Author note::
Some of the lines would be taken or be inspired from the original "Twilight" saga book - "Breaking Dawn".
/
Campbell Mansion
0300 hours
In the library, a solemn gathering unfolded, with Rajveer, Alekh, and all the vampires present, their attention fixed on Alice. She shared the visions she had glimpsed, painting a grim picture of the imminent danger. It seemed Aro was fueled by a desire for revenge stemming from the Volturi's past clash with the Cullen family. Aro saw this as a golden opportunity to wipe out both the Cullens and the Campbells in one decisive strike. Caius, equally eager, viewed this chance favorably, considering the absence of werewolves in India to support the Cullens.
Rajveer, his brow furrowed in confusion, interjected, "Werewolves?" He couldn't wrap his mind around this new piece of information.
Naina, her curiosity piqued, exchanged a bewildered glance with the Cullens. "Werewolves really exist?" she inquired; her disbelief evident.
A puzzled expression crossed Alekh's face as he echoed her sentiments. "Aren't they just fictional creatures meant to scare children?" he questioned, equally incredulous.
"Kids, if vampires can exist, then werewolves can as well," Thomas remarked, his tone laced with amusement.
Jacob, with a self-assured smirk, chimed in, "Yes... Because I certainly don't feel fictional."
Confused expressions crossed the faces of Rajveer, Alekh, and Naina. While Naina had sensed something peculiar about Jacob's scent, she had refrained from commenting, not wanting to offend her guests. She had treated him merely as Renesmee's soulmate, not attaching much significance to his presence.
Edward intervened, revealing the truth with a smile, "Guys, our Jacob is a werewolf."
Skepticism clouded the eyes of Rajveer, Alekh, and Naina. The idea seemed far-fetched, challenging their beliefs in the supernatural world they had entered. It was difficult to fathom the existence of werewolves, even within the realm of their newfound reality.
The room was filled with amused smiles from the Cullens as Jacob began removing his clothes. In response, Rajveer instinctively gasped and covered Naina's eyes. He had no intention of allowing her to see another man undress, which elicited laughter from everyone.
Shaking his head at Rajveer's reaction, Jacob leaped, and in a blink, he transformed into a massive wolf in the heart of the Campbell family's library. The wolf's fur was a soft russet, slightly unkempt in clumps. Its enormous paws made the floor creak under its weight as it padded gracefully around the room. Eventually, the impressive russet wolf came to a stop in front of Naina, Rajveer, and Alekh.
Naina had instinctively stepped forward, her vampire nature urging her to protect her mate. Her stance relaxed only when Jacob sat down, a silent assurance that he meant no harm. His gentle gaze spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between them.
The extraordinary sight of the werewolf left the Campbell family in awe. The members of the Campbell family, although they had heard about the existence of werewolves from the Cullens, were completely unprepared for the sight of these creatures, especially their immense size, nearly that of horses. With fascination and disbelief, they tentatively stepped closer to Jacob, reaching out to touch and caress his fur and head as if trying to confirm that what they were witnessing was indeed real. Rajveer and Alekh, still in a state of shock, continued to gape at the giant wolf before them, their previous skepticism replaced with wide-eyed amazement.
Rajveer pinched Alekh, causing him to jump in surprise. Rubbing the spot where he was pinched, Alekh asked, "Why did you pinch me, sir?"
"I wanted to know if I'm really seeing a giant wolf in front of me now or just hallucinating," Rajveer replied.
"Then, pinch yourself. Why are you pinching me?" Alekh grumbled, pouting.
Before either man could say anything further, something wet licked their faces, making both of them wrinkle their noses in disgust. Their expressions turned into horror when they realized that Jacob had just licked them. "EWWW!" Rajveer and Alekh exclaimed while frantically wiping their faces, trying to rid themselves of the unpleasant sensation.
Bella facepalmed as Jacob, in his wolf form, started snickering while Naina stared at Rajveer with disgust written all over her face. She couldn't believe that the smelly Jacob had really licked Rajveer's face. "EWW! Did you have to lick my Rajveer?" she complained, stomping her feet in frustration.
