I feel like Bella just refuses to learn what to do and what not to do when it comes to her family. Mistakes are mine.

Please don't assume the outcome of my stories based on something that has happened previously. But to answer your question, to that last reviewer, no.

Rosalie led the family into the throne room. Emmett and Seth walked directly behind her, followed by Esme and Charlie. Most of the guards, some new and old, cowered at the sight of Emmett. Rosalie wondered if it was his size or the fact he was with Seth that caused them to be afraid. A few growls escaped when Leah passed each vampire but they stopped when Angela entered hand-in-hand with Jane. Alec held his hands behind his back, uninterested in the fanfare, and Alice skipped through with her usual smile. The last to enter, Marcus seemed unconcerned with the heated glares coming from his "brothers." Rosalie stopped before the thrones with Emmett and Seth. Unbeknownst to the "Kings," Seth had tissue in his nose to keep calm. Leah did as well. She wasn't thrilled to be in the position, as she had worked hard on staying human, but the she-wolf made an off-handed comment that her family would always come first. Caius rose from his seat, breaking Rosalie's thoughts.

"You dare bring mutts into our home?" he hissed.

"Please do not disrespect my family."

"Family? You cannot be serious!"

"Deadly."

Caius took a step down, fists clenched, and Rosalie silently dared him to do something. Aro put a hand on his arm. Caius reluctantly sat down, though the promise of vengeance burned in his gaze. Rosalie turned her attention to Aro. Once upon a time, she respected him. Honored his choices. But the only person she would ever bow to again was Bella and in entirely different circumstances.

"Where is- what did you say her name was Felix?" Aro asked.

"Isabella," Felix said.

"Yes. Where is Isabella? I was under the impression she would be joining us."

"Dead."

The answer shocked Aro, and he frowned in confusion. "Dead?" he repeated. "I thought she was unable to die."

"Your source was incorrect," Rosalie said, glancing at Felix.

"Liar!" Felix roared. "She can't die! She said it herself!"

"She was not invincible. Extremely hard to kill, yes, but capable of death. And I would be very, very careful with how you speak to me. As there are plenty of people in this room who want a piece of you." Seth snapped his jaws at Felix, licking his lips, and Rosalie chuckled. "Now, now, Seth. Let's not antagonize him. I am sure he understands the position he is in," she said.

"There are more of us than there are of you," he spat.

"You are absolutely correct. But we both know where the power lies."

Felix scoffed. Rosalie shrugged, and as if rehearsed, almost every vampire that wasn't with the coven or on the throne fell to the floor, crying out in pain. Esme and Alice went around and beheaded each vampire. Felix shifted at the display of power. Jane and Alec went back to their respective places. Rosalie never took her eyes off Caius and Aro. She knew the two of them didn't care about the vampires. They were pawns. Aro crossed his legs and stapled his hands under his chin.

"I must say, Rosalie, you are nothing like I remember," he said.

"You knew Carlisle's version of me," she said dismissively. "He liked to water down anyone he could not control."

"Speaking of Carlisle-

"Ashes to ashes."

"You killed him?" Caius asked.

"I was there when it happened."

"Did you not think to save your creator?"

"Considering he saved me when I was prepared to die, no. I no longer carry my angst over this new life because I found many reasons to stay alive. Hence my family and I being here. We want to be left alone. Despite what bullshit Felix has fed you, my family is no threat to you or your legacy."

Aro smoothly got to his feet and appeared in front of Rosalie. He reached for her, and she moved away. His hand hovered before it fell to his side. "You stand here amongst vampires, yet your heart has a beat. Your skin radiates warmth. You have color to your skin. And your power… my dearest Rosalie, that power of yours could do more harm than good. Heidi, of course, could attest to that if she were here," he said.

Rosalie glared at Felix but spoke directly to Aro, "You know nothing about me, my power, or the situation at hand. You saw it through biased eyes. Felix is jealous that there is a creature, a female no less, that is stronger and faster than him."

"I thought you said she died? Caius asked. "You keep speaking of her in the present tense."

"She is dead," Rosalie said flatly. "But if you think she was the only one of her kind, you are mistaken. Others exist and are powerful in their own right. Some who have grown tired of the vampiric rule on this Earth."

