Finally, Christmas Eve is here, and it's almost eight p.m when Alice is finally satisfied with how I look. She spent way too much time helping me get ready. I told her I would make sure to look my best, but I guess we just have different opinions on what looks good on me. The thing is, I can't complain because I kinda look amazing.
My hair is lying on one shoulder, perfectly waved, and my makeup looks impeccable too. The dress is fantastic, but it feels a bit… much.
It is a knee-high black halter dress. My shoulders are exposed and the skirt has a red cloth underneath, just visible enough to make it more elegant when I walk. The front has a few sprakinligs rocks that reflect the light beautifully, making me feel like a princess, but I wonder if I'm not overdressed. She wanted me to take off Seth's present, but I insisted on wearing it even though it didn't actually go with the dress.
I walk down to the second floor, where everyone waits for the guests to arrive. Alice put on fairy lights all over the handrail, and every piece of decoration is either white or gold. The flowers by the entrance are freshly picked and look fantastic.
Esme is wearing a stunning long white dress and giving some final touches to the tree. I had no idea she could look even more beautiful. Rosalie is also a vision. Her long red dress, blond hair braided up, and red lips are breathtaking. Emmett doesn't even look like himself dressed in a tux. I had no idea he could look that elegant and, honestly, handsome. Carlisle and Jasper also look like perfect gentlemen in their tuxedos as well.
Esme walks over to me when she notices I'm by the door.
—You look… Wow! She says, making me blush. I just point back to her and say, Wow too.
—I know. I outdo myself every year. Alice walks over to us, looking stunning in her long dark green dress, bragging about her skills. Her dress is strapless, and this is the first time I see her long hair is down from her signature ponytail.
—All right, I can hear Jake approaching the house now. They all better be wearing the tuxedos I sent them. She's looking outside the living room window, beyond the illuminated gazebo and trees around the house. Soon enough, we can see headlights coming towards the house.
Esme said Seth ruined the surprise by asking his sister to help him make my bracelet, so there was no reason to keep a secret anymore. He left this morning to be with them before returning for the party. I run my finger through the braided string, getting nervous. I should've asked him more about his family, but I didn't want to sound annoying, so I knew almost nothing about them.
I take a few deep breaths before a wave of relaxation runs through my body. I look back, and Jasper is right behind me, with his black tux, looking serious like always.
—I'm fine now. I say, smiling the best I can. He just nods his head and walks over to where Alice is. I'm not mad he tried to help, but I just wish he wouldn't use his talents on me anymore. I can feel the tension coming back once he walks away.
The doorbell rings, and we all gather at the entrance hall before Esme opens the door. Sam and Jake walk in first, greeting everyone and wearing their formal attire. They smile at me for a moment before engaging in conversation with Emmett and the others. Other big men pass by the door, but they just walk by me, smiling a bit before entering the house and going straight to the living room. Seth is the only one who stops to talk to me.
He looks older dressed up like that. His hair is brushed back, like the day we went to the hair salon, and somehow he seems taller. I always felt like I was more mature them him because he was always so casual, but it's a bit intimidating to look at him now. He looks… like a man.
A beautiful woman is right next to him and pokes him with her elbow as he's looking at me like the first time he saw me. Like I look weird.
—Ahm… Anne, this is Leah. She's my older sister.
—I heard so much about you that it feels like I know you already. She says, smiling. I can clearly see the resemblance in their smile.
—I heard about you too. It's a pleasure to meet you. I bitterly regret not asking more about her. We could've had a conversation if I had.
—Leah, it's so nice to see you. Esme says, smiling. —Come on in and have some food. Edward should be here anytime now. I watch them walk to the living room and greet Alice and Rosalie.
—You look amazing. Seth says, standing next to me. I'm sure I'm beet-red again.
—You too. No leaves this time. I say, pointing to his hair. He smiles a bit and runs his fingers through his hair, making a single strand fall on his forehead. I can feel my hands sweat and walk away from him fast, towards Esme. Everyone seems busy talking and eating now.
