Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Stephenie Meyer created it all. I'm just so grateful she allows us to play around with her characters.

Chapter dedication: To Brittanyrayne – who figured out Jake's little surprise.

Edward POV

I was once again in the Iron Maiden. Actually, I'd been in the damn thing for several days. After their "successful interrogation" of me, I'd been left encaged in the vicious device. The burn in my throat had grown to the point of agony. My body was demanding more blood to fuel my continued healing process and had begun to grow weak again. It was at times like this that I hated my body's demands. It had been childish for me to take for granted the ability to run in the woods, to chase prey between trees, and to feel the warm tangy blood slide down my throat. I stifled the moan that worked up from my chest at the thought.

The door opened, and Evelina and several more werewolves came into the room. It was hard to even work up enthusiasm at the thought of a shower at the moment. Without acknowledging even my presence, one of the men came to the side and unlocked the case. When he pulled the front open, I fell into the floor. The spikes had been embedded in my chest, where I'd been leaning against them, and they had been embedded far enough to cause me to be dragged forward as the door opened. I groaned as I hit the floor, but it was a vocalization of relief, not pain. I didn't have the burn of teeth buried in me, and I could stretch. I heard the gasps around me, but couldn't care less.

Evelina felt sorry for me. She knew I'd caved when Stefan and Vladimir had threatened Didyme. Ironically, I'd gained a measure of respect from her for attempting to protect Didyme, even though she had little regard for any of us.

Finally pushing to my knees, I forced myself to stand.

"We are to take you for a walk," the man said, his tone brusque. "It is your treat for being cooperative."

The only response that I could manage was a nod. I knew the real intent; it was a way to deplete what little strength I did have.

Didyme was safe in her room. She was horrified and ashamed that she had been the cause of my break. Little did she know they'd only gotten the information I was willing to give. They weren't as clever as they thought. Stefan and Vladimir's covert spying on Aro, Marcus, and Caius had produced very little in the way of real information. It was known that Carlisle was un-gifted, so it was assumed that the others of my family were as well. Little did they know that those they so blithely dismissed just might be the ones that would possibly destroy them.

"Thank you," I said softly to the young girl who opened the door for us as we moved from the castle into the courtyard.

How can he be so fucking polite? Ran through Evelina's mind.

I wanted to tell her that getting to walk around and avoiding the pain of their clever devices was enough to almost make me kiss her feet. As soon as I stepped out into the light, the weak sun shone down on me, bathing my body in a shimmer glow. As we moved around the yard, I was actually at peace for a moment, but then the smell and sound hit me…beating hearts and rich, warm blood pumping through frightened, frenzied bodies. The thirst almost made me crazy with need. What the hell were they doing with deer? As I caught the werewolves glancing toward my sudden stillness, I saw the answer. Of course…when they changed they could feed as Jacob did, if they chose to. They could also feed off humans…it was as much a choice for them as us.

"Why are his eyes black? There aren't any more humans here," Evelina thought.

I saw through her thoughts that they were stocking up livestock for those that did not choose to travel to Kiev and dine on humans. She dismissed the males, sending them toward the shelter that housed the animals, and I had to force my feet to follow her, away from the hunger. The monster inside raged. For once, even he was willing to accept animal blood.

Then, as if I'd been graced by God Himself, a large buck broke away from the pack. Like Jake, the werewolves weren't as fast in human form. The crazed animal crashed out of the building, its eyes rolling and a hunted look on its face. It ran toward what it thought was salvation, but instead ran into the arms of certain death. The hunger won out and on instinct I snatched the bleating animal to me, fell to my knees, and tore into its throat.

I snarled threateningly at my guards as the blood poured down my throat. They were shocked from the spectacle of my feeding and I was able to drink the animal almost dry before they even began to move. Tearing my mouth away from the drained carcass, I rolled my shoulders and shuddered at the taste. God, it was awful, I'd forgotten how much so. The memory of the divine taste of human blood made me want to retch.

