and Carlisle did nothing to stop it. The telepath in question never bothered to understand her either. Labelling her as vain and drawing the stop there with little thought to it. Alice, as nice as she was became far too attached to people due to her abilities, falling in love with people before she even meets them. She became almost as attached to Bella as Edward, not seeing faults in indulging the brunette in their vampiric ways. A lot of their problems had been caused by the pixie-like vampire, just as much as Edward.

Felix and Emmett were more comfortable with each other now, Rose would even dare say good friends. Whenever the girls were trying to just relax and do as little as possible they would often go off and spare in the woods. Emmett still hadn't managed to beat Felix in a fight since their training in the clearing and as much as she wished to root for her husband she didn't think she could say that she thought he would.

Sometimes Rose would think about Lilith having to leave in a few months. She didn't want her to. In the few months, they had known each other they had become close, and she had given her a gift that she could never pay back and for that, she would be grateful for the rest of her immortal life.

Labour hadn't been as nightmare-inducing as he had been told as a young girl. But she believed she could thank most of that to her vampiric nature. She had a healthy baby girl in her arms and she couldn't be happier. As a dhampir, her feature were slightly more developed than most newborns, barely showing signs of Rose's golden hair and Emmetts warm stone grey eyes from when he was human.

It was just the quartet left in the delivery room now for some privacy after the last hectic few hours. Her labour finally being over at the very early hours of the morning. Bella and Edward were due back any day now and Rose wanted to spend as much time uninterrupted without them. "What are you going to name her?" Lilith prompted sleepily from the chair in the corner, leaning on Felix.

A warm smile pulled at her pink lips "We were thinking Dorothea, Dorothea Grace Cullen"

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Chapter Text

Bella Swan

She finally had what she wanted. After all this time, this pain, this longing she finally gained the immortality she so desperately wanted. Bella Swan would have never thought that she would fear growing old, it was simply the way that life pans out. However, it only took one small suspicion, one small glimpse into the world where you would never grow old, never tire or ache. Even before Edward has exposed himself and his family to the once human girl, she had her theories of what the Cullens were.

She wished though that she had been turned sooner, left to turn in the ballet studio and become what, in her mind, she was truly meant to be. This was the life that she was destined for. It belonged to her. She would never admit it to herself but she couldn't stand the idea of being physically older than Edward, she detested it with every burning fibre of her undead being.

The Prince Charming that Bella had always been dreaming of never seemed to change as she grew up from her childish dreams. She always imagined her one true love to be intelligent and kind, older than her and rather tall, and most importantly he must be as irrevocably in love with her and she was with him. Edward fit almost all of these categories, though sometimes his decision making and overall competence could be questionable.

Bella did not believe that her being physically older than her now-husband would irritate her so. Maybe it was her newborn emotions raging out of control, she would reason to herself. But what she didn't seem to realise was that she was just as unhealthily and sinfully obsessed with her youth as much as she was with Edward.

Bella pushed to be changed as often as she could, as many times and she could. Each danger-filled situation she would find herself in just fanned the flames behind her obsession, each providing yet another reason as to why she should be immortal. But nobody caved. Not even as a Voltari guard was sent down to make sure she turned and she was livid. In Bella's mind, Felix was sent to ensure her turning happened, the idea that mates could not be separated nor would want to be separated barely fluttered across her consciousness. Edward never taught her the laws unless it was absolutely called for.

But ultimately Bella believed she was special, worth dying for. As much as she pretended to care for the wolves in the battle or for the family that had so graciously accepted her with open arms she couldn't help but internally preen at the idea of all these beings of such great power putting their lives on the line for her. She lived for it. But now, now she had the power, the strength, the speed. She could do anything, be anything she wanted. She had Edward who she knew would do anything for her and Alice the seer who could always see what lies on the road ahead.

But what the brunette didn't realise was what happening at the Cullen household while she and Edward were away. Something that would change the course of her life forever.

As they ran up through the dense forest into the Cullen territory, something felt different. Happier than the usual aura of the Cullen household. Approaching the door Bella could smell something sweet like vanilla and it sent a deep burn down her throat. Edward hadn't lied about animals being unsatisfying, while Isle Esme had plenty of wildlife to help curb her newborn thirst, she felt as if there was just something missing. Bronze brows were frowned in deep confusion as it also seemed like Edward wasn't expecting Lilith to be at the Cullen household.

Coming up into the living room Bella was met with the most unexpected sight. Lilith was sat down on the sofa with Rosalie's head on her lap. The envy came crawling back at the sight. Bella couldn't even get Rose to spit in her direction yet here her sister was acting as if they were best friends. Even more curious was the ethereal looking baby in Rosalie's arms. The child in question was far too perfect to be human. Smooth pale skin that even her vampiric eyes could not find a single flaw on paired with gleaming grey eyes filled with pure childish excitement. It was clear by the small toughs of golden blonde hair that the baby was Rosalie's however, she couldn't begin to imagine how.

Rosalie resented her, no, envied and yearned for her ability to have children Bella reminded herself with an inflated sense of ego. Yet here she was in broad daylight with a child that was seemingly her own. Candied orange eyes glancing over to Emmett whose face was filled with love at the slight of Rosalie and the baby girl. If the newborn had any information to go by then this child did in fact come from the mates. But she couldn't fathom how.

The more she tried to piece it together the angrier she became. Bella Swan had never thought about having children of her own. She was too young and naive to ponder such things. She had barely graduated high school and had better things to worry about. Yet looking at the domestic scene before her she couldn't help the overwhelming rage and disgust. Is this what she would have wanted from life? Is this what Edward meant when he said he couldn't give her a normal life? Is this the resentment that Rosalie would feel looking at her? if it was she hated it. Dispised it. Wished to cast it aside and move on but she couldn't.

It was sickening really just how quickly and pathetically she had succumb to these feelings. To the hatred. She wished that the domestic bliss would just stop. It didn't even seem like anyone had noticed the newlyweds return either. Felix and Emmett protectively watching their mates. Carlise subtly keeping his eyes on the dhampir child from the kitchen, his doctoral instincts on the back burner in case the child needed anything, Esme not far from his side preparing lunch for her Lilith. Alice was online shopping in the corner, squealing to Jasper every now and then uttering adorances at the items on the screen.

Before she could control it a shrill almost raspy hiss left her throat and instantaneously the atmosphere of the house changed. Emmet and Felix now crouched in front of the sofa, eyes blazing with firey protection as deep grows left their chests. Rosalie had now pulled the baby into her chest with her spare arm kept close around Lilith. Jasper and Alice had guarded the back sides of the sofa. Alice clearly attempting to force a vision of the next few moments.

