Hello Everyone!
The sequel to Crescent is now here!
I hope you all enjoy this story!
Let me know what you think!
Love,
Chelsea
------------------------------------Edward and Bella-----------------------------------
Epilogue: 3 months later
News spread across all corners of the world; there are many in our world that have waited patiently for centuries for the day to come when someone would finally stand against the all-powerful, vampire royal family.
The Volturi have made their move against my family and have every intention of destroying all those I love so dearly. We have been on the run, gathering forces, striking alliances—sides have been picked. Edward and I, along with Carlisle, Eleazar, Vladimir and Stefan—two Romanian vampires who once ruled before the Volturi overthrew them—found ourselves in the last place I could have ever imagined.
At first light, we traveled swiftly—and silently—through the ancient, cobble stoned alleyways of Prague. It was definitely picturesque – the alleyways were lit with dim lighting – something that felt as if I were in a movie. It was all so hard to comprehend. We made our way into St. Vitus' Cathedral; the countries crowned jewel and final resting place of Bohemian Kings past. It was eccentric and beautiful – definitely an antique dating back to November 21st, 1344. It even holds the tombs of many Bohemian kings. Stefan had told us on our way here that the Duke of Bohemia had given it to them as a trade to not harm his people.
At the end of the walkway that stretched the entire length of the cathedral was a very elderly man dressed in his priests' garb. The priest took in the sight of the six beautiful creatures before him - us. His heart rate sped and a bead of sweat formed on his brow.
Vladimir spoke to the priest in Czech; "Dobry den. Muzu vam nejak pomoci?" (Hello. May I help you?)
"Ano. Hledam Bedricha." (Yes. I'm looking for Bedrich.)
The priest's face twitched ever so slightly—only a non-human would have noticed. "Pokejte prosim chvilku. Muzete mi rict kdo se po nem shani?" (If you'll please wait just a moment. Might I ask who's inquiring?)
"Vladimir. Jsem jeho stary znamy." (Vladimir. I am an old friend.)
The priest disappeared behind a heavy wooden door. I walked up and down the aisles admiring the stained glass windows and the zigzagged architecture of the ceiling.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Edward's velvety voice whispered in my ear.
"Yes. It's hard to believe that this is the home of the Werewolf King." The detail was amazing for its age – even though it was weathered – it was still magnificently beautiful. Stained glass windows covered old walls – round archways covered each hallway. It was definitely a sight – one I know I'll never forget.
A moment later, the priest returned, two men flanked his sides—towering over him by at least a foot—"Tudy prosim." (Right this way.) The priest motioned to the dark corridor.
Vladimir bowed deeply, "Dekuji." (Thank you.)
We followed the two guards into the darkness. The only light came every ten feet from lit torches. Vladimir slowed his pace and walked alongside Edward, Carlisle and I.
"I must warn you beforehand," Vladimir said in his heavy Romanian accent, "These creatures are dirty, uncouth and uncivilized. You are not to stare, you are not to judge; they will be highly offended and you do not want to offend a temperamental werewolf."
"Vladimir, do you think this is necessary? The covens we have gathered—our numbers would be more than sufficient."
"Edward, the werewolves will be our greatest allies."
"Fine then, but if they are as uncouth as you're implying – I do not wish for my wife to be in danger with them around. Let's have Bella wait outside."
I rolled my eyes. Edward was still his over-protective self, regardless of the fact that I could almost completely take care of myself.
"Edward," I placed my hand on his forearm comfortingly. "I've helped create this monstrosity of a problem – I'd really like to help resolve it. I can handle myself and I'd be more afraid to leave your side than be in a room full of wolves. I do have experience with them, you know." I informed him.
Vladimir rested his hand on my shoulder, "Bella, you've experienced shape-shifters that change into wolves – not werewolves. They are much different than what you're used to and have encountered. Werewolves can only transition during a full moon and have no choice, unlike your friends who willingly transform and are opt to have more control over their behavior."
"Either way, I'm coming. You're not going to stop me." I looked at each of them, standing my ground.
"Okay then, let's get on with it." Vladimir announced.