I knew I'd be punished for this, but at that moment, I honestly didn't care. Other than the blood that Didyme had hidden and brought to me, this was more than I'd been allowed since being here. I could feel the warmth spreading through me and it gave me a little hope. Just a few more days…

I stood and the wolves actually stepped back from me subtly.

A demon? A hybrid? What is he? Golden eyes? Does it make him weaker? Stronger?

I heard the questions as they swirled around me. Obviously, they had not been educated about my father or my preferences?

I pulled the deer from the dirt and turned to Evelina. "Where do you take the bodies?" I asked, not knowing what else to say. The courtyard had gone eerily silent as those around us watched.

She motioned angrily with her hand toward the back of the castle. Surrounded by others, I followed her and tossed the carcass over the wall. We could hear the body crashing down the rocks and toward the canyon floor. As I suspected, my outing had just come to an abrupt end. I couldn't have expected anything different, but I was strangely settled as the unpalatable blood worked its healing throughout me. I would survive, even though I knew it was going to get very, very bad after this.

The first consequence of my actions was on display when I returned to the front of the castle behind Evelina. The body of the werewolf that had allowed the buck to escape lay crumpled and destroyed in the courtyard. Several vampires stood over the mangled creature. It was a lesson for all those around about the consequences of failure or disobedience. The one I knew to be a commander of Vladimir and Stefan's forces sneered at me as I passed. "Does this bother you, animal lover?"

I had long since ceased to react to their taunts, but I was amazed as Evelina's mind shifted subtly; she'd figured it all out.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly and softly, so that no one else could hear me but her as we entered the castle.

She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. Werewolves did not run in packs like the Quileutes. They were solitary creatures, and there was no loyalty among this group. I saw her thoughts. She wanted nothing to do with those around her, wanting only salvation and freedom for herself and her brother. Vladimir and Stefan had built a seemingly unstoppable force, but from where I stood, it was naught but a house of cards…an appropriately timed gust of wind could bring it falling down around them.

When the door closed behind us, she turned quickly and stepped very close to me before the others entered. I wanted to step back at the invasion of my personal space and her smell, but I didn't want to shy from her.

"You…and your family…" she said the last word in a harsh tone as if she had a difficult time envisioning us that way. "Are animals your preference? I don't understand."

I stopped for a second, searching the minds around us, attempting to see whether or not we were safe to talk. I had only time for a few words.

"We choose not to kill humans."

We heard the footsteps outside and she motioned for me to keep moving. By the time her helpers entered the door, I knew I was about to pay the price for my impromptu feeding.

…

"Allow me to stay with him," Aribert murmured coming over to brush his fingers across my cheek.

I wanted to spit in his face, but restrained myself. They had put me in the Iron Maiden again. It was quite clear to me that I would most likely crack if I was left in it for a long period of time. Attempting to ignore the feel of Aribert's fingers on my skin, I searched the minds around me to see if I could ascertain what was the longest anyone had ever survived it.

"Leave him in there, and leave him alone, Aribert. I think several weeks of starving will do him good after his impertinence," Vladimir said in a sinister voice.

It was actually less punishment than I'd expected, or maybe they were just giving themselves time to think of something particularly entertaining. For now, I would do my best to starve in silence. I felt like my body had finally been able to obtain the nourishment it needed to heal. I could handle being hungry, having pushed myself to the limits before. Hopefully, I would only be here for a few more days.

"Aribert, come along. Let's leave Edward by himself. He'll grow to appreciate our company and rules before too long. Maybe he'll even agree to your company," Vladimir joked, laughing in a braying tone that reminded me of a donkey.

And yet, perhaps this was the most torturous of all experiences they could come up with…bound in a way that I could not move, starved if I hadn't snapped, and cut off from all but the minimum of contact…yes, I would be shuddering right now if I didn't fear it would cause the teeth to rip into me. However, I was different than most of the vampires or wolves that would find themselves in this position…for I could see the world around me through the creatures that stirred through the castle and I knew my family would be coming for me.

