Chapter 22 – A Letter To Aro

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A/N The response to my major plot twist was overwhelming and positive. Almost 800 reviews on 21 chapters: my personal record so far. Thank you all.

However, there was a handful of guest reviewers who weren't happy with Edward reverting to human. They were polite, only, they raised objections and asked questions, while knowing I couldn't answer them, much to my frustration. (In fact I suspect most of them come from the same person). Since this is a short chapter I'll give some answers here. Feel free to skip, if what happened to Edward is OK for you.

Note for guests

In general I am all for Bella becoming a vamp and I get upset when Edward is being difficult about it. But this Edward really HATED to be a vampire (much more than, say, Canon Edward or Rosalie). His experience was with the Volturi, he judged it horrible and he learned that there could be another lifestyle only minutes before most of the Cullens were exterminated. He wanted to die, even the bond he felt with Bella wouldn't stop him. His death wish, however, changed as the story progressed: if at first it was motivated by utter despair and self-hate, being therefore selfish in a way, at the end he invoked death for love, to save Bella from a condition he loathed. He sacrificed himself to prevent changing her, which would have happened, sooner or later. I think there couldn't be a greater gift than what Death gave him, because to be human with Bella was something he wished but didn't even dare to acknowledge. As for Bella, she was human – the mating bond affects vampires, right?- But also humans can love in an absolute way, fortunately. I can testify to that. So she loved Edward and surely she would continue to love him. And why not? Another point raised was that now we have two humans at risk because they know about vampires. But – since Demetri is no more – nobody will tell Aro they exist. Certainly Alice, Jasper and the Quileutes are at risk, but I am convinced that that the letter below will suffice to stop any retaliation.

Ah, btw, the letter to Aro was originally written in Latin, but I can offer you just the translation, (thanking Raum for the first lines).

Aro Volturi

Suis Manibus

Alice Cullen Aro salutem dicit.

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First of all, I have to inform you that the Volturi's tracker – Demetri - is no more. He was the one who beheaded my adoptive father, Carlisle Cullen and presently he was trying to find and capture me. For both those reasons he couldn't be allowed to exist any longer.

I will never be one of your minions. I will never be part of the Volturi.

If I had the strength, I would bring death and destruction on your accursed city. Carlisle was your friend, how could you?

As things stand, however, I only wish to be left in peace and live my life as my adoptive father taught me. This includes my mate, Jasper, who has rejoined me. My friends, the Quileutes, wish to continue living in accord with their traditions as well. If threatened on their land they will defend their people, but they too wish to live in peace.

And you will let us live in peace. How can I be so certain? Let me explain. I had thought to inform your brother in law, Marcus, of a secret which you surely would prefer to remain undisclosed.

I'll just write a name here: Didyme. She was your sister and Marcus' mate. Again, how could you?

Of course you may decide to act rashly and dispose of your brother in law before he has a chance to know what you did and react accordingly. You and Caius have very few scruples, after all.

So I have thought of something else, in addition. Please, have a look at the enclosed SD Card.

Have you done it? Well, you have seen some Quileute boys become giant wolves, you have seen me and Jasper drink from a deer and do other things no human can do. In themselves those images would not do the trick, considering the special effects that films have used us to. BUT, the pages that follow the images, with the story of Volterra and his rulers, will for sure make governments and secret services focus their attention on your coven. For them, some inexplicable historical events will finally start to make sense and have an explanation. Eventually the secret will be out, and the world will change because of it. Needless to say, mankind now possesses weapons that could be lethal for vampires too.

Hear me well, Aro. A SD Card like the one you hold in your hands is in possession of a number of native tribes of the Americas. You have no way to know who they are. I also don't know. Should something bad happen to the Quileutes, to Jasper and me and to the friends we have or will make - whether human or immortal - the world media will get them. Short of exterminating at the same time all the native people of the New World (and that would also attract attention), you won't be able to prevent them being sent.

Do I wish to have the secret known? No, but it is a price I am willing to pay, and so are my friends. The choice is yours. If nothing happens to us, the secret will remain safe forever. The Quileutes have always preserved it, and so will I.

Do not doubt the sincerity behind my words,

Alice Cullen

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Notes

For the idea behind this letter I am indebted to my son Federico.

Next chapter will be the epilogue.