"Children, can we focus on the important matter now?" Thomas stated sternly. "Jacob, turn back to your human form. Rajveer, Alekh, go wash your faces. Naina, calm down," he ordered, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "How did I get stuck with so many immature idiots?" he thought to himself, completely forgetting that Edward could read his mind.
Overhearing his statement, Edward started snickering silently, turning his face away to hide his amusement.
After Rajveer and Alekh returned, everyone resumed discussing the urgent matter. "Alice, when did you see them coming?" William inquired.
"Tomorrow... They'll be here tomorrow. It felt like they took as many precautions as they could to not alert us. I saw them landing in India tomorrow morning at 4 am," Alice informed, her tone stressed.
"Damn it! They didn't give us any time to prepare for them," Thomas grumbled. "No... they won't harm our families," he stated determinedly.
"I'm with you," Jeremy told him with a loving smile.
"If a fight is what they are after, then that's what they'll get," Naina stated firmly.
"We're with you as well," Carlisle added as the rest of the members nodded in agreement.
The room was filled with determined nods and shared glances of solidarity. It was evident that they were ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead. With their alliance strengthened, they began formulating a plan to protect their families and confront the Volturi. The tension in the air was palpable, but amidst it, there was an unshakable resolve. Together, they would face the coming storm, united and determined to emerge victorious.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Next morning
0900 hours
Nestled near the Campbell mansion, the forest basked in dappled sunlight filtering through the tall, majestic trees, showcasing the jungle's ethereal beauty. An unusual silence hung in the air, devoid of the usual melodies of chirping birds or the hum of insects. The silence, though eerie, was an acknowledgment of nature's instinctive wariness.
The animals sensed the presence of vampires, nature's apex predators, and maintained their quiet vigilance. Accompanying the Campbells were members of the Cullen family, including Carlisle, Edward, Bella, Jasper, Alice, and Emmett.
Left behind at the mansion were Ali, Pooja, Yudi, Huda, Shalini, and Gunny. The Campbells had departed early, citing ancestral pre-wedding rituals that demanded their presence. Meanwhile, the Cullen family had devised a cover story, claiming they needed to shop for additional outfits as they had been unaware of the multitude of events in Indian weddings. Esme, Rosalie, Renesmee, and Jacob were stationed at the mansion, serving as protectors for the humans in their care.
Thomas was casually leaning against a tree, Jeremy mirroring him from the tree opposite, their eyes locked in a playful exchange. The slight mischievous smiles on their faces spoke volumes, rendering Edward's telepathic abilities unnecessary to discern their thoughts. Rajveer and Naina observed the couple, curiosity etched on their faces, while Alekh, leaning against a nearby tree, shook his head at their antics. Carlisle and Bella, stationed in the direction Alice had indicated the Volturi would approach, occasionally glanced back at Tom and Jerry.
"Enough, you two," Jasper hissed, frustration evident in his tone, his hand pinching the bridge of his nose. "The Volturi are on their way. Focus on the real threat!"
"Jasper's right. Stop ogling each other like teenagers," Edward chimed in, his expression sullen after enduring Tom and Jerry's amorous thoughts. Rajveer grimaced, understanding Edward's discomfort.
In response to the scolding, Naina and Alice dissolved into giggles, while Tom and Jerry turned toward Edward and Jasper with triumphant smirks. Recognizing their mischief, Rajveer joined in the laughter. "Let's spare our empath and mind-reader the torment, shall we?" he said, his smile contagious.
With mischievous grins, Tom and Jerry acknowledged their playful teasing, leaving Jasper and Edward momentarily stunned, realizing they had been duped by the crafty duo. "Unbelievable!" Edward's comment summed up the situation, and he exchanged an amused smile with Jasper.
"You mean, you guys orchestrated this as a distraction? I honestly thought you just had a lousy sense of timing," Jasper grumbled, though his annoyance was softened by Alice's comforting hug.
"We're in this together. Even if the Volturi decide to wipe us out right now, we wouldn't have any regrets. That's why we wanted to lighten the mood a bit," Jeremy explained, his arm wrapped around Thomas' waist. Tom nodded in agreement before gently turning Jerry's face toward his and planting a tender kiss on his soulmate's lips. The gesture brought smiles to Naina's and Alekh's faces, while Rajveer blushed at the display of affection.
