Chapter thirteen: Grace.

From the moment I arrived in this place, I knew I was being watched. I was supposed to be the babysitter, not be babysat alongside her. I knew Jane was going to send one there every few days to allow me time off to go feed, and perhaps see Delilah to find out other stats, but I didn't believe she would begin it straight away... On the first day.

Shame on me for underestimating my dear sister.

Obviously she was worried. After all, Lilianna had basically declared death on us all; especially me by the sounds of it. How hard was it for that girl to realize I would never look at her the way I must have once done? We had been stupid humans, more or less, a long time ago. Whatever emotion I must've shown towards her, any link between us, no longer existed. If I had loved her, which it was more apparent to me now that I had, I didn't now.

And after her threatening Renesmee? I wanted to be the one to end her life.

I didn't love her. I didn't care about her. I wanted her dead for what she had done. For what she was doing. As each minute ticked away on the clock, I could feel my calm wearing away. Knowing she was planning something... Something that could've harmed Renesmee... I ate away at me. It blazed a fire deep within that I was always good at containing.

If it was a battle she wanted, she would get it. I would stand my ground until the end until I conquered them all. I'd rip her limb from limb in the smoke and flames of our battle; or die trying.

Leaving Renesmee behind, I knew she was safe. She had her friends there to blend in with, even if I wasn't entirely fond of the Finn male. The way he held himself... It displayed that he was overly confident, borderline arrogance. I'd know personally, because that was how I held myself. Only, I had a reason to do so. I was a Volturi member, after all. This male was nothing but a mere human, who obviously prided himself on popularity and his good looks.

Ah, if only I could stand by and watch as all that left him. His good looks wouldn't last forever, nor would his popularity. Those two qualities always left a person as the years past. Picked another to lounge on as the previous individual ages and must go on into the world with nothing but their memories as to how life used to be.

I had seen it all before.

I had suspected I was being watched, obviously; but I was surprised as to who it was. Felix, lounging closely to the College. In fact, he was just lounging. In a tree.

What. A. Moron.

He jumped down the moment my scent found him. His eyes were wide and ready, as if I had some mission I was going to send him on. That time may come, but it wasn't yet.

"What are you doing here?" I cut to the chase.

"Jane." He answered simply. "Said you might need a little help to begin with..."

Yep. Exactly what I thought.

"I'm fine for n-" I cut myself off as I frowned. No. I wasn't. In fact, it was possible that Delilah had come to some new knowledge in the few days we hadn't seen one another. Dates as to when Lilianna will decided to make her move. I hoped that Aro would be here for that, but we had to be ready for anything. Including a surprise attack. We would have to handle it ourselves if Aro wasn't here. "In fact. Scout the College. Keep a close eye on Renesmee and her friends if they so happen to come outside. If you come across any suspicious scents, stick to Renesmee like glue."

"Wouldn't it make more sense to go after it?" Felix scratched his head.

"In some situations, yes. But we know they are capable of hiding themselves and others. It could be a trap to lure you away while another goes after Renesmee."

Realization dawned across Felix's face, and he nodded quickly. The look on his face... Wasn't one I'd seen all too many times in the past. It was as if the thought of someone even coming close to harming Renesmee bothered him. He cared about her also? Well, I felt a little better in leaving her in his care.

I began to walk off quickly, until coming to a complete stop once again. I needed to make one thing clear. "Felix?"

I peered over my shoulder to find him looking at me. Dedication set in his face for this task I'd given. Clearly he must've thought it was one of great importance - which it was... To me at least - and took pride in being chosen for it. Felix may be a moron in my eyes, but he was good at his job. He was good at taking orders and seeing things through. My personal view of him didn't run alongside the view on how he works. He was, and still is, a very; very talented Volturi guard despite not having an ability.

"Keep out of sight, no matter what."

Felix nodded. By how sternly he nodded, I knew it sunk in completely. He would take to this as if it were one of the most important missions ever handed down to him; as if it came directly from Aro's mouth himself. Ha, theres something I never thought I'd see. My orders being respected as if they were Aro's. I guess there was hope for him yet...

I took off without another hesitation, other than the dawning thoughts as to what had happened mere moments after I found Felix.

What the hell was I even thinking? I was trying to show her that we could be friends, and that there didn't have to be any daunting feelings lingering between us two. We could move on; and yet I had told her things that would probably put idea's into her head. Not only that, I had kissed her head!

That was stupid. I knew it. I could see it, but there was some things I couldn't control myself on. If anything, I was proud that I had managed to only kiss her head and not force my lips onto hers - like I wanted too. But that would be it. That kiss to the head would be the last of it. I wouldn't have another moment of weakness again. I wouldn't, couldn't, let myself. Not just for my own wellbeing, but hers.

