Leah

The snow crackled and cracked under the heavy paws of the two packs as they worked their way through the forest.

The thoughts were strangely calm, traces of tension, curiosity, fear and also anticipation wandered around fleetingly and disappeared just as quickly as they had come. The stench that lay in the woods could not be ignored and Leah concentrated on the earthy scent of her brother and the heavenly scent of Carlisle, which was in the distance.

There had been some discussion about where Leah's position should be. Carlisle insisted that she stay as far away from the action as possible - a ridiculous demand. In addition, Edward made it unmistakably clear that Aro would not spare the wolves - no matter how far they stood away and Leah certainly would not run away - no matter how much she begged Carlisle to do so.

Life without him seemed almost ridiculously pointless. What should she do? She was a genetic dead end, that much was certain and Leah was also sure that her wolf would not imprint itself again - and even if she did, how should she forget him or overcome the pain? This option was therefore no longer applicable.

But Carlisle's argument that she was better off with her pack, with Seth, and that every second that they could steal was valuable. And when it started, she would be by his side in a few jumps anyway. Despite all of this, it seemed unnatural not to be by his side.

Jacob was with Nessie, he was fine. Of course she understood the difference and also knew Jake's plan. She wasn't bitter for a second or blamed him for his decision, how could she? If she could, she would shoulder Carlisle and Seth and flee to the end of the world. But Nessie was much easier to transport than the two, one heavier than the other. She also knew that there were bloodsuckers under the spaghetti that she could easily track down. So it was just a temporary life.

The clearing was huge, but considering the amount of vampires and wolves, who kept a respectable distance from each other, it looked much smaller. The couples instantly crystallized out and Leah noticed that the Cullen's family ties are truly unique. Only the naturally blond faction from Alaska stood together, although even there a couple had formed which was slightly apart.

Leah let her gaze wander. Even from a distance, it wasn't hard to see that almost all of the vampires who joined the fight so loudly would do it at the first sign. Her assessment was confirmed by Jacob, and Sam seemed to think the same way too. Carlisle gave her only scraps of memories. Italy, Volterra, several vampires she did not know, probably the Volturi, a girl with cruel eyes, her family and others. She knew he was worried, she knew he was blaming himself for every single death that would happen today. Her face kept creeping into his thoughts and Leah puffed contentedly when she noticed how even the thought of her apparently calmed him. Seth next to her made a choking noise and she pinched his furry shoulder lightly.

Again the eyes were directed forward and every muscle was tense.

It wasn't just the presence of so many vampires that got the wolves going. It was the prospect of a fight. Maybe it was a protective mechanism they had built in, but Leah clearly sensed anticipation.

Not just with the wolves. The Draculas grinned a nasty ugly grin which was more like baring their teeth and also Emmett, the largest of the Cullen family, looked strangely excited. An anticipation that she unfortunately could not share this time.

Bella

They came just as she remembered them.

Magnificent, elegant and terrifying.

Their formation was strict and yet it didn't seem static, the march was not recognizable, it was more like they were floating over the field, the distance to each other didn't change a bit.

The hoods of their cloaks were pulled low over the face and the colors were still pale and gray on the outer edge of the formation and became more and more saturated the more one slid into the middle. Suddenly the steps changed and the crowd split up.

Their pace did not slow down.

Approached firmly, safely and without fear, no hesitation was noticeable. It wasn't hard to see that they weren't afraid because they just had no reason to be.

Not only were they outnumbered but also talented and they knew it. No matter how many you lost, in the end you would win. This security surrounded them like a cloud, which they also emphasized with full arrogance.

The hoods slipped partially and their pale elegant faces flashed to the fore. They were obviously not surprised by their number or the huge wolf that Jacob depicted next to her. They weren't unsettled by the wolves that were safely in the back of the clearing.

A whisper from the crowd behind her urge.

"They are actually here. Even the women!"

"Luckily we didn't even try Volterra .."

