The morning after the underwater encounter with Demetri and Felix and just hours after they arrived, the sanctuary felt unusually tense. Imani had called for a meeting in the grand hall, a space carved deep into the cliffs, with the sound of distant crashing waves echoing through its high, arched ceilings. The air was thick with anticipation as the figures gathered around the long stone table.

Imani sat at the head, her expression carefully composed but her eyes giving away the gravity of the situation. To her left sat Delfin, his calm presence reassuring, though his red eyes flickered with concern. Dorothea, who had been by Imani's side during the encounter, stood to her mother's right, her face thoughtful, still processing the implications of what had been shared.

Adelia sat next to Dorothea, her dark eyes sharp and inquisitive, and next to her was Carme. Carme shifted in her seat, the smooth stone cold beneath her palms. The grandeur of the hall surrounded her, but she felt a weight of unease pressing against her chest. She glanced around at the gathered faces—each member of the Oceanic Coven carried a burden that seemed to thicken the air, and she sensed it keenly, the energy of their shared worry melding with her own.

Imani cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Yesterday, we met with Demetri and Felix Volturi. They are part of the high guard which consists of powerful vampires that Aro keeps near him." She explained, mostly to Carme who was new to all this. She didn't know much about the Volturi except that they have been the rulers of vampires for more than a thousand years. "We were able to come here early because of Delfin's specially breeded turtles, these are ones we only give to certain covens in case they wanted to communicate with us. Without that initial respect, Demetri's tracking abilities would have surely lead the two of them to the Forks cavern and see Carme."

Carme listened intently, her mind racing as Imani detailed the intricacies of vampire politics and the high guard. The fact that Demetri and Felix had sought them out was unsettling, but she felt a flicker of gratitude that Delfin's turtles had afforded them some time to prepare.

"So, if Demetri and Felix were able to find us so easily," Carme said, her voice trembling slightly, "what's to stop the Volturi from tracking us down again? What if they come for me?"

Imani's expression softened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered Carme's question. "That's why we must train you to harness your abilities. If the Volturi sense you as a threat, they will come. We need you to be ready."

Delfin nodded in agreement, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "They are relentless. We cannot underestimate their resolve. But we also have strengths of our own, and that includes our ability to communicate through the ocean. It gives us a unique advantage." That comforted Carme a little, however there was still tension there as her thoughts ran. Imani decided to continue the main subject of the meeting.
"In any case, they 'invited' us to witness against the Cullens, and this puts us in a precarious position. If we refuse, we risk angering the Volturi, but if we accept, we could be walking into a trap." Imani's voice resonated with authority, but the vulnerability in her eyes did not go unnoticed by Carme.

Adelia leaned forward, her dark hair framing her face. "What if we sent someone to gather more information? We need to understand the true nature of their intentions. Perhaps we can uncover a way to turn this situation to our advantage."

Imani shook her head, her expression stern. "That's not possible. Aro's abilities allow him to read thoughts with just a touch. If any of us get close enough to him, we could be compromised. We cannot risk him knowing our plans or the extent of our concerns."

Carme sighed, crossing her arms. "So we're just supposed to sit back and wait for the Volturi to make their move? That doesn't feel right. We need to take action!"

"The best action right now is caution," Imani replied. "We can prepare without giving anything away. The most crucial thing is to keep our heads down and ensure that Carme is safe. We can't let them know how much she means to us."

Carme felt the weight of their words settling in her chest. "But I don't want to be a liability. I want to help."

Imani's gaze softened. "And you will. But your training must come first. If we can fortify you with knowledge and skills, we stand a better chance against the Volturi."

Delfin interjected, his voice calm yet firm. "We need to solidify our defenses. Training Carme in her energy absorption abilities is key. With her power, she can protect herself and the rest of us if the situation turns dire."

Carme felt frustration boiling beneath the surface. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as the familiar pang of inadequacy surged within her. For the past three months, that was all she had been doing—training, honing her abilities, and focusing on self-preservation.

"We've come so far," she said, her voice slightly trembling with emotion. "But it feels like we're still just waiting for something to happen. What if we never get to the point where I can actually help? What if this is all I'm ever going to do?"

