Reiko

The Cullens were sitting around the TV.

"Seattle is in a state of terror..." Yukiru Sugisaki was reporting from Chicago. "Police are baffled by the escalating murders and disappearances."

Larten and Kurda watched with concern. Darius was draped over the couch. Reiko and Edward entered as "Theories range from a vicious new gang to a wildly active serial killer... Reporting live, Yukiru Sugisaki, CNN." The report continued.

"It's getting worse. We're going to have to do something." Larten said.

"Ever since the Breaking this has been going on." Kurda said. "It could only be..."

"Raven Mockers." Edward said. "Raphael's children of hatred and ruin, they are part raven and part human."

"His army." Reiko confirmed. "He'll soon be making his move."

"If we don't put a stop to them, the Volturi will. I'm surprised they've let it go on this long." Larten said.

"In Italy, I read Lilith's mind." Edward said. "He wants me and Kramisha to join him... Our gifts would shore up her power. Raphael could solve that for her."

There was a silence.

"We need to join the tribe in battle." Reiko said finally. "That is why I remain bound to the Quiluete. We have to fight together and drive Raphael back into hell."

Bea

A male Raven Mocker careened into the wall, cracking bricks. He fell to the ground at the feet of Rephaim, who spun on a second newborn.

"Next one who starts a fight gets his arms ripped off!" Rephaim snapped.

Rephaim stepped over a human man lying on the ground, barely alive. Another Raven Mocker watched hungrily as a Raven Mocker dove on the man, taking what was left of his life.

There were another dozen Raven Mockers of both genders who fed, lounged, and fought. What they had in common was ferocity, strength, and thirst.

Rephaim went to a pretty Raven Mocker, Bea, 15, who lay in a corner, just awakening. As he squatted to check on her, she suddenly jumped up, backed against the wall, disoriented and profoundly thirsty. Her wings fluttered behind her.

"Sleep..." Bea said. "I've been asleep for so long..."

Rephaim stroked her hair. "Father promised all of us we never have to sleep again."

"Father?" Bea said. She was quiet for a moment, then looked up at Rephaim. "I am hungry."

"You will feast with the others. But..." Rephaim caressed her cheek. "You are special. You will eat fresher meat."

Bea blushed, unsure of what to do with the affection the leader showed her. She followed him into the shadows.

Reiko

Grams was sitting at the table, looking at a "Missing" flier for the man the Raven Mockers had been eating.

Reiko entered and sat down. "Hey. Did you eat dinner yet?"

"Um... no... I haven't." Grams said, looking at the flyer. "Another one the Raven Mockers got. I curse myself for bringing you girls here."

Grams hugged her Vampire granddaughter.

Reiko ascended the stairs.

Edward

"I don't know how to leave her behind." Reiko admitted to Edward, who was seated on her bed.

"Is that why you won't say yes?" Edward asked warily. "You could just date me for a few decades, and then after she—"

"You shut your mouth!" Reiko threw a pillow at him before he could mention that her Grams and everyone she knew, excepting the Quiluetes and her sisters of course, would die.

"Why do you see me as a superior Vampire?" Reiko accused. "I know you do, don't deny it."

"It's because..." Edward traced the red tattoo. "You're my priestess, so far beyond what I could ever reach, and yet...so close..."

Edward kissed her, grateful that she remained at his side.

Jacob

Jacob, in wolf form, stood guard over Kuri's house every night. Along with him tonight was Seth, though sometimes it was Leah, Quil, or Embry.

Tonight, Darius and Kramisha were standing several paces apart. Stone still, keeping watch, listening.

They heard the wolves behind them and whirled. Jacob and Seth took Darius and Kramisha's place on guard duty.

And thus a truce began, albeit a tense one.