Sorry it took so long. I haven't gotten an adequate amount of sleep in awhile so I'm kind of running on nothing. Hopefully my sleep deprivation doesn't show through my writing. :) enjoy~

It was two weeks before any sign of the sprites came to them on the wind. Lily was the one who noticed the shift in atmosphere around them. The forest recognized their signature. Faeries were coming and the forest was readying itself for their arrival.

The forest wasn't the only one though. Bella's whole family were gathering as much information as possible with the time they had left. When the first signs came, all hunting trips were cancelled to the north. The air became tense as the only thing left to do was waiting.

Finally, wings were heard on the wind just before daybreak. Bella stood slightly ahead of the house, holding her daughter in her arms. She was alone for the moment. Everyone was standing in the house, away from the forest's feeling. Theory was that the faeries would not be able to detect them.

The first one Bella saw was Jack. His face was the same when she last saw him, arrogant, proud. A shiver went down her spine, but she stood her ground. They all stopped, fifteen in all. Six elders, Lily's parents, Jack and six youth probably picked for their strength and loyalty.

Jack spoke first, "Isabella you have broken the utmost law. You have fled punishment and now must receive it."

Bella did not look at Jack but at the elders. "I agree that I kept my memories. It was wrong of me to do so, seeing as it was the one thing you asked of me. But I have not caused trouble to the tribe. These are not our laws."

The elders looked among themselves. Bella's heart lifted with hope, they were not completely won over by Jack's charms.

Jack laughed coolly, "I expected this. You haven taken one of our own with you. Where is your sister? The one who loved you so much?"

Suddenly Lily appeared, riding on Seth's sandy wolf back. Bella would have been awed at the sight, had it not have put her in danger. "I am here. I am sorry Bella but I cannot let you take the blame. You are not going to die on my account, nor on my watch."

Seth and Lily placed themselves in front of Bella, facing the entourage of faeries. "Lily, what is the meaning of this." Her mother had stepped forward.

"I came here on my own accord mom. I couldn't let them harm her. I also warned her to leave. If anyone is to blame it is me." Lily said proudly. She was not afraid of them.

"And your…friend?" she motioned towards the wolf.

"This is Seth. A friend I met here and also my soul mate." Bella suddenly felt so stupid. How could she have missed all the signs? Now she saw the glitter of the Bontal on Seth's front left paw.

"And this child, what of it?" Jack turned to the elders, "She is too much of a risk to our society."

"This is my child. Born not even one season ago. Would you care to meet my husband?" Bella did not wait for their answer but turned toward the house. Edward, as they planned, came out and hugged Bella.

Their eyes grew wide as they registered what exactly Edward was. "This is a vampire!" One spouted out.

Edward, as they had planned had taken Carlie. It showed the Elders that Edward was trustworthy and willing to take care of her. "He is my husband," She stated emphatically.

"You have had relations with this…creature?" one of the Elders' asked incredulously.

"No," she said softly, "On the night that I had fled I was attacked. It led me to becoming pregnant. I am fortunate though that Edward wished to become my husband and has claimed rights to my child."

The eldest came forward; his name was Guerin, if Bella remembered correctly. He was renowned for his wisdom and clear insight, "Who was it that attacked you child?" "You cannot believe this garbage, sir. She is covering her tracks!" Jack protested.

"Silence, young one. We will hear her out. I have steadfastly believed that this matter has been dealt with wrongly." He told him menacingly. It was a clear indication that Jack was not as powerful as he believed.

"It was one of you," Bella said dramatically. She would not give anything away until she knew they would believe her.

There was a sudden gasp. The whole group had not expected this development. Even Jack feigned surprise. Suddenly her family surrounded her, a guard. "I would like you to meet my family," Bella told the sprites.

Many had taken a step back in surprise and fear. Guerin looked at them cautiously, "They protect you?"

Bella nodded, "I knew them as human and created strong relationships with them. When I met them after I fled, the relationships were just as strong. They are my family and will do anything not to lose me again."

Guerin stepped forward close to Edward. The old sprite barely came to his chest but flew to inspect him eye-to-eye. He circled him, "They are very loyal to you. You claim that one of us has caused this unspeakable harm come to you. I would have you explain. Do you have evidence past your own story?"

Lily straightened, "I was witness to this."

"Ah, yes. You went with her on her flight?" He asked.

"No, I was kidnapped by the one who hurt Bella. I was detained and kept hidden until I finally broke free. I came here right before Bella had her child." Anger was evident in her voice. She was practically shaking with it. Seth bumped his head on her shoulder and she calmed down.

Guerin turned toward Bella, his eyes scrutinizing her. Subconsciously she found herself leaning against Edward, her one comfort. "It was Jack," she said quietly. Silence ensued and Edward wrapped a protective arm around her and watched Jack. All the vampires had stopped breathing.

Then a cold laugh broke through. Jack seemed completely calm, relaxed. "I had expected some lie but this is far beyond any expectations. Me? I have been a devoted leader in all aspects."

Guerin's eyes darted back and forth from Jack and Bella. He seemed to be trying to process the new information. Lily bristled, "It was you! I saw you as you attacked her when she reached the borders of our land! I was the one screaming for help! There is no denying the fact as you kept me tied in the filthy hole and told me your disgusting plan. I still have the bruises and scars to prove it." Her voice was a deadly whisper. She took off the bandages that covered her wrists and showed the red skin the ropes had left her with. Everyone visibly flinched.

"It was Jack," Bella said emphatically again. "If you want proof Carlisle here is a doctor and can do a DNA test to show that this is his child. If I'm lying he has nothing to fear."

"Why?" Guerin asked.

"Ask him about the times before he became a faerie. He has kept his memories just as surely as I have kept mine. Except unlike me, he has intentions to use that knowledge for harm. I would have never betrayed my clan in anyway. He would do so in a heartbeat." Bella nearly yelled.

Everyone turned to Jack. He no longer looked benevolent and innocent. His features were dark and he was glaring at Bella. "I would have succeeded too."

That was when all chaos broke loose