…..

"Bella is going to go crazy if he isn't alive."

"We have to get up that cliff. How in the hell is Jasper going to pull this off?"

"I just want to get my hands on a couple of them. I actually might get a decent fight out of them. At least Bella won't be mad if I hurt one of these vampires."

"Edward…Bella's going crazy without you. I know what you've been through…she won't care. I like Jazz's scars…they're sexy."

"Dude…Ding, dong, Avon calling…I mean, the army's here. Whatever…what's up? We're here to play."

"Edward...a million thanks can't begin to express how I feel…knowing that you have taken care of her."

"Okay, Edward, unlike last time where I was a bitch, I'm here now and on your side."

Images of an army in the forest and cherished visions of Bella as she stood by Marcus ran through my mind. Didyme would be happy to know that they seemed hopeful. Maybe they had moved on together in this fantasy world of mine. Had I been tortured again? Was this the world I'd lived in before where I could hear and see my family and friends? Damn…in this world I was even able to envision Jacob and two more wolves. Who were they?

"Edward, my daughter is standing beside me waiting on you. She would not stop, nor would she give up. Rise, my son…it is time."

Then I heard the two voices, other than Bella's, that meant the world to me.

"Edward, my dear…I have missed you. I need you home. It isn't the same without you. As you know, I don't do well when you are away from me."

"Son, if you can hear me, I'm not leaving here without you. Edward, Esme and I…we love you. No matter what happens here today, remember that."

EDWARD! A voice screamed through my fantasy, the demanding tone unwelcome in the happy cocoon I'd wrapped myself in. Damn, Jasper was so domineering. Of course his commanding ass would attempt to ruin my rest.

C'mon. C'mon. C'mon. Damn it, bro, we're all here and ready for this. Let me know that you can hear me.

Wait! I forced my eyes open. I'd frozen, conserving the strength I had from the feeding I'd stolen and finding that perfect stillness that only a vampire could accomplish, so it took me a second to "wake."

SHIT! They were here! I saw them all from differing points of view and wanted to cry out at the joy that filled me. In fact, I did just that, I started shouting. The door tore open, and the vampires from the hallway rushed into the room. I pushed against the teeth embedded in the door and gritted my own teeth, grunting in pain. Startled by my sudden show of defiance, they shouted back.

"Stop!" one of the many vampires hissed out at me.

"Fuck you!" I swore back, pushing hard against the cabinet. Did I actually feel it move just a little?

"Dude, act crazy…I'm sure you've been laying low. It'll shock them." My big brother suggested. Excellent idea, Em. Don't think too hard, you'll blow your dumb jock cover.

I welcomed the flow of venom in my mouth and let it foam through my teeth, frothing like a rabid animal. Actually, it was a pretty good representation of the werewolves.

The door opened again and Didyme flew through it to come to within touching distance of me. It was perfect; I already had a plan of how to get her to Marcus…I just had to get out of this damn thing. I groaned slightly at the feel of the teeth biting into me, but I did rock it slightly.

"Edward, stop now!" she screamed. "You can't escape it. PLEASE!"

She was hysterical. Little did she know I was about to hand her everything.

This time when the door opened, it was the three I wanted to see. Aribert desired me; I needed to use what I could. I threw myself in earnest against the teeth at my neck and began thrashing my hands as if I'd lost my mind.

"Something is wrong with him, get him out now," Aribert commanded.

The guards quickly approached me and fumbled with the locks. They weren't concerned. I'd played my part to perfection. They believed I was weak, ineffective, in reality useless. I fell to the floor as I'd done just days before, but Evelina, who had watched me over the last few days, caught on. She'd seen the look in my face.

"Are you insane?" she uttered. He can't win. What is he thinking?

I lunged like a striking snake.

The two vampires that had unlocked me went flying across the room and into the far wall.

"Edward, what are you doing?" Didyme's hoarse voice asked. She was horrified by my actions.

