"They're here!"

In half a second, Emmett was greeting us outside the Denali home. He spun me around into a hug, as was his custom, and roared with laughter. Then Edward was laughing as I wriggled free and lifted his older brother, my arms making a cage around his frame. He struggled uselessly in my grasp. For the first time, the gravity of my new strength began to dawn on me.

"Aw Bells, this isn't fair!"

"You're just mad you can't push me around any more."

"Well, now you can push Edward around," Emmett snickered when I let him go. There was a different meaning to what he said, and his shaking shoulders indicated a crude innuendo was on its way.

Edward was on him before it came out, drawing his arms behind his back. Then he craned his neck around Emmett and winked.

"Punch him, Bella. I got him for now."

"I feel like I'm in a schoolyard," I muttered, observing their struggles. "I'll settle for an arm wrestling match."

"Later," a familiar voice called across the yard. I turned and heard squeals of delight. Alice and Rosalie twined their arms around me and squeezed. I returned the hug happily. They were as beautiful—no, more beautiful—than my dim human memory recalled. Jasper waved at me behind them, almost shyly, but returned my hug with equal feeling.

"You're so happy," he murmured, awed. I beamed, knowing he was subject to the emotions of everyone around him. I was all too ready to provide positive vibes.

The Denalis were as kind as ever. Tanya and Kate touched my face and hair, remarking there was a vacancy in their trio of succubi. If I was still capable of blushing, I would have been a bright red. But underneath the levity, I sensed some pain. They missed their sister. I still felt somewhat responsible for that.

Carmen and Eleazar greeted me next. The latter studied me for so long that I burst out, "No, I haven't tried my powers yet!"

Edward's arms came around me. "There's plenty of time for that."

Then Alice giggled. I felt Edward turn to study her, but based on his look of frustration, she was deliberately avoiding her last thought.

"What is it, Alice?"

She waggled her finger at me. "Now, Bella. Not all newborns are blessed with a psychic sister. You're going to have to find out on your own."

"But . . . " I struggled to find the words. "No! You saw something! That means you can see my future now! I can't time travel any more!"

Her smirk quickly twisted into a scowl. I could hear everyone laughing—the traveler outmaneuvered the clairvoyant. But at my last thought, I frowned.

"It all must be gone, then, if you can see me in the future."

"Not necessarily," Eleazar offered. "I still sense a power. It just might not manifest the same way."

I tried not to be too hopeful. I was still getting used to my newfound strength.

I was adjusting, slowly, to a life without Renee or Charlie. Time travel, for once, did not take center stage. I was content to live my eternal life with Edward.

But part of me still wondered.

September 13, 2006

"Come on, Bella! You can do it!"

I closed my eyes again and thrust my hands out in front of me. Kate was standing behind a new straw man, waiting for my attack. It never came. I lowered my hands to my sides and hissed.

"This is stupid."

"You did it as a human," she reminded me, ignoring my growl.

Jasper chuckled from his place on the sidelines. A wave of calm washed over me a moment later. I struggled against it for a moment, then gave up. He nearly put Emmett to sleep a week ago trying to quell the latter's temper. I didn't stand a chance against his influence.

"It's her birthday, Kate," Edward explained. "She doesn't like her birthday."

"It's not just that," I said defensively.

I was frustrated with myself. It was hard to remember our last practice when I was human. I hated to admit it, but Edward had been right—some human memories had faded.

But he was close to the mark with the birthday comment; it was the second birthday my parents were spending without me.

I deliberately thought of them often. I didn't want to forget who they were or how much I loved them.

Carlisle and Esme visited Forks occasionally to settle accounts and close the house. They dutifully checked on my dad for me, and reported that he was still searching. Still hoping.

I knew Charlie would never stop looking. I daydreamed about going back to Forks just for a few minutes. Just to say that I was alive and well, but for his own safety, living away from him. But despite everyone's insistence that I was strong enough, I didn't think so.

My red eyes had faded to gold. For all intents and purposes, I was just as much a vegetarian as the rest of them. But when living in the Denali home, we rarely interacted with humans. I was afraid all my hard work would be ruined if I ventured toward town. And for all my daydreams about going back to my dad, I was terrified about drawing in his scent. Edward always said my blood was irresistible. Charlie was half of me; no doubt his scent would be enticing, too.