Suddenly, Edward's demeanor turned serious. He straightened up and uttered, "They're here."
In an instant, couples paired up naturally. Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper moved behind the Campbell Family, following Thomas's instructions. Alekh positioned himself with William and Natasha, a few steps behind Tom, Jerry, Naina, and Rajveer. The unity among them was palpable as they prepared to face the imminent threat together.
A few moments later, a group of people appeared through the trees. They came in a rigid, formal formation. They moved together in perfect synchronicity from the trees. All of them were wearing robes with red lining around the edges; though other than three people, rest of the group was wearing grey robes. Naina recognized the Volturi brothers from photo Carlisle showed them the night before. She shifted a little to put Rajveer behind her.
Soon, the configuration folded outward. The motion was too stiff, too square
to resemble the opening of a flower, though the color suggested that; it was the
opening of a fan, graceful but very angular. The gray-cloaked figures spread to the
flanks while the darker forms surged precisely forward in the center, each
movement closely controlled. Their progress was slow but deliberate, with no hurry, no tension, no anxiety. It was the pace of the invincible. Their group came to a stop hundred feet away from the Campbells and Cullens.
Thomas squared his shoulders and took several steps forward, distancing himself from their families. With his thumbs tucked into the pockets of his rugged jeans, he wore a sleeveless tee, his long hair cascading freely. To any observer, he might have appeared as if he had come to the forest for a simple camping trip.
"Hello, Aro! Marcus! Caius! How have you been?" he greeted the royal family, his tone confident and unwavering. "It's been two centuries since we last met." His words carried an air of authority and calm, emphasizing his readiness to face whatever was to come.
The atmosphere grew deathly quiet, tension emanating from Edward as he absorbed Aro's response to Thomas's audacious greeting. Caius sneered at Thomas, who countered with a confident, almost feral grin. Aro, after a moment's contemplation, moved out from the Volturi formation's center, his shield Renata following closely. Marcus observed silently before exhaling.
"Thomas, it has indeed been centuries," Aro acknowledged. "You were once among the most rule-abiding vampires in the world. How is it then that you, along with your coven, have violated one of our most crucial laws? Not just once, but twice?" Aro gestured towards Rajveer and Alekh. "And to compound matters, you've gathered the Cullens here. Did you believe you could eliminate me and my kin, seizing control as the new royalty of our world?" he sneered.
"In India, we have a saying, Aro," Thomas retorted, his tone unwavering. "'Burha pe me sathiya gaye hai,' which translates to 'The old man has lost his mind.' I think the same can be said for you."
"THOMAS!" Caius bellowed furiously, his anger reverberating through the air. The Volturi members expected either an apology from Thomas or a defense from Jeremy, but none anticipated Thomas's nonchalant eyeroll.
"Choose your words carefully, my friend. We wouldn't want any unfortunate deaths due to your rash behavior," Aro threatened, his tone icy and composed.
"I would've been careful with my words if there was any falsehood in them... but there isn't," Thomas responded, his tone devoid of interest. "You've truly lost your grip on reality. I mean, what makes you think I have even the slightest interest in becoming royalty?"
"If that's not the case, then why invite a powerful family like the Cullens to your hunting grounds?" Aro questioned.
"Mr. Volturi, perhaps in your culture, things are different, but in ours, when there's a celebration in the family, we invite all our loved ones," Natasha stated firmly.
"And pray, what are you celebrating exactly? The violation of one of the MOST important rules in our world? It seems you people lack even the decency to hide your humans before confronting us," Caius snarled, his voice sharp as a furious animal's growl.
"We're celebrating the marriage of our youngest child. Our daughter, Naina, found her soulmate while facing the toughest battle of her life. This celebration marks her union with her mate and honors her success in her mission," William replied, his pride for Naina evident in every word he spoke.
"He's right. That young girl and her human are true soulmates," Marcus informed Aro. "Their connection is as powerful as our young Edward and Bella's."
Aro briefly glanced at his brother before fixing his gaze on the young girl standing confidently a few steps behind Thomas, alongside her human partner. What intrigued Aro was the absence of fear in her blood-red eyes. Not only that, there was no fear in her mate's eyes either. Even his heart rate remained relatively normal, which should have spiked with fear. "Interesting," Aro muttered, his keen eyes assessing the situation before him.
