Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse.

Chapter 43: The Verdict

Bella's POV

I felt myself being pressed against Edward's side as I slipped further and further away from rational thought.

Aro knew something about Charlie.

And whatever he knew was juicy enough to plant a maniacal smile on his face.

I should have known things were going too well. Carlisle had outmaneuvered the Volturi, and with the exception of Caius's sour grapes, they seemed to be handling it well. I should have known Aro's calm was a deflection, a red herring designed to distract us from the ceaseless workings of his mind. He would find a way to subdue us, to restore the proper balance of power, and would lull us into a false sense of equality until he did.

Now he'd done it, and we were all done for.

"What do you mean, brother?" Marcus asked. "Is Bella's father part of the problem?"

"At its very core," Aro replied.

"I don't understand," Marcus frowned.

"You will," Aro grinned. "In time."

"Well," Laurent said with nauseating sweetness, "this situation no longer has anything to do with me." He turned to face them as best he could, as his hands were still bound in front of him. "I should like to be released now."

"In time," Aro repeated. "I am not quite finished with you yet."

His confidence disappeared. "But I have never met Isabella's father! Why should I have to stay?"

"Because I will it so," Aro said.

"This is an outrage!" Laurent shrieked. "You told me that if I…."

His protests were cut off as he fell to the floor in a quivering heap. And as he twitched on the cold floor in front of me, I immediately understood the source of his turmoil. Laurent struggled against the pain, his arms and legs flailing about as Jane worked her magic from an unseen location.

Thank God for my immunity.

Laurent's eyes bulged out of their sockets as he trembled, and I briefly felt sorry for him as Aro flew to his side.

"I don't need you," Aro hissed at his ear. "You came here on your accord seeking assistance and protection. And if you value the misery that has become your life, you will take care to remember that."

In spite of his agony, Laurent managed to convey his comprehension. Aro came to his feet and snapped his fingers, and instantly Laurent's torture came to an end.

"Santiago?" Aro called.

The giant vampire emerged again from the right-most door and lifted Laurent to a standing position. Weak from his Jane-induced exertions, Laurent was only able to lean against him. His suffering had been singular, but Aro's display of dominance was for the room at large.

Message received.

"Now." Aro returned to his seat. "What shall we do about the Chief?"

"I have no opinion," Marcus said, "as I am unaware of his situation."

"Apologies, brother. I have yet to brief you. It seems the good chief has been made aware of our existence."

"Another human?" Caius was on his feet. "Unthinkable!"

Marcus looked around our semicircle, his ancient eyes landing on Carlisle. "Is this true?"

Carlisle sighed but held his gaze. "It is possible."

"Possible?" Aro asked. "Are you attempting to fabricate your way out of this?"

"Of course not," Carlisle replied. "But if you would allow me to explain…"

"No more talking!" Caius spat. "Aro, this violation cannot be borne. They must be punished immediately!"

"I see no reason to rush," Aro said. "And if my assumption is correct, a few more minutes won't make much difference."

My heart hammered in my chest at Aro's malediction, and I knew everyone present could hear it. But I was too focused on Edward's face to care. His eyes were haunted as they gazed at me, and I prayed he could see what I needed him to understand above all else.

"This is not your fault."

"I would like to hear his explanation," Marcus said.

"In a moment." Aro was having way too much fun toying with our fate. "I would like to hear from my source."

"This is an outrage," Caius muttered as he took his seat.

Aro turned back to Edward, and I squeezed his hand. "You are worried about Isabella's father, correct?"

"Yes."

I could tell Aro didn't care for Edward's short reply, but he chose not to address it. "Why?"

"Because he is unwell."

Caius banged his fist on the arm of his chair. "He is toying with us!"

"He is answering Aro's questions," Carlisle said. "On what grounds is that objectionable?"

"I shall dance in the dust of your smoldering ashes," Caius said. "Rejoice at your demise."