"Edward, Bella" Carlisle tried to placate with a warm smile and open arms "It's good to see you have returned, we trust you two enjoyed yourselves?" but before Edward could utter a response he was cut off by Bella's threatening growl.

"How is any of this even possible?"

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Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Everything moved so quickly.

Bella was hissing and snarling like a feral cat causing everyone else to take action. The girl in front of me was not what she used to be, vampire or not. There was a murderous glint in her eye, hidden behind blistering envy. Her eyes never left Dorothea, even after Carlisle conducted their attention away from the baby.

My stomach had never been knotted in such anxiety in my life, not when facing the Volturi, not when Victoria's attack loomed over our heads or even when I was presenting Rose with her gift. Everything felt rotten like something had spoilt. Something bad was going to happen, if not right this second then sometime soon. I could feel the nausea settle deep within my bones and I just know that it can't be shaken.

"Is she an immortal child?" Edward asked apprehensively, as the tension in the room grew thicker. A threatening growl left Rose without hesitation at the question and I could only guess that immortal children were problems. "She was born not bitten Edward, even an idiot such as you should be able to sense the blood in her body" the blonde spit out with malice. My heart was beating so fast that it ached.

It was all too overwhelming. The newlyweds had barely been back for a minute and Bella was already causing problems again. It was like she couldn't help herself. "How can she have been born, you're all vampires" Bella spat out in fury. Her stance only became more aggressive with each unanswered question.

"Someone owed Lilith a favour and she passed it onto me, that's all you need to know" Rose hissed back, arm slightly tightening around my shoulder. I wanted to be sick. I wanted to just go back to before Bella and Edward came home and we could all act like everything was okay again. Bella seemed to almost sober up at this revelation and an unusual look of calmness washed over her face. "Lilith, could I speak to you outside for a moment?"

She only wants to talk, however, she has no problems harming you if necessary

I had a choice to make based on my intuition, agree and possibly be harmed, or stay and put Dorothea at risk as well as myself. She wasn't guaranteed to harm me, and it was better than the alternative. I calmly began to get off the sofa before Felix stood behind me with an arm around my waist. "Are you sure you want to risk this with her? " He asked ready to attack the newborn.

"I'll stay close to the door and if I have so much as a hint that she'll try anything I'll tell you. I'll knock three times" I reassured him before he nodded and let me go. The walk to the front of the house was tense. But I'd rather do this than leave Bella in a room with Dorothea for another second.

Once outside she immediately turned to face me. "So that's it, you're going to leave at the end of the year with all these secrets and mysteries? You're just gonna up and leave Charlie? Just tell me how you did it" She growled out.

"First off do not talk to me like you yourself having been planning to leave dad since you set your eyes on Edward, second off all unlike you dad isn't going to know that I'm 'dead'. He's my mate Bella it's not as simple as you seem to think it is. He's lived with the Volturi for centuries longer than I can even fathom. I'm not just going to force him away from a life longer than any of us have ever lived. If Edward was your mate rather than you his La Tua Cantante then maybe you would understand the position I'm in. When's the funeral by the way?" Bella completely ignored my last jab but rather seemed to be focusing on something else.

"You still haven't answered the real question. How did you do it?" she seethed through her teeth. So that's really what this is about.

"That's for me to know Bella" maybe this wasn't the best way to handle this but Garnet wasn't a tool for Bella to gain what she wants.

"Oh, so you'll do it for Rose but not for me?" She continued with her tirade.

"Rose deserved this, and getting here wasn't easy Bella. But even if I could do it again, even if it was that easy, why would I? Why would I go to such extremes for you?" and her eyes seemed to blaze harder at my questions.

"Why? Because we're sisters!" I wanted to scoff at her claim.

"Because we're sisters? Is that what you tell yourself? Are we sisters when you wouldn't respond or write back to any of my letters? When you would ignore me at any family gatherings I was able to attend? You have never spoken a word to me unless it has benefitted you in some way. You never even said goodbye when Rene sent me away and yet you also seem to think that I will just roll over and give you what you want. I am not Edward and I am not Jacob. I owe you nothing and will give you as such" It was freeing, liberating almost to get everything off my chest. Our hostility was never hidden however I don't believe that Bella ever thinks she has done anything wrong. "You know I always used to think it was my fault, maybe I did or said something. Maybe I should have tried harder. But then I realised that you never even tried at all. Couldn't be fucked to so much as look my way. You don't care about anybody if they can't further your own goals, which is why I'm not going to do this for you"

Before she could begin to process what I said I knocked on the door. I didn't trust her enough not to attack me once her brain finally caught up to the conversation. My mate was before me glaring down at the brunette before I could blink. I could relax now in the safety of his presence.

"This is not over, we are not ending this conversation here" Bella continued to scream and rant as we turned back into the house. Whatever was going to happen now was completely dependant on the actions of Bella Swan.

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Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

It had been tense ever since my sisters return, fortunately for dad they hadn't told him how long their honeymoon would be so I didn't have to tell him about Bella just yet. But honestly, there was a selfish part of me that didn't want to be the one to tell him. As much as she treated him poorly, he still loved her dearly, she is his daughter after all. It would break his heart.

Dorathea had been growing quickly although this was to be expected as a dhampir and her growth would stop soon as a result. She hadn't particularly taken to Bella either which only made it more awkward to be in the Cullen household. Luckily though she seemed to like it over at our Swan house and would gladly visit with Rose and Emmett. Something about Bella and Dorothea seemed to naturally clash much like oil and water, maybe it was something she had inherited from the blonde vampire. She in only a few weeks looked now like a six-year-old child, clearly having Rose's shiny golden hair which fell in loose waves around her exceptionally pale face. Though her completion only made her marble grey eyes stand out. The only indication that she wasn't fully vampire was the pale dusting of pink that settled across her cheeks and nose, thus showing that she had blood in her veins.

Today was one of the few days that Felix and I had decided to go over to the Cullens. We more so avoided it now due to Bella's piercing glares and sour attitude. However, today seemed to be better. Emmett, Jasper and Felix were playing quite competitively on a games console on the far end of the room, while Edward was reading near the piano over the other end. Carlisle was working and Esme and Alice were doing something or over near the kitchen, happily smiling with each other. Rose, Dorothea and I had decided to sketch on the floor, Dorothea has started showing great interest in art as she's developed. Often drawing adorable and sweet images of her family or of mythical creatures she would read bout in stories.

