I decided to introduce a new POV: Renesmee. Sorry, but not sorry.
"I have no privacy. But I feel so alone."
Susan Beth Pfeffer
Renesmee
Renesmee woke at five-thirty in the morning. She lay in bed for a while, waiting. She sat up and looked at her desk.
For a moment, her heart leapt and she stared at the door.
It was still firmly shut. She knew that a vampire could easily break it open, but so far, they had gotten the message: her parents knew she wanted to be left alone. So when they couldn't open the door with human strength, because Nessie had grabbed a chair and pushed it against the door, under the knob, they knew she wanted to be alone. She was tired and upset about her thoughts being constantly heard by Dad. If that wasn't enough, even now her parents were always awake since they were vampires, and able to hear every sound, every movement that went on inside her room. Even her own heartbeat.
It drove her mad. She could already imagine her father frowning as he saw this right now.
"Renesmee stop being so moody," she heard his voice. "I haven't done or said anything yet."
You have now, she thought. She curled up into a ball beneath her sheets, scowling. Even in her dreams... he would know. She never had any peace. Any space or time on her own.
In his and Bella's room, Edward felt sheepish as he heard. "I'm sorry, I can't help it." He said.
Renesmee felt guilt- and again, she felt angry for feeling guilty. She always felt angry and guilty at the same time. Guilt because she knew and understood that Dad meant well. Anger because she wanted- desperately- for some time and space of her own. Something that was her own. Some privacy.
And she shouldn't feel guilty about it, she thought. She thought about her writing book on her desk. Normally, she would write if she couldn't sleep. But after this.
Edward pursed his lips. He stared at the wall.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
The walls of their room were blue, almost white, like a lovely, sunny day. The same colour as the skies above Isle Esme where their daughter had been conceived. He looked around. It was a beautiful room, with clouds of gossamer netting floating like clouds from the canopy above to the pale wood floor; the exact same shade as a pristine white beach. The back wall, like in the main house, was glass with glass doors that opened out into their private garden. He could see climbing roses and a small round pond, lined with stones.
Isle Esme, where Renesmee had been conceived and Edward and Bella spent their honeymoon. How long ago it seemed, he mused. A cold, cruel mockery of happier, simpler days, when they still held hope for the future: a promise of a new life- an eternity- with each other. And always the brutal reminder that their happiness had to end.
Edward felt Bella's arm against him. He softened against the touch of her smooth skin. She also stared at the wall. But she said nothing. She couldn't, not without Nessie hearing.
But Edward knew the look in Bella's eyes.
It was roughly an hour later when they heard the window of their daughter's bedroom door open. He heard her thoughts: Nessie was going to see the sun rising. She wanted to be alone, to watch the dawn.
She couldn't stand it. Edward pursed his lips. Against his better wishes, he let her go.
Nessie was upset.
But she knew those feelings of upset would wear off, and that only made it worse.
First, she was right to be upset this time. And for the first time in her life, Nessie knew she wasn't wrong.
Second, Uncle Jasper would only make her feel better, and it was after he wasn't around that she would start to feel whatever she- well, she didn't want to feel upset. But she wanted to feel something without someone making her feel that way with any special powers or talking her into it.
She wanted to be upset or happy on her own terms. Not because someone else forced her to be happy or sad- or guilty.
Which was what Dad did. Dad would make her feel bad, like he always did, like he tried to do and did, like when he told her to go home when the witches had gone. He acted like she was the one doing something wrong. They both did- Mom and Dad. He acted like he was disappointed in her.
She wasn't the one who did anything wrong! But Mom scolded her, and took his side, like she always did when she didn't agree with what Dad thought or she wanted him to stop telling her what to do, or making her feel bad every time he listened to her thoughts and feelings and found that she didn't like something they were making her do. Even if it was for her own good, Dad always made her feel bad. He always tried! And Mom acted like she was a criminal or someone to be punished!
Always. And Nessie found that she couldn't stand that. She couldn't trust or talk to Mom. She could only talk to Leah and Sue and, sometimes, Seth and Grandpa. Providing that they never said anything to Jacob either. He was just as bad.