Imani stepped closer, her expression softening in response to Carme's frustration. "You have to understand, Carme, that every moment you train makes you stronger. The fear and uncertainty you feel are normal; we all experience it. But your growth is a process. It takes time."

"But how much time?" Carme shot back, her eyes flashing. "We're facing a threat that could come at any moment, and I'm just sitting here, learning to control my power instead of using it!"

Delfin's gaze remained steady, a calm anchor in her turbulent sea of emotions. "You're learning to harness a unique ability, Carme. Energy absorption is not just a tool; it's a responsibility. If you don't understand how to use it properly, it could backfire on you or those you care about."

Carme took a deep breath, the weight of her emotions pressing heavily against her chest. "I get that, but it feels like I'm just... a burden. I want to contribute, to be a part of the fight, not just the one everyone worries about."

"Every warrior must train before they can fight," Adelia interjected, her tone more encouraging. "You're not a burden; you're an asset. Your potential is immense. You just need to trust in your abilities and allow them to grow."

"But what if it's not enough?" Carme whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of crashing waves. "What if I fail?"

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the unspoken fears they all shared. Imani stepped forward, her voice strong and clear. "Failure is a part of learning. We all have our doubts, but we must face them head-on. You won't be alone in this fight; we're here for you, every step of the way."

Those words helped Carme a little bit, but her form was still deflated. She feel grateful for this new family she had found, and she feels as if she can only give back everything they did for her by doing more.

Carme took a deep breath, feeling the tension in her body start to ease. "Alright. I'll work on my abilities. But I won't stop pushing for more. I want to protect the people I care about." The growing ache in her chest had lessened. The venom reacting to her stress simply reminded her of the obstacles she had to overcome. "I want to start today." She continued.

"Then let's not waste any time," Imani said, her authoritative tone laced with encouragement. "We have much to cover."


Carme's new bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility, carved into the very cliffs of the sanctuary. The walls were adorned with soft, ocean-inspired hues, reflecting the deep blues and greens of the sea. Shelves lined with books and trinkets collected from various shores surrounded her, while the gentle glow of the setting sun came in through the open window. The large, curved window offered a breathtaking view of the ocean, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks a soothing backdrop.

As she settled onto the plush, oversized bed draped in soft fabrics, Carme smiled at Dorothea, who sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning against the wall with an air of casual confidence. The comfort of the room and the shared intimacy made Carme feel safe, ready to delve into stories that would bring her closer to her new family.

"Tell me about Imani," Carme urged, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Dorothea grinned, the corners of her mouth lifting playfully. "Ah, Imani. Her story is one of legend, filled with triumphs and trials. Are you ready for a tale that stretches back to 1200 BC?" Her tone filled with fake wisdom and -

Dorothea grinned, the corners of her mouth lifting playfully. "Ah, Imani. Her story is one of legend, filled with triumphs and trials. Are you ready for a tale that stretches back to 1200 BC?" Her tone brimmed with mock seriousness, as if she were about to impart some ancient wisdom.

Carme leaned in closer, a smile creeping across her face. "Absolutely. I'm all ears for your storytelling prowess."

"Very well," Dorothea declared, adopting an exaggeratedly dramatic expression. "Once upon a time, in a world filled with mortals who had yet to experience the terror of vampires, there lived a fierce and formidable being named Imani. She was one of the first vampires to exist—an absolute queen of the night! Can you imagine the chaos she caused? It was a whole different era, filled with villages to terrorize and mortals to prey upon."

Carme giggled, picturing Imani as a wild, unstoppable force. "So, she was a total monster, huh?"

"In a way, yes," Dorothea replied, her voice light yet filled with reverence. "There was a time when she faced the Romanian coven in battle—a powerful group in their own right. Imani defeated them, but instead of destroying them, she chose to spare their lives. Why? Perhaps it was a glimpse of compassion, or maybe it was just her way of saying, 'I'm too fabulous to kill you.'" She smirked.

"That's incredible," Carme exclaimed, her imagination racing with images of Imani in dramatic confrontations, choosing mercy amidst chaos. "But what made her different from the other vampires? Why did she spare the Romanians?"

Dorothea's expression softened as she considered the question. "Imani was unique in many ways. Her power and confidence made her formidable, but she also had a sense of pride and a desire to forge her own path. Sparing the Romanians was a way of asserting her dominance without unnecessary violence. She understood that sometimes, survival meant choosing not to kill."