I truthfully believed that she had gotten out of this just in time. She didn't want to be tied down with someone in the Volturi. She deserved better than that. If there was one thing I knew Renesmee hated; it was suffering. It was harming other people and immortals. And yet, my coven thrived off doing exactly that. Our diet wasn't like theirs, and there was no way in hell I was going to eat bambi anytime soon. And harming others? Sometimes executions were needed; and we were there to enforce them.

Something I doubt Renesmee would be proud to have lingering around her head for eternity if we were to become an item again. She would be tied in with the Volturi, known to love a man who is ruthless and dangerous. Hell, she could even be used in an attempted uprising against us. It wasn't likely, but there was still a chance. Stefan and Vladimir still held a grudge on our overthrow of their reign; and I would be damned if I'd ever let her be used for that reason alone. It was safer this way, despite how hard it was.

The quick scout, alongside run to the city didn't take all too long. I had to make sure I wasn't being followed... By anyone really. At this rate, it seemed I was under the threat of being followed by both sides. Lilianna's and my own. If Jane was willing to send Felix to watch over me on the first day, I couldn't be all to sure that she hadn't sent Demetri to watch over us both; just in case. Hell, it could even be herself for all I knew. Jane was a crafty little thing when she wanted to be; which was most of the time. Thankfully, this time she had saw that Felix was enough. No one was following. To anyone, I merely seemed like a boy waiting in an alley if they were to walk past and spare a glance.

Now that I was there, all I had to do was wait for the little fly on Lilianna's wall to come. It had been a few days, and judging by her role in Lilianna's little plot, she liked to keep Delilah well fed. Thus, I expected that she'd be somewhere in the city. If not yet, then she would be at some point. Doing runs, feeding, looking after the other little minions and so on. She had been instructed to watch the alley incase there was one of us here. Something I doubt she would forget to do, especially if she was under the impression that this would keep her, and her chosen ones alive.

I would be lying if I said I felt bad about... Well, lying to her. Because I didn't. What I was doing, going against my word and betraying her in return, was for the greater good of our species. Under any other circumstances, each of them would be put to death anyway. The mere fact that they were helping us did not pardon their crimes. If anything, it would grant them a less painful death. I'd step in and make it painless. That was fair, was it not?

They may be helping us, but they were still traitors. They were still created under the acts of treason. There was nothing more I could do about it. Aro's ways were always final.

"Hi." I was surprisingly taken off guard. It seems my momentary train of thought had been longer than what I presumed in the first place. Delilah stood three steps from me, her back to the deepening alley. I glanced up to the roof, somewhat making sure she too hadn't been followed. These meetings would only go according to plan if she was alone. That was the deal, anyhow.

Turning my eyes back down to her, I quickly scanned over her body; taking in what I could. Sizing her up, summing her up, examining her. Whatever you wished to call it. She was in the same clothing as I had met her in. Her hair was tied up into a messy ponytail. Strands were either side of her face, and the bright purple bangs that had been a confusion to begin with was beginning to fade. She would need to top that up, if she wished to keep the bright color freak show going.

I wasn't much of a fan of bright hair, if I was honest. Although some of it could be classy, I prefered natural hair colors. By all means, a blonde could color her hair black. Or vise versa, I didn't care. Just as long as they kept it natural. If I were human, that would be one of the aspects that would draw me to a potential female. Naturality and innocence.

"I can't be long," Delilah said quickly in a hushed tone. "Damien is convinced I've gone to the bay to dispose of a body I left last night."

I frowned a little at her. "You left a body?"

Her eyes seemed to widen automatically, as if she had been caught out. "What? No... Course not. That would be stupid.."

She was lying. But her attempt at hiding it, although a complete and utter failure, was amusing. For that reason alone, I decided to let it slide. There were much more pressing things to converse in than a body hidden under a bridge.

"We don't have time for that," I brushed it off. She relaxed visibly. "Tell me about your current situation. Everything and anything."

Delilah nodded her head quickly and began to speak.

"I don't think she suspects anything. She knows you're here, though. If she goes out, Scott goes with her." Understandable. He was the one who could keep them hidden. "She has him working double while the rest of us are just... Well, there."

Again, understandable. With a gift like this; it was obvious she would use it most. He could hide them all. Hell, he could walk right past us and we wouldn't even notice. Demetri wouldn't even notice.

"And your terms for helping us? How are they coming along?" I decided it would be best to ask. I needed to know if we had at least more than one accomplice in this task.

"I haven't gotten a chance to tell them yet." Delilah mused, her demeanor changing visibly. If there was one thing I could count as an asset with being emotionless, it was being able to read people. I could see exactly what was going on within her. She hadn't said anything because she was scared. I had seen the 'scared' look countless times, over and over. Day by day. I saw it everywhere I went because of who I was. It was something I had gotten so used to seeing, that it became the most recognizable emotion upon anyone. When I didn't speak, Delilah must've thought I wanted an explanation for she continued.

"Some of them... They see Lilianna as everything." Amusing, for I was there once myself. "Going against her will no doubt confuse them..."

"You don't need to explain, Delilah. I understand."