Alekh turned to Carlisle, his curiosity evident in his eyes, and whispered in a hushed tone, though his words carried clearly to everyone, "Who is that man, and how did he know that Naina and Rajveer sir are soulmates?"
"Marcus is one of the three leaders of the Volturi. He possesses the gift of relationship identification, allowing him to perceive the emotional connections between individuals. While Jeremy can identify soulmates, Marcus can recognize all kinds of relationships, including their strengths and weaknesses. He can also discern the strength of someone's loyalty compared to others and detect new bonds forming," Carlisle explained gently.
His question drew Aro's attention to Alekh. "And what about this young man? Who does he belong to?" Aro inquired sarcastically.
"He's my brother, and he belongs to me," Naina declared confidently.
Aro smirked at her bold statement. "Your father mentioned something about your fight. Why don't you show me what he means?" he said, stretching his hand out. Aro possessed the gift of tactile telepathy, allowing him to read someone's thoughts and memories with a single touch. He wanted to delve into Naina's memories to understand William's statement.
"I believe it would be more informative if you looked into my memories instead. I have a more detailed account of the events and the background actions than Naina," Thomas stated, stepping forward.
Aro shrugged nonchalantly and moved closer, taking Thomas's hand. Thomas met Aro's gaze with confidence as he placed his hand in the older man's. Aro's eyes closed immediately, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the flood of information. Every thought, every strategy, every insight related to Naina's mission, the role of the Campbell and Cullen families – it all poured into Aro's mind. Edward furrowed his brows, reading their minds, and experiencing the memories as well.
Suddenly, a thought flashed into Naina's mind. She turned and exchanged a meaningful glance with Jerry, her eyebrows raised in question. Jeremy stared back at her momentarily, his confusion evident, before understanding dawned on him. He subtly shook his head. Understanding the unspoken message, Naina nodded subtly, as if she had received the answer to her silent inquiry. Rajveer observed the entire exchange, utterly perplexed.
Aro's concentration deepened as he delved into Thomas's memories, and the intensity of his focus created an uneasy atmosphere among the Volturi guards. Whispers and murmurs spread through the line until Caius's sharp command silenced them instantly. After what felt like an eternity, Aro finally straightened, his eyes snapping open. His expression was a mix of awe and wariness as he turned his gaze towards Naina. "Another vampire who didn't kill their singer, and at such a young age. Marvelous!" he exclaimed.
"Now do you understand the reason behind the Cullens' presence?" Tom inquired, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes, indeed," Aro replied, his tone almost amused. "You've provided me with much to contemplate, my old friend, much more than I anticipated."
"Aro, share your insights with the rest of us," demanded Caius, his annoyance evident.
Aro continued his explanation, detailing Naina's journey from her turning by Thomas to her pursuit of revenge for her falsely accused brother. He described how she entered the military academy, utilizing her powers of illusion to blend in and maintain her secret vampire identity. Aro highlighted the complications arising when Naina encountered her singer, Captain Rajveer, a senior officer and teacher at the academy. The Campbell family, with support from William and Carlisle, provided the necessary assistance, leading to the Cullens' involvement in the situation.
"Now you can see there was no reason for an overreaction," Thomas grumbled, his arms folded defiantly across his chest.
Jane hissed at Thomas's statement, reacting swiftly. In the blink of an eye, Thomas was seized by excruciating pain under the influence of her gift, causing him to tremble and writhe. This sudden turn of events left the Campbell family shocked and eager to intervene, but the Cullens held them back.
Bella, her arms wrapped around Naina, whispered reassuringly in her ear, "Thomas isn't truly in pain. It's all in his mind."
Naina recalled the information she had learned from Carlisle and Edward about Jane and her twin brother, Alec's formidable abilities. Jane had the ability to create an illusion of excruciating pain, tricking the minds of her victims into believing they were being burned alive. In contrast, Alec wielded the power of sensory deprivation, allowing him to completely cut off the senses of multiple targets. According to Edward, Jane, with her "burning" gift, and her brother Alec with his "numbing" gift, were the cornerstones of the Volturi's offense. Together, they were one of the main reasons why the Volturi were referred to as invincible.