"That makes sense," Carme replied, nodding thoughtfully. "But how did she feel about the Volturi? Did she ever consider joining them?"

"Ah, that's where it gets complicated," Dorothea said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "The Volturi, led by Aro and his brothers, offered her immense power and influence. It could have been a tempting offer for anyone. But Imani was fiercely independent; she valued her freedom over power. Joining them would have meant giving up control of her own life."

"What happened when she refused?" Carme asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Did they try to force her to comply?"

Dorothea sighed, her expression turning serious. "In a way, yes. The Volturi are relentless in their pursuit of power and control. They made her an offer—her past crimes would be forgotten if she agreed to live by their rules. It was a strategic move, but Imani wasn't about to be someone's pawn. So she chose to retreat to the ocean, to hide and adapt."

"Wait, what crimes?" Carme asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What kind of crimes did Imani commit that made the Volturi want to punish her?"

Dorothea glanced at Carme, her expression thoughtful. "The Volturi have strict rules that govern our kind. They maintain order in the vampire world, and any breach of their laws can lead to severe consequences. For example, revealing our existence to humans or creating too many vampires without permission are two of their most significant offenses."

Carme's eyes widened. "So, Imani broke those rules?"

"Exactly," Dorothea explained, her voice steady. "Just before the Volturi rose to power, Imani was known for her fierce independence and her reckless behavior. She often attacked human villages, and while she reveled in her vampire existence, her actions caught the attention of the Volturi. They were looking for a way to establish their authority, and Imani's defiance provided them the perfect opportunity."

"Did they manipulate the situation to make her look worse than she was?" Carme asked, her curiosity piqued.

Dorothea nodded, her expression growing serious. "They did. The Volturi exaggerated her actions, framing her as a threat to the vampire world. They aimed to consolidate their power by making an example of her, using her as a justification for the strict enforcement of their laws."

Carme felt a shiver run down her spine. "It sounds terrifying to have so much power over you. How did Imani escape them?"

"Imani was cornered," Dorothea continued. "The Volturi offered her a deal: her past actions would be overlooked if she submitted to their authority. Rather than bowing to their demands, she chose to retreat and adapt, seeking refuge in the depths of the ocean."

"Is that why she chose the ocean?" Carme pondered. "To escape them?"

"Exactly," Dorothea confirmed, a proud smile returning to her face. "The ocean provided her sanctuary. It was a place where she could embrace her true self, learn, and evolve away from the watchful eyes of the Volturi."

"Does she ever regret her decision?" Carme asked, her voice almost a whisper.

"No," Dorothea replied firmly. "Imani has learned to embrace her past and the choices she made. She understands that every decision has shaped her into the strong leader she is today. It's about resilience, Carme. And that's a lesson she wants to impart to all of us."

As Dorothea spoke, Carme felt the weight of her own insecurities pressing down on her. The stories of Imani's past resonated deeply, stirring something within her. She wondered if she'd ever find the strength to make hard choices or face her fears like Imani had. The idea of facing something head-on instead of running away felt both terrifying and exhilarating.

"She sounds amazing," Carme said softly, admiring Imani's journey. "But sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever be able to be like that. Like her. What if I can't handle the pressure?"

"You're already stronger than you think," Dorothea said, leaning in with sincerity. "It's okay to have doubts. We all do. Even Imani had to grow into her power. You'll find your way, just like she did."

Carme nodded, her thoughts swirling. The story was more than just Imani's—it felt like a reflection of her own struggles. She realized that she didn't have to be perfect or invincible. It was about learning and growing, even when it felt impossible. Maybe she didn't need to rush to figure it all out. It was okay to take her time, to learn from her own experiences and mistakes.

"Thanks for sharing that with me, Dorothea," she said, feeling a bit lighter. "I think I needed to hear it."

"Now, why don't I tell you about how I met my soulmate yesterday?" Dorothea smirked.


in celebration of hoa hoa hoa season, i'm back! with some decisions made, we are going to have the arrival of the volturi soon! i believe i've prolonged it enough so expect that within the next few chapters (hopefully)

i do read and respond to all of your comments so please vote and comment to this chapter! i appreciate all of my readers and i love each and every one of you!