"Let's go hunting," Edward suggested, taking my hand in both of his.

I nodded, and we sped off into the woods. We ran together, matching step for step, finally equal. When we were far enough away from the group, he slowed down and hugged me.

"Everything all right?"

"Yes," I sighed, nuzzling his neck. "I mean . . . you know. Charlie and Renee. And my stupid power. My memory, too."

"I can tell you anything you want to know."

"Anything?"

"Name it."

I sat down on the mossy forest floor and crossed my legs. "All right. How did I blast James again?"

Edward joined me on the ground and took my hands. "Well, it started with another of your birthdays . . . "

January 2007

"I can't believe this."

Edward smiled at my awed whisper. We were curled up together in a bed of snow. Above our heads, the Aurora Borealis curtained the sky. I couldn't tear my gaze away; my eyes were full of stars.

"Amazing, isn't it?"

I nodded silently. After my change, I remembered being worried that immortality would make me jaded. That I'd grow bored and tire of the new world that opened for me. But tonight . . . I realized I was all wrong.

The sky was shimmering with jewels. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds . . . colors I couldn't even name. I knew my human eyes could never behold a sight such as this. I liked to think that Elliot was up there somewhere. He wasn't a burnt out star; he was as bright as any of them, who looked down on me occasionally.

"Thank you," I murmured. This entire expedition started on the eve of my Forks anniversary. Two years since I arrived there and was reunited with my love at last. But underneath this happy memory was a longing for my human family. Edward, having learned I had never seen the northern lights and eager to cheer me up, organized the whole thing. It was perfect.

"Of course, love," he said, kissing my hand. "Are they as beautiful as you imagined?"

"More than I imagined," I told him honestly.

"Good."

I curled up next to my husband and returned my gaze to the stars.

December 25, 2007

"You . . . bought a fortress."

"A house," Edward corrected, dropping the key into my palm. "Just for the two of us."

I couldn't say I wasn't tempted by the idea. The Denali house was huge, but with so many of us crammed into one place, it made privacy a hot commodity. Here we could be alone . . . truly alone.

"You don't need to twist my arm," I giggled. "Should we race?"

He was already pulling off his shirt. "Of course."

Time meant nothing when I was with him. Every touch and kiss felt as perfect as the first one. In the chaos of my emerging immortality, the one anchor was Edward.

"Alice is going to be livid."

I was smug at his lazy tone. We would never get tired, but I enjoyed the pillow talk after we were together. "How come?"

He propped his head on one elbow. "For one, we've broken every bed in the house."

"What house needs five bedrooms? Who's sleeping over, the deer?"

"Second, we've torn up the sheets she picked out."

I was sorry for that one. The Egyptian cotton sheets were truly lovely. They lay in frayed shreds now. I smoothed my hand over one guiltily.

"Let's buy her a car."

"A Porsche," Edward decided, his eyes gleaming. "She's been eyeing a yellow one for weeks."

They had so much money that it was basically an abstract concept. I was still getting used to that. Before I could reply, Edward groaned.

"Speak of the devil; she's here."

Alice was waiting in the living room . . . or what was left of it. She snorted at the two of us coming downstairs in t-shirts.

"I feel like I'm in a fraternity house."

"Sorry, Alice," I said in embarrassment. "I don't know my own strength."

"Oh, please!" she rolled her eyes. "Newborn excuse. That's way over. Years over."

"Alice," Edward pleaded. "Just look ahead. Look what I've decided."

She tossed her head imperiously and turned to stare at the window. But she was looking past it—through it—toward a near future. Then she laughed.

"Oh, you sly dog. Okay, I'm not mad anymore."

"What's up?" I asked, joining her on the couch. At once, she started to braid my hair.

"We're thinking of playing football tonight," she was saying. "Rosalie bought jerseys for the boys and now they're trying to organize a game."

I looked at Edward, who shrugged. "Okay, sure. We're in."