And because Dad always knew what she thought... he always knew before she even thought of anything, what would make her feel bad. And she would always do it, she would always feel bad and in the end do what her parents told her to do. She knew it was the right thing to do; her parents were never wrong. No parent was. But she hated it; she always hated it in the end.
Nessie hated having them be right all the time! She hated being wrong all the time! And this time, she knew Dad didn't do anything right! She knew her mom wasn't right in thinking that her dad could do no wrong! She knew she didn't deserve to be looked at by Mom like she was a traitor who killed innocent people! Not this time, certainly. And this time, she knew Dad wasn't right in making her feel bad for being upset with him, for something he did- for daring to make her feel bad about it.
And then there was Jacob. Even though he wasn't here, Nessie couldn't help but turn her head as if he was standing right in front of her and she didn't want to see him. He was always there, never leaving her alone or giving her some space, like it hurt too much, and always wanting her to be happy, even if she didn't.
Her parents always talked about soulmates and happily-ever-afters. They'd always talked about how they found each other, and how it was fate and written in the stars, the same way the Wolves always talked about imprinting. But they also talked about how Mom had decided to be together with Dad for eternity. Nobody ever asked Nessie when she would decide, or even if she would. And she bet no one would ask her what her decision would be.
She'd gone back to the house and waited for them to come home, but she didn't speak to them for a long time, and Nessie was relieved to see that they didn't look for her. They must have been too upset. She wasn't particularly happy about that, but more and more, she was happy to be alone.
So, she had climbed out of her window and a distance away from the Cullen House- although she never dared go that far- her parents would be angry- she went high up.
Nessie wanted some space. She wanted some time alone. She didn't want Dad reading her thoughts or making her feel bad so she could do whatever he asked. Or just reading her thoughts for no reason. And she didn't want her mom to give her that look like she was a criminal for not believing anything Dad said, or not liking anything Dad said or wanted her to do. It didn't matter if Nessie was right or wrong this time, she didn't care; she wanted to feel something of her own, to think things in her own thoughts without someone making her feel bad or trying to make her do or think, or feel what they wanted her to.
She didn't want Uncle Jasper trying to make things okay by making her feel things either; and she didn't want Dad to ask Uncle Jasper to use his powers to make her happy, the way she sometimes knew he did.
And as stupid as this sounded, or childish, Nessie liked being up in that tree, far better than she liked being at home with her parents or with Jacob. At least no one could reach her up here. Not even vampires because there was only room for one person: her.
So they couldn't make her do, or think, or say, or feel anything she didn't want to. Nessie felt safe. She felt at peace.
It was the only time and place she had ever felt this way.
Renesmee waited, waited for her favourite view to happen. It always seemed so... Surreal, that was the word they used in books.
It was the only time she could feel... Could imagine something beautiful and peaceful, yet exciting and wondrous happening. Adventure and beauty, a brand-new start.
Or so it seemed. Her face turned into a frown. It seemed a dream that would never happen.
Dreams always come true, her mom told her. You just have to believe it.
That's what they all say. That's what they always said in the books. But Nessie had been waiting and waiting.
She'd waited for years. And a slow, sinking feeling occurred to her that she might be waiting for longer now, for her to start seeing anything wonderful or exciting, or even just new.
Sure enough, the sun rose.
Renesmee felt her breath catch in her throat. It was magnificent. And she would never grow tired of seeing it. Sometimes, Jacob would offer to watch the sunrise with her, to take her somewhere special where she could see the sunrise with him- get a better view- but Nessie always refused, to Jacob's disappointment.
This time- this felt like the only time that she could get some space, some time for herself and her own thoughts and feelings. Where she could be herself and watch something as breathtakingly beautiful as the sunrise, feeling like anything could be possible- even her dreams.
And what she dreamed of... Nessie dreamed of freedom; she dreamed of friendship that wasn't forced upon her. She dreamed of privacy, of not being smothered. She dreamed of seeing the whole world.