"You are ahead of me, brother." Aro's eyes blazed as he turned to Caius. "See that you slow down."

Though the words were plain, there was a deeper meaning in his tone. Caius must have caught the message, for he demurred. "As you wish."

"Would you elaborate on why your father-in-law is unwell?" Aro asked Edward, a lingering edge in his voice.

"I am ill-qualified to do so," my beloved replied.

Aro's eyes narrowed. "Meaning?"

"I can only attest to what I observed upon his arrival at the house," Edward explained. "Someone else would have to explain how he came to be in that state."

"Quite right," Aro nodded. "And from whom should I obtain that information?"

I bit my lip with a silent groan, being careful not to puncture the skin. This was the first step in causing dissension among our ranks: forcing one of us to serve up another to Aro's wrath and scrutiny.

And Edward was first on deck.

I could feel his reluctance as he glanced at me and wished he understood how much I believed in him.

"This is not your fault."

"Edward," Caius said. "Master Aro asked you a question."

"He heard me," Aro smiled. "I am sure the young groom is giving the matter all the consideration it deserves."

"Perhaps I should speak." Carlisle released Esme's hand and stepped forward. "I am more acquainted with these matters than my son."

"Give him your hand," Caius instructed.

Carlisle bowed and approached their thrones.

"Wait," Aro said.

Caius clenched his teeth, frustration billowing off of him in heated waves. "Is there something wrong?"

"I am coming around to your original thought, Caius," Aro said. "There is unnecessary excess in our midst."

"Shall I summon Delphine?" Marcus asked.

Aro glanced at our group and smiled. "That won't be necessary."

"No!" Edward shouted.

An anguished gasp rippled through the room as every visitor except Edward, Carlisle, and me fell to their knees, holding their heads and groaning.

Carmen rubbed her eyes with furious fingers. "Dios mio! I can't see!"

"Carlisle?" Esme shouted as she stumbled to her feet. "Darling, are you here?"

"Too dark, too quiet," Alice moaned.

"Darlin, don't fret." Jasper groped the air in search of his mate. "I can still feel you."

"What's happening?" I asked as Edward drew me closer.

"Alec. He is depriving them of their senses."

I watched Laurent straining against Santiago with rapidly blinking eyes. "But they didn't react this way in the theater."

Edward's voice dropped to a hiss. "Pain wasn't the point then."

"Aro, is this necessary?" Carlisle reached for Esme. "You know I will tell you whatever you wish to know."

"Yes. And I would prefer you do so with as few interruptions as possible."

"Restore their senses," Carlisle pleaded. "I am sure they will abide by your wishes."

Aro sighed. "Very well."

He snapped his fingers, and the members of our family came back to themselves, their eyes and limbs seeking each other as if decades had passed. Laurent was so lethargic against Santiago's chest I couldn't tell if he was conscious. While everyone reset their equilibrium, I glanced at Aro. His self-satisfaction was growing by the second, and I wondered for the first time if we would all make it out alive.

"As I was telling your proud patriarch," Aro said. "You are welcome to remain during this portion of the proceedings, provided you hold your collective tongues unless otherwise instructed."

"We are at your service," Eleazar said with his arms wrapped around Carmen. Kate and Tanya were similarly bound, and everyone else was quiet enough to seem invisible.

Advantage: Aro.

"Master Cullen," Aro smiled. "Kindly explain Charlie's current state."

Carlisle bowed again and stepped forward, this time with Esme clinging to his arm. "Charlie's condition seems to be the result of a psychological trauma suffered during his captivity."

"I see. And who was his captor?"

Carlisle hesitated, and before he could part his lips in reply, Esme dropped from his side in a dead faint.

"Esme!" Alice cried as Edward's vice-like arms encircled me. I could feel Jasper's influence coating me from head to toe, but it did little against the ice-cold fear that lodged in my chest. Despite my knowledge of vampire lore, the worst was all I could see.

