A/N: Sporadic update for now but it's become my mission to have this story finished in 2025. Apologies for the horrendous grammar but I couldn't wait any longer to publish, however, it will be fixed and edited properly soon.

Important update at the bottom!

When You Love Someone

Chapter 38: Safe and Sound

"I can't believe it's really you," Rosalie said awed as she hugged me tightly for the 16th time.

"Yeah…. sometimes I can't believe it either," I replied softly. Emmett smiled at me, his own tears shining as he came down with fresh clothes for the both of us.

"We really missed you bug" Emmett gruffly said as he held me tight as Rose let me go and attended to Didyme who was browsing Eleazar's vast library.

"I'm glad you're back," Astrid said, her new vampiric beauty shining as her hair shone gold, her beauty almost rivaling Rose's. Almost.

"Thank you, it's good to be back," I replied honestly as she smiled softly as Didyme came into view. Her smile was unsure.

"It has been a journey, a long journey at that but it was worth the while to be among friends again." Didyme smiled as Rosalie bowed respectfully and Didyme waved her hand away. "Please my friend, you helped aid my escape and now you help me once more in my return home. You bow to no one, least of all not to me." She said kindly as Emmet stared and smile.

"Cool, you know it's been so long since we heard anything about you. We were both changed in the last century so it's cool to actually meet the person the world has been obsessed with."

"Emmett!" Rosalie hissed as Astrid giggled and looked away politely Didyme stared and politely smiled.

"What? It's true." Emmett said as Rose shook her head.

"What my mate is trying to say is that it's an honor to meet the jewel of the Volturi. We've heard tales of you when we travel, and Carlisle has told us much of his time in court was so pleasant because he had you as a company." Rose smoothly talked to avoid Emmett's tack. I giggled as Didyme saw right through it and winked as Rose turned her head and Emmett grinned.

"It is no trouble, I'm sure the world is rife with rumor over my disappearance, but I will tell you what has happened when I'm with my Marcus again. He is the one who needs to hear it first and…." Didyme stuttered as her eyes went blank "And I don't want to repeat the story if I can help it." She finished smiling as Rose and Emmett shared a look as I looked down, the softness of the couch transforming to the dirt beneath my nails as Maria's laughter echoed in my ears.

"Bella!"

"Huh?" I snapped out of the memory as I unclothed my fists as Astrid gave me a soft blue towel. "Uh…thanks?"

"You and Ms. Didyme must be needing comfort and a warm shower – get the grime of travel off you. Rose?" She turned as Rose nodded her head and led Didyme down a hallway as Astrid smiled at me and grabbed my hand, my arm stiffening of the touch as I flinched away, and Astrid ignored my rude behavior as she continued walking down the hallway.

"A shower might do you some good, some time to yourself…. I could tell you were getting uncomfortable in there." Astrid said quietly as she put the clothes on the bed as I refused to look at her, instead counting the lines on the floorboards.

"I can't imagine what you both went through…. I don't want to but maybe this can help. It was meant for you after all but…. well…..I hope you like it. He wanted you to have it." Astrid continued to say as I turned slightly to see her place a box on the bed before she made her leave. Curious I walked over and opened the lid as I held in my shock.

There on the bottom was a chain with the Volturi and Cullen crest interwoven together with a tulip. The necklace was exquisite, and I reveled in the detail. It was so intricate and delicate but just from the weight alone, it was meant for more than just decoration. Smiling I ran my fingers over the lines and crevices as I gently placed it back in the box. I wonder who commissioned this? It's beautiful. I need to ask Astrid when I get a chance but for now, she's right….a hot shower will do me good.

Shedding the clothes from Turkey I placed them in the closet and got down to business. The hot water soothed whatever aches were in my skin and I just stood there reveling in the sense of home. I was safe. I was away from that hell. I was okay.

Closing my eyes to let the water run over my hair I couldn't help but remember when I was in the throne room, the bloodshed of the humans gushing out and Ambrose's head being torn from his body. Then again in the prison when Stefan had the blood all over the walls, so much it washed over me in waves, the blood sticking to my skin and hair….

