Epilogue
Work on the new and expansive wing of Amun's home in Egypt completed, and it functioned as the new headquarter of vampire leadership. In order to effect a smooth and effective transition of power, Amun welcomed vampires across the world to visit.
The Cullens were among the first to visit and recognize Amun's position, and The Denali Coven accompanied them. Amun sat on an ornate chair on an elevated platform. Kebi sat to his left, and Tia to his right. To Tia's right, on ground level, stood Benjamin and Demetri, the guard leaders. To Kebi's left, also on ground level, stood Stefan and Vladimir, the senior operational aides. Nearby were two vampires recently turned by Amun and Kebi and two other vampires recently recruited to the guard.
"The Romanians?" Carmen asked quietly.
"They're just glad The Volturi are gone and that Amun invited them here," Tanya replied.
"They'll retain their coven identity and maybe grow," Eleazar added. "There'll be two covens here."
Later, Bella, Alice, Carlisle, and Edward made their way to their hotel suite while others toured the city.
"What do you think, Carlisle?" Bella asked.
"I've known Amun for a very long time. He's a decent man. We've had our disagreements before and will have them again, but I trust him. I think he'll be good for vampires."
"I trust Benjamin," Edward added. "He was . . . unhappy, about killing The Volturi. He will not do anything like that again except in defense of himself or his coven. Benjamin will not allow Amun to rule with fear or force."
"Without Benjamin's consent, he can't do much of anything," Alice said. "Amun's political power comes from Benjamin, and everyone knows that. Only we know what Edward just found out."
"Benjamin wants to do the right thing," Edward said. "I read that in his mind the first time we met and again today. I also read Amun not liking Jasper being around Benjamin, but I don't think that'll be a problem."
"Has anyone heard anything about Marcus, Athenodora, or Sulpicia?" Alice asked.
"I haven't," Carlisle answered. "I don't think anyone will. They're on their own, now."
Alice paused as a vision came to her. She smiled.
"What is it?" Carlisle asked.
"A world tour by Benjamin and Tia late next year. They'll be visiting covens and nomads they can find. When they see us in Forks, they'll offer us positions in their guard for us to freely accept or decline, or accept for short-term bases."
"Nice change," Bella commented.
"Yes, but that's not why I was smiling."
"What did you see?" Bella asked.
"Benjamin will offer you an experiment. He'll permit your parents to know about us on the condition that they keep the secret."
Bella's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"He trusts you," Alice said. "Unlike other vampires he trusts, you have living and close relatives."
"Well, it sounds like the Egyptians will be setting up quite a future," Carlisle commented. "This will be interesting."
"Benjamin and Amun will be satisfied by how things go with your parents, but they'll end up keeping the old law. Still, Carlisle is right. We're going to have an interesting future with that coven in charge."