Currently, she was putting her efforts into something special as she had delightfully explained, refusing to show me or her mum until it was 'perfect', her tongue was poked out in utter concentration as she continued to draw. Her hands were moving much faster than any human could possibly hope, coloured pencils being switched out quickly as she worked. It was almost sad that she would grow so quickly, these innocent moments would be fleeting as time moved on, however, she would also live much longer than anyone else could hope. Alternatively, she could choose to become a full vampire once she's matured. Which we all secretly hoped she would, though we will respect if she chooses not to. I'll miss her once we leave for Italy, but hopefully, we would be allowed to visit.

Before I could continue my melancholy thoughts they were cut off by a set of light footsteps entering the living room. Bella had decided to grace us with her presence, quickly joining Edward by the piano. Lately, I have noticed that he doesn't seem as enamoured with the brunette, not as he once was before she was turned. Maybe turning her had finally shown him that they weren't mates, and now she had no blood left to pine after he wasn't as attached. But one could only speculate.

Dorothea looked up from her sketchpad at her arrival before a cute frown scrunched her face. If she wasn't so cute and with such chubby cheeks then it might have been terrifying, defiantly something she would grow into as an adult. Her grey eyes seemed to freeze the immortal in place the longer she looked, almost crushing the red pencil in her tiny fist. Edward also seemed to freeze before he looked helplessly overwhelmed. It was almost as if he was in pain as his hands rose up to massage his temples, his teeth gritted and almost growling.

"Edward, are you okay?" Esme's motherly yet concerned tone broke whatever spell was cast upon the room and everything seemingly went back to normal. But this did however catch the attention of the men on the other side of the room who now respectively came to join their other halves. Felix sitting down and pulling me onto his lap as Emmet sat behind Dorothea and Rose.

"I could read Bella's mind" time seemed to stop at the revelation "It's like her mind is a box, one that I can't open, I've never been able to with my gift. However it was like someone else forced it open and I could hear everything" he sounded confused and slightly distressed at the turn of events. This shouldn't be physically possible, unless?

Dorothea has a gift

When she was glaring at Bella her gift must have activated? or maybe finally revealed itself. "It was Dorothea, maybe her gift can break down shields?" I spoke up to the room, physic powers weren't uncommon in humans, whether you believed in the occult or not, or if your religion believed in them or not. Hell, I was one example of such a case and Garnet has friends who specialised in more psychic based crafts. Bella being a shield of some kind wouldn't be abnormal, there were some people even going so far as to develop forms of psychic shields themselves for protection.

"She's gifted?" pride filled Rose's voice at the idea as she pulled Dorothea into her arms. She had grown anxious at the eyes in the room now looking at her. "Am I in trouble, I didn't mean it" she whispered now fiddling with the cracked pencil in her hands.

"No, no of course not honey, if anything we're proud of you" the blonde calmed her down quickly.

"So she can break shields?" Emmet asked from behind the pair.

"I believe so, it would explain why Edward could suddenly read Bella's thoughts after all this time" I responded.

"Or maybe it's the first time she's had any thoughts at all" Felix piped up from behind me and I had to hide my laughter in my hand. Despite the disapproving look from Esme, I could see that Rose and Emmett were also trying to fight their smiles.

"What did you hear Edward?" the vampire in question asked venomously which immediately aroused suspicion in many of those in the room.

"Nothing much. Why?" he prompted causing Bella to stop and almost stutter. She's been caught out on something, but what? She quickly left the room in a panic and it was like everything was much calmer. We could discuss this as adults later, but now everyone went back to acting like nothing had happened more so that Dorothea wouldn't feel guilty for her gift. The four of us were now just relaxing on the floor as the dhampir went back to drawing as if nothing had happened.

"Finished!" she explained excitedly before turning her sketchbook for us to see. The image was incredible for her age, showing a fair amount of detail in the faces on the page. "This is me, mummy and daddy, and here is uncle Felix and aunt Lilith" she pointed out proudly. It showed five people together, on the left of the page was Rose, Emmett and herself stood close together with smiles on her face and nearby on the right side was me and Felix, who you could identify by his comically large height on the page.

Rose and Emmet began complimenting her drawing and I couldn't help but feel the sadness come back again. We could deal with Bella's temper tantrum later, but I was going to miss the trio sat in front of me and dad more than I could imagine, I know I will. But right now it was best to savour the moments we get to have with them before it's too late.

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Chapter Text

Felix Volturi

Felix always felt content under the affections of his mate, as her fingers were cascading through his hair he couldn't control the almost purr like growls that escaped his chest. She seemed distracted like something was bothering her and he could almost sense her anxiousness as if it were his own "What's wrong mia dolce ragazza?" he asked lifting his head from her neck, growing concerned for his mate.

"Something feels wrong, but whenever I try and get any insight into what's happening I receive nothing. It's almost like who or whatever is causing this hasn't made their final decision yet." Lilith seemed just as frustrated as she was scared. If the giant had learnt anything about his mate while being in Forks was that she didn't like not knowing things, mainly when her families safety is concerned. "I'm worried that it's Bella. She's been missing for three days now and it's not like her to avoid attention." Huffing a laugh at her comment Felix pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"I have seen wars men could only dream of, survived Mount Vesuvius and lived for centuries as an executioner, I am sure as hell not letting an eighteen-year-old girl think she can get away with crossing you nor me. I will simply end her before she can try. Even if it does come down to a fight I swear I will do everything in my power to keep you safe." He smiled. Felix kissed his mate's temple before searching through her vinyl collection near the record player. Lilith watched the tall vampire with a look of confusion that was gently broken by a small smile. After finding what he was searching for he gently placed the record on the turntable and setting the needle over the disk. Soon the room was filled with the soothing sounds of a piano and soft backing drum.

"Dance with me?" Felix held out his hand to his mate who with a cute grin on her pale face hopped off her bed and took his hand. Felix would have to note to himself to let her wear his shirts more often. They swamped her rather tall frame in just the right way to tug at his heart, a warm and protective feeling taking over him at the sight of her. Despite her height, she was still completely towered by the executioner, so it was a bit of a stretch for her to link her hands over his shoulders, but he let her stand on his feet to help slightly. It didn't make a difference to the vampire anyhow.