"Great!" she said happily, tying off the end of my braid. "See you tonight!"

"Football?" Edward asked when she had gone. He coiled the end of my braid around his wrist. "You?"

"Hey," I protested. "I can play now."

"You can," he nodded. "I hope we're on the same team."

"Doubtful, if Emmett's the captain."

"Then we should practice our tackling," he growled playfully. I squealed when we went crashing to the floor.

Everyone was gathering later that night when we walked out of the trees. I could see Emmett eyeing us speculatively. In true schoolyard fashion, he made everyone line up. I had a sudden flash to my childhood and prayed I wouldn't be the last one picked.

"Those with gifts . . . " Emmett boomed. "Don't use 'em! Cheating is for losers."

"Then don't be a loser," Kate called. Her sister elbowed her for silence.

Emmett and Carlisle stood apart to make their picks. Predictably, they picked their wives first. Alice was third. Mid-dance to Emmett's side, she stopped short.

Alice stood frozen in the snow. Still as a statue. Jasper went to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders. She didn't react to the touch; her eyes were far away.

"Alice? What do you see?"

Alice and Edward turned to stare at each other in the same moment. They looked horrified.

"The Volturi," she whispered. "They're coming for us."

"Tell me again," Carlisle said gravely. His back was to the fireplace, and the flames cast shadows over his face. It seemed like a lifetime ago that I sat warming myself in front of that fireplace, just barely avoiding frostbite and hypothermia. It was another life. Another danger. But the danger we faced now seemed insurmountable.

"Aro, Marcus, Caius . . . the entire guard," Alice repeated. "I don't know everyone—I'm only going off the painting of them. They're coming here."

"Do you recognize everyone?"

Alice closed her eyes to recall the vision again. For a moment, there was silence. I could see Rosalie curling a strand of hair around her finger at top speed. Then Edward jumped to his feet.

"I see Victoria in the crowd."

"V-Victoria?" I stammered. "Are you sure?"

"It's her," he growled, his eyes shut tight. "She's hiding at the start, but . . . I think . . ."

"She went to them," Alice breathed. Now that she had a positive identification on Victoria, it must have opened her eyes to the whole truth. "She's good at escaping from things, including my sight. But it looks like she finally alerted them about us."

"About me," I said in a dull voice.

I suddenly felt as powerless as I did as a human. I had made incredible progress with my blasting power, but not enough. Not enough to face the Volturi.

"She wants revenge."

"Let her come here," Emmett said after a long, tense moment. "Bella's one of us now. No law's been broken."

"It's not the law they want," Alice said bitterly. I had never heard her sound so cold. "They want us."

I knew what she meant. They wanted the powers this coven gathered. Eleazar, Kate, Jasper, Alice, Edward . . . even me. A surge of terror shot through my veins. If I still needed to breathe, I would have been panting for breath.

Eleazar dove away from the bookshelf a second before it exploded. I leapt to my feet. "I'm so sorry!"

He burst out laughing. Carmen was looking at her mate like he was going crazy, but he shook his head. He walked over and took my hands, ignoring the heat that simmered from them.

"You're going to be our quarterback, Bella Cullen."

Alice predicted the Volturi would land here on New Year's Eve.

She had seen snow falling in her vision. The news reported a storm system was headed straight for us. That gave us less than a week to prepare.

Emmett and Jasper immediately started fight training with me. I had been practicing my power every day, but no one had ever taught me hand-to-hand combat. Edward refused for reasons I couldn't understand. Without my newborn strength behind me, I had to learn how to defend myself.

When I wasn't training with the boys, I was with Kate, endlessly working on my power. Many straw men fell under my gaze, but I worried it wouldn't be enough.

"It will be," Kate assured me. "Even if you can't attack multiple people at once, it's still an impressive power. They'll be running scared, I know it."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because when we kill each other, we have to rip each other apart," she explained, grabbing hold of Jasper to illustrate. "And burn the pieces. You know that. But you . . . expedite the process. It's intimidating."

I raised my eyebrows. None of them, not even Edward, had told me that before. I felt a smile grow on my lips.

"I see."