"Are you saying there are others who wish us dead?" Aro asked.

"Those who can do more than wish it."

"How did she die?" Felix asked, earning a glare from Aro at the interruption.

Rosalie rubbed the twitch over her right eye. Seth put his hand on her lower back, his warmth soothing her nerves. "I am not here to discuss my mate nor what happened to her. I am here to offer a deal. Let us go, let us live in peace, and we promise never to interfere with the Volturi business."

"If she was your mate, how are you still alive?" Aro asked.

"Who says I am?" Rosalie murmured.

"And if we turn down your deal?" Caius asked.

"We will defend our right to exist until our last breath if it comes down to it."

"You speak for everyone?" Aro asked.

"With all due respect, this is my coven, and I am not Carlisle. I do not believe in waiting until it is time for war. I will protect what is mine by any means necessary."

"And what makes you think the others are on board with such a suicidal decision?"

Rosalie looked at Caius and said, "You free to ask them."

Caius stood and glanced at her coven. He straightened and placed his hands behind his back. "Do all of you wish to follow behind your supposed leader? You wish to go against the Volturi at the risk of a painful and violent death?" he asked.

"I've never liked vampires," Leah deadpanned. "I'm only with these idiots because they feed me."

"Same," Seth snorted.

Everyone else just nodded, including the twins. Aro blurred to them. He remained within touching distance, but it was clear Jane nor Alec wanted to be touched. His hands flittered about like he wanted to break the rule at the risk of his life, but eventually, he put them down and took a small step back.

"I gave you two life," he said as if he were hurt. "I saved you."

"You damned us," Jane murmured. "You gave us another chance to cause pain. You twisted something we struggled with as humans and turned us into weapons."

"We were children, Aro. We still are, and you took away our childhood, just like our parents and the people in our village," Alec said.

"But I gave you a purpose. I gave you a family!"

"That is where you are wrong. When we left, that is when we found love and when we found our purpose. We are happy now. We have real friends that love us for who we are."

"We have a mother who gave up her life for us."

"And another who is willing to die for us," Jane added, glancing at Rosalie.

"Our lives are better now. We use our powers to protect, not to torture. We have family dinners, movie nights, and we go on dates," Alec said, his voice almost pleading.

"And I have a pet," Jane quipped.

"Fuck off," Leah huffed.

Jane almost smiled. Rosalie was trying hard not to cry. Alec put his hand on his sister's shoulder, a sign of solidarity, and the twins stood firm in their decision. Aro glanced around, seeing Esme, Alice, and Emmett. Their faces all told him what he needed to know. They were with Rosalie. They were with their leader.

Aro scowled and went back to his throne. "Since you all seem so eager to prove your worth, then I shall not delay any longer," he said. He removed his outer cloak. Caius and Felix did the same. "You wish to fight. I will grant your wish."

Aro snapped his fingers. Rosalie heard them in the distance. The footsteps. It appeared they were coming from the East. Rosalie rubbed her ears. Seth and Leah heard them next, then the others. She'd forgotten Isabella's blood enhanced what was already there. Rosalie backed away from the throne. She knew the castle better than the Kings assumed, and she would not fight in enclosed quarters. Rosalie ran to the West. The entire coven kept pace behind her. Seth, with Leah on his back, ran step for step with Charlie. Rosalie knew there was a back entrance, one that led out into the woods. They burst through that door, and she skidded to a stop. The footsteps were closer—hundreds of them. Rosalie wagered they had about two minutes.

"I love you, Rose," Jane whispered.

Rosalie was startled at the sudden announcement. She looked back to see Alec and Jane with the same look on their face. She swallowed and whispered back, "I love you too."

"Leah, you know you can't wait, right?" Alice asked.

"I won't until I have to," Leah said. She slid off Seth's back and jogged over to Angela, who was-

"Are you flying?" Rosalie exclaimed.

"Did you forget I was half-witch?" Angela asked, her eyes a vibrant blue.

"Honestly, yes."

Angela's response was lost when the castle exploded to reveal a mixture of newborns and older nomads and Aro, Caius, and Felix.

"Fuck," Rosalie sighed.

