Chapter 20


Yes...I know it's been a while…I had to deal with life and also the next chapters are very pivotal to the story. So, they took some time. Sorry for the wait…here you go! :) Thank you faithful readers! I know you have been asking, and I have read your reviews. I'm looking forward to concluding this story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters, that's all Stephenie Myer's department!

"Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine."

Alan Turing


I moved through Enzuk's quarters, my every motion calculated, graceful, smooth—just as I had been taught to blend into the background. But I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, and I couldn't help but smirk. Enzuk was always a temptation I couldn't quite escape. He had a way of making even the simplest tasks feel like an invitation for chaos.

Melxa had trusted me, though. And I wasn't about to make waves. I'd been given a privilege most could only dream of—the device that let me understand the Omna language—and I promised I wouldn't stir up any trouble. But trouble had a way of finding me, especially when Enzuk was around.

As I finished polishing the glass panes, that voice slithered into the air behind me. The kind of voice that made my pulse quicken without permission.

"If you wanted to be in my quarters, all you had to do was ask. I would've escorted you personally," Enzuk said, his tone velvet, dangerous, almost taunting.

A flush crept up my neck, and though I didn't turn, I knew it was him. I could feel it in the air. I bent down, gathering the sheets, forcing myself to stay composed even as my heartbeat thundered in my ears.

"Excuse me," I said, hoping my voice came out cool and unaffected. "I've got cleaning to do."

His laughter followed me, smooth as silk. "Am I stopping you?" His voice, low and suggestive, slid through the air, wrapping itself around me like a sinuous thread.

I tried to feign annoyance, but my body betrayed me as I moved past him. But before I could take more than a step, his tail coiled around my waist, yanking me back with an almost predatory ease. My breath hitched, a slow, hot shiver rippling through me.

"Yes, you are stopping me," I said, my voice catching as I tried to pull away. But his tail only tightened, tugging me closer, and his smirk deepened. "Enzuk," I whispered, my breath coming faster now.

He hummed, a sound that vibrated in his chest, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "Hmm?"

"You're stopping me from doing my work," I managed to say, my words a mix of irritation and longing, even though I was already melting under his touch.

He grinned, a low chuckle raking through his voice. "I didn't know you were so dedicated to cleaning." His lips grazed my ear again, each movement deliberate, possessive.

I bit back a smile, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. "I'm not. But we promised Melxa we'd be more careful."

Enzuk's tail tightened again, just enough to make me gasp. His voice was a whisper now, an irresistible temptation. "I don't remember making any promises."

I couldn't stop the shiver that ran through me, my body reacting despite my best efforts. "Well, maybe you weren't paying attention," I shot back, though my voice had softened. "Melxa was clear about us being more careful."

He chuckled again, the sound vibrating through me like a current. "Oh, love," he whispered, his lips brushing the sensitive curve of my neck, "A little chaos never hurt anyone. Besides, you've always been a fan of bending the rules. Isn't that true?"

I tilted my head, meeting his gaze. It was filled with mischief, dangerous mischief. "I'm not that much of a fan," I retorted, rolling my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips gave me away.

"You sure about that?" Enzuk murmured, his breath warm against my skin as he leaned in closer. "Admit it. You secretly love it when I distract you. And you do love trouble. You just won't admit it."

My words faltered as I tried to protest, but his gaze was so knowing, so intense, that I couldn't find the strength to argue. It was true—he distracted me, and I didn't know how to stop it. The heat between us simmered, thick and undeniable.

"Don't flatter yourself. You aren't that much of a distraction," I murmured, though my voice was breathless. "I'm just... trying to be responsible."

His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. "Is that so?" he whispered, his voice dipped in something darker, something dangerous. Then, without warning, he placed a kiss on the small of my neck, tender but claiming.

"How about now?" he asked, his voice low, a challenge in every syllable. "Am I distracting you now?"

I shivered, feeling the heat in my cheeks, the ache in my chest. "Enzuk..." I started, but the words got stuck as I felt the rush of heat pulse through me. "Should we really—?"