"Don't let it go to your head," Emmett grumbled. I flicked my wrist and watched him dive for the ground, hands covering his head. The tree he had been standing in front of burst into flame.

"Mind your head," I warned him. From his place on the roof, I could hear Edward laughing.

We didn't have a grand scene of farewell, nor did I plan to stage one. We had been ripped apart one time too many; if we were going to face the Volturi, it was going to be on a united front.

If this was an end—death or the draft into their ranks—we were going to go together.

New Year's Eve found us waiting in a field north of the house. Snow was falling, lightly, and I let a few snowflakes land on my nose. This kind of weather had always been a hazard for me; tonight was no different.

We stood waiting for eight minutes. All of us were watching Alice. When we heard her sharp intake of breath, we knew they were here.

The Volturi arrived in a rigid formation. Every one of the guard was swathed in dark hoods. They reminded me strangely of ravens. A group of ravens—an unkindness. I almost laughed at the thought. Edward saw my smile and gave me a puzzled look. I shook my head.

Five figures emerged from the group. The rest of the guard fell back and stood waiting for a silent command. I felt Edward squeeze my hand tightly. He and Alice shared a tense glance. As we arranged, five of us went forward—Edward, Eleazar, Carlisle, Alice, and me.

I recognized the three elders from the painting. Aro stood in the middle, a friendly smile on his face. His brothers, Marcus and Caius, were not as forthcoming. Marcus looked bored, but when the groups converged, I saw his hand touch Aro's shoulder. His brother's eyebrows raised slightly, but I stopped watching. The other two figures had drawn back their hoods.

I'd recognize the taller female any day. Victoria. My eyes locked with hers and I couldn't look away. Her eyes were onyx black and narrowed with hatred. The shock of red hair, magnified with my new senses, made her look even more terrifying.

The other female looked very young. She was even smaller than Alice, with pale brown hair and bright red eyes. She studied me carefully, and I did the same. Despite her size, I had a feeling she would not be up with us if she wasn't someone powerful.

"Carlisle," Aro beamed, spreading his hands wide. "How lovely to see you again. It's been years."

"Centuries," Carlisle agreed in the same congenial tone. "Welcome."

"You've made quite the family for yourself," Aro was saying, eyeing the group gathered behind us. "Do they all belong to you?"

"Edward was my first progeny," Carlisle explained, pressing one hand to my husband's shoulder. "Then Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. Jasper, Alice, and Bella came to us later on. And you already know Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, and Kate."

I noticed he did not claim me as a vampire he made. I thought he was trying to be careful. Carlisle practically had his own guard now. Vampires of this number could be misconstrued in so many ways. I sensed the Volturi were uncomfortable with the thought of an opposing coven of this size and ability.

"Victoria seems anxious for you to proceed," Edward said suddenly. She snarled at him, but Caius put a hand out to stop her approach.

Aro watched him with eager eyes. "Yes, she told me of your gift, Edward. She must be patient. We are all still getting to know each other."

He held out his hand as if to shake. Edward stiffened but obeyed, taking Aro's hand in his. At my quizzical look, he smiled.

"Aro hears every thought with just one touch."

I caught Alice's strained expression. Not only did Aro have access to the thoughts of everyone here, he could see every vision of hers. Every minute of his immortal life. Every moment we shared together, every kiss and cruel parting. Every time he saw me time travel. And finally, my new power.

"Ah," Aro sighed, his milky red eyes shifting to me. "Bella! The infamous traveler."

"The witch," Victoria hissed.

I felt Eleazer grip my hand behind my back, preventing a premature attack. I was livid, my eyes tight with rage. How dare she . . . I stood up straighter. If this did come to a fight, she was the first one my list.

"Victoria, sweetheart, I haven't even spoken with Bella yet," Aro said soothingly. "Patience."

His scolding was akin to a parent embarrassed by a child's tantrum. She took a step backward, cowed by his tone. Satisfied she wouldn't speak again, he turned back to me.

"Bella, it truly is a pleasure," he said happily. "Such a fascinating life. Time travel! In the presence of vampires, this is remarkable."

"Pity I can't do it anymore."

"Truly," he agreed, reaching for me. "May I?"

