Hello! How are you all? Sorry for the delay, but I have good news. Today I'm uploading 2 CHAPTERS!

As always, I hope you enjoy the chapter a lot, and don't forget to write a review! I know there are several new followers, I would really appreciate it if you tell me what you think of the story so far!

Special thanks to MMTyler, reddishbrownwolf and 1dreamkeeper for their reviews!

Enjoy ;)

Chapter 18

The Malfoy Mansion was bathed in sunlight, the weather quite atypical for this country. I know it's absurd, but the radiant sun immensely annoyed me; how was it possible that in such a tense moment, where Bella's life was at stake, the sky looked so serene, as if it were irrelevant?

I entered the mansion after going to Harry's place. As soon as we returned from the unsuccessful search for Bella near the airport, I had left the vampires at the mansion and quickly moved to Harry's house. I knew there was no time to waste and that we needed all the help we could get. I explained the situation to Harry and Ginny, and within minutes I was back at the mansion, ready to face whatever was coming. Harry and Ginny would arrive in a few minutes, after informing Ron and Hermione about the situation.

Upon entering the living room, I noticed that Rosalie and Emmett had already updated Alice, Jasper, and Edward about all the research: the blood pact, the war between vampires and wizards, what Cassiopeia had done, the deal with the Volturi, Jane and Alec, and the potion to mask Bella's scent. Everyone was gathered, but the atmosphere was dense, charged with tension. We knew the stakes were high.

The sound of the Floo Network filled the room, and in a flash of green flames, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione appeared in the fireplace. The group of wizards shook the dust off their shoulders, clearly uncomfortable being in a room full of vampires. Although Rosalie and Emmett had already met Harry, Ron, and Hermione before, the others were not familiar with them.

I quickly made the introductions, naming each vampire and wizard. The Cullens nodded cordially at the wizards, however, that did not alleviate the tension of the latter. I remember how I felt the first time with Edward, and also when Emmett and Rosalie first arrived. The need to be alert to danger was something instinctive and hard to overcome.

Despite this, Hermione cleared her throat and was the first to speak, "It's a pleasure to meet you all," she said with a polite smile, while assessing the situation. "We know this is not a normal meeting, but we are here to help."

Alice smiled warmly. "It's nice to meet all of you, though I wish it were under better circumstances," she said with a genuine but reserved smile. "We're not used to working with wizards. In fact, we didn't know of your existence until a few weeks ago. But any help to save Bella is welcome."

Jasper, who had kept a low profile until then, nodded before saying, "This is bigger than any of us, and if we collaborate, we will have a better chance."

There was an exchange of glances between both groups. Although there was some suspicion and tension due to the unknown, the fact that everyone was there for Bella created a kind of tacit understanding.

"Right," said Harry. "We're here to help. We're going to get Bella out of this."

"So," began Hermione, taking control as she always did at these moments, "I think we have two options: peaceful negotiation, which should be our main focus, and if everything goes wrong, we must have a ready plan of attack and/or escape."

Jasper, with a serious look and an almost military stance, stepped forward. "That's right. If plan A fails, we must be prepared for the worst case scenario." His gaze crossed with Hermione's before continuing. "But I want to make it clear: facing the Volturi is not like fighting any group of vampires. They are lethal and organized, with centuries of experience."

"I know," I said, my voice tense, "but we have an advantage. Harry and I know Occlumency. We can protect our minds from any attack by Jane or Alec. If we can neutralize them, we will significantly reduce the threats."

Ginny, who had been listening attentively until now, intervened. "I've also learned Occlumency with Harry. That gives us three wizards capable of blocking any mental attack."

The room fell silent for a moment, as everyone processed the importance of this information. Neutralizing Jane and Alec was a priority, as their mental abilities were the most dangerous in the Volturi's arsenal.

Alice, however, frowned. "There's a problem," she said softly. "My visions are... blurry. Anything involving wizards is confusing. I can't see the future clearly, and with so many factors at play, I don't know how this will unfold." She rubbed her temples, as if it hurt to think. "I can't rely on my visions to guide us."