"Wise men say only fools rush in" As Felix baritone voice joined in with the music currently playing a blush took over Lilith's face. He began swaying them in time with the music, crimson red eyes looking down at her ocean blue eyes with utter adoration.

"But I can't help falling in love with you"

Bella Swan

The brunette was furious, angrier than she had ever been in her entire life. If that child, that thing had used it's power any longer than it had her life would have been ruined. Edward would have found out everything. She already knew that the blonde empath could sense her seething jealousy and hatred. The Cullen's no longer paid her attention in the same way that they used to. Ever since that child had been born it was like her grip on them was suddenly slipping. She loathed it. Loathed her. Edward had slowly become disconnected from her, treating her differently than before. He was no longer vying for her attention, no longer keeping her close and certainly no longer loving her.

But beyond Bella's comprehension, he was loving her, attempting to but the toxic cloud of his blood driven love has dissipated. It no longer ran through her veins, controlled his thoughts. He could now think, reflect and now he had come to realise the error of his ways. The wrongs he had done and the danger he had put his family in. It was crushing to know that his blood singer had no been his mate, he would still have to look for them. But for now, he would try to love Bella in any way that he could. In hope's that when the time comes, Bella would be more open to finding her mate too.

Jacob had also imprinted while she was away on a girl his age in La Push. That had enraged Bella further, she had no one she could manipulate, no one to beg and plead for her and her humanity. But she remembered something, one small detail. Edward made the mistake of explaining to her what immortal children are. She also knew that Aro's gift would not work on her after her last experience in Italy.

She didn't know what she wanted but it wasn't this. She wanted Edward and Jacob even after solidifying her choice and marrying the vampire she wanted the drama. She wanted everyone around her to need her and cater to her, in the way they had before. The Cullen's used to protect her while she was incapable, but now she was a vampire they didn't need to, especially not as a newborn she was stronger than the Coven themselves. She was expected to look after herself, her gift was strong, she was now able to take control of her own life but she now found that she didn't want it. Not if it meant that people would stop coddling her. It was childish.

What was worse in Bella's opinion was that whenever Lilith wasn't cooking for and spending time with Charlie and Felix she was not at the Cullens, alongside the monster himself. She didn't understand it. He was a murderer in Bella's mind, he had no morality, she saw that when he killed Bree Tanner. When she told Lilith all she got in response was a simple "Sometimes you have to be something for someone else beyond your control, Felix is an executioner even when he doesn't agree with the outcome because it is what is demanded of him. The world isn't black and white and neither are people"

She hoped that Lilith would hate him, curse him, leave him and immortality behind because Bella couldn't stand it. The looks they shared, the love they clearly felt and with each adoration from the executioner it was becoming harder for her to make him the villain she so desperately wanted him to be. She could not admit it but she hated it because she wanted it. The gentleness, the care and the effortless gestures of love. Every time she had to watch Felix and Lilith interact with each other or with Dorothea she felt the jealousy spike.

So she finally made up her mind as she booked her flight to Italy, because so long as she had her shield then no one could prove her lies.

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Chapter Text

Aro Volturi

Aro Volturi was torn. He had received regular updates from his executioner Felix, the newest one detailing the Cullen's newest additions, both Bella and the dhampir child. However, now reflecting upon the request of said newborn Aro Volturi could say that he was well and truly at a crossroad. On one hand, he could not verify her experience for she was a shield and blocked his gift, therefore he had no idea if the claims that she made were true. While on the other hand the claims that she made would hold serious consequences on the golden-eyed coven. Immortal children were simply too dangerous to be allowed to live.

What Felix had told Edward was true, Aro valued Carlisle's friendship in high regard and did not want to believe that said patriarch would allow such a heinous crime to be committed under his watch. But he also had to collect every ounce of truth, the law could not escape his old friend for fear of the Volturi's rule would come into question. The lower-ranked clans and nomads could rebel thus causing the future of vampires to be at risk.

He also had to weigh out the opportunity that had presented itself to him. Alice Cullen, although talented greatly, was not a true seer. She could see the future only from the angle of decisions made by others rather than perceiving the true events themselves. This is why her visions would change so frequently and cause unexpected consequences. For example, the vision Aro had seen at their trial when Bella was human had not happened at all, rather Bella being turned on an island off the coast of South America and not by herself either. As much as she wasn't infallible she was also incredibly insightful. However, he had also seen her rather disunified behaviours as he read her thoughts.

She allowed others to be manipulated so long as she got the outcome that she wanted in her visions, falling in love with people long before he had met them only encouraged this behaviour. She guided and encouraged Edwards rather forward and controlling actions of Bella because she saw said girl in her future, telling his of her whereabouts and decisions so that she could ultimately keep her best friend forever. Her gift was powerful but the vampire herself was rather self-preserving and motivated. This lead Aro to question whether she would be a great asset to the Volturi or would simply look to gain more benefits for herself. She had no regard for those that had no value to her goals, which is why she allowed Lilith to join them in the first place and this kind of behaviour would be problematic if she was on the guard.

He also had to weigh up keeping Lilith and Felix close. He knew the mountainous vampire was loyal and strong, no newborn could stand against him if they tried. He knew Felix wouldn't lie to him, for he had seen inside his mind frequently and knew how deep his bonds were tied. But he had no idea if Lilith would follow him yet, he had met the human but once. Her gift was truly spectacular and he wanted her in the guard. Not only would she be able to tell if those on trial were lying but she too to a degree had talents in divination. In her mind, he was able to see that she could almost effortlessly gain information on future events, so long as she asked the right questions.

Aro ultimately came to the conclusion that it was more beneficial and easier to gain Lilith alongside Felix in the inevitable confrontation than it would be to get Alice, but with Bella in Italy, Edward should soon follow regardless. Though the black-haired ruler had to question why the telepath had not arrived with his la tua cantante. Thus his suspicions of the girl were raised even more. He had seen enough in Lilith's memories to know that she was more selfish than she liked others to believe. He knew he would have to take her words with a grain of salt and treason was punishable by death.

The trial would have to be conducted regardless with such a serious allegation. That much was clear. So with a heavy heart, Aro sent forth a letter for Felix and his mate in Forks before gathering his clan.

The Cullens

The Cullen household, although tense over Edward's missing wife, had been relatively calm as they slowly prepared how they would announce her death as well as trying to track her. As autumn turned to winter Dorothea continued to grow now looking like a healthy ten-year-old girl, and it was clear at just a glance that she was taking after Rose more and more.