"Is she dead?" I asked Edward.

He shook his head. "The pain is strong enough to render her lifeless."

Somehow his words did not comfort as they should have.

"Aro, please!" Carlisle cradled his wife in his arms. "She is innocent!"

"But you are not," Aro said. "You promised full disclosure."

"I was considering your question!" Carlisle shouted.

"Mind your tone," Caius smiled. "You catch more flies with honey and all that."

"Aro," Marcus said. "That is well enough."

"Oh, all right." Aro snapped his fingers, and Esme gasped as her eyes opened. Somewhere in the distance, I could have sworn I heard Jane laugh.

Carlisle smoothed his bride's hair, his eyes awash with love as regarded her. "Are you all right, beloved?"

She lifted a hand to his cheek. "I am well."

Marcus watched their reunion with something resembling regret in his eyes. "Kejara?"

The left-most door opened, and the familiar brown-skinned beauty glided into the room, coming to a stop in front of Marcus.

"Please take Esme to the recovery room," he said. "She has had a terrible fright."

Caius opened his mouth to object, and Aro stopped him with a glance.

"I am so sorry, my lady." Kejara looked at Esme with concern. "Will she require nourishment?"

"Yes," Marcus replied. "Instruct the servants to unchain the lynx."

If Aro was surprised by the offering of fauna, he hid it much better than Caius. That one looked ready to spit fire at his benevolent brother.

"Right away," Kejara said. "Might a few of her ladies be coming as well?"

"Of course." Aro spoke as if it had been his idea. "We wouldn't dream of separating them. Alice, Carmen, you are most welcome to accompany Esme."

There was an uncomfortable beat during which I feared that Aro might solicit Jane's assistance to force their cooperation.

"In Didyme's name," Marcus said softly, "it would be our pleasure to attend you."

The tremble in his voice spoke louder than the vow itself, and as his true love's name echoed in the air, the palpable tension decreased. If only by a fraction.

"Indeed, it would," Aro said with false sincerity. "Kejara, if you please."

Carlisle kissed his bride's forehead and released her to the strong woman's care. Alice and Carmen shared meaningful glances with their mates before following Kejara out of the room.

Once the door closed, Carlisle bowed to the triumvirate. "Thank you."

"Of course," Caius said. "We would never want misfortune to befall your beautiful bride."

"I would have done no less for my own," Marcus said.

Carlisle bowed his thanks and drew closer to Edward and me.

"If you would continue, Carlisle," Aro said. "I promise no more unpleasantness." His tone was so polite that I almost believed him.

"You were identifying Charlie's captor," Caius prompted him.

Tanya stepped forward. "That would be me."

"You?" Marcus shook his head. "I don't believe it."

"I wish it were not so," Tanya said with an apologetic look at me. "But I am the one whom Carlisle was loathe to name."

"Why did you kidnap Chief Swan?" Caius asked.

"Because Victoria threatened to kill Irina if I did not."

"Victoria?" Aro looked at Laurent with a wry smile. "Quite a demotion, wouldn't you say?"

"Demotion?" I repeated without thinking.

"Yes, didn't you know?" Aro replied. "Laurent and I have known each other for centuries."

"We are old friends," Laurent grinned, and I noted Aro did not share his glee. "Friends who take care of each other."

"The way you took care of my sister?" Tanya asked.

"Stay on point, my dear," Aro said. "You were speaking of Victoria and your sister."

Tanya sighed. "Laurent and Irina were dating…"

"Mated," Laurent interjected.

"Aro," Tanya said.

"If you must speak," Laurent said, "then you must tell the…"

Aro clapped his hands, and Laurent fell to the floor again, this time with a guttural cry. Santiago ignored his plight as Aro's eyes landed on Tanya. The warning was clear.

Tanya bowed, and I admired her restraint as she continued. "Victoria called one night with my sister pleading for mercy in the background. She demanded I meet her in Bolivia if I ever wanted to see Irina again."