—Sweetie, are you not hungry? Esme says when she notices me standing next to her. She looks for something, grabs a dish, and puts it in my hands. —You better eat something before they finish it all. She points to the men with piles of food in their hands and talking happily.
I walk over to the table as she told me to, but I'm not sure if I want to eat something. I'm getting very nervous again, and I'm not sure my stomach can keep the food down.
—Embry said he had never had food like this in his entire life. I notice Seth standing next to me as I hesitate in front of the table. When I don't answer, he stops smiling.
—What's the matter?
—Nothing. I say, faking a smile.
He raises an eyebrow at me, noticing my lie. He was intimidating before, but his eyes feel more familiar now. I can feel my shoulders heavy, and my neck gets stiffer by the second.
—I don't know, it's just… I don't know what to say or do. I wipe my sweaty hands on my dress and touch my shoulder lightly. I don't want them to notice I'm in pain. It's just because I'm nervous. It'll pass.
—Relax. I can introduce you if you like.
—No! I say quietly, holding his arm. —Give me a minute. I just need a moment to breathe. I'm trying to relax when the front door opens suddenly, and something flies through the hair, landing on Jake. He says, "Nessie!" before grabbing the girl in the air.
After her, a woman and a man enter the house, smiling at everyone.
—Edward! Bella! Esme runs to hug them, and so does everyone else.
They all surround them, exchanging friendly greetings. I am very stiff now, and Seth touches my arm, trying to calm me down.
—It's okay. Just say "Hi." He whispers. The pain in my neck is still intense, and it's making its way to my spine now.
—Anne! Esme calls me over. I put on a smile and walk over to her side. Bella and Edward are smiling at me, waiting for me to come closer. Bella has very gentle eyes and is beautiful. Her long hair and black dress are stunning. Edward is a tall, very handsome man too. His eyes remind me of Esme's a bit, how they are warm and calming.
—This is Anne. Esme says, holding me by my shoulders.
—We heard a lot about you. He says, reaching out his hand to me. I shake it and smile. I wonder what his talent is. I could only think about how Esme told me their powers were special. He also looks much younger than I thought.
—Believe me, I'm much older than I look. He says, smiling, but I'm confused; I'm sure I didn't say it aloud, but he seemed to answer my thoughts. So, is that his talent? Can he hear all my thoughts? I am even more nervous now. I thought Jasper's powers were scary, but this is much worse.
—Don't worry. I can't help it, but I don't go around answering your thoughts randomly. This was just a demonstration. Hearing him respond to my thoughts is bewildering.
—Don't worry, I can help you with that. Bella smiles and hugs me instead of going for a handshake like Edward. —It's so nice to meet you. Esme talks about you all the time.
—I heard a lot about you too. It's a pleasure to meet you. Esme was right. Their talents are very intriguing. I'm not even sure what her talent is.
—Come on. You must meet Renesmee. Esme says, walking me across to the room, to the girl that came flying inside the house. I thought I would relax a bit at some point, but the pain only gets worse. It's challenging to keep my hands off my neck, and my back is killing me.
She smiles brightly at me and says hello. —Nice to meet you, Renesmee. I notice Seth and Jake observing a few steps away from us. Their eyes on me just intensify the tension. I can't help but wonder if I can make it through the night with my pain getting worse and worse like this.
—It's nice to meet you too, Anne. Renesmee looks about my age, and she has the prettiest smile I've ever seen. —I heard a lot about you.
I wonder what she heard. I take a deep breath, regretting not letting Jasper calm me down.
—I heard a lot about you too. Esme said you traveled the world. It must've been awesome.
—It was. Do you want to see it? She comes closer to me, and I can tell everyone has their eyes on us. Esme took a step back.
—Sure. I say, waiting for her to take her phone out and show me pictures, but instead, she reaches out her hand to me. My head is killing me at this point, and I'm very aware of everyone's eyes, so I try my best to look as calm as possible, but her actions make no sense. I look back at Esme, and she just smiles and tells me to take her hand.
Is this about her talent? I look around the room and see Edward nodding his head, answering my thoughts again.
I reach out my hand to touch hers, and for a second, I feel silly because nothing happens.