Truth be told, I did understand. From what I gathered Lilianna had managed to manipulate these newborns into thinking that we were... Well, the bad ones. We were the enemy. Or more so, the Volturi and the Cullen's were the enemy; and I needed 'saving.' I wonder how they would react when they learn I was the main one to plan out this... War, more or less? Perhaps they'd even believe I was 'brainwashed.' Anything was possible.

Why would they want to help us when they believe we are the bad ones? That we only wish to destroy them? I'd give them that, because truthfully we did intend to end their lives. However, they clearly didn't understand the laws and rules. Lilianna had failed in teaching her 'family' the way of our laws and rule and it was because of that; she had sentenced them all to death.

"She hasn't said anything about making a move just yet, though." Delilah went on to say. "She tends to talk to herself. Mumbles plans every now and then. From what I've heard, she wants you out of Alabama before she makes her move on the Cullen's."

I frowned.

"But of course she knows you won't leave unless you think you've dealt with the problem. I noticed that the usual routine of picking out the talented ones from the 'normies' as she calls them... It's changed. She's kept a few of the normal ones down there alive when usually she kills them straight away."

I think I could see where this was going...

"I think... She might be, and this is a big might, keeping them to send out for you to destroy and think they were the ones who did all of this; that way we are in the clear. Once you leave, we move in on the Cullen's... Especially Renesmee.."

I hated to admit it... But if it wasn't for Delilah telling me this, it may have worked. We would have most likely taken the bait, and with our lust to return home and my want to get out of Alabama to create distance between Renesmee and myself... We would have left; thus sending the Cullen's to their death.

Out of habit, I began to pace. She backed up against the wall completely as I walked back and forth to try and process this information. One, I was irritated. Greatly. If we hadn't been informed about this I have no hesitation in believing we would take it. But that wasn't the only thing that had come to me in that moment. If we didn't take the bait, she would no doubt suspect something was wrong. We were at a dead end; and things seemed to be clear in that moment and yet now... The tables had turned. Either way we would be in trouble. Take the bait - They move in on the Cullen's. Don't take it - Lilianna would notice something is going on.

"How close are you to Lilianna?" I asked while pacing. Bringing a hand to my face, thumb resting under my chin and my index finger brushing over my lip.

"Close enough?" Delilah answered in a hesitant voice.

I waved my hand for her to go into more detail, then returned it back to my lip.

"When I heard her... Blame me; I stopped being close like what I used to be." That was understandable. It was only natural she would distance herself from the girl who had basically sentenced her to death. I had set out to kill Delilah. Not look for her, but if I were to ever come across her again; I was intending to end her life. I expect that Delilah lived in fear of this. I expected she was cautious and careful, and the reason behind that was because Lilianna had made her an enemy of the Volturi. Or more specific, an enemy of one of the most dangerous guard members to walk the halls of the Volturi.

"Does she expect anything?"

Delilah shook her head. "I don't think so."

I came to a stop and turned to face her.

"Does she listen to you?"

Delilah frowned a little, but it was a careful frown. She was nervous as to where this was going, I could see it. "... Sometimes?"

There. I had it. A perfect opportunity. It could work, it might not. But there was no harm in trying.

"These... Untalented ones." Delilah nodded as I went on to speak. Once again, I began to pace. "She hasn't set a date as to when she wishes to unleash them, has she?"

"Not that I know of, no." There was a slight quiver in her voice, but I chose to ignore it.

"Here is what I suggest," I sighed; stopping my feet once again to turn and look at her. "Enquire about them. Ask why they haven't been disposed off. Try and gain this information out of her willingly. When she gives you it-"

"What if she doesn't?" Delilah blinked in a pure panic.

"Oh, she will. If there is one thing I know about Lilianna it is that she cannot keep her mouth shut. Especially to those she trusts and cares for."

Delilah stayed silent. For that reason alone, I continued.

"When she gives you it, and she will, insist you wish to help. Try and become closer to her, become her right hand woman."

Delilah sniggered, clearly finding that statement amusing. Well, I was glad I could humor as a time like this; but I was nothing but deadly serious. "If a date is set... Try and postpone it."

"How will I do that?" She stared at me wide eyed.

"Think of something."

Was I expected to come up with all of the answers? I might've known Lilianna well, but that was a long time ago now. Truth be told, Delilah was probably closer to her now than what I had been. In retrospect, I wasn't entirely the greatest of friends. Continuously complaining about her company and never ending babble. I always had something to complain about when it came to Lilianna, which is why... I find it highly confusing as to her feelings for me. Why love someone who did not return those feelings? Why love someone who was not entirely the nicest person to you? Why love someone who tolerated your company?

Then it struck me. I had done exactly the same to Renesmee. She had only tolerated my being there because she had too, and I tolerated having to spend time with her because it was a mission. We weren't entirely the best of friends to begin with, we weren't always nice to one another...

"Alec?"

I blinked out of my train of thought and glanced to her, eyebrow arched in question.