"How long has he been preparing for this?" Emmett muttered.

"Clearly longer than we assumed," Charlie added.

"Last chance," Aro said to Rosalie.

Rosalie crouched down. Aro shrugged and dropped his hand. The newborns went first. The coven and the newborns crashed together like boulders falling down a mountain. Aro, Caius, and Felix held back. As did Rosalie and Alice. Rosalie kept her eyes on them at all times while defending Seth and her children the best she could. She wanted to wait to use her powers. But Angela had other ideas. Tree roots burst from the ground and wrapped around at least fifteen newborns. Before they could break free, she set the roots on fire. The action naturally brought attention to Angela, who was too caught up in her magic to notice. Jane growled at Leah, who grimaced at the sight of newborns heading their way.

"I swear to God if you don't fucking shift-

Leah jumped into the air and shifted, biting the head off a newborn in the process. She huffed at Jane before defending Angela against the ones that survived. Rosalie and Jane both breathed in relief. While the newborns were going down, there were still too many to count. They were being attacked five, six at a time. Rosalie had no choice.

"Alice!" Rosalie shouted.

"You'll be fine!"

Rosalie trusted her sister. She inhaled slowly. Seven newborns dogpiled her at the same time. Rosalie felt her clothes rip, their fangs scratch her skin, but she continued to hold her breath. Once she had enough, she let her gift spread over her skin from the inside out. Rosalie learned the trick years ago but avoided using it due to the amount of energy it took. She let her gift encompass her until she was solid ice. Rosalie lifted off the ground with the newborns still on top of her. She could no longer feel their fangs or their claws but rather minor annoyances that she flicked off with little effort. When they came for her again, Rosalie placed her palms on the ground. Snow and ice crept across the dirt, snaking around the coven and freezing the feet of the newborns long enough for someone to tear them apart. Angela had long ago started a fire near the trees, with Leah carrying pieces of newborns in her teeth and dumping them into the fire. Through her subconscious self, Rosalie could see the shock and anger on Aro's face. She avoided the main three and focused all she could on the newborns. The nomads wisely jumped into the trees, and when Rosalie felt herself getting weak, she brought her gift back into her body. She wouldn't be able to use it for a while, but it was needed to even the playing field.

There were about thirty newborns left, give or take, and at least twelve nomads. Many seemed hesitant to continue. Rosalie stood and shook off the frost. She winced inwardly at the empty feeling in her chest. Newborns were instinctual creatures. Motivated by blood, lust, and violence. But even they could sense something was off.

"What are you waiting for? Get them!" Aro shouted.

The newborns picked up where the fight left off. The nomads dropped down into the waiting arms of Emmett and Marcus. Demetri refused to fight, but Rosalie understood his position.

Suddenly, she and Charlie both went down. Rosalie was grateful that Alice and Esme noticed their distraction and circled around to keep them safe. Charlie grabbed the side of his head, and Rosalie clenched her jaw at the pain spreading through her skull. There was an awful tearing sound, and Charlie fell to his hands, panting. He screamed as two wings exploded from his back. They were by no means as large as Isabella's, but they were close. Charlie shakily got to his feet. He wheezed and stumbled a few times before he could stand without trouble. He laughed and swung his arm in a wide arc. A gust of wind blew the remaining vampires, Aro, Caius, and Felix, into the castle. They crashed through the stone and brought down what was left of the wall. Rosalie stood with effort. She still felt off, tired, and she blinked at Charlie.

"What the hell!" Emmett exclaimed. "How long have you been able to do that!"

"I just- Rose! Look out!"

Rosalie twisted around. Seth, who was the closest, lunged for her but was beaten by a brunet blur. Rosalie flew through the trees. The hands around her neck released, and she tumbled down an incline, landing at the bottom. Sighing, Rosalie pulled herself up and glanced down. Her shirt was torn, her pants shredded, and she kicked off her muddied boots.

"You should know this outfit cost me close to ten grand."

"Then I did you a favor." Aro slid down the hill and landed in front of Rosalie. "You think you can beat me without your precious gift?" he asked.

"In my sleep."