And watching the sunrise made it seem like it could be possible. She didn't need anyone crooning loving words like Jacob or her parents to her. She just needed to see and feel, and think for herself that these things were possible, when she watched the sun rise.
Renesmee sighed, allowing herself to relax. Although she was sure her father knew where she was, and maybe he could hear her thoughts, she allowed herself to feel better.
She did, however, feel bad about before, how she felt which made her look for the tree. She couldn't help it, though, any more than Dad could stop hearing everyone else's thoughts. Except Mom's.
Nessie wondered why she didn't take after her mom and dad with their powers, the way she did with Dad's hair and Mom's eyes. It would make things so much easier. But then again, she supposed it would be annoying to hear everyone else's thoughts. And she felt guilt, because she knew her dad couldn't help doing it, and couldn't stop it. Yet he must know what other people felt around them, unless they thought he was human, that is.
At the same time, a niggling, rebellious voice in the back of Nessie's head told her that if Dad could hear thoughts, he should know how she felt whenever... A series of images ran in her mind. Her fists tightened. Anger made her stomach knot.
After the witches and wizards had left, and Nessie spoke to her dad... the way he spoke to her... him and Mom... like she was a criminal and she did terrible, horrible wrong things, that shocked people because of how bad they were. Mom had looked at her that way too, when she stood up to Dad and told him off for it. Yet Dad was the one who did those terrible things and she could bet Mom didn't look at him that way when she heard the news. How was it that Nessie saying those things was worse than Dad doing what he did in Volterra?
It wasn't and she knew it. Now she knew for certain, that her dad was in the wrong- and so was her mom.
Nessie scowled, fury building up in her insides. She wasn't going to go back there again. They were going to make her feel guilty again and she knew it. She hated it.
She liked being up here, alone in this place. No one to tell her what to do, or say or read what she thought and felt, and try and make her think and feel something else. She loved it up here.
And no one could force her down or make her do anything otherwise.
"Karma is the law of cause and effect."
Adyashanti
Whatever the Cullens had been expecting to see and meet, when Gabrielle Delacour showed up, it certainly wasn't what they came face-to-face with.
This new witch was the most beautiful woman any of them had ever seen; she was breathtaking. Tall and willowy, she had long, silver-blonde hair gently waving to her waist; hauntingly lovely violet-blue eyes framed with full, curling black lashes; luminous, pearlescent skin and delicate, but perfect and symmetrical features on a heart-crushingly beautiful face. She looked like something out of the writings of a mythology book, even more so than a vampire. She even seemed to glow with a silvery light.
Bella also stared. Everyone momentarily forgot the atmosphere within the Cullen house. There was no denying that this woman was more than human. She wasn't a vampire, that was certain. But she somehow made even the most beautiful vampires, like Rosalie and Heidi, look artificial and solid, by comparison, like they were carved from solid stone, even if polished. This lady seemed light and airy, as if woven by magic from nature's elements. A creature of moonlight and starlight, whereas vampires were rock-crystal, merely reflecting the light.
"Good evening," she said in an utterly melodious voice that reminded Bella of silver bells, nightingales and fresh, pure spring water cascading over crystal. "My name is Gabrielle Delacour."
At first hearing, anyone would assume that she was English, but Bella's sharp vampire ears picked up on a lilt that seemed more continental European than British, like she wasn't actually native speaker, despite her fluency.
Gabrielle took a deep breath. "I apologise for this sudden appearance, but I am an agent of the International Confederation of Wizards, also known as the ICW. And I am here to warn you that a squadron of Death Dealers, under the orders of the Vampire High Council, will be expected to arrive here soon to request your surrender and to take you into custody." She nodded to Edward.
Edward took a deep breath and stood from the couch. He nodded, his pallor concerning, even for that of a vampire. Gabrielle eyed him with pity. All the other Cullens were like blocks of ice. Jacob stood behind Renesmee, like a pillar of strength, next to Bella. Renesmee's brown eyes were wide, and Bella was so pale she might have been transparent. She shook and looked like she could have had tears in her eyes, if that had been possible. She looked sick. They all knew there would be no fight. They couldn't even if they tried.