A plan quickly materialized in Rajveer's mind as he recalled the information about Jane and Alec from the previous night. Without exchanging any words, he and Naina locked eyes and silently devised a strategy.
Rajveer mentally communicated to Edward, "Edward, tell Bella to shield our families, and then have her create a separate shield around Alec. This way, if he tries to use his gift, it will backfire on him."
Acknowledging Rajveer's plan, Edward whispered two crucial words to Bella, "Family. Alec."
Comprehending the urgency, Bella instantaneously fortified her shields around their families and extended a barrier around Alec before anyone could react. "Done," Bella confirmed to Naina.
With gratitude in her eyes, Naina turned her focus back to Jane, who, realizing Bella's shield, retaliated by intensifying the torment inflicted upon Thomas. Naina felt a surge of pain in her own chest as she witnessed her brother's suffering at the hands of the diminutive but powerful vampire.
A collective gasp filled the air as everyone's eyes were drawn to Naina as they widened in a mix of shock and awe. She had begun to emit a radiant glow, like a light bulb suddenly switched on. Jeremy, who had been on the verge of despair watching his mate in agony, let out a sigh of relief as he grasped the significance of this phenomenon. Naina was utilizing her second power – the power of Imitation. In the chaos of their lives, Jeremy had forgotten to mention this extraordinary ability to their family. As a result, aside from Naina, Jeremy, and Rajveer, no one else was aware of her remarkable second power.
Amidst the chaos, Jane's sudden screams of agony echoed through the forest, startling everyone, including Aro and the Volturi guards. Her cries pierced the air as if she were truly in unbearable pain. As Jane fell to her knees, Thomas was abruptly released from her torturous gift. Jeremy quickly moved to Thomas, guiding him back towards their group, while the Volturi guards instinctively closed ranks around Aro and Caius, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. Despite the confusion, Caius ordered his guards to hold their positions, preventing them from rushing to Jane's aid, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion.
Naina took deliberate, slow steps towards Jane, her eyes burning with a lethal rage. "If I can suppress my primal instincts, my vampire nature, to avenge a brother whose death and torment I didn't even witness, what made you think I would remain silent as you torture another brother?" she growled furiously. "Thomas is not just my sire but also my parent. I wouldn't spare my own mate if he had tried to harm my brother, so what makes you believe you'll escape punishment after hurting him?" Her voice was cold and unwavering as she confronted Jane. With a swift, powerful kick, Naina sent Jane hurtling through the air, crashing into trees hundreds of feet away.
Naina's swift and ruthless action shocked everyone present. With a determined expression, she lunged towards Jane, gripping her arm firmly. In a single, powerful motion, Naina yanked Jane's arm from her body, eliciting a horrifying cry of pain from the Volturi member. The gruesome sight made onlookers cringe, unable to comprehend the brutality unfolding before them. Alec, trapped within Bella's shield, cried out in desperation, begging Naina to cease her actions. Ignoring his pleas, Naina grasped Jane by the shoulder, forcing her to her feet, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and determination.
As the events continued to unfold, Naina proceeded to execute an action that left everyone in the forest utterly flabbergasted. The shocking sight drew silent snickers from Emmett, and Rajveer couldn't help but facepalm in disbelief. The rest of the audience, initially bewildered, gradually comprehended the surreal scene before their eyes. Naina was unrelentingly and ironically using Jane's own severed arm to slap her repeatedly. The forest echoed with the bizarre and disturbing spectacle. The forest echoed with the sharp sound of flesh meeting flesh as Naina continued her unusual retaliation, making a bold statement of defiance against the Volturi. The scene was both horrifying and oddly poetic
*SLAP* "You will apologize to my brother!" *SLAP*
*SLAP* "You will not use your powers to torment others from now one!" *SLAP*
Each slap was punctuated by Naina's fierce determination, her actions speaking louder than words. The force behind each blow resonated with her anger, echoing through the forest. With every slap, she demanded justice and respect for her family, her strength and resolve on full display.
*SLAP* "You will learn the consequences of your cruelty!" *SLAP*
Her voice was sharp, cutting through the tension in the air. Jane's cries mixed with the sound of the slaps, creating a dissonant melody that portrayed the clash between power and righteousness.