With a flash I forced my eyes open as I shrunk to my knees, my hands shaking as the water continued to run down my body. "No, no" I whispered as I rushed to turn off the water, the drip of the faucet echoing in the suddenly silent room.

Shaken, I dried myself off and examined the mirror as a scared, scarred woman stared back. There were gashes along her skin that weren't there before. Fear and knowledge in her eyes that weren't there. Refusing to look in the mirror any longer I swiftly changed into the clothes provided and I smiled at the familiarity. My old jeans, sneakers, and forks sweatshirt, and letting my hair down my back I decided to look once more in the mirror, and….to my disappointment….it didn't change.

Even though I looked like the old Bella Swan….I wasn't her anymore. Sighing and turning away from the door I couldn't help but think that I would never be 'her' again.

"Bella, I'm glad you're back, did you enjoy your shower?" Rose asked as I came into the living room.

"Yes, it was great actually, being able to actually shower again and feel a little like my old self," I said as she nodded and hugged me again as I winced slightly as my injured side made itself known and I looked around for the others.

"There' in the jet, we need to leave immediately for Italy," Rose answered my silent question as I turned to her sharply.

"What? No, we can't! Aro…the Volturi…" I led on as Rose shook her head.

"Look Bella, there's been a lot that's happened. We don't have the time to explain it all but, trust me, you need to be sitting for this. The sooner we get to Italy, the sooner everything will make sense." Rose smiled as she turned and I stood dumbstruck as I shook my head and followed her to the hanger.

"We got to go Em! Get it loaded, and I don't care about the speed; we should be there in about 5 hours no later!" Rose mentioned as Emmett gave a thumbs-up as the engines roared to life and I sat beside a concerned-looking Didyme.

"Didyme, are you all right?" I asked as I touched her shoulder and she turned slowly and nodded.

"Yes, at least, as much as I can. The Volturi…they are no more." She whispered as my body ran cold.

"…What?"

"Bella before you panic let me explain," Rose said as Astrid came over and sat beside me before placing her hand on my shoulder as I flinched away from the closeness.

"Please Bella, listen to Rosalie. Didyme, there is no need to fear." Astrid calmed as she placed her hand on Didyme's knee as Didyme blinked.

"Explain" Didyme commanded as I looked back to Rose, the bands tightening in my chest once more.

"Everyone is safe. Marcus, Alec, Caius…. all of our family is safe but Aro…. he isn't there anymore." Rose rushed out as I let out a sigh of relief at Alec's safety.

"So, Alec is safe?" I asked anxiously and I relaxed once Rosalie nodded.

"My Marcus? Where is he?!" Didyme asked, her face pinched as Rose took in a deep breath,

"Everyone is fine; Marcus, Caius, Alec and Carlisle formed a council of leaders after Aro left. It's astounding if you ask me - after Bella was declared dead…. Alec kind of lost it for a while. He was unhinged." Rosalie admitted quietly as I sucked in a gasp of air at the thought. The Alec I remembered was always cool, calculating…. never one to lose control. How was that possible?

"He demanded a formal trial of the ones guilty, but we were under the impression that it was a rogue guard that killed both you and Felix." Rose continued as she looked at me and I shivered remembering waking in the prison for the first time. "Then Carlisle was called as a witness for the crimes Bella was accused of since he was still the last guardian to a newborn vampire. However, while he was in court Alice had a vision. There would be a coup and Aro would be taken out of power. She didn't know when, but she told us that Alec was the one that formed it and we would be persuaded to help. Alice was already on board." Rose grimaced as she looked at me.

"I admit I was a bit guarded. I originally didn't want any part of it if I'm being honest." She admitted, guilt written all over her face. "I didn't know what the circumstances were, and I didn't want to risk Emmett or the family," Rose said softly as I caught the tone of her message.

"You figured I was guilty?" I asked flatly, my annoyance shining through as Rosalie grimaced again.