Hermione nodded, understanding the challenge this represented. "Then we'll focus on what we can control. Our priority is peaceful negotiation. Draco," she said, turning her gaze towards me, "you're the best candidate to talk to the Volturi. The blood pact and the broken agreement give us a political edge."

I nodded, knowing it had to be me who spoke with the Volturi kings. "I will appeal to the agreement they made with Cassiopeia. If the Volturi have broken the terms by not fulfilling their promise to eradicate impure-blooded wizards, that means they owe us something. If we can renegotiate those terms, we might get out of this without needing to fight."

"But if that doesn't work..." added Jasper, his tone somber, "we must be ready for action. Plan B must be clear: escape with Bella and take out anyone necessary to ensure they don't follow us."

"Demetri," murmured Edward, his tone grave. "If we don't eliminate Demetri, he can track any of us. He's our biggest threat if we have to flee."

Harry nodded. "Then it's clear. Draco, Ginny, and I will take care of neutralizing Jane and Alec. With their mental powers out of the game, the others will have a better chance to fight or escape."

"I'll deal with Demetri if I have to," Jasper said calmly. "He's the best fighter next to Felix. I think I can handle him."

Emmett stood up with a smile, "If it comes to that, I'll take care of Felix."

"And in the meantime," Alice said, "the rest of us have to take care of getting Bella back and protecting her so we can escape with her."

Jasper continued, "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, as soon as Demetri is dead, we need to take Bella and get close to any of the wizards, so we can disappear from the castle and come back here."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that, and that we can resolve this peacefully," Hermione concluded.

Everyone nodded, knowing that the line between success and disaster was extremely thin. We had a plan, but it depended on many variables. And there was still the uncertainty of how the Volturi would react to our arrival.

Volterra.

The ancient walls of the Italian citadel rose on the horizon, majestic and somber under the gray sky. We appeared on the outskirts of the city, in a discreet alley. The atmosphere was charged with tension as we approached the heart of Volterra. Fortunately, the day was cloudy and the vampires could be on the street without risking exposure to humans.

We were all aware that time was running out. Every step towards the castle increased the pressure in my chest. The Volturi had captured Bella, but they didn't know what awaited them. They didn't know that she was not Edward's mate, nor that there were five wizards ready to protect her. That surprise, I was sure, would be key to any hope of negotiation.

The group moved forward in silence. Rosalie and Emmett walked beside me, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione a few steps behind, and behind them were Alice, Jasper, and Edward. As we approached the huge castle gates, a shiver ran down my spine. I knew what was at stake. This was not a simple rescue, it was a battle with forces beyond my control.

"We're here," Edward whispered, his dark eyes fixed on the imposing doors. The desperation and hatred he had shown towards me before were now controlled, replaced by his determination. I knew that, like me, he would do whatever it took for Bella.

The doors creaked open, and we were greeted by two male vampires, and I must admit, quite intimidating. One was tall and burly, the other shorter, but still above average, and with a calm demeanor, but undoubtedly hiding a skilled fighter.

"Felix, Demetri," said Edward.

The shorter of the two responded, with a forced smile, "The Cullens. We've been expecting you." Then his eyes landed on me and the other wizards, "And you bring more human company. This is going to get interesting," he said with a malicious smile, before indicating to us all to follow him.

We entered the castle, passing through passageway after passageway until we reached a reception area with a human woman behind a desk.

"Wait here," said the same vampire who had spoken earlier, Demetri. Then he added, "Isabella is about to start her audience, the kings want to talk to her alone at first," then he turned around and headed to a door on the side along with Felix. "Someone will come for you when it's time."

With that, they left us in the reception. The secretary completely ignored us, immersed in whatever she was typing on her computer.

"What now?" asked Ron, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

We settled into the waiting room, expectant and nervous, while the vampires tried to hear what was happening on the other side of the walls, where Bella was in the audience.

"It's useless," Jasper whispered, "This castle is made by vampires and for vampires. We won't be able to hear anything from here."

The walls were soundproof, so we had no way to know what was happening on the other side. The knot in my stomach grew, fearing what Bella might be experiencing at that moment.