The next second, I can see it. More than that, I can feel it. All these images in my head pass like a wave through my mind: beautiful mountains and desert beaches, happiness and excitement. Love and surprise all mix, and for a moment, it's lovely, just for a moment.
The images get so intense that I can feel my brain splitting in half. Every bone in my body hurts like it's cracking, and my skin burns like it's being melted away from my muscles. I can hear a scream. I don't know if it's mine or hers.
I don't know how long it took. Maybe just a second. When the wave stops, the last image I see it's my face, looking confused right before reaching for her hand.
My body just moved on instinct. The pain was gone, and now all the curious eyes changed to terror as they looked at me. I need to leave. Every fiber on my body tells me to run. To run from the vampires. I jump through the window and run out to the snow, into the forest. I don't look back; I don't think I just run.
The trees pass me like a blur, and my head is a big mess of images. It happened again. I did it again. Renesmee's memories are flooding my head, and I run as fast as Alice right now. I can see her life, her parents smiling at her, Jacob running with her through the forest. Love, happiness, excitement, thirst, and something more.
I feel my body stop suddenly and project forward. I roll around the ground, and my thigh grabs onto something, changing the direction of my fall until I hit my back painfully on a tree. The hit empties my lungs, and I gasp for air as more images pass through my mind.
Renesmee is running fast next to a giant wolf. She calls the animal Jake, and her excitement is out of this world. She's with other wolves, running around and having fun. When I realize the images of the wolf she calls Jake are the ones she treasures the most, I finally understand. That wolf is the Jake I know. Those are not animals. They are Leah, Embry, Paul, Quil, Brady, Collin. They are the men that came to the house today. Also, Seth is there too. They are all shape-sifters.
I can't make sense of the images, but her feelings are easier to understand. She's used to that scene. She feels safe and happy around them but to me is too much. My feeling and hers are mixed up, and I can't separate them.
My tight is burning now. The adrenaline in my blood must've reduced the pain, but with the cold dropping my temperature fast, I can feel it now. There is a substantial cut where blood is gushing out from and making me light-headed.
I try to stand up, but I can't use my leg. The sudden movent only makes the blood flow faster. What the hell was that? I think trying to understand what I just did. Was it her fault or mine? How did I jump out the window and run here as fast… as a vampire?
—Anne! I can hear Seth's voice coming from somewhere. He's close. I try to stand one more time, but I simply can't.
I keep quiet, hoping he'll just not see me, but now I know that's impossible. He probably smelled my blood and came all the way here. Renesmee's memory tells me so.
When he finally finds me, he's wearing something like swimming shorts. It's a present from Edward. They hide under his fur when he transforms. Her memories keep me updated. I wonder if he's alone or if Esme is here too.
—Anne! My God, what happened? He's terrified, looking at the blood around me, and walks in my direction like he's about to touch me. I put my arms in front of my body, my hands covered in blood and dirt.
—No! Stay away! I don't want him to touch me. I don't want to hurt him as I did with Renesmee and Rosalie. At this point, I might not survive another experience like that.
He stops only for a moment before getting closer to me anyway. I try to crawl away, but my stupid leg won't move. He's looking at me, way too close, without a word.
—Please… please, I don't want to hurt you. I'm sobbing now and can't tell if he understands my words.
—You could never hurt me. His eyes are calm as he reaches out his hand. I can see him transforming into a wolf in Resmee's memories again.
—I know you, Anne. I know you didn't do that on purpose. You probably don't even know what happened, right? I close my eyes, shaking my head. I can't trust myself right now.
—Julianne. His voice is calm like he's just calling my name on a random afternoon when we watch TV together or just talk.
—I don't want to hurt you. My body shakes violently now. Maybe from the cold, maybe from the blood loss, or both.
He reaches his hand closer and nods his head, telling me to go ahead and touch it. I hesitate. I shouldn't, but I just…
When my fingers touch his hand, nothing happens. I feel so relieved I just hug him, crying louder.
—Come on. You need to get out of the cold.
—Wait! The idea of going back to the house right now is too frightening. After hurting their family again, I couldn't look Esme or any of the Cullens in the eye.