Lilith had been slowly gathering her belongings over the weeks, gradually packing what she would need for Italy while spending as much time with Carlie as she could. But his job unfortunately didn't give him an abundance of spare time. But she would also admit that she was happy to move on with her life with Felix. It had been hard at first coming to terms with leaving her old life behind, but it would have had to happen eventually she would reason. Charlie wouldn't be around forever even if she were to stay human. It was simply the way life worked. She believed that her fear stemmed from her lack of life plan previously. She never really knew what she wanted to do after uni and was scared of being left alone with failure. Charlie was all she really had in life as she was never good at making friends but now she had Felix, who also treasure her that his best friend Demetri and herself would get along like a house on fire. She also had Rose, Emmett and Dorothea who promised to keep in contact after she left and for the first time in a long while Lilith felt happy about the future.

Felix on the other hand had been itching to leave Forks. As much as he would begrudgingly admit to missing Rosalie, Emmett and Dorothea he just wanted to go home. He also wanted to turn his mate, fighting the newborn army had reminded him just how vulnerable she was in her mortal state and he couldn't begin and refused to imagine what life would be like if she wasn't here anymore. He would teach her to fight so that while he was on missions she would be able to defend herself, although he had a feeling she would be staying in the court as a 'judge' or possibly 'jury' alongside the kings, her gift was perfect for it and Aro made his intentions clear. He wouldn't want to risk her gift being lost during a mission gone south.

As Alice was putting out a glass vase full of blooming flowers she was suddenly pulled into a vision, causing her to drop and shatter the bouquet on the floor. Jasper rushed to her side in worry as her eyes finally focused on the family surrounding her.

"The Volturi are coming"

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

It didn't take a rocket scientist nor my gift to realise that Bella was the reason the Volturi were now after us, and shortly after Alice's vision, a letter had arrived from Aro addressed to Felix and I, stating that if we joined him during the trial that we would not be considered as a part of the guilty party during the investigation. But it was a difficult decision to make. On one hand, Felix had been with the Volturi coven for centuries and his allegiance would be unquestioned, all his friends and everyone he considered family were with the clan and it would be both unfair and unquestionable to ask him to risk it all for a family that he, for the most part, couldn't even stand. Minus a certain trio. But alternatively, we knew that Bella was relying on false truth to push the Cullens to extinction.

By technicality, Dorothea was immortal or would be if she so chooses to fully turn as an adult. But for now, she was only half-vampire and therefore no rules had been broken. It would take a lot to convince Aro of the Cullen's innocence, or at least we assumed that it would. The biggest advantage that we had on our side was that he cannot access Bella's memories due to her gift. It was pure hope we were relying on to show that Bella was lying. If all went well we could possibly use Dorothea's own gift to our advantage. But she was only a child, she wouldn't fight, not that we wanted this to come down to one.

Even worse, the last of my days with dad were now over and I had to be turned. I would have been leaving for Italy had Bella not ran off due to her own envy and wrath but now I was confined to the Cullen house until the trial was over and Felix and I could leave. I would have preferred to stay human in Forks however the threat looming over our heads was too great. I would simply not survive if I kept my humanity and a fight broke out with the Volturi. The burning of the venom in my chest was second only to the feeling of saying goodbye to dad. Watching his glassy eyes as we shared one last hug as I left home for what would be forever. Felix and I had gone to one of the Cullen's homes off in Alaska, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had harmed Dorothea in any way. She still had blood in her veins and having a freshly turned newborn near her would have been disastrous.

The burning felt like it lasted for a millennia, Felix hadn't lied when he said it would be the most excruciating pain I had ever felt. Burning alive could not come close to describing the sensation. Almost as if in a delirium I was confronted with flashes of moments from my human life. I had forgotten most of them, as with almost all vampires when turned, we only got to keep the most important ones. Felix kept memories of the colosseum, Rose only kept her memories of life with Royce, Jasper with the military so on and so forth. The only exception was Alice who couldn't remember anything due to her time in an asylum.

Strange didn't even begin to describe it, vampire memories were stronger than human ones due to the inherited ability of perfect recall therefore most human ones are destroyed with the pain of the venom. I can no longer recall my childhood friends or my mother. I now can no longer remember the faces of the uni students I used to see every lecture or my old school teachers. But I could remember ice skating with Charlie and the time I spent with him. Being driven around in the cruiser and listening to terrible pop hits on the radio where we would both sing as awfully as we could or watching sports during the summer holidays with Billy and Harry. I still clearly remember each moment with Felix after meeting in Italy as well as the Cullen trio we had both come to love.

As the fire in my veins finally extinguished and my eyes opened the pain seemingly transferred somewhere else in my body. The burning in my throat now took over, it felt like I hadn't drunk in over fifty years. Every swallow of my undead tongue sent the feeling of sand scraping down inside my neck, with seemingly no relief. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Felix hadn't left from when he bit me. My head still in his lap as I gazed up at his handsome face, no longer being able to feel the coolness of his body through his clothes.

Looking at him now seemed unreal, I could perceive each small detail that my human eyes couldn't have possibly known. His eyes were much more complex with enhanced senses, the darker crimson of his limbal rings showed that he hadn't fed in at least a few days. It also clicked into place what Felix meant when describing the mate bond. Looking at him felt much more intense than it did when I was human, it was almost an ineffable sensation. Everything just felt right as if it had fallen naturally into place, like my inner soul was soothed just by being near him. There was a comforting warmth spreading through my chest at our proximity and I can almost forget about the feeling in my throat. Almost. His scent was stronger now too, he smells like campfire smoke, black tea and the pumpkin pie we used to make every Halloween. My three most favourite scents in the world.

"Here drink this" His baritone voice was much softer than usual as if he were speaking quietly, my ears though were now more sensitive and I could pick up his voice both louder and with more clarity than I could as a human. Tones that would have been impossible to hear before now being picked up with ease. It was near impossible to not be overwhelmed with everything going on but my thoughts and sensory overloads were cut short by an irresistibly sweet smell that permeated every cell of my being.