The guards stopped abruptly in front of huge, twin double doors.
"We are here. Remember what I have said."
Edward and I nodded our heads in unison as I grabbed hold of his hand. He rubbed his fingers back and forth across my skin. I wasn't going to lie – I was scared – scared of the unknown. I really had no idea as to what these creatures were going to be like.
The guard to our left knocked twice and took a step back. A moment later, the door slowly creaked open. The light that poured through was nearly blinding. The room before us was a sight to behold. The interior of the main hall was ironically decadent, luxurious.
"Uncivilized, huh?" I asked Vladimir sarcastically, shooting him a puzzled look.
We were led to the center of the room, and stopped at the bottom of a small set of stairs that led up to a magnificent golden throne. At least 50 men and women surrounded us—the men were all just as large as our two escorts. Four men dressed in the same uniform flanked both sides of the throne and the crowd around us all bowed in unison. Vladimir signaled for us to do the same. From the corner of my eye, I saw the audience rise; we followed suit. When I looked up, a muscular, raven-haired man now sat in the throne.
"Vladimir." He nodded his head, as if he was saying hello. "What brings you to this side of the world?"
Vladimir strode up to him slowly, "It's good to see you, my friend. We have a proposition that I think you and your pack may be interested in it."
He got up from his chair, making his way towards us. "May I ask what it is?"
This time, Edward stepped forward. He extended his hand in his direction, "I'm Edward Cullen and this is my wife, Bella." He introduced us.
"Pleasure,"
"The Volturi have made many attempts of attack on my family recently – some they were even successful with. Bella is a shield – and they wanted to acquire her as one of their own to gain higher power. We decided to fight them and in doing so, we killed off their shield and tried to make a compromise with the rest of them. As previously known, they have now gone back on their word. I know they've threatened you and many others out there and we think it's finally time to put a stop to it – that way we can live in peace." He pleaded.
"Are you requesting our help with your little vendetta?" His fists tightened into a round circular ball.
I gulped – Vladimir wasn't kidding when he mentioned their downright boldness. They had a frightening side- that was certain.
"Yes and as the benefit of it – you'll never have to worry about them ever again – imposing on your pack, imposing and threatening the lives of those whom we love so dearly. We're building an army and we need all the help we can get." Carlisle was now to step in.
"And who might you be?" The masculine man said to him, acknowledging his presence.
"Carlisle Cullen, pleased to meet you."
"Like wise,"
I felt as if I should speak up – but I hadn't the faintest idea of the words to say. All I wanted was peace – I wanted to live my life with the man I was in love with.
I've now been married to the love of my life for three consecutive months now and not once have I had to opportunity to necessarily enjoy it.
Our minds were consumed twenty-four seven with planning our attack, who our allies were going to be, how we were going to get those allies, if our fight was even going to benefit us in any way possible – or if everything was just in vain. And I really hoped it wasn't.
We were coming up with plan after plan – each one having its own repercussions and now we were facing yet another desperate plea.
"Sir, my family has been threatened numerous times and I think its time for an end. Somewhere where we can all live in peace and harmony – not constantly having to watch our backs." I hoped I hadn't crossed any unnecessary boundaries by speaking.
He chuckled, at me – all I did was look at him confused. Why was he laughing? This wasn't a laughing matter. "My dear child, do you have any idea who you're going up against? This is the all powerful and all controllable Volturi – not some inexperienced newborn we're talking about here."
"We've got the amount of numbers we'll need to fight them with – we would just like to know if you'd be a part of this – guarantee things a bit on the brighter side." Vladimir said.
I studied his facial features – I could tell from how he looked that he was contemplating whether he wanted in on our mission to free ourselves.
He looked at the people around us; most of them were nodding up and down – telling him they wanted to help. Things were looking up – maybe this future of mine was going to be bright after all.
"We'd be honored. Where do we begin?" He grinned as the audience around us broke out into applause.
I smiled gleefully, we had just acquired one of the next most powerful creatures out there – and they were on our side.
"Thank you," Carlisle shook his hand. "Let's get started on a plan."