"They plan on taking you to the Old-World Coven in the Carpathians for trial. The Volturi are already being held there, in Castle Corvinus, as it is known. I am here to meet with them and to make sure that you will be treated fairly. You will also be given a fair trial. I am also here to ensure that not only your rights will be respected, but those of your family." She nodded to them. "They are invited to Castle Corvinus for the duration of the trial and sentencing, where we have been assured that they will be treated as guests and protected as such. Even though we have been informed beforehand that you do not drink human blood, they also wish to request that you do not harm any humans while present on the continent, just to be certain. Food will be provided for everyone. Your family will neither be harmed nor mistreated, as are you." She nodded firmly, resolute. Her eyes softened in sympathy as she then looked at Bella and Renesmee. "Furthermore, although they will be in separate accommodations to you, they will be allowed to visit and to leave whenever they wish. They are allowed to testify and speak on your behalf, and witness the trial come to its conclusion."
Edward swallowed. "Will I get a lawyer?"
Gabrielle shook her head. "Vampire trials do not work that way. Lawyers and prosecutors, as they claim, are both too… smooth. The trial will be based on cross-examination, evidence and truth. You will be unable to lie and no one will be able to use their powers without express permission because magic inhibitors will be put in place, with the exception of a Truthsayer, someone who will detect truth from lies. And even though your government's authority has been suspended, for now at least until the conclusion of the trial or if it has been rendered null and void, and that your species are not officially part of the Vampire Confederation, the Lady Laima, who will preside over the trial, has ensured that your species are to be treated as equals to all the other vampires. Therefore, many of your allies, friends and acquaintances will be present." Edward took a shuddering breath and Carlisle winced. "Maggie of the Irish coven has agreed to serve as Truthsayer, as you are of the same species." Some of the Cullens jerked back at in surprise and at the mention of her name. "More details will be revealed once you get there.
"Personally, however, I do have a suggestion for you all." Gabrielle took a deep breath and looked down at Renesmee with pity in her eyes. "There will be cameras in the courtroom. Because the magical human community has been wronged, it is important for our kind to see justice has been delivered. Therefore, not only will Signora Adriana Della Rosa and members of her family be present along with members of the Italian Ministry of Magic-" Everyone winced at the mention of the mother's name. "But also television crews to film the entire trial for our world. We could censor your daughter's face to ensure her privacy, but I think you understand just how… painful and trying this would be for her to witness her father in such a state." Renesmee's face was pinched with her pain and anguish, and her guilt for her anger, as the realisation now sunk that her father was in big trouble, and that he was being arrested for it. "I would ask you- and this includes you as well-" her eyes softened. "To discuss and decide amongst yourselves on whether she will go with you." She pursed her lips. "However, I can offer one last reassurance: that if you choose otherwise, you will be given a means of communicating with her and that she will still be permitted to join us in the Old-World Coven after the sentencing to be with her father."
Nessie's eyes shot up, wide with the anguish she had just had months ago, when she experienced, for the first time, members of her family leaving.
Edward, Rosalie, Jasper and Esme squeezed their eyes shut and Bella shook, swallowing tightly. Her hands were shaking. Emmett and Alice looked sick. Jacob swallowed.
"I will leave you to discuss and debate this inside," Gabrielle assured them. "I will be outside, waiting- but the Death Dealers will be arriving shortly, so I suggest you all decide quickly." She glided out of the room, where MACUSA Aurors and agents of the ICW were waiting, to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Carlisle took a deep breath. "Right. We all set and ready to go?"
Bella nodded, choking. They were already packed and dressed in travelling clothes, suitcases by their side, having been warned about this by Adsila Sizemore. Esme held Bella tightly around the shoulders. Renesmee and her mother flew into Edward's arms. The whole family came to embrace them.