"Go on," Marcus said.

"When I arrived, Victoria showed me my chained and starving sister and said to secure her freedom, I needed to kidnap Charlie Swan."

"Did she say why?" Caius asked.

"He was the centerpiece of her plan to destroy the Cullens."

"Were those her exact words?" Aro asked.

"Every jot and tittle," Tanya replied.

"This is nothing but idle gossip," Caius said.

"I am telling the truth!"

"So you want us to believe," he snorted.

"They killed my sister!"

Aro clapped his hands, and even though I stuck my fingers in my ears, Tanya's screams still pierced my soul. I could hear her hard body as it thrashed on the floor, Kate's whimpers behind me, and the cries of my heart that we would never see the light of day again. My mind flitted to Rose and Emmett, hoping they were safe.

"I have had enough." Aro came to his feet. "This ends now. Santiago?"

"No!" Kate flew to the throne and threw herself at Aro's feet as the massive vampire stalked toward her writhing sister. "Master, please! I am begging you."

"You have nothing to offer," Aro sneered. "And she has dishonored these proceedings for the final time."

"Please." Kate tore at her clothes, the useless fabric fluttering around her like cotton doves. "I am yours to command."

Aro stared, his calculating eyes never leaving her face. Edward's arms were locked around me, but I could not have moved even without his restraints.

After an agonizing stretch of silence, Aro snapped his fingers. "Come to your feet."

Kate did as she was asked, relief saturating her features as Tanya stopped quivering.

"Approach your sister," Aro commanded.

Kate sped to Tanya's side and prepared to lift her up.

"Now, touch her."

Kate frowned at the hand that grabbed her sister's arm. "I am touching her."

Aro smiled. "With your gift."

I gasped behind my hands. Kate released her sister's arm and looked back at Aro.

"Now," he repeated.

Tanya's eyes were firm as she nodded, but Kate was not reassured by her willingness.

"Take her in your arms," Aro cooed. "Envelop her with your affection."

"Aro," Marcus sighed. "Is this…"

"Silence," Aro hissed with a loud clap of his hands.

As if his power source had been unplugged, Marcus sagged in his chair, and I had the feeling we had just lost our lone ally.

Meanwhile, Kate had pressed Tanya fully against her, wrapping her arms around her sister's waist. Their sad eyes were identical in their resignation, and I wondered how much more we could all take.

Aro clapped his hands twice. "Begin!"

This time, Tanya didn't cry out. Her golden eyes rolled back in her head as she vibrated in her sister's arms. Kate's eyes were closed, but I imagined tears of dejection sliding down her cheeks and onto her bare shoulder. My own eyes were damp as I clung to Edward, and his loving reassurances were the only thing keeping me sane.

"Enough," Aro said after far too long.

Kate caught Tanya when she collapsed in her arms, and Aro snapped his fingers twice. Immediately the door opened, and Kejara returned.

"How is Lady Esme?" Aro asked politely.

"Her strength is returning," Kejara said.

"Excellent. Would you care to escort these two ladies to the Recovery Room as well?"

Tanya looked up with weary eyes. "But I have further information to share."

"You have shared quite enough," Aro replied lightly. "And your words were most appreciated."

"Aro," Carlisle hesitated. "I am afraid there are remaining matters about which only Tanya could fully testify."

"Then we will have to do our best in her absence, won't we?" Aro smiled and nodded at Kejara.

"This way, ladies," Kejara said. "I am sure a spot of lynx will do you both some good."

With no choice but to follow, Kate and Tanya gave a final respectful bow to the thrones and exited the chamber.

And then, there were five.

"Master." Laurent had found his voice again. "I think I can clear up the confusion regarding the Chief's captivity, if you will permit me."

Aro shrugged as if he were losing interest. "As you wish."