The second replied with a heavy accent. Their joy in the words was palpable, they didn't seem a bit unsettled. Bella wished she could share her confidence. The only thing that kept her from going insane was knowing that Reneesme and Jacob would make it. They had to.

She glanced at Edward.

His incredible beauty robbed her of the unnecessary breath she had in her frozen lungs and she followed the fine features with her gaze. Even now she couldn't regret having found him. Or rather, to have been found by him.

He was worth it, he was worth everything.

Suddenly something stirred and more vampires streamed out of the forest and joined the march of the Volturi. Their faces weren't stoic masks. Amazed and fearful, they looked at the wolves and the number of vampires that had stood in front of them.

In the middle under the hoods stood out a hair of blond hair. A woman gasped behind her.

"Irina."

The blonde's face twisted into a grimace. The regret that emanated from her was palpable up to her and Bella wondered for a second what she had expected. Did she really think that just seeing her clan as an allied clan was unjustifiably destroyed.

Anger rose in her.

She hoped Irina was aware of this. She hoped that Irina would have to spend every second of her existence guilty of the death of her own family. She hoped she would survive just to feel the pain.

"He was right."

Edward's words were addressed to Carlisle. He tried to suppress the urge to turn around and instead looked at Edward questioningly.

"They didn't come to judge. They came to kill and recruit."

The despair that spread was palpable in every fiber. Jasper was lucky to have to feel these myriad emotions. Jasper and Alice. Bella turned her mind away from them as quickly as she could. It wasn't the time.

"They have already made a plan, they don't have to listen to us. We can only show them the truth if they stop, otherwise we won't get through to them. But they don't intend to do that."

Edward's voice was nothing more than a hiss that only they could hear. Suddenly the strong pounding became several hearts louder and Bella felt a familiar warmth. Jacob snorted and she noticed how suddenly the wolves had approached. Apparently they weren't about to watch the spectacle from the back row. There were more than Bella remembered and by the physique she could tell that some were even younger than Seth.

Even more who had to die.

Edward

The appearance of the wolves had its desired effect - the march of the Volturi was stopped. They were confused and some were intimidated. There was nothing to be read in their facial expressions, but he could hear that they hadn't expected them. Some wondered why werewolves were so civil and calm, and fearfully thought that the Cullens had succeeded in taming them.

Edward's lips twitched when he heard Caius' fear.

Memories of his werewolf encounter crossed his mind and Edward knew his first impulse was to flee.

Aro eyed the wolves indifferently and held out his hand to Caius. His thoughts were briefly amused by his brother's fear but froze completely when Marcus joined the conversation.

The bond between Leah and Carlisle was so obvious to Marcus that it almost bothered him. This shocked Aro at first, but the shock quickly gave way to curiosity and interest. Edward saw a new thought and let out a breath.

"They will hear what we have to say."

Carlisle nodded confidently and leaned his body back slightly towards Leah.

Edward gave Carlisle his luck from the bottom of his heart, but never before was he so happy about the bond that had formed so surprisingly. At least he'd given them a chance they wouldn't otherwise have had.

In Carlisle's head he heard Leah's thoughts echoing. Even if her words were not addressed to him, their effect had passed on to him too. She calmed him down.

Aro watched with interest and studied the appearance of the wolves. Her huge paws, intelligent eyes, and thick fur fascinated him. But not as much as Leah and Carlisle. Edward heard the urge in Aro to know more and was relieved again. As long as Aro hadn't satisfied his curiosity, they were safe. At least for now.

In stark contrast was Caius. He saw the wolves and only recognized the threat in them and immediately had the urge to wipe them out. He did not recognize Carlisle bond, nor would he particularly care.

Marcus didn't care about any of this.

Leah and Carlisle were just an observation he made and passed on, that was all.

Even as back then in Volterra, his thoughts were abnormally empty and tragic. The pain of losing his partner was still present as it was on the first day, even if it had been over a thousand years ago. They were painful and tragic thoughts and Edward wondered how Aro could endure them for so long.