—I know. I'll take you somewhere else. It'll be ok.
He picks me up, and we walk around deeper into the forest. I grab onto Seth as tightly as possible, my leg burning with pain. The nostalgia is disturbing. I'm back in this forest, trying not to die once again.
*Somewhere in Rome*
In a dark alley of an abandoned city in Rome, a very peculiar pub is hidden behind a run-down facade. Two red-eyed men walk on the streets, looking busy. The town smells like death and blood. They enter the seemingly abandoned pub, avoiding the blood-drained bodies on the floor.
They walk to the kitchen, and one of them removes the fake cover from the light switch, revealing a fingerprint scanner. With one touch, the fake self moves, opening the door to a long gray corridor.
They walk through the corridor full of doors, lined up one after another, hearing the cries coming from inside. Some are quiet, like a child sobbing in the dark; others are loud and desperate. The maze extends through many miles, but they walk around it like they've been there a million times over.
They turn a corner and open a door that says Laboratory. When they enter, a man wearing a lab coat smiles under the faint red light blinking in the monitor.
—Yes! Yes! It's all mine. His whispers are full of joy. His red eyes remind the ones of a carnivore that found its prey.
Around him, the vast space is filled with enormous tubes with green bubbling water inside. Each of them has a person inside. Some are women, others men, even children, floating inside the sickly green liquid—all experiments.
—What are you waiting for, idiots? He gets angry at the man staring at him without a word. —Bring her back right now! I can't wait to put my hands on her… He hugs his body, his moans echoing in the room.
—Yes, Patrone. The men say together. It's finally time. Time to retrieve their prize after years of preparation. They are just one trip away from dissecting Renesmee Cullen's body, well, at least, the replica of it.
Seth is carrying me through the forest without even breaking a sweat. I know it's because he's a shape-shifter, but it's still impressive.
I thought I knew exactly who he was, what kind of person he was. Although he didn't exactly change, it's difficult for me to look at him the same way. I used to love his puppy-like eyes and how he was shy and honest with me all the time, but now, when I look at him, I see a lot more.
Renesmee knew a lot about me. All her memories are still in my brain, dancing and answering questions in my mind without me asking them to. She heard about what happened to Rosalie before coming back from her father. Edward got angry at Jasper for keeping a secret for so long just because they wanted to take care of things alone. She also knew that everyone highly suspected it was my fault. I knew I wasn't fooling everyone, but I thought they a least had more doubts about it than me.
She knew a lot more too. She knew how I got to the house, how Jasper was very wary of me because he thought I was involved in something illegal. All those memories don't affect me the way they should because her feelings profoundly interfere with mine.
She also knew about what happened when Seth first saw me. She called it imprinting in memories. The same thing happened between her and Jacob, and although it feels complicated, it's about a strong connection between them. Like they are linked through destiny. Just like Seth is to me now.
Through Renesmee's eyes, this connection feels like a bond between siblings. Jake is the brother she always wanted and her best friend, but she knows it's different for Seth; she just doesn't know how different.
Seth stops moving, interrupting my thoughts.
—Something is wrong. He says, looking back towards the house.
—What do you mean?
—At the house. No one is here yet. Something is wrong. My heart feels heavy. I remember Renesmee's pain and how scared she was when she realized something was wrong. I'm worried if she's still suffering. —I need to speak with Jake. C'mon, let's put you inside first.
A few more steps ahead, a charming house rises in the middle of the forest just over the hill. The place looks like a miniature version of the Cullen house. Cozy and rustic. The lights are all out, and it seems completely empty.
We go inside, passing by the white sheet-covered furniture, and Seth puts me on a chair in the kitchen. Renesmee's memories fill that place with life and smiles. That was their family's home, where they returned after all their adventures. Their little heaven.
Seth walks to a pantry a few steps away and comes back with a towel. The lights are off and the room dark, but he seems to know he's way around.
—Keep pressure on the cut. He says, placing the towel on my thigh. He looks at my face for a moment, touching my forehead, before continuing. —I'll be right back.