"Victoria's grudge against the Cullens is rooted in their murder of her mate. As her attempt to avenge his death has failed, shall we not call it even?"

"Call it even?" Caius said.

"Why, yes. It is unfortunate that the clan at Denali has suffered a loss as a result of this feud between my former friends and the newest Cullen coupling, but what can be done about it now? Victoria is dead and unable to defend herself or her actions. And as Tanya's outbursts prevented you from reading her thoughts, her testimony is mere hearsay."

"Point of order." Eleazar came forward. "Tanya's testimony is verifiable through Edward's thoughts."

"Impossible," Laurent said. "He cannot distinguish a true thought from a lie."

"And I heard nothing of Tanya's story in your mind," Aro said.

"Because Tanya did not show me her thoughts," Edward replied. "She shared her memories."

"The memories of a succubus?" Aro asked. "That must have been quite a show."

"I have seen everything that happened from the time she arrived in Bolivia until the moment we stepped off the plane," Edward said pointedly. "And I can share it with you."

"Why couldn't he see it before?" Laurent challenged.

"You are out of order," Marcus told him.

"But how do you propose we access them now?" Caius asked. "It is not as if we can split your head open and take a peek."

My blood boiled at his terminology, but I kept my temper in check.

"Might I suggest Edward narrate his memories as Aro reads his mind?" Carlisle said.

"No," Caius said. "How could we trust the transcript is in earnest?"

"Because no one can hide their present thoughts from me," Aro said swiftly. "Not even a gifted telepath."

I shuddered as Aro's voice curled around the word "gifted," remembering yet another facet of the danger surrounding us. Would things ever go back to normal?

"Are you certain you can trust him?" Caius whispered.

"Of course," Aro replied. "The young groom has barely started his new life. I am sure he would do nothing to jeopardize its continuation." The tacit threat made, Aro rose from his chair with understated elegance and approached Edward with his right hand raised. "Shall we?"

With one arm fastened at my side, Edward marched us toward Aro. We came to a stop as Caius looked on with barely concealed irritation and Jasper's gift tethering me to my sanity. Edward glanced at me once before lifting his hand. He closed his eyes and let Aro into his warehouse of saved and borrowed memories.

Even with my limited human senses, I could have heard a butterfly bat its eyelashes as the room went starkly quiet. Aro's face was serene as he invaded my husband's mind, Marcus and Caius leaning forward on their thrones.

At one point, Aro glanced at me with a knowing smile, and I realized he was viewing the footage from our honeymoon. I held his eyes with unwavering pride, unashamed of my passionate past with my husband.

With any luck, we would be adding to that collection of film in the very near future.

Aro closed his eyes again, and there was no new activity until he opened his eyes and dropped his hand.

"That was," Aro folded his hands behind his back, "enlightening."

"Care to share?" Caius asked.

"In a moment." Aro stared at Edward with unreadable eyes, their scarlet centers practically aglow. "Thank you for your candor."

Edward bowed, pressing his apprehension into my sweating palm.

"Dr. Cullen." Aro walked toward him. "Your hand, please."

"What is this?" Caius asked as Carlisle raised his palm.

"Just a moment, brother," Aro said. He pressed his hand against Carlisle's and furrowed his brow. Our father's face was calm as he opened his mind to his former friend, and his expression did not change when Aro abruptly released him. He took his time walking back to the thrones, and with his back to us, it was anyone's guess what might happen next.

"Isabella?"

I was startled by his gentleness. "Yes, Aro?"

"Has the date been set?"

I cleared my throat. "Just the season."

He turned to face me. "Explain."

"We are waiting until after graduation in June. So it will take place this summer."

"Why haven't you finalized the date?"

I glanced at Edward for a clue, and he nodded for me to continue. "There are some outstanding issues to be resolved."

"Such as?"

"Where it will happen," I said. "And how best to do it."

"And Edward is your choice of sire?"

I blushed. "Edward is my choice of everything."