"I didn't know what to think. You've always been very headstrong. I know we've had our differences in the past but that was reckless. Running off to Italy after you found out about Astrid. I thought it was because you had a vendetta against Edward and maybe you got involved with the Romanians trying to hurt us. Plus, when you finally did come back you were so hostile to everyone and then you hunt down one of those creatures!? I thought you went too far." She admitted quietly as I glared, and I saw Astrid look away.

"Are you kidding me, Rosalie!?" I said sharply as she wouldn't meet my gaze.

"Obviously I know it's not true now!" Rose said incensed as I clenched my teeth shut.

"So, what else happened? You thought I was guilty…. who else? Did the whole family agree except for the all-seeing Alice?" I asked sarcastically as she shook her head.

"No…I mean not really. Esme never doubted your innocence and Jasper wasn't offering up any information on where they went with you or why they decided to help you hunt down that moon creature and you know Emmett…. he doesn't think much of court politics. He just wanted peace." Rose said as I shook my head. Noticing Astrid, she looked away once my gaze fell on her and that made me even more irate.

"What about you? You've been quiet, did you think I was guilty?" I asked, Astrid, biting her lip.

"I didn't know what to think. I was confused about everything that was happening. I was still human; I didn't change until Edward returned home and even then he was hesitant with the details. I didn't ask because he was so focused on you." Astrid mentioned, her tone turning icy as she caught herself as I straightened back up as she mumbled an apology. "Look for all intents and purposes Edward was adamant about your innocence, and I believed in my mate." Astrid finished as she excused herself, walking towards the cockpit where Emmett was.

An awkward silence followed her exit and I sat there as I tried to process all the new information until Didyme suddenly spoke up. "This coup that you spoke of. Alec led it. Exactly how did that come to pass?"

"Right, yes so, we were persuaded to join because Alec claimed that the killer was someone different and had evidence that it was Aro. Because he wanted Alice and Edward too, he would come after us, especially since we're linked to Bella. I didn't want my family targeted. I knew that Aro was a collector of talent, and I wanted my family safe so I helped. Alec's plan was going smoothly, he had confronted Aro and under mate law he turned your criminal trial, into a mate killing trial for Aro. I had never seen anything like it and as more evidence came to pass, he went hard with the accusation that Aro was the one responsible for Didyme's death." Rose said as she looked toward Didyme as she sat shocked before she schooled her features once more.

"Did he try to fight the charges?" Didyme asked coolly as Rose shook her head and what she said next shocked me to my core.

"What? He admitted to it?!"

"Yes, and then he went on a monologue about everything. How he purposely disposed of countless others when they got too close to the truth and how he set up your murder. How he formed a deal with the Romanians for Didyme's murder…. I don't even think he knows your both alive." Rose mused as Didyme looked away, her eyes looking out the window not saying a word.

"Well, perhaps that may be the advantage we need," Didyme murmured as I sat back in my seat.

"Maybe…. does anyone know where Aro is now? What happened to him?"

"No. No one has been able to track him, not even Demetri. Wherever he went he must have a very powerful vampire with him to help mask his movements. Not even Alice has a clear picture of where he is."

"Then we're due!" I exclaimed as I crossed my arms and yelped at the pained I hissed as I grasped my side.

"Bella, mi caro, you must be careful!" Didyme chided as I nodded, and Rose hovered as she grimaced over my wound.

"It's spreading." She stated as I huffed and gulped back venom as I pushed my shirt further down as I tried to cover the ever-growing black veins. "Will she be able to make the rest of the trip?" Rose asked as Didyme avoided my gaze and I tried to school my expression as I hoped to hide my panic.

"Yes, but barely. How much time do we have left?" Didyme asked as Rose checked her watch.

"Two hours and 35 minutes," Astrid said as she came out of the cockpit holding a water bottle and dabbed some on a towel handing it to Rose.

"Astrid give me my satchel," Didyme commanded as Astrid followed and the last of the paste was spread on the wound as I hissed. "That's the last of it I'm afraid. Try to hold on as long as you can, when we land I need to bring you to my lab immediately. The paste should last another 45 minutes." She instructed as I nodded my head and Rose looked away, grimacing.