"Can I ask something?"

Was she asking my permission to speak her mind? Odd, but I somehow understood why. The look of terror that had been in that girls eyes was unimaginably large. I doubt that it all somehow vanished over night, she must still hold an amount of caution when it came to me.

I nodded.

Delilah sucked in a breath of air and looked down to her feet. Her hands began to fiddle with one another. Her face was completely hidden from me.

"I... I know what she's doing is wrong. I see that now. I guess I've known for a long time, really. But.." She looked up to look at me. I stood in silence, refusing to give off anything as I listened to her words. "She really does love you, y'know?"

I refused to answer.

"I'm not just telling you this because I care about her, or maybe hope you do; because I don't. What she has done to us... To my family is unforgivable. But I can see it in her eyes. When she tells us you're all she's ever wanted... I know it's true."

Delilah's eyes on mine did something. I felt an odd sensation run through my body. From my fingertips to my toes. I couldn't help myself... I imagined her eyes green. I imagined her hair the color of chocolate, and I imagined her in a dress made of dark blue cloth with a brown rope around her waist. The words coming from her mouth were exactly like the girl I had once craved.

In that moment, she was acting more like Grace than what I believed she knew.

"And I can't help but ask..." She looked down once again. "Did you... Ever care about her?"

My mouth felt dry. My palms felt itchy. My stomach felt like it was twisting and flipping in several directions. Did I ever care about Lilianna? That was her question. That was what had her asking permission to speak, and even then sounding a little scared as to what I would react with.

I couldn't really blame her caution, if I was honest. After everything Lilianna had done, after everything she had put me through, of course I would hold some sentiment of rage and I did. I wanted her dead and gone. I wanted her to be dust, like the rest of my past. I didn't want ghosts of my past popping up and reminding me of the like I had once lived. She had took everything from me.

She took my attention from my sister.

She took my attention from Renesmee in Volterra.

She took my loyalty to Aro and my coven.

She took... Renesmee from me.

And now she was trying to finish everything off with ending my coven, my family's lives. Not only that, but she wanted to take down the Cullen's, especially Renesmee. Ruining any chance I'd ever have at being with her again; if that were to even come up.

And all for what? Me? A boy who hadn't given her the best friendship he could have done. A boy who was sentenced to death for being a witch? And even when I was sure I was going to die; I hadn't thought of her then. I should have, right? She was meant to be my best friend at the time. She should have crossed my mind for more than a second; but she hadn't. It wasn't her I thought about. It was Jane, my mother... And Grace.

However... Despite the fact I didn't think about her perhaps the way I should have; it didn't mean I didn't care. I had once. A long time ago, when I had the ability to feel and care for things. Although that ability was very much limited now, it didn't mean I couldn't reflect on the past and how I had once been.

There had been a brief period of time where Lilianna had been the one I thought about; but I had merely put it down to the fact she was the sister of the girl I wanted to be with. The sister of the one I wanted paid me attention, and I believed that because I was close to her, it brought me closer to Grace. Lilianna had clouded my mind, and not many people know - not even Lilianna herself - of this, but there was a time I had been smitten with her. I never let it show because of my desire for Grace; but Lilianna had been in my sights for a short period of time.

It seems that what I felt for her sister, however, was what she felt for me.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want too." Delilah quickly said after my long stance of silence. "I was just... Curious. I thought that maybe... Her feelings for you were because of a past romance or something."

"I wouldn't call it a romance." I quickly responded. Delilah didn't entirely deserve an answer, because it had nothing to do with her. My past affairs with her creator were none of her concern. All she really needed to know was that A; Lilianna and I did have a past - but she didn't need to know of it. And B; Whatever past it was, it meant nothing to me now. I had moved on, just as she should have. I had given her a chance too, hadn't I? We couldn't always have what we wanted. The world didn't work like that, sadly. But for whatever reason, I was compelled to tell her. Be it because of how she looked. Shy, nervous, careful... Innocent? Or because she reminded me of Grace, I wasn't all too sure. But I felt as though I could tell her. It wasn't as if she would have anyone to spill this knowledge too anyway. Her coven members would soon be dead, and by Aro's rules - so would she.

"I did care for her," I disclosed with a stern sounding voice. Delilah looked up once more, allowing her ruby reds to pierce into my own. I suppressed the urge to imagine her eyes as green once again. There was no good to come of it. If anything, it would just irritate me later for thinking of Grace. Of comparing her to this girl. Grace was nothing but a memory now. She was dust. There was only one person who I cared about in the same was as I had her, and even then I cared for her ten fold as to what I did with Grace. "But that was a long time ago."

Delilah nodded her head gently. "I figured you were old."

I arched an eyebrow. What in the hell did she mean by that?

"No! I meant that in the most respectful way possible! Honest!" She began to panic. I hated to admit it, but it was oddly... Cute. If vampire's were able to be cute, that is. I did nothing to reassure her, and continued to watch her squirm. "It's just that she told me a few things about you and when you were human together. The time period and what you guys were doing sounded really old... And then there's the way you talk.."