Aro ignored my fluttering. "What other issues remain?"

"I am considering another trip to Florida to see my mom."

His tone sharpened. "And?"

"And I am reluctant to leave my father behind."

"Ah." He walked toward me. "But as he knows our secret, that is no longer an issue."

"He doesn't know anything."

"Au contraire," Aro smiled. "I have just seen it all. And your father knows as much about us as you do."

"That cannot be," I said, ignoring Edward's warning squeeze of my hand.

"And yet it is."

I heard my voice rise in volume. "How could you know that when my father's in a mental coma?"

"Because I have seen what he saw," Aro snapped as he stopped in front of me. "Thanks to that worthless Victoria, yet another human has been exposed to the truth about us."

I folded my arms. "You don't know that."

"But I do."

"Charlie has not uttered a single word since his rescue. We have no way of knowing what he knows."

"So we have to assume the worst."

"And what would that be?"

"That he knows our secret and must be destroyed."

My heart stuttered in my chest, but I forced down my fear. "And you would really make that decision without any real proof?"

"I have all the proof I need." He turned away with a shrug. "The Chief was present during that catfight in the cave. He would have noticed the strangeness of their appearance and behavior. And once Victoria licked his face and said he would have been delicious, what other conclusion could he have drawn?"

"That she was a freak?"

Jasper turned his laugh into a cough as Aro whirled back toward me. "What?"

"My father is a simple man, Aro," I shrugged. "If some woman told him he would have been delicious, he would probably think she meant it in a sexual way."

Caius frowned, and Marcus looked incredibly uncomfortable.

"I see," Aro said.

"This is a waste of time!" Laurent cried. "Bella's father knows we exist, and that is an unpardonable crime."

"You cannot know that!" I shot back. "And it would be unfair to punish my father for something you cannot prove for sure."

"You heard him," Laurent countered. "If your father was awake during the argument between Tanya and Victoria, then he would know for certain that they were not human."

"That's quite a leap," Jasper said. "At best, he might assume there was something wrong with them."

Aro cocked an eyebrow. "Such as a rare non-fatal blood disorder?"

Jasper almost smiled. "Something like that."

"Either way, you are correct," Eleazar said to me. "This court would never render a fatal blow without irrefutable evidence."

"You are twisting the facts to suit your purposes!" Laurent exclaimed. "And that will not stand here."

"Thank you, Laurent," Aro said with sudden import. "You have brought me back to the main point."

"I am yours to command," he bowed with a sickening smile.

"Brothers, I have unraveled the mystery," Aro said grandly. "And one thing is absolutely certain."

"Yes?" Caius asked with minimal control over his agitation.

Aro walked back toward us and narrowed his eyes. "He must die."

I collapsed against Edward's chest as the malediction sliced my heart. For all of my brilliance in keeping Charlie in Forks, he would still become the chief casualty in all of this. I saved him from Victoria only to serve him up to the Volturi.

And he was miles away, completely unaware his fate had been decided.

I felt the tears welling behind my closed eyes and prepared to surrender to the sadness, knowing today would forever be the worst of my soon-to-be immortal life.

But I was seized by a surge of confidence and felt Edward tapping my waist to get my attention. As he brought me back to an upright position, I opened my eyes to see Aro pointing at Laurent.

"You," Aro said in a chilling whisper. "Your life ends today."

Laurent's dark skin paled at the pronouncement, and he fell at Aro's feet. "Why? Surely you don't believe their biased report about the loss of my mate?"

"Brother, I too am confused," Marcus said. "Is this about Irina's demise?"

"Irina's death is irrelevant," Aro said, and I was grateful her sisters were out of earshot.

"Then what is the charge against Laurent?" Caius asked. "I have no use for him, but compared to the Cullen clan, he is a virtual saint."

"The Cullens are strange," Aro said. "And their numbers might be alarming if not for their total devotion to our ways." His assessment was slightly off the mark, but none of us would dare object right now.