After what felt like an eternity, Aro was able to tear his gaze away and did search the crowd. Even without his gift it was clear to Edward who he was looking for.

Alice.

Immediately he twisted his mouth and disappointment spread.

He hadn't expected that.

Confusion spread. The absence of Alice removed an important incentive for Aro. How many talents would he lose for nothing?

He looked at the foreign faces and Edward was pleased to see that he was unsure. Marcus identified the strangers' connections, bored, but something else worried Aro. He did not know her gifts and talents. The risk of what was not present for him recently became greater all of a sudden.

"They are unsure."

"Unsure?"

Carlisle's voice was barely audible.

"They have never been outnumbered."

He heard a low growl from Sam. Outnumbered ?!

"The witnesses are not counted. Aro likes to have an audience."

Carlisle's voice was joyless and Leah gasped behind him.

Damn spaghettis

Leah's nickname had an odd, misplaced comedy and Edward huffed a laugh.

"Should I say something?"

Edward looked sideways at Carlisle. They had to take advantage of the confusion before Aro gave in and Caius won.

"We won't get another chance."

Carlisle stepped forward and straightened his shoulder. From Leah a horrified whimper penetrated Edward's mind and he could only agree with her. It was horrible to see Carlisle walking alone, but at least he could foresee an attack. Or at least he hoped so dearly. Should anything happen to Carlisle, all was lost. There would be no going back. The wolves would attack without hesitation, what choice they had. Leah's pain would make them do it and Emmett wouldn't let the wolves fight alone. He could only hope that Aro was aware of this and was not doing anything rash.

Leah

Without Jacob's orders, Leah would have been lost. Her whole body resisted it and it was terrible to watch Carlisle approach this accumulation of scum unprotected. Of course she knew why he was doing this, she wasn't an idiot after all. She knew if she came with them, they would defend themselves and use it as an excuse to attack and they would have to buy time. Her body was ready. She watched the Volturi, should they get ready to attack Carlisle, there was no Alpha order strong enough to keep her tame, that much was certain.

As she walked down the rows and studied the red eyes, her gaze caught on a pair of particularly hideous eyes.

A girl no older than Seth stood next to a boy and stared at Carlisle with a look Leah preferred not to interpret. She had heard of the skills that were in the ranks of Aro's guards and briefly wondered which of them she had.

Carlisle's voice was calm and firm. He greeted Aro like an old friend and Leah's hackles stood up. She admired him for his ability to remain so calm but didn't listen to his soothing words. She was too focused on the guards, the girl and the one giant who looked as if he was about to pounce on Carlisle.

Edward hissed beside her as the blonde vampire interfered. He looked aggressive and she had noticed before that he had eyed her and the pack with an almost frightened look. Apparently it didn't appeal to him that they were here.

"He's afraid of werewolves."

Edward's voice was still hissing quietly and barely understandable but Jacob's thoughts carried it over to Leah, who was standing further away.

A laugh went through the wolves' thoughts but Leah couldn't find any humor in it. His fear only meant that he had more reason to attack.

Suddenly the angry voice of the blonde rumbled through the ranks.

"Bring the informant!"

The row opened and a heap of misery emerged.

She was trembling all over and Leah almost felt sorry for her. Caius hit her hard in the face, unnecessarily, because the woman was already panicking. Suddenly she heard a hiss and Edward who immediately whispered silence. Apparently she belonged to the Alaska Clan, which was not happy about the treatment of Caius. Even if she had no connection with the woman, she didn't like it either. There was something pathetic about kicking a sick dog.

They discussed the child and Leah felt through Jacob how Nessie's hands clenched the fur on the back of his neck. He growled softly and Seth tried to calm him down.

Suddenly Edward's name was mentioned.

Edward.