Every sense now snapped to the larger than average red medical bag in his hand like it was a target, the burning in my throat flaring stronger than before. "Come on mia dolce regazza, you need to eat" and I didn't need to be told twice and I was moving faster than I could even comprehend. My newfound fangs sunk past the plastic like a hot knife, the sweet nectar inside tasting almost euphoric as it slides down my neck. The burning was now almost completely soothed aside from a very mild but manageable itchy feeling that remained. But for now, it was now manageable. "We have more if you need it, we'll try hunting for real once you've adapted more"

After the slightly manic feeding had quenched my thirst, I wanted nothing more than to spend some time with Felix. We didn't have a plan for the trial, what we would do before or after. Life was yet again becoming more complicated and I was just ready for it all to finally be over. But for now, I just wanted to spend time with my mate before I joined the guard.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Arriving back at the Cullens was a slight shock, there was now a multitude of vampires now mulling about, eyes both golden and crimson. I could feel the venomous looks of the blonde sisters from the wedding as Felix and I joined the others in the woods behind the home, however, it didn't take long to find who we were looking for. The slightly tense silence was broken by doll-like laughter as a blonde mass threw herself at Felix. It was almost comical how short she looked next to the executioner.

"You're back!" Dorothea squealed, now safely in Felix's arms, before beginning to fill us in on what we had missed while in Alaska. Rosalie told us the more important details of what was happening. The surplus of vampires caused some brief trouble down on the reservation, but we all kept to our agreements, the human drinkers would feed outside Forks and we wouldn't cross the border. We couldn't ask the wolves to help us anymore, not only had the entire pack been put through the wringer with Bella and Jacob, but they no longer held any ties to us anymore. It was their family above all else just as much as it was for us with Dorothea. We just had to blindly hope that the witnesses wouldn't be taken the wrong way at the trial.

Speaking of witnesses it was clear that some of them didn't take too kindly to the 'sudden' appearance of Felix and I but unfortunately for them, this was simply how it was going to be. We were here for Dorothea's sake and I wasn't going to let anyone else tell me where to be. For the most part, we didn't interact too much with the witnesses but it was hard to not clash with Kate, Tanya and Irena. After everything that happened with their mother, I'm surprised they even came at all.

It only took a few days for everyone to settle down, but now wasn't the time for petty arguments or stupid fights.

Today was a calmer day in the Cullen house, it was almost like before we received the news. Rose, Dorothea and I were on the floor, the boys were playing games on the sofa, Esme and Alice were off near the kitchen in laptops looking at something and Carlise was off. Only this time he was outside with the other witnesses. It was hard on everyone, but we had to have some semblance of normality for Dorothea's sake. We didn't want her to panic or believe that it's her fault so we had to keep everything as down low as possible. Much like before Edward slipped silently into the room near the piano.

There was once a time where I wouldn't have cared if he was set ablaze, but now I couldn't help but feel slight pity looking at the bronze-haired immortal. He felt guilty, that much was obvious, he brought Bella into the Cullen's lives, he continued to involve her in everything despite being told she was only his la tua cantante, and now he told Bella of immortal children and now felt like it was his fault we were now in this mess. Now some of it was his fault that much was undeniable. He did bring her into the family and he has certainly not been a model boyfriend or acted in a healthy way. But this current situation was fully on Bella and he needs to understand this.

As we made brief eye contact his brows scrunched up, usually a sign that he's thinking too hard. Maybe I'll see steam come out of his ears if he thinks hard enough. He continued to sit there steeping in his own confusion before he spoke up.

"Lilith, can I ask you a question?" Now it was my turn to be confused but I agreed nonetheless. "Has anyone ever tried to access your mind, aside from Aro in Italy?" I shook my head not quite understanding what he was implying.

"I think your transformation might have strengthened your shield" He was blunt and to the point.

"My what?" Edward slowly came to realise that I had no idea what he was talking about.

"I had a theory that Bella's shield was hereditary. It started when I first met Charlie, I couldn't quite read his mind, I could only get very small glances at his thoughts, mainly they would present as feelings or like conceptual ideas. At first, I thought that was just how his mind worked until Bella moved to Forks. Then I met you, in Italy when we first met it was like your mind was empty aside from the occasional one-word thoughts or ideas that I could read, or small glances at your feelings, when Aro took your hand to see your memories it was like you took the shield down temporarily and that has been the only time I could fully read your mind but now it's dead silent. Just like how Bella is." He explained in great detail, now catching the attention of the room.

"Even if I did have a shield like Bellas, it only affected her mind, I don't see how it would help us now, aside from developing Dorothea's gift"

"Gifts can be developed over time, I imagine your intuition wasn't always as strong as it is now, but even with the small amount of time we have left, developing both yours and Dorothea's gift would be a good idea" The voice came from the male member of the Denali clan, he and Carlilse now stood just beyond the doorway.

Eleazar Denali

"If we developed Dorothea's gift to work on command, maybe we could use Bella's memories against ger, break her shield long enough to prove that she's lying, if Dorothea is okay with it at least" I theorised turning to look at the blonde dhampir. She had a cute but determined look on her face, looking up from the sketch pads she was drawing on.

"I want to help if I can!" She had certainly developed a strong sense of family and justice, I hope it will serve her well as she grows.

"Well you know what they say, there's no time like the present" and with that, we started to practise.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

So much had happened by the time the snow arrived, Dorothea had greatly improved her shield breaking abilities, now able to easily break a shield for as long as she could concentrate. My shield too had developed, though not as easily. I could hold it briefly but it took great concentration, it was a surprise gift and a lot harder to develop than my clairaudience.

Felix and I had a tough choice to make, Aro expected us to join him at the trial, he made that clear in the letter he sent. But I can't ask Felix to betray his family, but I also couldn't just leave Rose, Emmett and Dorothea like they meant nothing. The trial would be tomorrow, and no one would rest well with the uncertain future ahead of us. The weight of the metal around my neck had never felt heavier.

Everyone was getting ready to spend the night in the woods near the clearing, the small covens cherishing each moment they had left together. Rose and Emmett came to join Felix and I as Emse and Alice fawned over Dorothea in her tent.

"Look we appreciate everything that you two have done for us, especially you Felix while you've been sent here and we have something to ask of you if that's okay?" Emmetts usually happy go lucky tone was unusually sombre and I've come to realise that it's something I don't like. Emmett is much better and more himself as a man-child. Nodding, we wanted to know what the couple wanted.

"At the trial tomorrow, if for whatever reason things go south we want you both to take Dorothea and run, it doesn't matter where or how far, just enough that she won't get involved in a fight, we know we can't ask you to leave or betray the Volturi, so maybe if you two just leave with her the results won't be as bad for you" Rose continued, venom tears that would never drop pooling in her eyes. She was nervously fiddling with her hands as she spoke and I can't even begin to imagine how hard this must have been for her, to finally have a child only to be threatened to have her killed.

"Of course we can, we'll keep her safe to the best of our ability" Felix replied, putting the pair at ease. Tomorrow couldn't come and slower.

