Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me.

Courage, my word

It didn't come

It doesn't matter

Courage

Couldn't come at a worse time

Sarah Polley, "Courage"

There were four crimson cloaked figures approaching the bleak temple, glowing alabaster as the gargoyles glowered from their concrete arch, just above the columns. The night was frightfully eerie as it waited for blood to be shed on the cleanest tiles in all of Paris, France, one of the Volturi members observed.

"Aro," a man said, stepping out from the shadows of his dining room to grudgingly greet the enemy of the enemy, "how are you?" He glanced at the fourth stranger, taking note of this new scent to be aware of, for he had become intrigued.

"Things are well, Clyde," Aro replied to the werewolf, inwardly cringing at the smell of raw meat and cologne rolling off the beast. "Why have you summoned us to your magnificent dwelling?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet?" Clyde questioned with a smirk adorning his tan lips, being handed a long, thick whisk by one of his human slaves.

From Aro's left, Caius growled ferociously in his throat. "We have a hunch, but why don't we see if you confirm it for us?"

"Of course," Clyde nodded, gesturing for the Volturi to take a seat at his dinner table while he continued to stand; they obliged.

"I don't trust him. This dog is shady," Jane whispered to the anonymous other.

"Hush now," Aro commanded, raising a steady hand to signal the necessity of silence. "Clyde? Go on, explain."

"Eight years ago, you encountered the Cullen's newest addition, correct?" The leader of the Children of the Moon inquired curiously.

"Hmmm, yes," Aro answered, lifting a thing, black eyebrow. "Why is it that you ask?"

"The child's destiny, my people and I, believe it a great one, but dangerous."

"I could not agree with you more," Aro smiled, somewhat mischievously. "When I met the infant, I sensed an extraordinary spirit underneath her skin. She is a diamond in the rough, if you will."

Clyde chuckled enigmatically. "Yes, but like imbeciles, the lot of you wished to annihilate dear Renesmee. Trust me, we have learned from your mistake, Aro."

"Splendid," the olive-fleshed vampire replied with false indulgence.

"Now we shall make her one of us. There is only but one dilemma facing us." A grimace touched the corners of the monster's mouth. "Renesmee has gone missing."

"This is true. She left her home with the Cullen coven two years ago, or that is what I have heard," Aro nodded, keeping his tone even. "What do you want the Volturi to do about it?"

"I want to know why he thinks we would be so willing to help," Caius muttered, his golden eyes changing their color to an intense charcoal-black as he looked at the werewolf, who shot the vampire a glare in response.

"Brother!" Aro scolded. "My humblest apologies, Clyde. It seems as though my brother cannot hold his tongue at the proper moment. Proceed."

The fourth member sighed, catching an easily recognizable sent.

"If we are to work together, it is my strongest conviction that we will be able to find the girl," Clyde stated, running an admiring hand over the black leather of his whip.

"Pardon me, my friend, but I am forced to stop you there," Aro halted, standing up, and motioning for the others to do the same. "It is my obligation to discuss this serious matter with the other members, you must know."

"Very well. Yes, I do understand. Forgive my eagerness," the werewolf replied with a curt nod, "for it seems as though I've been planning the future of that-that . . . What is she? A hybrid, yes? In any case, forgive me."

"Always. You are a force to be reckoned with, Clyde, and I mean that in kindest of ways. Forever scheming and I am sure you know how this is a great honor for the Volturi to assist you, if we do decide to help you capture Renesmee," Aro offered the brunette a light-hearted smile, "but we must bid you adieu, and return in the morning."

"Do what you must."

As Aro and his followers made their way out of the rather stunning dining area, Clyde discretely contemplated the weapon in his tight grasp—whether or not it was adequate to endure fifty lashing. He must put it to the test!

"Oh!" Clyde called with a playful gasp. "BeforeI fail to remember, I have a present for you, Aro. It was not all that easy to obtain if I am honest with you, but it will be worth it if you find that it pleases you."

Aro reluctantly stopped the progress of his exit, as the fourth member of the Volturi remained hooded at the back of the group. "I thank you, for I am the most glad that whatever gift you have for me is one I shall appreciate and covet."

"Indeed," Clyde responded, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Sheirous, Linus!" He beckoned the other werewolves. "Bring out the prisoner at once!"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Right away!"

If he had a heartbeat to speak of, the leader Volturi member was sure that it would quicken with a rapid pace. "Out of curiosity, what have you brought me?" Aro queried, hiding all apprehension.

However, someone's heart did manage beat faster with anxiety.

Clyde laughed to himself—what a hideously repulsive guffaw of treachery –unraveling the whip. "A guard dog."

The tall doors were pulled open wide. A russet, muscular man being forced into the room while to others, restraining the stranger's arms, brought him down to his knees. He glared, though his back was to Clyde. In turn, the werewolf's wrist rose and was fully ready to deliver the blow.

"No!" The fourth member screamed, shedding the crimson cloak and stood clad in a simple white dress. She rushed to her soul mate's side, huddling over his back.

"Nes-Nessie?" Jacob questioned in awe, drawing out the syllables as if he just passed through the golden gates of Heaven.

"Yes," she confirmed, while hell broke loose around them.

"Jane, now!" Aro ordered.

"Agnh!" Renesmee screeched, her skin being ripped open like flimsy parchment as she was whipped. "Ughn!" Again. Again. And again, as she yelled out in sheer anguish.

"Nessie," Jacob murmured again still tasting the sound of her name on his tongue, a plea for him to endure the beating instead of her, "please? Go. Go!"

But Nessie refused to comply; a million thoughts raced back and forth in her brain. First and foremost, she was overwhelmed to be reunited with her best friend, after two, long, soul-sucking years without him. Her heart swelled with happiness—happiness because Nessie swore there would be no more barriers, nothing would come between them ever again—and sorrow—sorrow because the fact his life was in danger was all her fault.

Second, the pain. Oh, it was a thought Renesmee yearned to suppress, but it was undeniable. With each sharp, stinging lick of the whip, Nessie felt her strength weaken. If she at all released her hold, Jacob's own russet flesh would be exposed.

And third—as the chaos stopped—Nessie cringed upon hearing a swift crack. A pure black liquid began to cover the spaces between the checkered tiles.

"No, it can't be. . ." Jane whispered, somewhere off to the side.

Renesmee collapsed, her body falling parallel to Jacob's. At first, all she could see where numerous shapes and shadows, each dimming as the half-human half vampire's eyelids started hanging over her eyes like a protective curtain. The only thing she could see clearly was Jacob's face in the midst of all this terrifying disarray. Then, everything blurred even more, but the sound of Jane's dry sobs remained, and pierced the empty air.

Finally, it all vanished.