Of course they wanted him. Carlisle had told Leah of Aro's passion for collecting, and an ability like Edward that matched his own was too tempting to be left alone.

After all, Carlisle made no move to shake hands with Aro and Aro did not go for his hand. Leah wasn't sure why, but Jacob was probably right. Aro didn't want to hear any evidence of her innocence. And what thoughts were purer than Carlisle's?

Edward made his way to them and Leah heard Esme whimper. She knew that there were three of them for a long time and that Edward and Esme were especially close. Carlisle was often at work and it was Edward who kept Esme company. Leah gave Esme a pitying look and was surprised at how she calmed down.

Carlisle didn't turn to Edward, only when Edward slapped him on the shoulder, as if saying goodbye, did he give him a worried look.

Edward walked confidently towards Aro, leaving Carlisle behind. Immediately there was restlessness and Leah could see Bella's face deform. She looked focused and stared hard at Edward. Her own tension had eased a little now that Carlisle was no longer at the forefront. If they attacked, they would have to get Edward out of the way first.

"Thanks."

Edward's voice was just loud enough to be heard from her.

Carlisle was still standing to one side and Leah wanted nothing more than to bring him back. Just as a growl was about to escape her, Bella laughed. It was so incongruous that even Jacob looked at her in horror. Bella shook her head and looked at me in surprise, as if she wanted to decipher something but couldn't. The moment passed quickly, she immediately turned back to Edward, who was just telling the story of Nessie.

He extended his hand to Aro in a somewhat theatrical gesture, but considering what Aro got with it, it wasn't an exaggeration.

Every thought they had in Edward's presence, every strategy, every vision of Alice, every covenant, every word were now exposed to Aro.

It took a few seconds for a big grin to form on Aro's face. It looked almost childlike, as if he learned a secret that he had been waiting for so long.

"See? No crime has been committed."

Aros suddenly looked amused at Carlisle and then at Leah. His piercing red eyes stared at her so blatantly that the pack next to her was boiling. The thoughts were racing and Jake and Sam had to call for order several times.

No doubt he had now heard of the imprinting and it obviously amused him.

"Of course I can see it. I don't think I've ever seen this clearly before."

His gaze wandered back to Carlisle and Leah had the feeling that he wasn't talking about Nessie.

Edward

The second he saw that Reneesme wasn't an immortal child, his interest turned to another puzzle. A curiosity which Marcus only hinted at and which he had now confirmed. Edward felt guilty, even if he couldn't help himself, Aro's thoughts and his childish curiosity about Carlisle almost made him sick.

"Carlisle. Old friend."

His voice echoed with a false friendliness and Carlisle immediately tensed. He paused and only when Aro opened his hands invitingly did he slowly move towards her. Leah howled behind him, her paws shearing across the snow-covered ground. Jacob growled at her several times, but she wasn't noticeably calmer. Her reaction amused Aro even more and he was delighted to have stumbled upon this treasure. Carlisle stood next to Edward and hesitated slightly. Edward heard him fear for Leah's safety, a fear that was too late. With Edward, Aro had already learned everything he wanted to know and more. Edward wasn't sure what he was trying to achieve with Carlisle's thoughts, nor did it seem to be just curiosity.

Carlisle held out his hand and Aro took a step towards him. The guards immediately became restless. They didn't like having Aro standing there with two of them, but Aro hissed them disparagingly to calm. Edward heard the arrogance in his mind and the reliance on Jane and Alec's abilities. If Carlisle took just one wrong step, he would wriggle on the floor in pain, that much was clear.

Aro grabbed Carlisle's hand eagerly and Edward heard the rush of thoughts flowing through his head.

There was a shrill laugh and Aro stared happily at Carlisle.

Suddenly Alice's absence wasn't that bad anymore, something new had taken its place and Edward was horrified when he saw what it was.

It was Leah.

Aro not only saw the connection, he saw the addiction. Immediately a new plan formed in his head. A plan that was even more disgusting than the previous one.