Chapter 1

Edwards pov

They appeared at the top of the hill like molten lava oozing from a volcano. It was slow, and very unnerving. I could only think of one thing ; my family. Everyone of them. Their names all raced trough my mind along with the names of the individual covens at our side, and I could never forget the newest additions with their bushy silhouettes and repulsive stench. If we made it out alive I would bottle their fragrance and wear it everyday for their loyalty.

They almost glided instead of marched, it was the worst sight I had seen in my existence thus far. They glided together, but more importantly, they thought together, though they depicted no emotion at all. I had my sights set on Aro, Marcus, and Caius only now. These thoughts, the ones that would decide the unfolding of events in just a few minutes were not as together as I thought them to be in the beginning. Aro seemed to want to find out the truth about this whole situation and somehow spare our family's talent. Just as we thought. He was here to collect what he could. None of us would join the Volturi . He knew that though, but still he wondered how he could force us to join.

Marcus seemed to be indifferent to what was really going on around him. He wanted to fight. To see everyone in a frenzy and to collect, just like Aro.

Caius's thoughts upset me the most. He assumed he knew exactly what was going on and he had his mind made up before they arrived today. He only wanted what seemed inevitable: a punishing. "justice" in his eyes anyways. He didn't care if we had anything to say. He wanted to fight.

Unknowingly I let a growl slip at his thoughts, only pulled out of it by the squeezing sensation I felt in my right hand. I looked and Bella's eyes met mine. How could this be happening to us? If I had just left her alone she would be happily oblivious to this world and probably be indulging herself in some girlie things with her friends.. She would have human friends.. A normal life. How could I be so selfish? And yet, I see straight into her soul through her eyes. Even though she is a vampire now, I still believe she has a soul. So good, right down to her core. In the same thought I can see our daughter, Renesmee. Perfect. That's the only word to describe her and it does her no justice.

They all halted as if commanded, there were 32 of them, that's 64 eyes staring at us. It seemed that time itself had stopped. No one spoke. No one moved. Aro's thoughts were that of…worry. He wondered if the battle would really be fair at all.. Knowing the talents on both sides, he wasn't sure.

Carlisle looked at me and whispered so low I could barely hear him right in front of me, "Should I say Something? What's going on?"

I whispered just as faintly as he did " Yes, this may be the only chance we have, Aro is contemplating our numbers and talent, he's unsure about the fight and it's equality."

Carlisle took a few steps toward what seemed to be middle grounds and said " Aro, friend, It's been too long!" Aro proceeded to the middle ground as well and said " Yes, Carlisle, it's been centuries! I wish we could reunite under different circumstances!"

"Indeed." was all Carlisle said. The tension was so thick now that I'm glad I didn't need to breath, I'm sure it would have been almost impossible.

"Let us speak of the child now, Carlisle. What say you about the law that has been broken?"

"Aro, you know I would never allow such a reckless thing to occur here, at least I'd hoped that you knew me so well-"

Before Aro could speak again, Caius shouted " Oh please! The child is just there!" he pointed at my Renesmee with his misshapen finger. "We can see her!"

Then Carlisle responded so calmly and carefully "If you could allow us to-"

Aro cut him off this time " I would like to speak with Edward about this Carlisle, it's nothing personal old friend, but I feel, since his mate is holding the child in question he would have something to do with it?" He looked curiously into my eyes searching for any sign of defiance or denial from me. Carlisle spoke again " Yes, the child is theirs."

"Ah, I see." was all Aro said.

I squeezed Bella's hand, searched her eyes for what may be the last time, kissed her quickly on the lips, and hugged our pride and joy, if I had a heart, it would have stopped beating when I let go.