"I know it looks bad but with the balm, it doesn't nearly hurt as bad as it looks." I gripped as Rose gave me a saddened look in apology. I mean it wasn't a total lie exactly, it was worse.

"I'm sorry for doubting you, Bella. I should know now that, although I don't agree with your choices, I know you would never maliciously put us in danger." Rose admitted as I nodded my head.

"Thank you. I would have hoped after everything, you wouldn't think of me that way." I said softly as I breathed through the rounds of pain and hoping to distract myself I asked "So, what happened once Aro left, the council was formed? When we were in prison, we heard of rumors that a Volturi scout was near us and we had to move locations." I mumbled as I looked at Didyme for confirmation and she nodded her head.

"Yes, that was the prime motivation for us moving. Stefan and Vladimir were insistent we remained hidden."

"That was them all right. I can't believe they were that close to you but, anyway, you're here now and that's what matters." Rose smiled as I tried to grin but flinched as the burning intensified. "When Felix returned we were all shocked. I mean we all thought he was dead, so when he turned up alive and he even said you were alive…..we all thought there was hope but the council was divided on a rescue mission. There wasn't a formal trial but ample evidence had to be presented, to even consider such a mission. Even your brother got involved. Although Alec was the one responsible for bringing him." Rose admitted quietly as my ears perked up at the news of Jacob.

"Jacob came? Is he still there?" I asked anxiously as I was desperate to see my brother again.

"To my knowledge yes" Rosalie answered easily as I rested my head against the seat and nodded. Good, Jacob was there and the rest of my family. I hope he wasn't too mad at me. I wanted to see him.

"Good." I whispered as I breathed in deep to ward off the pain and tried to relax against the cushions.

"Hold on Bella, we're almost there, just keep breathing."

Oh yeah keep breathing alright. Didyme said it was going to be worse but what she failed to mention was that it was going to be like another change. The first hour wasn't so bad but I didn't realize how potent the paste was until it was no longer working. The black spiderwebbing kept spreading and it seemed to spread the more the pain intensified.

Didyme warned me of the effects. The dizziness, black outs, madness. How my skin would slowly crack and chip as the poison made its way through my veins and burned me from the inside out until there was nothing but ash. How my mind would create hallucinations making the poison spread quicker.

It took all four of them to hold me down, Emmett included, and even with all their strength combined I was too far gone to be completely lucid of the last hour of the trip. I could barely remember anything just these small moments in time. Flashes of what was happening and memories of what I dared not to forget. The faces of Mom and Dad were ones I would never forget, my dad smiling at me; the pride in his eyes as he hugged me so tightly I could almost feel his arms around me again holding me. Than my mother, young and beautiful as she once was before the cancer took her. Her brown curls gleaming except she looked different in this false reality my mind conjured up, almost angelic. Like they were right there with me on that plane.

Luckily for me that was all I remembered before their faces blurred together and I lost all sense of time and reason. A fact that I was grateful for as visions of my parents was a welcome sight but not a sane one although my sanity was the last thing I had to worry about as before I knew it I was somewhere different; the uncomfortable stiff floor of the plane replaced with the silk sheets and feather downed bed of luxury…not that it made a difference to me. Pain was pain and the sharp sting relief was all I cared for when I saw Didyme's relived expression in my vision.

"Didyme!" I whispered my throat thick and muscles aching as I tried to lift myself from the thick pillows. Her cold hands gently pushed me back down as she sat on the mattress and dabbed some cool water on my head.

"Hello testro I'm so happy to see your eyes again." Didyme smiled as she pushed back some of my hair and I groaned again as I moved and sat against the headboard. Didyme frowned as she help adjust me on the bed I found myself in and fully focused on the sunlight streaming in the windows.

"Where are we?" I asked roughly, my voice weak as Didyme sighed and leaned back sighing.

"We're in my lab quarters, a few miles from the palace." She said as she took my arms and for the first time I looked and saw faint raised lines spiderwebbing along my arms as Didyme placed more of a cream on them and wrapped them tightly.

"What happened to me? One minute we were on the plane and the next were…here." I finished faintly.