*SLAP* "Consider this a lesson in empathy and restraint!" *SLAP*
Naina's eyes blazed with intensity, her unwavering gaze fixing on Jane, challenging her to defy the newfound strength within her.
*SLAP* "This is for my brother, for every innocent you've harmed!" *SLAP*
Naina's resolute spirit filled the clearing, her actions a testament to the unyielding love she held for her family and her unwillingness to let injustice prevail. The forest stood witness to this extraordinary moment, where a young vampire stood up against the tyranny of the Volturi, her bravery echoing through the silent trees.
*SLAP* "You'll only use your power to protect!" *SLAP*
The sound of the slaps resonated with the collective shock and awe of the witnesses, leaving an indelible mark on the memory of that night.
As the Volturi brothers comprehended that Naina had no intention of attacking them, Aro, accompanied by a few guards, cautiously approached the young girl. "Um... Naina, my dear, I apologize for our dear Jane's behavior. She got a bit carried away. I assure you, she won't repeat this mistake," Aro said tentatively.
Naina turned her glare toward Aro but remained silent. Alekh confidently walked up to his sister and addressed Aro, "My sister will cease her actions if you guarantee that if any Volturi member torments our family without just cause in the future, we have the right to remove their heads and play football with them. Do we have an agreement?"
The Volturi members stood in shock at the audacity of this human's demand. They couldn't fathom that a mere human dared to make such a request.
"Um... guys?" Carlisle attempted to intervene, but Naina raised her hand, signaling him to stop.
"My brother, Alekh, is correct. If you grant us this right, I will stop. You are welcome to penalize us for any wrongdoing, but without just cause, no one has the right to torment us," Naina clarified firmly.
Caius pointed out, "But what about the crimes you've already committed? You revealed your true identity in front of two humans."
Naina responded, "It's true that I revealed my identity to my brother, Alekh, and my mate, Rajveer... HOWEVER, neither of them knew I was a vampire BEFORE they choose to be a part of our family. They only knew that the Campbell family was strange and possibly engaged in secretive activities like cannibalism."
The Volturi brothers and guards looked puzzled at this explanation. Observing their confusion, Rajveer stepped forward courageously and said addressing Aro, "Carlisle informed us that you can access someone's complete memory with a touch." He extended his hand toward Aro and offered, "Why don't you touch me and confirm whether I truly knew about her identity or not?"
"Me too," Alekh added, joining Rajveer.
Aro glanced at his brothers for advice. Caius wore a look of pure disbelief, while Marcus appeared fascinated. "I think they've offered a fair way to resolve this matter," Marcus stated firmly, loud enough for everyone present to hear.
Following his advice, Aro took Rajveer's hand first and then Alekh's. Opening his eyes, Aro stared at the men in front of him. These two were truly exceptional individuals. Despite their suffering and struggles, they had turned into good-hearted beings. Rajveer's inherent goodness intrigued Aro. As he delved into Rajveer's memories and emotions concerning the Super Six, he was stunned. He hadn't realized there were ways to gain loyalty without resorting to force.
With a sigh, he addressed the audience, "Young Naina has spoken the truth. The humans were genuinely unaware of the true nature of the Campbell family. It was only after they agreed to be a part of their family that the Campbell family revealed their supernatural existence. Even then, they didn't explicitly use the term 'vampire.' They referred to themselves as 'our kind.' Therefore, no rule has been broken here."
"What a waste of time," Caius grumbled, his annoyance evident.
Meanwhile, Marcus fixed his intrigued gaze on Rajveer. "May I ask you something, young man?" he inquired, capturing everyone's attention.
Rajveer felt a bit taken aback. He hadn't anticipated any interest from one of the Volturi brothers. Not wanting to offend them, he agreed, "Yes, of course."
"When your mate declared that she wouldn't spare even you, her mate, if you had harmed her brother, why did the bond between you flare brighter? It was as if you fell even more in love with her in that moment," Marcus pondered aloud, his curiosity evident.