I blurred to my feet, and she gasped when I grabbed her around the waist. Stefan, Vladimir, and Aribert remained frozen in disbelief. Looking into Evelina's eyes I winked at her and then spun toward the window. The stone crumbled slightly as I pushed hard against it and then Didyme and I were flying through the air toward the parapet of the outer wall.

"Edward, what are you doing?" she said again, too shocked to form another sentence.

I heard spike of elation in Marcus' thoughts; he had just heard his mate's voice for the first time in over a millennia.

"I'm giving you your life back," I told her. Then I tossed her over the edge. I was laying odds that Marcus would catch her. If not, the worst that could happen was a chasm in the earth.

She screamed obscenities at me as she fell to the forest floor, but I was distracted by the vampires and werewolves that began to surround me.

The werewolves had changed, transforming into their wolf-like forms, and they pawed around me, anxious to feel the pleasure of their teeth sinking in me. Thomas, the vampire controlling the wolves, stood to their rear, in loose formation with the other vampires. Vladimir, Stefan, and Aribert entered the courtyard, Evelina behind them. She shimmered and a beautiful beige colored wolf stood in her place.

Jasper needed a distraction, so that the Guard would not be attacked piecemeal as they came over the wall one by one. Okay, big brother, ask and you shall receive. I lunged at the two vampires closest to me and threw them at the nearest werewolves, letting the natural reaction between our species take over. Even with Thomas ordering them to stand firm, they were going after each other.

Vladimir and Stefan ordered a dozen werewolves to go after Didyme. I knew that Jasper would handle them, but I feinted as if I was going to attempt to chase after the group. It was a clever ruse to get to Thomas. He was my primary target; his destruction would cause the Romanian's forces to dissolve into chaos. I streaked around several vampires, using my speed and gift to avoid the hands that reached for me. I caught Evelina's thoughts…please don't forsake me, I begged silently before turning my attention back to those around me. Follow me, boys and girls…right this way…

Jasper POV

We heard Didyme crashing through the evergreens above us, and Marcus blurred over to stand beneath her falling form. Hope, love, and longing poured off of him, saturating the rest of us in expectation. It was the anticipation of one half waiting for the other. Lines from Emerson's Celestial Love ran through my mind.

Where unlike things are like,

Where good and ill,

And joy and moan,

Melt into one.

There…Past…Present…Future

Suddenly, she broke through the tree tops, and I prayed that Marcus wouldn't gasp in joy. Didyme continued to curse at Edward, not even bothering to turn and land in a crouch. She was furious at him and not thinking clearly. She shrieked when she landed in a pair of arms, and the crack that echoed through the air when she crashed into her husband sounded exactly as it should, had her body hit the ground. I was grateful to even be able to recognize what had happened, because Marcus' feelings overpowered me, making me giddy.

She tensed, ready to attack and her eyes jerked to the person who held her…then all was right with the universe.

Modern song writers would use comparisons of crashing waves and currents of electricity running between them. The old bards of England would wax on with flowery poetry. Mystics would speak of the heavenly forces coming together under starlit skies. But for Didyme and Marcus, I really thought that Emerson had it right. The past, present, and future melted into one. It was almost as if we could see the chains of despair and agony fall from them.

I felt the warring emotions within her…joy and agony, hope and despair, pride and shame, worth and worthlessness, happiness and grief, longing and fear. But clear and refreshing, the most overwhelming emotion was love.

Didyme went to speak and Marcus moved one hand to place his finger to her lips to remind her to be silent. He allowed her to slide down so that she could stand, but his arms never allowed her to step outside his embrace. I knew he wanted to kiss her…to draw her into him, but he was terrified. He did not want to press her, considering what he knew had happened, but the desire was there, clearly imprinted across his face.