"The way I talk?" I arched an eyebrow a little more.

"All professional and stuff. Normal kids these days don't do that. Sometimes, even Lilianna speaks like you do."

Despite my inner strength, the fight against smiling played out and I lost. My lips curved into a toying smirk. I saw her eyes widen, and realization dawn upon her. She knew I was merely messing with her. She relaxed as much as she could, thankfully. It couldn't be healthy... Her being so fearful all the time. Hell, I knew my reputation wasn't a good one and I caused fear; but I had never seen it this bad before.

"I can see why she chose you." I said, tilting my head to the side. "Grace got flustered with things also."

A light spark toyed with the corner of her eyes while a sheepish smile lingered on her pale lips. I knew if she had been a human, she would have been blushing. Her cheeks would have swirled with pools of blood and forced her cheeks to life. She really was like Grace. Even with the way that she smiled. Yes, not as lively as the original; but she did have that little spark. Right there - in the corner of her lip. I don't know why, but if this girl was given the chance to live... I find that I'd expect great things from her. I was able to see her loyalty to her 'siblings' when she all but begged for their life. How someone who hadn't had any siblings could act in such a way - for people who had been forced into acting like her siblings but held no ties other than that simple fact alone - astounded me. I believed I was the only one to know what it was like to have a sibling there. Who I would lay my life down for because we were related, because she was my blood, because she was all I had left now. And yet... Here this girl was doing exactly the same for people who weren't any of what Jane was to me. Although to her... It most likely, no. Most definitely felt like they were.

I couldn't help but suspect that if Delilah were her coven leader... Things would without a doubt be different.

"Was there anything else before I take my leave?" I asked, breaking the pregnant silence and awkward eye contact.

"Well," Delilah huffed a breath. "There was one thing that was kinda weird."

I frowned in confusion. "What?"

Delilah didn't answer. Instead, I watched as the world around me began to twist and turn. Darkness took over and I was face to face with a scene that would probably be weird.

Lilianna sitting in the middle of some makeshift... Circle, more or less. I was once again seeing through the eyes of Delilah. I wasn't quite sure what was going on until Lilianna began to speak and this thing Delilah was showing me didn't matter anymore; for I was lost within a memory of my own.

No matter where we ran, the tree's never seemed to fade out. The shrubs and grass never seemed to switch to a road, nor a makeshift path. We were screwed. I had told her! I told her that it wasn't a good idea to go this far into the woods without telling someone! But did she listen? Did she ever listen? No! And it was because she didn't listen; we were lost. Oh god. They would send people out in search for us, her especially; and once they found us... I'd be frowned upon by my father. No doubt I would get the blame, despite the fact I was the one who opposed this idea in the first place. Just when I thought things would get better between my father and myself, this happened.

"The village has to be around here somewhere." My deluded friend spoke, stepping over rocks and gripping the hem of her dress. "We can't have gotten that far."

"We wouldn't have been in this situation if you had just listened to me." I retorted with a mere huff.

"Oh, shut up Alec. You and I both know if we told anyone... We wouldn't be allowed to leave. These are the forbidden lands."

"Which is why I'm confused as to why you'd want to come here anyway!"

Lilianna sent me a large glare over her shoulder. Probably to shut me up. It worked... For now, anyway. I was too preoccupied with trying to keep myself from tripping on a tree root or a stone. It would be dark soon, and her family and my mother and sister would begin to notice our disappearance. The last thing I needed was to get hurt.

"Do you regret coming out with me, Aleczander?" Lilianna asked as she climbed over a log and slid down the other side. I copied her actions before answering. I couldn't help but think we were going in the wrong direction. I'd been in our woods countless times; but I'd never seen this part of land before. We were still in the forbidden parts, I could feel it. The atmosphere was different here; eerie and dark. It honestly felt like our every move was being watched.

"I regret coming out here, yes." I said as I landed on my feet.

"Don't tell me you believe the stories." She rolled her eyes. "They're just mumbojumbo."

"Why else would it be forbidden to come here, if they weren't true?"

"To stop kids like us running off," she giggled as she prodded my chest. I frowned, while she began to skip ahead again. Twisting and turning. "Besides. You said yourself. Witches aren't rea-"

Her words cut off and a god almighty scream took place. Lilianna was just in sight; spinning, skipping and swirling. Right there infront of me, and now she wasn't. She fell off a verge and down a large hill. "LILIANNA!"

I raced forward to the edge and watched in horror as she tumbled down the medium sized drop. When she finally came to a stop at the bottom, she didn't move. She was still as a corpse. I automatically began to think the worst. My heart was racing, my head was spinning, and I felt sick. Please don't be dead, please don't be dead!