The snow on the ground was thick and unending as we were all waiting for the Volturi. Felix, Rose Emmett, Dorothea and I were directly at the front of our group, the other Cullens were close behind us with the witnesses at the very back. Garrett's leg was shaking against the crunching snow as the nerves took over him.

"The red cloaks are coming, the red cloaks are coming" He teased trying to cheer himself up. However, his ramblings were interrupted by the Volturi finally arriving in the field, the three kings were at the front, with the elite guard close behind. The rest of the coven were filed out behind them. I could feel the trio next to me tense at the sight of Bella looking smug in the middle of the black cloaks, she was noticeable by her still golden eyes and white attire. But she was slowly brought forward as the accuser of the Cullens.

"Aro's looking for Felix, Lilith and Alice" Edward whispered from off to my left causing the already existing knots in my stomach to twist. As if feeling my unease Felix's arm around my waist tightened in comfort.

"Young Lilith, I must say immortality suits you" and I nodded my head with a smile to politely thank him for his compliment. Aro turned to us before sweeping his arms to invite us over to the Volturi, taking one last look at Emmett and Rose, with a quick nod of affirmation of our plan, we made our way over, joining Demetri with the guard. Carlisle took it upon himself as the patriarch of the Cullens to step forward and greet Aro.

"Aro, let us discuss things as we used to, in a civilised manner" Carlisle began.

"Fair words Carlisle, but a little out of place given the battalion you've assembled against us" Aro was as controlled and as calm as ever.

"I can promise you, that was never my intent. No laws have been broken" The blonde patriarch continued, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"We see the child. Do not treat us as fools" Caius spat.

"She is not an immortal, these witnesses can attest to that, or you can look, see the flush of human blood in her cheeks" Carlisle almost sounded desperate in his reasoning.

"Artifice" Caius called.

"They are lying" Bella seethed, still trying to play the victim.

Aro held out his hand to silence that pair. "I will collect every facet of the truth, besides I only see one child present, we received Felix and Lilith's letter notifying us of Dorothea, now unless you wish to accuse my wards as lying about her status as a dhampir dear Isabella, I would like to gather information from someone more central to the story...Emmett, as the child clings to your mate, I would assume that you're involved" Preparing himself, Emmett soon walked over to the inky haired vampire offering his hand, surrendering his memories to the king.

"I'd like to meet her and Lilith if you wouldn't mind" Rose and Dorothea made their way over to Aro as did I, lowering my shield and allowing him to access my most of memories, I chose to shield particular ones. Aro's eyes slowly lit up in childlike glee, before turning his sights on the blondes now stood before him. "Well she is certainly a dhampir no mistake about that" he laughed with an almost childlike delight. "Would you mind my dear?" He lowered his voice as not to disturb Dorothea too much before extending his hand.

"How extraordinary, but now what is there to do about dear Isabella?" Aro questioned with false pitty, with her shield it was impossible to prove her guilty of anything, until now that is.

"But what if you could see her memories, and we could prove that Bella knew she wasn't an immortal child?" I asked, wanting this to be over. Aro tilted his head in question asking me to continue. "Dorothea's gift would allow you to see into Bella's mind, if you'll let her" Aro seemed excited at the possibility and summoned Bella forward. She struggled against the grip of Felix and Demetri, her newborn strength no match for my mate.

Aro Volturi

The vampire king was never one to turn down a display of someone's gift, especially not by someone so extraordinary. He quickly called the newborn to be brought over for questioning. Being held down by the guards with one of her hands held out by Felix, Dorothea turned to look at her, brows furrowed in concentration as she broke her shield. He quickly and with great interest took Bella's hand now having unrestrained access to her mind. A great many emotions flashed across his milky red eyes as he looked further and further into her plot. He saw everything.

Bella forcing her way into the Cullen's lives, Her trying to get turned by James and almost dying, her stunt with Victoria on the mountain, every argument that she had with Lilith. Then and more prominently he saw her prying about immortal children and her petty, self-entitled thoughts, how she would traitor the Cullens, and more importantly how she would accuse Felix and Lilith of knowingly helping the Cullen's create an immortal child. However, one thing that Bella didn't consider was how quickly the child would grow.

Although in her memories Dorothea looked around five years old, now she looked around twelve, unfortunately, she didn't have a plan for them getting into her mind despite the incident in the living room.

What a foolish girl she was.

He spoke his next few words with such unabashed confidence "So it is treason then"

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

"So it is treason then" Called Aro after thoroughly inspecting Bella's mind. After all this time I couldn't bring myself to feel pity for the girl, she had brought this on herself after all. It was impossible to think, if you'd have asked me all those months ago, that Bella Swan would be executed for high treason. Yes, she was selfish and rude, often seeking attention and drama, but she'd changed. The Bella I knew growing up although painfully awkward and sometimes shy never seemed like a girl to attempt to wipe out a family.

She was held tightly in place by Felix and Demetri as Caius had someone like a torch in preparation for Bella. This would be hard on Charlie, and was something I wanted to avoid for him, knowing that one of his children were dead, but she was going to do it to him anyway. The Cullens had a cover-up story planned ever since she ran away, but this must also be hard on some of them too. Alice especially after practically declaring them best friends the second they met according to the brunette. Bella was struggling with as much might as she could muster, hissing and stretching like a wild cat, but ultimately it was useless. Aro took her head while Felix and Demetri removed her arms, almost as soon as she was dismembered Caius set her on fire to ensure that she could not reanimate. He looked far too happy to be ending her life, though I suppose he had wanted her dead ever since he met her in Italy.

It was hauntingly silent. Almost as if time had stopped. There were no more violent cries from Bella, but no sympathy from the witnesses nor the Cullens, after all the betrayal not a single one could muster a sad sound for the young girl. But it was ironic, in a cruel kind of way. Bella Swan feared aging, she feared death and the unknown. She wanted a life where she could live as a powerful being with no limitations on what she could do, she wanted to live forever but only on her terms. She wanted Edward and Jacob as well as the love of the Cullens but that just wasn't possible and she couldn't handle it in the long run. But now it was over it was almost bittersweet. But ultimately Justice had been served and that's what is most important.

"I suppose that has been enough excitement for one day, my dear young friends, until we see you again in Volterra" Aro smiled, in a way that was far too calm and calculated. I would have thought he'd put up more of a fight to take of the witnesses for the guard. But almost just as swiftly as they had arrived, the Volturi had left leaving us to celebrate our victory.

