New York
It was dark out when Alice made her up the steps and into the Cullen house. She had heard Carlisle's voice, and knew he had returned early from hunting.
"Alice, good," Carlisle said when she entered, the anxious look on his face relaxed a little. Jasper moved, taking a spot next to her as Carlisle continued, "Can you see what Edward plans to do in Italy?"
Alice shook her head, looking around at her family.
"He's not going to be melodramatic, is he?" Rosalie asked, and Alice shot her a look, "Bella was everything to Edward, Rose. He was trying to stay away to protect her, but I could see that that couldn't last forever. Edward was going to go back, and now, it's too late. I don't think you understand how heartbroken he is."
"Alice is right. Bella's death will truly affect us all. But what we feel is nothing compared to how Edward must feel. Imagine, if you lost your partner." Carlisle said, looking around at the perfect couples.
"So what are we going to do?" Asked Emmett, breaking the momentary silence. Carlisle thought for a minute, "I don't think it would be wise to act without knowing Edward's motivations."
"But once we know what he wants, it could be too late." Alice argued.
"What do you mean, too late?" Esme asked, her voice breaking. Alice couldn't meet her eyes, "Hasn't it occurred to you, he might be asking for death?"
Volterra
"Such a pity, the girl had much potential." Aro sighed, pressing the tips of his long fingers together as he mulled over Edward's thoughts, "But I suppose there is no point in dwelling over how Bella could have benefited the vampire population."
Caius's lips were turned up in a cruel smile at Edward's suffering. Marcus watched without interest, his gaze landing on the ornately carved doorway. Edward shifted, waiting for Aro to speak again.
"To grant your wish would simply be negligent." Aro said finally, exchanging a look with Caius, "I can think of a far better solution to your unhappiness."
"Death is the only absolute solution." Edward's voice was flat.
"Join us." Aro's arms extended, motioning to his brothers on either side.
"I believe such a role could be better filled by someone else." Edward stepped back as Aro stood from his throne and descended the steps. Aro took Edward's hand, "Your abilities are suitable for a powerful position."
Aro's thin lips widened, "You lust for the power, Edward, this I can see."
"We are all tempted." He answered, and he could hear his thoughts in Aro's mind. Temptation was strong, resonating in every unspoken word.
"Consider being part of the sovereign," Aro whispered alluringly, his voice lightly raspy, "No one will dare to cross you."
The room grew quiet; Aro released his contract with Edward. Edward stepped back, watching the three men carefully.
"We would be foolish not to influence your sister's alliance as well." Caius added, leaning back in his gold-plated black chair. Edward snarled loudly, "My family will have nothing to do with this."
"Of course not," Aro quickly amended, "Alice will be welcome, but never pressured, to join us."
Aro was circling Edward slowly, his black shoes faintly squeaking against the green marble floors, "You have already made your decision, Edward. Embrace it."
Forks
The news spread like wildfire, the story growing bigger with each retelling. Soon Chief Swan's daughter, leaping off a cliff in La Push, was all that anyone could talk about. Angela sat on her couch, holding a wad of tissues in her hands.
"I knew she was depressed, ever since the Cullens left, but I never thought…" Angela broke off, letting out another sob into her mother's shoulder.
She heard the door open and her father came in; her mother left briefly to talk to him. Mr. Weber hung up his coat, "Funeral arrangements aren't underway yet. They still haven't found a body."
He sighed, "I've known Charlie for years. It's going to be hard to minister over the ceremony."
"I hope they find her," Mrs. Weber murmured, "I don't think Charlie could move on if they don't."
"I'm not sure if he will, regardless." Mr. Weber breathed.
La Push
Jacob stormed into the house, slamming the door so hard one of the hinges broke. Billy rolled out into the living room, "Jacob-" He started to say.
But Jacob walked past him, holding up a hand to silence his father. He shut himself in his room and sat on the bed, dropping his head into his hands. He wanted to grieve, but more than that he wanted to forget everything.
The Washington State Water Patrol had been searching for a day, but they hadn't found anything yet. 'Apparent suicide' was coming from everyone's lips; no one knew for sure. A knock on the door made Jacob groan. His father hadn't given him half a minute of peace.
"Jacob, I need to talk to you." Billy said, pushing himself into the room.
"I don't want to talk about it." Jacob answered, staring up at the ceiling.
"I just need to know if you've seen Seth." Billy asked solemnly. Jacob shot up in bed, "No, Sam said I had to rest before running on patrol again, I haven't been with the pack." His eyes narrowed at Billy, confused. Billy heaved a sigh, "Seth hasn't been with the pack either."
"What do you mean?"
"He's missing."