My feet began to move before I had a chance to get my thoughts in order. I was sliding down the hill feet first; a hand on the floor and guiding me down quickly. At her side, I took hold of her body; turned her around and held her up against my knee. Keeping support on her head, I used my other hand to brush her blonde hair out of her face. A trail of blood drizzled down from her forehead.

"Lilianna? Can you hear me? Open your eyes... C'mon Lily!" I did the only thing I could think of in that moment. I started to pat her cheek with each word I spoke. Her eyes fluttered open and she let out a groan.

"What happened?" She groggily spoke out.

"You fell. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine but my head hurts..."

I let out a deep sigh and pulled her closer to me. Holding her tightly onto my chest and resting my chin onto her head. Who cared if I got blood on my shirt? I didn't!

"I told you it was a bad idea to come here." Lilianna muttered.

I pulled away automatically and stared at her dumbstruck. She was grinning up at me, with that mischievous glint in her eyes. Even though it was I who had said it was a bad idea over and over, I let her have her fun.

"You're right. You're always right." I scoffed. "Lets get home."

I put my arm around her waist and began to hoist her up. She leant into me for support as she got used to being on her feet once again. I kept a close eye on her features, since I had no idea what the hell could happen if I didn't. She could pass out for all I knew. She frowned as she stared off into the distance.

"Is that smoke?"

I turned my own head and looked to where she was looking, and sure enough. There was smoke. Black clouds pooling out from the tree's ahead. I glanced to the floor and noticed a path right there infront of us. Could it be? This was the way to the village? I could only desperately hope.

"C'mon." I began to pull her along to follow the path. Although we were moving slower than usual, we made up for it in effort. Each step we took Lilianna tried harder to walk on her own. She tried to pull herself from my support at least several times as we followed the path.

Truth be told, it was nice having her there. Pressed up against me. Arm around my shoulders while mine lay around her waist. It made me feel needed again, since Jane was all but growing up without me now. Before I knew it, I'd be off training to become a soldier like my father. I'd only see my sister when my duties were done. She would be arranged to wed, and then I'd only see her when she wasn't tending to her wifely nor motherly duties.

The thought of my sister becoming a mother... Irritated me, so to speak. It wasn't long ago that we had been children ourselves; and to know that one day she would bring her own child into the world... It sickened me, to say the least. Not my sister, she could never sicken me. But the idea of someone laying a hand on her in that way...

With each step we walked, following the path; I couldn't help but notice as it slowly began to disappear as we descended deeper into the woods. The village shouldn't be far now. The smoke was getting closer; I could smell it over the stagnant odor of decomposing leaves and forest dampness. Once again, we were walking on the forest ground. No path again. This really wasn't my day, was it? We couldn't turn back now. The smoke still held hope, right? If it wasn't the village, then someone had to be out there to set it.

Up ahead, the glow of an open fire. The crackling of sticks being eaten by the flames was loud; but that wasn't what caused me to stop. It was the noise of something other than the fire. It was voices.

"Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti. Beatae Mariae semper Virgini.."

I glanced down to Lilianna at my side, and she was just as confused looking as I was. I didn't like this. Not in the slightest. Letting out the breath I realized I had been holding, I began to shuffle my feet backwards; away from the noise.

Lilianna gave a firm tug of my body back again. "Come on.."

"Lilianna, this isn't safe..." I whispered in a harsh tone.

She gazed up at me and in that moment, I knew we were in serious trouble. She let go of me and began rushing forward; towards the chanting. So, she hadn't needed me for support. Sly little vixen.

"Lily!" I rushed on after her, direly hoping to catch up before she was found.

My way after her held obstacles, and I feared for what state I'd find her in. I stumbled through razor sharp brambles, my clothing snagging on the vicious thorns as I fought my way forward to Lilianna. The small flickering light up ahead was much clearer once I'd made it through that maze of razors; and there hiding behind a tree was Lilianna.

I made no hesitance in rushing over to her, more or less to scold her for how reckless she could be. If something were to happen to her, did she for a moment think on how people would react? How it would hurt them? Her family... Her friends... Me? How the hell would I be able to live knowing I had been there when something happened all because I couldn't keep up with her? She needed to stop running off; or more specifically; I needed to stop going with her into the woods.

Despite the fact the smell of the open fire entices me with a promise of warmth; I knew better than to let myself fall for such a sham. I had heard voices; and I was right. Surrounding the fire were three women in a circle. Chanting in Latin.

If it wasn't for the three people there; I'd probably be yelling at her by now and dragging her back the way we came. But I was just as frozen as she was; possibly even more. The figures continued to chant their words; and it didn't take a mastermind to know what they were doing. These lands were forbidden for one reason only. Witches hid here, hiding from the laws and the rules. This part of the forest was darker than the rest due to all the 'unholy' and dark biddings these people do. When I said we were screwed, I didn't know just how badly we were.

"Lets get a closer look," Lilianna whispered; but before I could protest she was already crouching on the ground and sneaking forward. Like the freaking little sheep I was, I followed her.