But it was finally time for Felix and I to leave, I had tied up all my loose ends with dad, getting all the details I would need to at least write to him in the future. I had everything I needed to keep in contact with the trio we had come to love so much. But now I almost didn't want to leave, I had told myself that I wouldn't get attached to any of the golden-eyed immortals, they were simply Bella's problem to deal with but I guess I had been kidding myself.

As we arrived at the glasshouse with all our belongings pre-packed I couldn't help but feel the emotion clawing at my throat, however, there were a few more bags than what we had left "I think someone wants to speak to us mia dolce ragazza" Felix whispered placing a kiss on my temple. Leading me out beyond the tree line was Rose and Emmett waiting for us out of earshot of the rest of the clan. I was swiftly brought into a hug by the blonde vampire, returning the embrace I finally had a chance to speak to them alone.

"How are you two feeling?" I asked, the past month or so much have been the most taxing of their immortal lives.

"We're good, great actually now that everything is over but we wanted to ask you something?" She spoke softly like something was weighing on her mind. Trying to reassure the woman in front of me I smiled to encourage her to continue.

"We wanted to come with you when you leave, I think we've both learnt a lot about our family while you and Bella have been here and I don't think we can just keep going along with everything they want all the time, we think that's why Aro let us go so easily at the trial. Emmett and I had already talked about it and asked Dorothea how she would feel about moving, so he knew we were considering joining you anyway" She explained with a hopeful smile on her face.

"Of course you can come with us, why would we say no?" I questioned elated that they wanted to come with us.

"I don't know I just thought after Bella that you might have had enough of us" she joked no longer nervous about our reaction "Speaking of which our flight is soon so we should get ready"

Arriving at Castle Volterra now seemed so surreal, the receptionist had definitely changed to no surprise. Felix took us through a separate entrance as not to be seen by any of the tourists or other humans coming through the building. On our way down we came across a few of the lower guards milling about the halls or those who had no duties that day roaming around because they could.

"Felix, long time no see my friend, and finally you can introduce me to your lovely lady friend" Came the joyous call of Demetri down the hallway his boots clicking against the floor being the only other sound to be heard. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat that all comes later, but first you need to report back to the masters" No sooner had he finished greeting us we were brought to the same massive oak doors that lead to the throne room. It was almost like deja vu coming back to the door however, I know I will become familiar with the sight as I continue to live here.

"Welcome home my young friends, we have much to discuss"

Thank you for reading, the positive comments have meant a lot to me as I've written this book. I might write a sequel at a later date but for now, I will continue on with the two ideas that I've got. The next book should hopefully be published soon~

Chapter Text

Lilith Swan

Everyone was organised in perfect place waiting for the accused to be brought in. The kings were sat as standard in their thrones on the steps, Alec, Jane and Renata were stood behind them while I was waiting to the left of the steps with Dorothea, who now looked eighteen. The large oak doors opened to Felix and Demetri dragging in a rather cocky looking vampire with bright scarlet eyes from recent feeding and choppy blonde hair. His nomadic clan had been found guilty of killing conspicuously, killing an entire village in the north of Pennsylvania and leaving evidence behind. The other two members of his clan assumed that her weak psychic shield would keep their memories safe from Aro. A stupid plan really. However, cases of nomads thinking the Volturi were nothing but a myth were fairly common. Either not being taught the laws by their creators, whether through ignorance or malice or simply being turned and left to fend for themselves. It's all too common for nomads or small covens to believe that their supernatural status in turn meant that they could do anything they wanted, take anything or act as a would-be king. But none of them lasted. This vampire though had an air about him that suggested he thought himself on top of the world.

If only he knew the chances of him leaving were zero to none.

"Well my dear, it seems as though you've committed a crime, one that cannot go unpunished, your clanmates have told us enough" Aro spoke with a deceptively calm and friendly tone, gently holding the immortal's boyish face to bring his attention to himself. As Felix and Demetri pulled his arms straight in preparation to pull them off, the realisation slowly sunk on his face. He pitifully attempted to escape the hold he was in as cracks started appearing on his porcelain face. He was swiftly pulled apart before being taken to be disposed of.

All in all, life couldn't have turned out better in the long run. Emmett's strength landed him on the upper guard, while Felix and Demetri have been promoted to the elite guard. Rosalie's beauty landed her working with Heidi as a fisher, their combined beauty was a force to be reckoned with, and the girls grew as close friends. Dorothea and I were also regarded as part of the elite guard, the only difference was that we were always brought to trials, regardless of how petty the crime in question.

Life wasn't as monotonous or as stale as others would have you believe, telling stories of how the Volturi lock away important or powerful members to horde them. Or tales of robot-like routines that saw us acting as immoral machines for the rest of our undead lives with no spontaneity. But rather we get to leave on missions with the rest of the elite guard, getting to see places I would never have been able to under human constraints of time and money. Demetri became as good a friend to me as Rose and Emmett had, and to my surprise so had the twins, Although Jane tends to irritate Felix with her gift my shield meant that she now couldn't. At first, I thought that would have landed me on her shit list but when it comes down to it the twins are just children, traumatised by their upbringing and as much as Jane was in fact a little sadist, she was also misunderstood. Alec was also rather calm and rational, but preferred the company of his sister or a good book.

The Volturi weren't an evil force that sought out power for power's sake, no matter what one may say about Aro's intentions. Ultimately, acting as peacekeepers or governors was bound to grant you some less than desirable adversaries. We were necessary for keeping vampires a secret, and stopping mass murder sprees by the younger and more dangerous newborns. As much as the work could be taxing or stressful. I was now surrounded by my family and that's all I could ever ask for.

I had Felix who I loved unconditionally and who loved me just as much, I had my friends who kept me sane even after the most ridiculous of missions. I was even allowed to keep written contact with dad long after I had left the small rainy town of Forks. As much I could have never imagined the rest of my life playing out how it did all those years ago, I couldn't have asked for a better one.

Thank you for reading~

Chapter Text

Once again I would like to thank you for all the wonderful comments and support on my first story, it has really helped encourage my writing and truly meant a lot to me. As much as I know that this book isn't perfect it has been a great experience developing my writing and hopefully, I can continue to improve my skills.

Due to popular demand, the next story will be about Caius and Jasper's should hopefully come soon after. If you wish to read it I have published the preface and hopefully, the first chapter should be up tomorrow once I've finished and double-checked everything.

Thank you so much for reading~