"Dad," Nessie choked. "I'm sorry… so, so sorry. I didn't believe they'd take you away. I didn't think they would do it. thought- I thought-"
"I know," Edward murmured, soothingly. "I know. But the fact of the matter is, your grandpa Charlie is right. People have to respect the law."
Renesmee took a shaky breath. Bella sobbed quietly and tightly. Esme and Alice too. Rosalie's beautiful features were contorted in pain.
Jacob stood, uncomfortable, unsure of what to do. He desperately wanted to comfort Nessie, her whole world was shattering in front of her very eyes, and he was clueless on how to stop it. He found there was nothing he could do or say. The family finally broke apart.
Edward looked at Jacob. "Take care of her," he insisted. Jacob nodded. "I will."
Bella took a deep breath. "Jacob, take her to Charlie's house. She can stay there-"
"No!" Nessie shouted in despair. "I wanna go with you!"
"Renesmee," it was Carlisle who stepped in. "Trust me. We're not doing this on a whim. This isn't something anyone will want to see whether or not they are kids: your father in custody and on trial. This will haunt you forever. Please. This would put your father's mind at ease, even just a little."
Renesmee opened her mouth and closed it. She thought about it and she knew Carlisle was right. This would haunt her forever. She would see it in her nightmares for as long as she lived.
Renesmee bit her lip. She looked down. Numbly, she nodded.
Everyone nodded… and waited.
Sure enough, a strange fog began creeping up through the woods and meadow, blanketing the surrounding area, even the skies, until they could see nothing but white.
It was sunset. "They're here," Gabrielle Delacour said slowly.
Sure enough, the sun did disappear behind the fog. Strange, shadowy figures emerged all dressed in black.
Gabrielle nodded as she acknowledged them. "Death Dealers," she greeted. One of them stepped forwards.
A beautiful svelte vampire was robed in a black trench coat. Her jaw-length hair was the colour of stained walnut, her skin as pale as alabaster, with elegant features. Her eyes, they were startled to see, were chestnut-brown. There was something that looked different about her, although she was just as beautiful and elegantly graceful as any vampire they'd seen.
"Selene, I presume?"
Selene nodded. "You are Gabrielle Delacour?"
Gabrielle nodded. "I am."
Selene turned her attention over to the Cullens. "We have come to arrest the one known as Edward Cullen." She spoke.
Edward stepped forwards. In the dim light, he looked even more pallid than he normally was. His bronze hair stood in sharp contrast, still sleeked up, though the colour looked more washed-out than it normally was. Dark shadows stained it beneath his eyes. He looked sickly, for an immortal.
Selene glanced at him up and down. She wasn't impressed. "Will you come quietly?" She asked. "We have already arrested the ones you call the Volturi. It will not be an issue for us."
Bella stiffened. Edward caressed her hand briefly. He turned and gave one last smile to Renesmee, and, before he lost his nerve, walked forwards. Renesmee gave a sob.
Instinctively, Bella jerked forwards, only to be pulled back by Esme and Emmett.
She sobbed. 'No-" but before she could even get the word fully out, the fog disappeared. The Death Dealers seemed to vanish, along with Edward.
Bella collapsed, uncaring of who saw her, sobbing at the floor.
Surprise. As if the term Death Dealers weren't enough to clue anyone in. However, in case it's not obvious yet, these vampires are different than the ones we've seen in the Underworld series, though Selene is there.
No need for spoilers yet. Just worth mentioning that the name Laima is not a typo for Lamia. Even though Lamia was the name of a vampiric monster in Greek mythology that preys upon children, I've chosen the name 'Laima' for its reference and meaning. It's a Lithuanian name meaning 'Luck' or 'Beginning'. In Baltic mythology, it's also the name of the goddess of fate, birth, marriage and motherhood. And this is about to prove very meaningful.
If you are familiar with the Underworld series, alongside others like Castlevania or even the film Van Helsing, I'm going to put it that these different species of different vampires all existed- or at least would have existed at some point- only to merge into one. And Lady Laima is responsible for this.
No, I didn't use any reference from Anne Rice's novels because we have to respect her wishes and the terms on this website. And I'm not making money out of this.