Izzy was sure she'd never tire of the soft, magical way that Alec's hair moved, a living halo as the water flowed around them. They'd been exploring for days in the waters off the coastline. Everything sparkled and glowed. Volterra was beautiful and Izzy was truly glad it was her home now, but these little mini excursions she took with Alec were little slices of paradise in her life.

She was finding her time as a Volutri to be different than she had expected. There was rarely a dull moment.

Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper had taken up temporary residence in guest suites of the castle. Her brothers kept her training almost constantly. Emmett seemed to especially enjoy finding new ways to test Izzy's strengths, when he and Jasper weren't engaging in an ongoing prank war with Felix and Dimitri.

She loved all her brothers, but she had really needed this getaway with Alec. She took his hand and squeezed it gently. She felt like she was falling into that violet gaze as he leaned in to give her a sweet kiss. She smiled as he pulled back and they started making their way back onto the shore.

Aro was expecting her this evening for one of their mind meld sessions. She was constantly surprised at all he had seen. And he seemed obsessed with her reactions to his memories. Together they were learning so much. And as Aro frequently reminded her, knowledge is, after all, power.

Alec and Izzy exited the water and walked ashore to a small shed where they'd stored their shoes and robes. They'd found this made them so much more comfortable both in the water and after they left it.

Izzy slipped into her shoes and robe before staring off into the surf. Alec stepped up against her back and wrapped his arms tight around her.

"We'll be back before you know it," he assured her.

Izzy sighed and sank back against him. He always seemed to know what she was thinking, even without her powers. It was unbelievable to feel so understood and cherished. She let herself enjoy another moment in his arms before they turned and headed for home.

"Your sister is visiting tomorrow," Izzy told him casually as they walked.

"I was beginning to wonder if she was ever coming back," Alec joked. He knew his sister would never leave them all for too long.

"I think they're probably both getting a lot out of their adventures," Izzy speculated.

"I never imagined my sister becoming best buddies with a Cullen," Alec grumbled softly.

"I'm not sure he even considers himself one these days or not. The last time she called, Jane said he was calling himself Masen these days. Either way, it sounds like being out and exploring their own paths is good for both of them."

Alec just nodded. He missed his sister but Izzy was right, Jane needed to work on her own self and her own happiness. He hoped that he and Izzy had given his little sister hope that she could do and be whatever she wanted, and that included being happy. If that simultaneously kept his mate's annoying ex far away, more's the better as far as Alec was concerned.

When they returned to the castle, Gianna had messages for both of them. Jane had called to remind her brother of her visit. Alice had called Izzy to tell her she wasn't quite ready to leave Charlie yet. Izzy was grateful that Charlie was safe, but she was starting to wonder why Alice still hadn't left him yet. She checked the time and did a quick mental calculation, deciding she would wait until Charlie was asleep before calling Alice back.

Izzy knew all was well and that Charlie was starting to return to a more normal routine. Alice had assured her of that the last time they spoke and given one of her cryptic "the time isn't quite ready yet" responses when Izzy asked if Alice would come back to Volterra soon. Alice didn't sound worried though so Izzy wasn't either. For now.

Settling into her rooms after Alec had taken off to his own for a bit, Izzy meditated on how far she had come. She was grateful for all the little things that had led her here, right where she was meant to be.

~Author's Note~

I started Juliet's Path nine years ago. The story grew and evolved as I faced various life challenges over the years. I am proud of this story, not because I think it is something particularly special, but because it helped me improve as a storyteller over time. It helped me find my love for writing stories.

I also find a great sense of closure having finally finished the story. It's all over now. I can move on to other things! That's exciting. Unless of course Jane decides to tell me about her adventures with "Masen" or if Izzy can't resist sharing with me about her mind meld sessions with Aro. Then there's Charlie...why is Alice still with him? What is happening back in Forks?

On one hand, I don't know if those stories will ever come to me but I'm not sure if my little AU is ready to let go yet or not. And even if those stories do come to me, I'm not sure if anyone wants to read them or not.

On the other hand, even if those loose ends are never resolved, I feel good about this story that I got to tell here. I am satisfied. I can't thank my friends, beta readers, and all of you enough for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. Thanks for coming along Juliet's Path with me.