He leaves through the front door, and I know exactly what he'll do. Renesmee's memories told me he could communicate with the other shape-shifters through their thoughts. Something like a telepathic connection they share in their tribe.
He didn't ask me anything or try to justify the fact that he was in the forest half-naked looking for me. Does he know that I understand what he is?
The towel gets soaked quickly, and the cut stings quite a bit. I stand up and hop to the pantry, hoping to find more towels and medicine. The space is quite deep, and I hop on, passing my fingers through the wall, trying to locate the switch. When the light turns on, I notice the shadow on the wall.
—Hi there, beautiful. His voice sends chills down my spine. He has a strange accent I can't identify, and before I can get a look at his face, he jumps over me, destroying the wall right before Seth's wolf shape jumps after him, finishing knocking down what's left of the pantry.
—I thought I smelled a mutt.
I turn around, on the ground, looking at the man just a few feet away from me. Seth is growling in his direction, but he's smiling like he's having fun. He looks at me, his red eyes shining in the pale light of the moon.
—You better come out of she'll bleed to death. His eyes seem to go past beyond mine like he's talking to something inside me.
I feel out of breath like I was punched in the stomach, and my body is thrown back, but I'm not moving. I feel disconnected, like I'm floating, as my body stands up and reaches a hand to the man. He comes closer, and when I touch his fingers, I can feel something similar to what happened with Renesmee, but this time is more controlled. He quickly let go of my hand, shanking his own like he's in pain.
—Ouch. Be more gentle. I can feel the cut on my leg getting less painful until it's nothing. I want to look down, but my body doesn't listen to me. When I speak, I can barely recognize my voice.
—Raffaello. I walk in his direction, perfectly healed. He smiles at me like he's looking at an old friend.
—Finally, Mirania. Now we can kill the dog and leave. Raffaello turns to Seth, and my body finally moves enough for me to look at him. He's baffled, looking at us. I try my best to say something, but my lips won't make a sound no matter how much I scream.
—I can't fight in this body. My distorted voice says. Seth seems to come to it and walks in our direction, making Raffaello move too. They are about to fight.
—Stay where you are. I say, grabbing a piece of glass from the floor. I can smell the fear coming from Seth as he watches me take the glass to my throat. —Or I'll slit her throat, and this time, she won't heal. Hear my voice threatening Seth is bewildering. I'm just a tiny shadow inside my head, too weak to control my muscles.
—Come on, Raffaello.
Seth backs up, looking at us. He looks behind him like he heard someone, and Raffaello takes the chance to knock him out. He moved fast in his direction and hit Seth's head, knocking him unconscious on the floor. He walks over to his body, laying on the floor like he wants more, and I'm pouring everything I have into getting control of my body when a voice speaks to me. Shut up unless you wanna see him die. The voice is of a woman with the same accent as Raffaello, but she sounds much more displeased them him.
—Raffaello! We have no time for that. The others are coming.
Raffaello hesitantly walks away from Seth and picks me up, running deeper into the forest. Who are you? I ask, the voice controlling me, but she stays silent as Raffaello carries my body into the night.
The moment Renesmee touches Anne's hand, everyone looks forward to the girl's reaction, but the excitement changes into terror when Renesmee starts screaming.
—Don't touch them! Jasper screams, stopping Bella from grabbing Renesmee right away.
It only lasts a moment. As soon as Anne lets the half-vampire go, Bella grabs the unconscious body of her daughter.
Anne looks around confused before throwing her body through the window and just running faster than any human could, away from the house. Seth explodes right away and runs after her without a second thought.
—What the hell was that? Paul asks, still not believing what happened.
—Nessie! Jacob is next to Bella and Edward, looking at Renesmee's sleeping face.
—I have to go after her. Esme says, looking at the broken window.
—Wait! Jasper says, moving everyone's attention to the thirty vampires outside, surrounding the house.
—What now? Emmett is getting ready for the fight.
—We rip their heads off. Quil is shaking, also ready to go.
—They are bait. Edward says. —They have orders to kill anyone that follows Anne. They are here to take her.
—We'll kill them and go then. Esme seems as ready as Quil right now.