Her hands rose shakily toward his face, her trembling fingers pausing just centimeters from his skin. Her desire to touch him was as clear as his for her. The forced silence made the moment more poignant. They had to convey the longing, lost love, and emotions of completion silently…using only touch to salve the wounds of a millennia's separation. The curious mixture of pain and joy that infused his face when her fingertips touched his skin was probably the most powerful expression I'd ever been privileged to witness. He closed his eyes and leaned into her hands, like a cat leaning into its master's hands to be petted or comforted. Marcus leaned even further into her, and his eyes flew open to gaze at her lips. He caught himself and instead placed his lips to her forehead in a tender expression of worship.

The women around me found it the most romantic gesture they'd ever witnessed…that is, if the emotions surrounding me were any indication. I saw the mated pairs present step toward one another, and the agonized and pleased expression on Bella's face. Her reunion had yet to happen, but she was unselfish enough to enjoy what was occurring.

While Marcus and Didyme continued to be engrossed in the surreal reunion, Aro silently made his way to the pair and did something I'd never seen the leader do…he knelt before them, his face to the ground. It was a sign of respect and grief. He was humbling himself before his sister, begging forgiveness for his sins.

Didyme was still entranced with her husband, though, totally enthralled by him. I felt her agony, her pain, and fear, but she knew that we still faced death and she wasn't willing to do so without having kissed her husband. Rising up on her tiptoes, she hesitantly and gently placed her mouth to his. His hands clenched, but the muscles in his arms stood in relief with the control he was exerting. He remained as still as a statue allowing Didyme to taste his lips for the first time in a thousand years. It was a soft and gentle kiss...devoid of the flare of overwhelming passion…but it was a promise and a start to a new beginning.

When she finally pulled away, he loosened his arms and she spun when she realized that there were vampires behind her. Her eyes widened significantly taking in the army that stood watching the reunion she'd just experienced. As expressed through the further widening of her eyes, she noted the golden ones staring back from our family. Then, she took in the man kneeling in front of her.

Her mouth formed the silent word. "Aro." Again her hand crept forward to him, as if testing the waters.

When she finally laid her fingertips to his bowed head, the Volturi leader began shaking forcefully. I thought he would give us away when she pulled Marcus with her and stepped closer to him. Aro threw his arms around their waists in petition for her absolution, shaking with overwhelming grief and relief. The three of them engaged in such an embrace was almost too intimate for me to watch. I wanted to shout at the others to turn around and give them privacy, but our time had run out.

Crashing through the trees came the sound of the werewolves, and from above us the noise escalated. I motioned to Bella and Alec to get ready. I needed his gift here to render them senseless and silent. Jane would just have to wait her turn. Pointing my fingers to Bella and then in the direction needed, I directed her to build her shield. She and Alec were quickly given a wide berth by the rest of the Guard. Bella turned and her gaze became unfocused, almost like Alice during her visions. I saw a muscle in her face twitch, and I knew she'd found their "lights" as she called them.

Alec moved to her side and focused his gift on her. Alec was more than capable of immobilizing all of the approaching wolves on his own, but his gift did not work instantly, and we couldn't afford the chance that the werewolves would get off some kind of warning. That was where Bella came into play.

The werewolves tore through the line of trees, running straight into Bella and Alec's trap, freezing as she snapped the prepared shield around them. The smoke-like haze of Alec's gift was focused solely on Bella but, as did not affect her. The wolves were not so lucky. Linked to Bella by the power of her shield, they had no defense against Alec's power, and they were instantly incapacitated. The sight of the werewolves frozen within the swirling mist reminded me almost of the scene in a snow globe. But this snow globe didn't portray a beautiful, winter Thomas Kinkade wonderland. Instead, it was something reminiscent of Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas. Twelve deadly werewolves were frozen in midstep…the sinister intent imprinted on their faces.

Now that they were immobilized, Alec's power reached out to encompass them directly, an ethereal cloud spreading out over their still forms. Once he had encompassed them all, he nodded to Bella, and she exhaled quietly as she dropped her shield. We'd practiced this amplification of both Alec and Jane's skills a multitude of times over the last week, much to the chagrin of our "volunteers."