"We were on our way to Volterra but your condition worsened. I feared that if I did not get you help soon….you would have been lost to us." She whispered as tears entered her eyes and I noticed how tense she looked.

"How bad was it Didyme?" I asked tentatively and she got up and was back with more paste as she spread it on my legs where the same faint lines remained.

"Bad. The poison was spreading and the remedy wasn't working nearly as quickly as it should have. I had to act quickly and the palace didn't have what you needed." She blinked as I heard quick footsteps outside the door and my body tensed, waiting until Rose poked her head in. Her blonde hair falling over her shoulder as relief flooded her face.

"You're awake!" She cried as she stepped fully into the room, Emmett on her heels as he broke into a wide smile, although his eyes remained tense.

"Hey guys." I smiled as Rose hung back and Didyme placed more of that paste and cream on my body.

At my questioning gaze she leaned back and handed me the jar, allowing me to smell it and study its texture. "Menthi root. Found remotely but combined with other ingredients, potent enough to heal scarring and sooth the wound." She explained as I swallowed back the dryness and my throat flamed. "You must be thirsty. It's been days since you last hunted and even then it wasn't enough. Can you move?"

"Enough to hunt." I smiled weakly as I moved from the bed, my limbs feeling stiff and heavy but all the more reason to move.

"You may feel a bit weakened still. The poison was just removed." Didyme cautioned as I smiled and wiggled my fingers and toes. I was alive. That's all that mattered.

The woods were just as I remembered. The familiar scent calmed my nerves as my body moved all on its own; the blood soothing the burn in my throat and for the first time in months…really it felt more like years, I felt strong again. No longer weak or drawing on everything I had just to make it though the day but now I felt almost like old self. Almost anyways. Glancing over Didyme moved gracefully though the woods but stumbled sometimes when it came to catching her meal.

Rosalie and I gave her a reminder of what and how to hunt animals and she took it nicely from there. I could tell it bothered her though. Hundreds of years locked away from the world had done damage we were still uncovering. She was still skittish around Emmett, and I knew that she was inching to be back with Marcus but to Didyme my health took precedent.

I'll be forever grateful for her skill and friendship. She saved my life.

"You're doing wonderful Didyme!" I called as she smiled. She wiped some blood from her lip as I felt fully stated and stood next to her.

"Thank you dearest, this one comfort is, I hope a good sign of things to come." She whispered as we both looked at the castle. "Are you ready to see everyone?"

"Are you?" I redirected smiling half heartily as if my heart were still beating it would be thumping wildly right now.

"Yes….no." She sighed as we walked, slowly, towards the castle. Rose and Emmett gave us privacy that we needed, and Rose went to collect the members of the council. As much as we rather did the reunion in private…. this was now war. The information we had couldn't wait much longer to spare our feelings.

Of course, secretly I didn't think any amount of time was enough.

"Yeah I get what you mean. As much as I want to see everyone….I don't want them to see me like this." I whispered as I stared at my hands, new scars crisscrossing with raised wounds that have yet to heal.

"Does that make me a bad person? All I wanted was to see them again, see Alec again, but now that I'm here…now that I'm back it doesn't feel real." I whispered as a weight settled heavy in my stomach.

"We have changed much Bella; as much as we may want it, we will never be the same as we once were. It's up to us now on what we do with that knowledge." She grinned as she pushed more hair out of my face. "I have faith in my love that he will love the new me. Accept me as I am, new wounds and all."

Smiling I let out a breath and smiled softly. Faith. That was what saved me from the hell of prison. It will not abandon me now. I shouldn't think less of Alec or my friends. Think of Rose who, even with our rocky history, embraced me with a happiness that I had never seen from her. Surely the others will react the same.

"I called Carlisle ahead of time to meet with first. He's the best person to see right now as he's up to date with everything. He'll be here soon." Emmett said as he led us back into the castle. The large walls with the familiar paintings caused a wave of nostalgia of a life that felt far away. The new scents in the air sent anxiety coursing though my veins as I couldn't recognize any familiarity and I focused all my attention on the tile flooring and I swallowed back bile as we entered a conference room, a new addition since the last time I was here.