Rajveer smiled shyly as he threw Naina a side glance and started blushing. The sight left all the vampires, except for the Campbells, astonished. They hadn't anticipated Rajveer's bashful reaction to Marcus's question. Aro tilted his head, observing Rajveer closely. Although he had seen Rajveer's memories, witnessing his shyness firsthand was an entirely different experience.
Felix and Demetri, the formidable Volturi guards, cautiously moved closer to Rajveer, clearly perplexed. "I thought only girls blush like this," Felix whispered to Demetri.
"Agreed," Demetri replied with a nonchalant shrug.
"Silence!" Caius snapped at the duo before turning his glare toward Rajveer. "Why are you blushing like that? And can someone stop that girl?" He was visibly irritated, directing his gaze at Naina, who was still slapping Jane with her own hand.
Thomas threw Naina a proud smile, while the Cullens struggled to contain their laughter at Jane's peculiar situation. Giggling, Natasha approached her daughter and wrapped an arm around her, gently preventing her from continuing to reprimand Jane with Jane's own torn hand. "Let's hear what Rajveer has to say to Marcus's question," she said, soothing Naina.
Rajveer blushed even harder, realizing that he was now the center of everyone's attention. Summoning his courage, he turned toward Marcus and replied, "You're right. I did fall more in love with her in that moment. If a person can't love their own family, how can they love someone else? I fell in love with Naina not just because of her beauty or her bold nature. I fell in love with her when I realized the depth of her love for her martyred brother, Captain Naveen, my best friend. My Naina loves both her human family and her vampire family equally. I love Naina deeply, and her loyalty to her family only strengthens my admiration for her. Her determination to protect her loved ones, even from me if necessary, showcases her character. It's that strength of character that makes me love her even more." Rajveer paused, realizing he had bared his soul, expressing his true feelings for Naina to the entire assembly.
The women in the room melted at his heartfelt words, while the men stared at him in awe. Aro and Caius, however, regarded him with a mix of confusion and curiosity, like they were observing an alien species. Marcus, on the other hand, smiled genuinely for the first time in centuries. "It will be interesting to find out what kind of vampire you will become," he commented.
Rajveer shrugged shyly, scratching the back of his neck as he blushed under the attention.
"I think it's time we bid our goodbyes... and Naina dear, if you would be so kind as to return Jane her arm, then we'd be able to go home," Aro said to Naina.
"No, you're not going back yet. Since you've already traveled so far, I think you should stay for Rajveer and my wedding. That way you can observe how we lead our lives and enjoy a few days experiencing a different culture. It's a win-win for everyone," Naina offered, smiling brightly.
The Campbells and the Cullens froze at Naina's unexpected invitation. None of them had anticipated her taking such a bold step. The Volturi, too, were taken aback. They realized that in their centuries of ruling, no one had ever invited them to share in their happiness. The Volturi had always been associated with misery, never joy. Aro and Caius felt an unfamiliar sensation stir within them, although they couldn't quite place it. Marcus, observing the situation, gave his brothers curious looks as he noticed how one invitation from Naina was weaving a new bond. He decided to stay silent and observe his brothers' struggle as this young vampire subtly challenged their long-held beliefs with her kindness.
... - ...
"I was proud of your bravery... now I'm in shock because of it," Thomas grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I find it amusing and entertaining," Jeremy commented, giving a thumbs up.
"I'm feeling proud. You, my dear sister, are a champion," Alekh stated, patting her back.
Naina sat in front of her siblings with a sheepish look on her face. Even she didn't know why she invited the Volturi to her wedding, but it felt like the right thing to do.
Rajveer joined her in the armchair and side-hugged her. "I think Naina did the right thing. 'Atithi Devo Bhava' means 'A guest is equivalent to God.' While I agree they arrived to end us all, they're our guests. We should treat them as such," he told everyone present.
"See, why I love Rajveer more? He's the smartest of you all," Natasha chimed in as she and William joined the rest of the family. Alekh and Naina pouted at her statement, while Tom rolled his eyes.
"I agree. Let's show the Volturi a hospitality they'll never forget. I want even if we die, we should remain alive in their memories," William added, wrapping his arm around his mate.
Tom sighed. "Okay, I guess. If that's what the family wants, then that's what we'll do," he finally agreed, making the rest of the family grin happily.
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...-...
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A/N:::