—I'm not sure who gave the orders. They seem like mindless soldiers. Edward is still trying to process what happened.
Esme chooses to ignore his words and tries to talk out the door just to be stopped by Carlisle; her eyes are bright with anger. He shakes her back to reality.
—Esme, she's not him. He screams, making her stop. —It doesn't matter how much she looks like him; she's not your dead son.
Esme knew that. More than anyone, she understood that truth in her bones, deep inside her dead heart, she knew it. Anne is not the son she lost, no matter how much she looks like him when she looks at her with those big brown eyes, playful smile, and freckled face.
She understood well her baby was gone, but she loved Anne for who she was. It might have started because of her resemblance to him, but now it's different.
—I know. Believe me, Carlisle; I understand that. From the moment I first saw her, everyone kept reminding me of that.
Her words make the room fall into silence. Few knew that truth, even fewer about how she tried to take her own life after losing her baby.
Resnemee stands up suddenly, making all jump.
—Renesmee? Are you okay? Bella's voice is cracking as she checks every inch of her daughter's body.
—I'm fine. She says. —What happened? Where's Anne?
—She's gone. Are you really ok? Jacob asks.
—Dad, did you hear that? She asks Edward. He nods his head yes.
—She got my memories. Renesmee says. —She absorbed them, every single one.
The smell of blood hit them now. Anne is bleeding in the forest.
—What's happening out there? Alice asks, looking through the window.
—Seth is alone. We need to let him know. Sam says, getting ready to transform.
—You can't change. They'll attack. They are not just newborns like before Sam. We don't know how powerful they are; also, we are painfully outnumbered. Jasper says, making him stop.
—So we just stand here? Jake? Brady is worried about being so close to a fight like this in his human form.
—They won't attack if we stay put. Edward says.
—She might be involved in this. Rosalie says. Jasper discussed this with them before, when Esme was away. They couldn't have a logical conversation with her, so they had a private meeting. Jasper knew Anne was trouble, but he imagined she was the "human" kind of problem.
—This is ridiculous. She's bleeding out there! Esme screams, frustrated.
—They got her. Edward says as all the vampires move away from the house.
—Edward, Esme, Carlisle, Sam, Jake, and Paul. You come with us; the others stay here in case those vampires come back. Keep an eye on Renesmee.
They all follow Jasper towards the strong smell of human blood. Sam, Jake, and Paul can't communicate with Seth, and they can't smell Anne anymore. As they reach Edward's house, Esme gets more desperate by the second.
The place is half destroyed, and Seth is in his human form, lying unconscious on the ground.
Jake changes and tries to wake him up. —Seth! Wake up!
—What happened here? Sam looks around in disbelief at the destroyed house and the blood on the ground.
—Where's Anne? Esme asks, looking as fas as her eyes allow her. Her smell is very faint now.
—Jake? Seth wakes up slowly but suddenly jumps us —Anne! He walks away from Jake, looking for her.
—Seth, calm down. What happened? Carlisle asks, looking at the boy walking around confused.
—Are you sure? Edward says, baffled after hearing Seth's thoughts.
—I'm sure. I could smell her. Seth answers.
—Edward! Esme shouts, impatient.
—Sorry. Seth brought Anne to the house after she got hurt, and when he stepped outside to try and talk to Jake, another vampire came and attacked them. That's when Anne… changed.
—Changed? Jasper asks.
—Her blood… smelled like a vampire's. Seth says, remembering how her eyes got red and she looked like someone else. —The cut in her leg closed, and the other vampire called her Mirania. He knocked me out before leaving.
Everyone is in silence, looking at him, speechless.
—We'll discuss this back at the house. Seth, can you transform? Jasper asks. He wants to go to a less open place before they can speak.
—I'll go after her. Seth says, looking at the last place he saw her stand, looking coldly at him.
—Her tracks are cold already. We need to regroup and decide what to do. Jasper was correct, but it is difficult for Seth to leave. Jakes touches his shoulder, his eyes finally convincing him to go back to the house.
They all run back together, their minds full of doubt and fear. Who is she? Is the question they all ask together is their minds.