Aro smirked, rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, and crouched low. Rosalie felt the cracks in her arms and back. She was bullshitting at the highest degree. Aro was a very skilled fighter, more than her at that moment, and she was afraid he'd come out on top. Rosalie knew better than to hope for help. She figured Alice and the others were dealing with just enough to keep them distracted. Charlie would never willingly leave Esme and vice versa. Jane would never leave Angela or Leah. Alec would never leave Seth. And the list went on and on. Marcus was probably busy with Caius. Rosalie hated being in a family that cared for each other just as much as they cared about their mates. She hissed when a claw left marks across her cheek.

"Your price for not paying attention," Aro taunted. "Though I did catch glimpses of your past. Quite the lover you had there."

Rosalie massaged her jaw. Blood and venom dripped down her cheek to her neck. Aro's eyes darkened until they were black, and Rosalie took up a defensive position. He leapt into the air.

Bella flew down and intercepted Aro. She slammed him to the ground and put her boot against his cheek.

"Hello, Aro," she greeted. "Would love to chat, but I am on a bit of a time crunch."

Bella removed her sword and drove it through his neck. She decapitated him. Bella blew hair from her face and stomped his head into pieces. She picked up his body and spun in a circle. When she let go, what was left of Aro's body flew across the sky before Bella pointed at it. A bolt of lightning struck him, setting it aflame, and the ashes rained down. Bella heaved a sigh and looked over her shoulder. Rosalie's eyes were wide, confused, and Bella frowned.

"Wait, did Charlie not tell you I was here?" she asked.

Rosalie gestured awkwardly toward the hill. "Aro kind of- he tackled me while Charlie- um. No?" she stammered. "Holy shit. What happened to you?"

Bella sheathed her sword. Rosalie's heart was beating faster and louder than usual. Bella scrunched her face and walked over, kneeling down a little. "Okay. I know this might be a lot to take in, and I apologize. I thought he got the chance to warn you," she said softly.

"Just... give me a second. You are… very tall," Rosalie murmured. She ran her hands through Bella's hair. "And big. Where did these muscles come from?" she added in a whisper.

Bella flexed playfully, and Rosalie smacked her. Bella chuckled and put her hands on Rosalie's hips. "This is what I used to look like, minus, you know, the hair. I am actually short. My sister is a foot taller than me," she said.

"How tall are you now?"

"Seven feet, six inches." Bella got to her feet. Rosalie had to strain as she looked up. "As for what happened, I guess my father felt guilty."

"Are you- I mean, are you going to be stuck like this?" Rosalie asked. "Second, what do you mean?"

"First, no," Bella laughed. "Second, he gave me Michael's sword, which is technically mine now. Me having the sword is the reason I am like this. Once I put it away, I will go back to my version of normal. I think. I hope."

"You're an archangel."

"For now. According to my father, I always had the potential to be one. He just forgot to mention it until I was dead."

Rosalie grunted. "Your relationship with your father bothers me."

"I leave my father alone. He leaves me alone. It works for us both."

"Whatever. Come on. We need to find the others. I kind of left everyone alone."

"Oh, they are fine."

"What?"

"I stopped there first when I was looking for you. Took out Caius easily. He had Marcus pretty banged up. Emmett and Seth pretty much obliterated Felix. Nomads were gone. Either they ran or were killed. They were burning the pieces when I left." Bella scooped Rosalie into her arms. "But yes. We do need to go. I truly meant that there is a time crunch."

"What about the others? I know there were vampires left."

Bella jumped into the air and landed on top of the hill. She shrugged and said, "I sensed others in the castle. I doubt they are going to be an issue."

"There are no Kings left," Rosalie pointed out, wrapping her arms around Bella's neck.

"Marcus and Demetri."

"Demetri didn't even fight! And Marcus would never say yes."

"I am aware of Demetri. I will talk to him when the time is right. And Marcus already agreed."

"When did you ask?"

"Asking implies I gave him a choice."

"You made him take the throne?"

"I suggested he and Demetri take Caius and Aro's place to prevent vampires across the world from fighting over it. Marcus is the last King, so to speak. I told him it would be best for a familiar face to be in charge. He has free reign to pick and choose his new court. Guard. Whatever he will call them."