Crouching on the floor, using shrubs and brambles as our cover; we watched in horror - and somewhat curiosity - as these obvious witches conducted their seminar.

They must've said something; for the flames intensified and caused me to jump. My arm automatically reached out and wrapped itself around Lilianna protectively. She didn't so much as react. Instead, she leant into me a little more than what would be acceptable.

"This is amazing..." She hushed silently in a breath. "I mean... I didn't believe in this sort of thing."

Truthfully, neither did I. I didn't want too, because of what had been said about Jane and myself; but now I was seeing it right before my eyes. I kept my mouth shut, having decided that I couldn't possibly say anything in a moment like this. What was there to say other than 'This is dangerous.' There wasn't.

I was once again holding my breath; positive that even a single exhale of air would give our whereabouts away. Lilianna seemed to be in her prime, however. She wasn't at all phased at this. Why? This was against the laws! This is what people are killed for, and we are forced to watch those killings! Why wasn't she phased? Why wasn't she in the slightest bit scared? I couldn't move, I couldn't think anything other than how dangerous this was, I couldn't even breathe.

"Alec?" Lilianna's whispering voice forced me to look at her. She didn't speak. She must've just been looking at the concern on my face. Reading me, more or less. I wonder what she saw? Did she see fear, because despite the fact I was good at hiding my emotions, and I was good at never showing any weakness or fear; I was feeling it. Honestly, these women doing this act of darkness... If I was caught here, I could be presumed to be helping. Both of us could be. Then the village would be convinced that we were witches.

Lilianna let out a sigh and leant in. Her lips met mine for the second time. The first time had been to get it out of the way; but this was willingly. She had kissed me on her own accord. She had done it because she wanted too. I had no idea how she had done it, but she had managed to calm me down with that small kiss to my lips.

When she pulled away, I stared at her through wide eyes. She reflected that look with a sentimental meaning. Something inside me twisted. Something inside me fluttered. Something inside calmed me. I was looking at her in a different way; and I had no idea why. "We're okay, alright?"

Her lips curved at the side as she peered into my eyes before she looked back to the flame with the women. If I hadn't been breathless before, I was now. I was trying to find any train of thought, anything that would make sense as to what was going on inside of me but try as I may, I couldn't.

I wasn't sure how long we sat there for, listening to the chanting, watching the flames rise and fall with certain words. She was right, wasn't she? If they were going to notice us being here, then they would have. We weren't that close anyway. We must've been hidden well.

I thought too soon. One of the hooded women turned - probably as part of the ritual - and froze. Her eyes narrowed down onto the spot we were hidden, and she leant forward as if to get a better look.

My heart was now in my throat. It was then that I realized it was night. As this woman stepped closer, the gnarled and twisted tree's groaned as an icy wind tore it's way over us. I took a quick look around, making sure that my movements were slow and hopefully unnoticable. Looking for anyway out of this place.

"We have to run." I decided, taking hold of her hand. Lilianna didn't fight me on this, this time. She was finally seeing sense.

"You there... Come out!" A voice called, alerting the others to her findings.

Without anything else holding me back, I pounced; forcing Lilianna to her feet and after me. I retreated the way we came, forcing our way back through the thorns. There wasn't time to complain about the pain as it sliced at our clothes and flesh. A few scratches would be nothing compared to what may happen if they get their hands on us!

We had to keep running. We had to get away from these people. This area. We had to get back to the village. The path was once again under our feet; and I didn't hesitate in rushing straight for the hill that Lilianna had fallen down. Using the odd tree here and there, I pulled myself up along with her. I had to try the best I could to get out of here; for her. The forest had come to life. All around a chorus of creatures had awoken. Chittering in the tree's, rustling in the bracken. Inky black eyes glistened in the shadows; and that's when it struck me. If their eyes were reflecting... Then that must mean ours were too when we had been by the fire. That's how she had saw us.

I pressed on, continuing to pull Lilianna with me. Even when she began to protest that she couldn't breathe, I didn't give up. I merely looked at her over my shoulder and bellowed for her to keep moving. If she slowed down, then I'd be slowed down. There was no way in hell I was letting those witches get their hands on me. Not when I had Jane waiting for me at home.

I came to a stumbling halt the moment I ran into something; sending me back and straight to the floor. My hand tore from Lilianna's, but I'd managed to pull her down with me. That's what I get for looking at Lilianna while running. Just my luck, isn't it? Run into a tree. Only, it wasn't a tree. It was much, much worse.

Standing above us; clad black and eyes set like stone, was my father. Beside him... Lilianna's father. I chose to ignore the other three heads behind him. They were probably council members, anyway. I wasn't interested in the council. They weren't what concerned me. What did; was my father... And he didn't look impressed.