"Where is my Marcus, Emmett?" Didyme asked, her panic hidden except the tremble of her hands.

"Rose is searching for him now. Since the council was created Marcus and Caius have been frantic of forming the new government while Carlisle was handling the day-to-day matters but I don't know what the circumstances are now. I'm sure Rosie will find him soon." He comforted as Didyme's anxiety was becoming worse. I smiled at her and grabbed her hand as I squeezed and she nodded her head silently.

"…don't see what the fuss is about Rosalie. What is so important that cannot be told over a phone call?" Carlisle's confused voice could be heard as hurried footsteps followed and we both tensed. I bit my lip as the footsteps stalled before a gasp was heard the doors swung open as a gaping Carlisle stood there silently before he quietly said "Bella".

"Hi Carlisle" I said softly as I stood nervously, Didyme hiding behind a pillar as her hand covered her heart before I found myself in engulphed in Carlisle's arms. He said my name like a mantra as surprised as I was, I slowly grasped his pressed shirt and hid my face as I hugged him tightly. "Carlisle!" I cried as tears prickled my eyes and his familiar scent, the safety of his arms broke whatever it was inside of me as the fear left me with all that remained was security and safety.

"You're alive. Thank the heavens your alive!" Carlisle whispered as I smiled and leaned back as I took in a deep breath.

"I didn't come alone." I said softly as I looked to the pillar and Didyme, her entire body trembling, walked out as gasps were heard all around the room.

"My God." He whispered, awe in his voice as he took a step forward and Didyme swallowed. "Didyme?" He questioned as she slowly nodded her head and Carlisle took another step forward, his eyes watering. "Didyme….is that you. Is this an illusion? Bella?" He looked to me and then back to her as Didyme smiled happily and rushed to him as Carlisle let out a shout of delight and caught her in his arms. The two friends embraced as Didyme sobbed quietly and Carlisle just shook his head, disbelief on his features before a loud bang could be heard from the hallway and loud, rushing footsteps came ever closer to the door as Didyme stiffened and looked anxiously toward the door.

Suddenly it crashed opened as a disheveled Marcus came running in, stopping short at the sight of his lost mate.

"Marcus" Didyme whispered in a small voice as Marcus blinked and took a hesitant step forward. Her eyes misting and lip trembling.

"Mi stella eterna. Mi Didyme?" He whispered softly, his gaze trained on her. As if everyone else in the room disappeared and they were the only two in the world. Carlisle took a step back as the air was charged in electricity as Didyme was struck in silence as Marcus took more steps forward. So slowly as to not scare a frightened deer until he gently took her cheek in his palm and whispered "You are as beautiful as the day I lost you. Mi amor" Marcus whispered as tears blinded his vision and Didyme gave a great shout and rushed to his arms.

I felt my own tears prickle my eyes as my chest warmed at their reunion Carlisle back at my side and hugged me as more footsteps could be heard and soon I saw familiar blonde hair in my vision as a familiar voice whispered "Bella?"

I turned as I saw Jane enter the room, with two more vampires I had not met, before crying and lunching myself at Jane. Her arms wrapping around me easily as I heard cries and inhaled her familiar scent. "Jane!" I sobbed as Carlisle let me go and I fully embraced her as sobs wracked my body and we fell to the floor in a heap as I smiled against her shoulder, her own tears watering her eyes but never spilling.

"You're home. You're finally home!" she cried as I nodded letting out a sigh of relief.

I was home.

Just close your eyes

You'll be alright

Come morning light

You and I will be safe and sound

Safe and Sound – Taylor Swift with The Civil Wars (Taylor's version)

A/N: Hey y'all! An update for now but going forward don't know when the next update is.

Going forward my writing and style have improved drastically since I started this story back in 2019. I'm redoing and editing this story to match my skill set and wondering if the majority of you wanted this story in 3rd person or keep it as is.

There is currently an active poll right now on my profile page at the very top of the screen to choose VOTE NOW! (Delete spaces) w w w. SurveyMonkey r / FYZVXNF