He phrased it like I had a choice, but it was obvious that I did not. Eleazar released me and I stepped closer.

Aro's skin was strangely brittle. I gazed into those strange eyes and waited. Confidence, doubt, and incredulity swept across his face in rapid succession.

He couldn't read my thoughts.

"So very interesting," he said quietly. "Neither of us can read your mind. And the offensive power you possess . . . a first. I wonder if you are immune to our other talents. Jane, dear?"

I heard the growl start low in Edward's chest. It ripped from his throat with terrifying volume, and his lips curled back into a grimace. "No!"

"Don't!" Alice cried as Edward launched himself at the little girl.

He hit the ground like a stone. I watched, horrified, as he writhed in agony. Carlisle and Alice looked furiously at Aro, but he was observing the scene with interest. Victoria was grinning in pure delight.

His anguish was too much for me to bear. Though he stubbornly refused to scream, I knew the image of his torture would never leave my mind. When I couldn't stand it, I stepped between Edward and Jane, growling. His shaking stopped at once. Then Jane focused her attention on me.

Our baleful eyes met, but nothing happened. I even smirked as frustration grew on her face. She leaned forward, coiled to spring. I felt the whisper of heat surging through my palms. One wrong step, bitch, and you're mine. Only Edward hand on my ankle warned me that this was not the time.

"Jane," Aro admonished, placing one hand on her shoulder. "Don't be put out, dear. She confounds us all."

"You're very brave, Edward, to endure in silence," Aro continued, ignoring the answering scowl.

He watched me pull Edward to his feet with appraising eyes. "I asked Jane to do it to me once—just out of curiosity."

"Aro," Carlisle said carefully, though I sensed an undercurrent of anger. "No law has been broken here. Bella is one of us. She killed James in an act of self defense. Victoria only came to you to settle a score."

"Liar," Victoria barked. "They are massing against you, my lord!"

Caius turned around and slapped her across the face. It couldn't have hurt, but Victoria was so shocked she went silent. He turned back to his brother.

"Extend the invitation, Aro, so we can go home."

Aro smiled kindly at every one of us for a moment. His gazed lingered on Alice before he turned back to Carlisle.

"What do you say, Carlisle? Do any of you have an interest in joining our little company?"

Carlisle looked at Edward's stony expression and shook his head. "I think I speak for everyone. Thank you, old friend, but no. We are comfortable here."

"Such a waste," Aro said sadly. "Well, the offer stands. Please, do visit us in Volterra. I have not forgotten our time together, Carlisle."

Carlisle had the grace to nod. "That's it?"

Victoria's howl of fury shattered the brief relief I felt. Though the Volturi seemed like they were going away, she was never going to give up. Her vendetta would never die.

"Victoria, sweetling, Carlisle is right—no law has been broken. It's time to go."

"No!" she shrieked, shaking off Caius. "I demand justice! James worked for you and she killed him! A human!"

"James went rogue," Aro reminded her gently. "We kept him alive because of his tracking abilities. It's done. Our decision is made."

Her growl turned into a scream. Jane was standing over her, looking irritated. I got the feeling Jane hated defiance. And if it was directed at her master . . . she didn't like that at all. Only at his nod did she turn away from Victoria, smiling angelically.

"Come, Victoria," Aro cooed, pulling her to her feet. "You have a place with us."

He never got her answer. A sudden flash had silenced her protests. I followed her gaze to the far end of the clearing.

With a familiar burst of bright, white light, a small figure had materialized in the snow.

A little girl stood alone between the two groups, her hair matted and clothes torn. Her brown eyes were wide with terror.

A breeze carried the scent of her blood to the group. My throat instantly burst into flames. I was right not to trust myself around humans; I realized I wanted her.

Then Edward gasped, and my senses cleared. Cold fear shot through my veins when I realized who she was.

The small figure in the clearing was me.

A/N: Shoutout to Itsjustm3 for calling Bella's first trip through time way back in Chapter 13. I was very impressed.

How did we get here? 31 chapters and only one left to go? What? It's crazy. As always, thanks for reading, and I'll see you all (ah!) once more next week!