Suddenly, Edward looked up towards the door where Felix and Demetri had disappeared. "I see her," he said with a tone of relief.

Edward closed his eyes, concentrating. "She's in the audience hall now. The three kings are there with her," he continued, his voice a thread of sound that we all struggled to capture, "Along with the guard. Demetri, Felix, Jane, Alec, Renata, and others I don't recognize." The tension in the waiting room was palpable, everyone hanging on his words.

"Aro is questioning her about why she surrendered so voluntarily." Edward narrated, transmitting each word as if he were watching the scene through a window. "She says she did it to protect the people she loves, that she doesn't want anyone else to be in danger because of her."

Hearing this, a deep respect and fear mixed in my thoughts. Bella was there, facing those powerful immortals alone, sacrificing herself for us. A stupid decision, yes. We should have planned this together and found a solution where she wasn't risking her life like this. But despite everything, I can't deny her bravery. Definitely the spirit of a Gryffindor.

Suddenly, Edward tensed his body, a low growl escaped his lips. "Demetri," he muttered with disdain, his teeth almost grinding. "He's thinking..." he stopped, clearly disgusted, "he thinks Bella would look 'exquisite as an immortal'. And his thoughts about that possibility are quite… graphic."

Hearing this, I felt a wave of anger mixed with repulsion. It was hard to stay calm, knowing that that vampire was contemplating Bella in such a way.

Rosalie scoffed, her eyes narrowing in disgust. "That's repulsive," she said under her breath, clearly outraged by Demetri's thoughts.

I forced my mind to focus on the main goal, to stay focused and ready for any eventuality, though inside, a cold fury was beginning to boil. "Keep going," I said to Edward, trying to hide the fury in my voice.

Edward nodded, continuing. "Bella is very calm, focusing on protecting us, especially the Cullens. She hasn't mentioned anything about magic."

"She's incredibly brave," Hermione whispered, her expression one of mixed worry and pride. "To stand there alone, in front of those creatures, and still think of protecting us..." I couldn't agree more.

Every second that passed, every snippet that Edward translated, increased my admiration for Bella, but also my anxiety. It was impossible not to feel frustrated and worried about her well-being.

"The kings are deliberating now. Aro seems thoughtful, but it's hard to know what he's really planning. They are considering her words. Aro is intrigued by Bella's potential as a vampire." Edward said with an irritated and cold tone.

"We can't let them turn her," Emmett muttered fiercely, clenching his fists. "Not without her consent, not like this."

Just hearing about the idea of Bella's potential as a vampire sent a wave of unease through me. The idea of Bella changed was not something she wanted, nor that I desired for her. Despite this, the gravity of our situation forced my mind to explore all possible outcomes, even those we would have previously dismissed without a second thought.

If turning her into a vampire was the only way to ensure her survival, would I be able to accept it? My heart weighed heavily just thinking about it, but the priority was her safety. However, in the end, the choice should be Bella's. It was her life, her future; she should have the power to decide her own destiny.

As Edward continued to describe the Volturi's deliberation, I contemplated the possible change in Bella, transformed into a vampire by a decision of the Volturi. I couldn't help but feel a visceral rejection of the idea, a resistance to seeing Bella turned into just another piece on the vampire chessboard.

The wait in the room became increasingly tense, and every second that Bella remained in that audience, every moment that passed without us being able to see her or influence her fate, increased my anxiety. I was not only worried about her physical well-being but also about the integrity of her essence, about keeping her true to who she really was, beyond what Aro or any other Volturi might see in her.

"Let's hope they don't have to make that decision for her," I thought, as a firm determination settled within me. Bella deserved to decide freely, and we would fight for that freedom.

"They'll call us soon," said Edward, and we all nodded, ready to face whatever came, determined to support Bella in any circumstance she faced.

In those moments of waiting, my mind raced, planning, worrying. Bella was there, alone, and every second we spent waiting was a second more she had to endure the pressure of the Volturi. I knew we had to be prepared to act as soon as they called us, ready to defend ourselves, ready to protect Bella at any cost.

Thoughts?