"Fair enough." Rosalie cupped Bella's cheek and smiled. "Now, what aren't you telling me? Because you're clearly hiding something," she said.

"I did not miss that when I was gone." Rosalie's eyes narrowed, and Bella winced. "My bad. Shitty joke," she said. "But I would prefer to wait."

"Until when?"

"I want to tell everyone at the same time."

Bella emerged from the trees with Rosalie. The entire coven heard what they were talking about and waited patiently for Bella's answer. She placed Rosalie on the ground. "My siblings will be here before the sun sets," she said. "The collateral damage will be too high to have near town. I suggest we move to the mountains and prepare there."

"And?" Rosalie pressed.

"Unfortunately, you all will not be allowed to participate or help me." Bella swallowed. "In my absence, they enacted Laya Moul with the approval of my father. It must be between them and me," she said.

"Not this bullshit again," Alice huffed.

"Wait, how can you agree to that? Weren't you dead?" Leah asked.

"My body was, yes. My spirit? Not so much. We are allowed to challenge any sentient being. Due to that law, I was challenged under the belief I would be able to defend myself."

"That's fucked up," Seth said.

"More than fucked up," Rosalie scowled. "It means she was tricked into participating with her father's permission."

"My father is not allowed to show bias. If he helped me, he has to help them," Bella argued.

"Hold on, so we have to watch you go through that again?" Jane asked.

Bella shifted. "Yes, hopefully with a better outcome," she said.

"Hopefully?" Alec repeated.

Bella grimaced.

"Fan-fucking-tastic," Charlie said flatly.

"Charlie-

"I'm getting a head-start to the mountains," he grumbled, walking off.

"Uh, I'll go with him," Seth said.

Seth ran off with Charlie. The others kind of followed after, none eager to look Bella in the eyes. She ran a hand over her face and looked at Rosalie.

"There's something else. But it's for you alone."

Rosalie pointed toward the sky, and Bella nodded. She wrapped her arms around Rosalie and shot off the ground.

Above the clouds, Bella laid out flat with Rosalie on her stomach. Her wings kept them afloat.

"What is it you wanted to tell me?" Rosalie murmured.

"I wanted to give you the lowdown of what will happen. I will have to fight each sibling from youngest to oldest. The same rules from before will apply. Death is the end."

"How many are there?"

"Truthfully? I have no idea. More than five, less than fifteen."

"So, you have more than five chances to die but no more than fifteen."

"Yes."

Rosalie closed her eyes. "Bella... I'm not sure I can go through this again," she confessed.

"I know. Which is why you will not be there."

"What?"

Bella put her finger in the center of Rosalie's forehead and whispered, "Please forgive me."

"What are you-

Rosalie's eyes rolled into the back of her head, and Bella exhaled shakily. She twisted around and flew Rosalie down. She placed her close enough to the others they could find her, but far enough away it would take time. Bella kissed Rosalie's cheek.

"You will remember this. So you should know that I heard you. And I do want to marry you," she murmured. "I hope I get to make this up to you for the rest of eternity."

Bella shot off into the sky and picked up speed. She kept going and going until the stars shifted into doorways. Picking the one in the center, Bella covered her head as she entered the realm of her old home. She landed on her feet, crouching low in the central courtyard. Her brother, Yomiel, walked forward. His helmet covered most of his face, but she could see the smug smirk.

"Hi, Yomi," she sighed.

"Elisheba. You look well."

"Thank you. Why are you here? You're not the youngest," she said.

"I asked to go first. Would love to wipe the cocky smile off Dalilah's face," he snorted.

"Of course."

"Do you wish to go through the tradition? Or just skip to the fun part?"

Bella removed her sword and placed the tip on the concrete. Yomiel frowned.

"You- how?"

"Ready to fight, brother? Or talk?"

Yomiel growled and called forth his battle-ax. It was half the size of his body. He took his stance, and said, "Oh, by the way. There was an amendment made on our behalf," he announced. "All forms of offense and defense are allowed."

"What? You cheating motherfuckers!" she exclaimed.

Yomiel laughed and Bella cursed her father inwardly. He should have given her a heads-up. The two ran forward, each one with their weapon held high, and the battle had begun.