The Children of the Moon looked so similar to Jacob's shape-shifter form that it was eerie. The same size and shape, but the crazed thoughts of the group were evident in the foaming spit that oozed from their mouths, and the demented look in their eyes. Whereas the Quileutte wolves looked sleek, well fed, and maintained, there was a ragged look to the werewolves. The fur seemed matted and sickly. Captivity did not look good on them, and it was evident that the continued control exerted by Vladimir and Stefan did not suit the creatures. I almost felt sorry for them…almost.

Aro had turned to see the event, having felt Didyme stiffen. He rose breaking away from her and went to kiss the top of Bella's head and place a hand of appreciation on Alec's shoulder. He then faced me and nodded in anticipation. Didyme was in shock, frozen at the sight before her. I felt the shimmer of Jake, Leah, and Seth change and saw Didyme break out of her confusion to step back into Marcus' arms as she caught the first sight of our friends. They'd placed themselves within feet of Bella and Alec…taking on a defensive position between us and the werewolves. How she'd missed the Quileute wolves I'd never know. Her eyes widened, taking in the naked humans standing in our midst. Alice quickly handed them shorts and Leah a shirt from the bag she carried. Leah, Jacob, and Seth hurriedly stepped to Jane, Demetri, and Afton respectively to be carried up the cliff as planned. Only then did I give the signal that would start our advance.

Keep it up, Edward, I thought as we began our climb up the cliff.

Evelina POV

Edward was making his way toward Thomas. It was clear to me what he planning. To say I was shocked to see the way he was moving was an understatement. Clever, clever boy. To use terms I was comfortable with, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He was fast…so much so that I had difficulty following his movement. If he could move like this, why hadn't he run before? The answer was obvious in retrospect: Narcisa. He wasn't going to leave her here, and he was giving her the opportunity to run while he caused a disturbance. This man-yes I would call him that-was proving intriguing. He'd been playing us all, and I wondered what other surprises he had in store for us. Then I heard a slight movement in the canyon below. Or perhaps, it would be better to say that I heard the absence of movement. My comrades would have met up with Narcisa by now…hmm…clever, clever man. He was leading the guards away from the cliff.

Stefan and Vladimir's captains were oblivious. Caught up in their self importance and the belief that they could not be defeated, they were so engrossed in attempting to capture a single unruly vampire inside the castle that they were not paying attention to potential threats from outside the castle.

To whom was I going to display loyalty? To the vampires who had enslaved me and my brother and treated us with contempt, destroying our lives, or to the vampire that had shown kindness, respect, and persevered with dignity? The choice was quite simple.

I prayed that Edward had enough forces coming over those walls to defeat those around us; otherwise he and I were going to die together today. Erik… I hoped my brother could forgive me if I'd made the wrong decision. I wondered if he would feel my death in some way. If so, hopefully he would escape those in Kiev and run until he could run no more.

I began to make my way to Edward's side. It was harder than expected. He was quickly working his way across the courtyard toward the exit…or at least that was what he wanted them to believe. Destroying Thomas would give us a chance. I knew a good many of the wolves would run, once freed. They would leave the vampires here to destroy themselves. Edward and I...and his friends…well, we would take care of the others. I had to get to him first, though. I was certain that the others thought I was maneuvering to take him down. He dodged one vampire, and I grabbed the other guard who was reaching for him, jerking the vamp to the ground and ripping into him. My fate was sealed. Until that point, I could have changed my mind. There was no going back now.

"I'll guarantee your safety if we win," he said quickly, reaching down to pull the arms from the struggling torso.

I huffed and felt Thomas' influence.

YOU will destroy him! He ordered.

It was if a weight pushed against me. I stumbled, pushing every ounce of my will against his commands. I felt the need within me rising, making me want to attack the bronze haired vampire by my side. How was I going to break free?

"I can take care of that for you," he said and launched himself toward Thomas.