"But what have I done?" Laurent whimpered from the floor.

"You accused the Cullens of plotting against you." Aro circled his kneeling form. "I have examined the thoughts of both Edward and Carlisle, the two who would enforce such a decision, and found no corroborating evidence."

"The Denali clan," he cried. "It is they who seek my life as recompense for the murder of their sister!"

"You accused the Cullens as well," Aro said, "and that was an untruth. So your word cannot be believed."

"But what about the chief?" he panted. "Shall he live after such exposure to our kind?"

"That is not your concern," Marcus said as Caius looked on with infuriated eyes.

"We cannot verify Chief Swan's knowledge without interrogating him," Aro said. "And the very act of asking would expose our secret."

"So he gets to flout the law?" Laurent cried.

"You may choose to see it that way."

"Just a moment, brother," Caius seethed as Laurent bowed his head in appeal to the Ultimate Authority. "Are you sure this is advisable?"

"This is the proper course." Aro eyed our quintet with reluctant respect. "If we later discover Isabella's father has been acquainted with our secret, we will deal with him then. For now, we can prove nothing."

"I am unsatisfied," Caius muttered.

"Then you are unacquainted with the law," Aro said with finality. "And that is a pity easily remedied. We shall discuss it at length once our guests are safely on their way. Kejara?"

At the mention of our earlier escort, the vice around my heart began to relent. Our escape was almost a certainty, but I would feel better once we were all in the air together.

I expected Kejara to come through the door, but my expectations were exceeded when Esme, Alice, and the Denali women entered the room. Alice must have acquainted them with our happy fate because they were all smiles when they reunited with their mates and families. A cascade of love rained all around me, and I thought I might faint with joy.

"Esme, how are you feeling?" Aro asked.

Her eyes were full of Carlisle when she replied, "Perfectly well, thank you."

"Ladies?" he addressed the rest of the group.

Kate answered for them all. "We too are well."

"I am very glad to hear it," Aro said with a deep bow. "For I have come to a decision."

Marcus and Caius came to their feet, one with much less alacrity than the other.

"You are cleared of any wrongdoing," Aro proclaimed. "There will be no sanctions of any kind."

Relief flowed through me like rays of audacious sunshine, and I let it penetrate my frightened core.

"No one is allowed to revisit these charges in the future," he continued. "Consider this matter closed and our decision final."

I stepped forward with a shaky voice. "Thank you."

"Your gratitude is appreciated, Mrs. Masen," Marcus bowed. "We hope to see you again under more pleasant circumstances."

"And we accept that invitation," Edward said.

"Kejara will escort you back to the plane," Aro continued, "and you are cleared for take-off whenever you're ready."

"Thank you," Eleazar said.

"Give our regards to Emmett and Rosalie," Caius added with surprising kindness. "And your father as well, Isabella. I pray he will soon be well."

"Thank you," I repeated.

Carlisle stepped forward to take Aro's hand. "Until next time."

Aro clasped it between his palms. "Hopefully before the next millennium."

"You never know," Carlisle smiled.

"Are we ready?" Kejara asked.

"Of course," Aro said. "Farewell, dear friends."

Carlisle bowed once more and indicated we should follow him as Kejara started toward the rear exit.

"Just a moment," Aro called out, causing us to stop. "I almost forgot."

Aro walked behind the still praying Laurent, placed his hands on either side of his face, and twisted his head clean off his neck. I gasped as his lifeless body hit the floor, but my shock quadrupled when Aro tossed Laurent's head to Tanya. She caught it by the hair on instinct, holding it away from her body as she gaped at Aro.

"A souvenir," Aro shrugged. "I figured you would prefer it to a keychain."

WHEW! So in spite of a few close calls, everyone is leaving Volterra in one piece. What do we think of the resolution? And do we think that Aro is finished with our favorite family?

Until next time, dear friends!

xoxo