I shook my head, refusing to look more into it. That time period meant nothing to me. None of it mattered to me anymore. What happened back then had nothing to do with what was going on now. Witches were not real. Those women in the forest back then had just been silly old women, believing in some power that didn't exist. The words they had been chanting were just idle prayers in Latin. Just as what Lilianna had been doing. Copying their words... Whether she was indeed doing a prayer, or she was trying to copy that witchcraft ritual didn't concern me. If it was indeed the later; then she was more idiotic than I'd presumed. If it was the prayer... She disappointed me. I didn't believe in a God. If there was a God, none of this would have happened.

I gave up believing in things a long, long time ago.

"That is nothing to worry about, Delilah." I mused. "She is just trying to relive a distant memory."

I wasn't entirely sure if that statement was real or not; because nowadays, I had no idea what was going through her mind. She was a completely different Lilianna as to what I had once known. She wasn't the girl who had been my childhood friend growing up, she wasn't the girl I had spent countless hours with, she certainly wasn't the girl I had once wanted to run away with and she certainly wasn't the girl I wanted to be with.

There was only one woman I wanted, and even then I wouldn't allow myself to bring her down also. No matter where I went, darkness would follow. Renesmee's light wasn't enough to weigh it out like I had once thought it would be. Nothing would be able to do such a thing. I was indeed hopeless.

But that didn't mean I wouldn't try to make her life better; and if ending all of this meant exactly that... If it meant wiping out and killing the only reminder of my human life... Then so be it.

"Keep an eye out on this spot. Someone, if not myself, will be here to hear on any updates. Work on what we have spoke about. Try to postpone it for as long as possible."

Delilah nodded with my words; and with nothing more to say, I began to walk up the alley where I had entered.

Before I could take another step, however; Delilah's voice chimed out again.

"Alec, wait!"

My feet came to a stop.

"You... Said you can see why Lilianna chose me... Because I'm meant to be like Grace."

I kept my back to her while she went on.

"But I don't see how I am like her... I don't even know what she was like; and I get the feeling that if I wasn't... Lilianna will replace me. So... W-what was Grace like?"

Lilianna would replace her? Well, that statement was full of anxiety wasn't it? Did she honestly believe Lilianna would do such a thing? Although I didn't know what she was like anymore; it was very obvious that she held a bond with this girl. She wouldn't replace someone she had grown to care about, would she? That statement alone was amusing to say the least; for that was what she was evidently trying to do presently. She was trying to replace her siblings with people who looked, and more so acted like them. I peered over my shoulder to take her on once again. She was standing there, still toying with her fingers. Was she that curious? That fearful at screwing up in being a girl who was long gone? Letting out a deep sigh, I turned around to face her. At this point, I wasn't even sure when I would finally be able to take my leave.

"If you weren't acting like Grace, she would have already replaced you already." I stated matter-of-factly. "But if you must know... My view on Grace was different than others."

"How?" She blinked.

I paused for a moment. There was no real way I could get around that one, truly.

"I was in love with her." I stated blandly. "I saw her as perfect. No flaw, no imperfections whatsoever. From what I gathered from my sister - who would be the best one to talk to on how Grace was - she was stubborn, and easily flustered. She was loud, and god awfully irritating sometimes. But she was... Everything."

Delilah kept silent for a matter of seconds before she finally spoke. What came out of her mouth surprised me - and I was someone who wasn't easily surprised. Not anymore.

"She sounds a lot like... Renesmee."

I was about to ask how she would know such a thing; but then I remembered she had been there. In the castle when Renesmee had been there. She had been watching Renesmee. She had saw how she acted, how fun loving she was. In a way, yes. Renesmee was a lot like Grace. But there was one thing I was openly happy to speak if it came to it. I cared about Renesmee ten times what I had for Grace. I had once believed Grace to be the world, and if she was.. That would make Renesmee the universe.

I lowered my head, refusing to give her a definite answer. She must've taken that as enough; for she was the one who spoke.

"I'll check here again in two days. Say hello to Jane for me."

And with that, Delilah vanished from in front of me. Although I know giving Jane her greeting would probably end in a sarcastic remark; or Jane simply ignoring it all together, I couldn't help but smile at it. That was something Grace would do, and even more so... Something that Renesmee would do also. Delilah was so worried that she wouldn't be able to play the part, and yet she was doing so without even realizing.

I almost felt bad for what was going to come.

I returned to making my way home. No doubt Felix would begin to wonder where I had been, and would have something to report to Jane. I'd have to send him back with the information I had received. Make sure at least one of them kept an eye on that alley. Whatever it took, I was going to make sure the Cullen's were protected. I was going to make sure my universe was protected.

A/N:

Hey guys! So, I managed to complete it on time! I may, may, may upload the next chapter tomorrow, if I get it finished - which I'm already halfway there. So, if you want to give extra motivation for that; leave a review!

I'm not going to put a little challenge on here for now. I'll let you guys decide how many reviews to put in; and if it's a ton - like last time - it will most likely push me to upload tomorrow. Hey, maybe I'll post a challenge again tomorrow for you guys; if you manage it.

Take it easy. I love you all.

-C.H