I was stunned. Just how powerful was this vampire that had lain dormant in our midst? I was no fool; he'd just read my mind. I heard Vladmir, Stefan, and Aribert gasp in recognition. They'd overheard the one-sided conversation from where they stood protected by guards. I hope they felt fear. Fear of all the things Edward had overheard.

Cleansing freedom rippled through me when I heard a sound of a shriek. Thomas' influence was no more, and a strange silence and stillness settled across the courtyard as the other werewolves recognized that the power that had contained them had vanished. The chaos that had been occurring at Edward's seemingly random attacks ceased and even the vampires stood immobile, recognizing the importance of what had just happened. The werewolves were no longer their forced allies. It was a brave new world, where the creature standing beside you was as likely to attack you as help you. Visibly, I could see the others of my kinds stand a little taller, as if a great burden had been taken off their shoulders. I myself shook my fur and huffed out deep puffs of breath, eyeing up the ones around me for my next victim. Everyone shifted uneasily realizing that the tide had turned. There was a sense of hopeful expectation in the air.

What happened next changed everything.

"I do so love a happy ending," a dark and commanding voice called out across the way.

All heads snapped toward it

Standing on the parapet was an army. A tall blond vampire stood at the vanguard, his skin decorated with a multitude scars. Two of the largest vampires I had ever seen stood at his sides, expressions nearly identical with savage excitement and anticipation. Other vampires grouped to either side, a mix of muscular fighters and others, seemingly tiny by comparison. I knew better; I had enough experience with vampires to know that these were most likely gifted in some fashion, and were just as formidable as their larger fellows, if not more so.

But the ones that caught my attention were the four standing in the middle of the second rank. A slight wind blew up from the canyon, and long black hair swirled around the one who'd spoken. Another had shoulder length white hair, and the other…dear God. He had to be a relation of Edward with the blond hair, handsome face…and golden eyes. The fourth vampire, his hair also long and black, stood with his arms around Narcisa, her face glowing with a joy that I had never seen in her before.

Who the hell was Edward Cullen? I knew who these people were. The fucking Volturi had come here…to get him. Glee and hope filled me. I just wanted one thing, just one thing! I wanted to take a bite out of Vladimir and Stefan as the Volturi destroyed him. It was then I knew who'd spoken…the infamous Aro, the man that Stefan and Vladimir despised.

My eyes jerked the other way, as if I was being drawn by a force more potent than even Thomas' previous control. It was if I was drawn in that direction. Standing to the left side of the blond leader was a dark headed female vampire. She stared directly behind me, and I turned quickly to catch the look of love and adoration that spread across Edward's face when he saw her across the way. The communication between them was so intense that the air literally scorched those around us. His mate, I realized. She began shaking and held her hand to him. Edward dropped Thomas' torso and stepped toward her on instinct.

Then my eyes took in the intriguing dark skinned man beside her and I subconsciously took a step forward as well. He shivered and changed, and in an instance a rusty brown werewolf stood towering over her…as did two more at his side. I'd been wrong I realized, in panic. They too kept werewolves as slaves. Anger coursed through me at the sign of him in captivity. I'd been played, but then one single action changed my interpretation. Edward's mate placed her other hand into the creature's fur as if seeking support and he leaned into her. It was affection…not control. These vampires counted werewolves as their friends.

I heard Stefan and Vladimir's cries of distress, no matter how much they attempted to cover them. I snickered in delight. All hell was about to break loose.

And then it did.

A/N: I know! I know! I know! How could I? A good battle needs a whole chapter. Just trust me – k? My Beta agreed with me, and told me to ask you to forward all complaints to him, "preferably hard copy, as I am currently out of toilet paper." (An exact quote)

Leave your screams in the way of a review. By the way, I read them all – I'm just behind on responding. I figured you'd rather me be writing…

Speaking of - I could not do this without a wonderful beta:

Crmcneill – Thanks for putting up with me, and my less than stellar comma skills. I've learned what screaming looks like over a PM. Trust me the man can scream.