He pulled me even closer, his tail tightening ever so slightly around my waist, keeping me locked in place. "Should we what? Make love?"

"Enzuk. We can't," I whispered. No matter how glorious that sounded.

"Why not?" He said playfully. "We both know you're not going to get much cleaning done with me here." His voice was low, his lips curving into a smirk that made my heart skip a beat.

"Exactly," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "So. Maybe you should let me go."

"Oh, I could," he said, his lips brushing mine in a slow, teasing kiss that melted my resolve. "But why would I when you're so much more fun to play with?"

"Melxa—" I began, but he crushed his lips to mine, cutting me off as he pulled me closer, pressing his body against mine.

I sunk into him—literally sunk into him. I melted against him. When he finally pulled away, he smiled. "Melxa isn't here right now, love," he said, his voice thick with desire. "And you can get back to your little chores when I'm done with you."

I couldn't even respond before his lips were on mine again, hot and demanding. His kiss wasn't gentle anymore. It was possessive, claiming. "As my mate," he whispered against my lips, "you shouldn't be doing this kind of work anyways. It's beneath you."

I felt my heart flutter at the word mate. He was too much. All-consuming. But I wasn't ready to give in—not yet.

"Things aren't like that yet," I said pulling my lips away.

"Not yet," he agreed, his eyes darkening. "But they will be."

His words felt like a promise, and that promise made my pulse quicken, my chest tightening in a way that I couldn't ignore. "You're incorrigible," I said, the frustration in my voice masking the thrill I felt from his nearness.

"Only for you," he purred, his voice dripping with desire. His large warm hands were on me, his body against mine, and I suddenly couldn't remember what I was supposed to be doing. All I could see was him. His bright blue eyes, his smug grin, and those still moist lips just begging to be kissed.

"You're impossible," I whispered, finally surrendering. My hands dropped the sheets to the floor as I turned into him, letting myself fall into his arms.

"I love getting my way with you," he murmured, his lips brushing against mine as he wrapped me in his embrace, swaying us gently. "Breaking your resolve? Always my favorite game. Even back on Earth."

I pulled back just enough to give him a teasing smile. "Who says you've broken me?"

His smile deepened, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I will always break you down." His fingers brushed my chin, tilting my head just so. "Even on earth, you couldn't resist me, you know. I fascinated you in all the right ways."

I shot him a sly smile. "Maybe," I said, "but you couldn't stay away from me either. You protected me, saved me from your own people. And now? You can't stop chasing me. In fact you chase me now more than I did on Earth. You're the one obsessed."

Enzuk narrowed his eyes, his lips curling. "You think so? You think you have the upper hand?"

"I know so," I said, stepping back slightly—well as much as his tail would allow—while keeping that playful smirk on my lips. "What's the matter? Afraid to admit it?"

He laughed, his voice low and dangerous. "Not in a million years."

"Then prove it," I said, crossing my arms with a mischievous smile.

"I don't need to prove anything," he said, smirking. "You already know."

"Oh, do I?" I said, my voice low, the challenge in my eyes as I stepped even closer. "Because right now, it seems like you're trying to play it cool."

He laughed, his gaze full of heat. "Cool?" he said, his voice dropping. "I'm anything but cool when it comes to you."

"Then why pretend?" I asked, breathless. "Just say it."

He leaned in, his lips brushing mine. "Fine," he said, his voice a husky whisper. "I'm crazy about you. Happy now?"

"Very happy," I whispered, and then closed the space between us, letting everything else fade into the background as his kiss claimed me once again. When we broke away, I smiled at him.

His face sobered a little as his eyes locked with mine. "I'll fight for you, always," he said, fierce determination etched across his features. "Even if it means going against my own kind."

My face hardened as well as I thought about his words. "I know. But it's not like your people will just let you walk away," I whispered, my heart sinking at the thought.

"I know," he replied, his tone serious. "But I'd rather face them than live without you."

"And that doesn't scare you?" I asked, taking a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest.

"No," he said, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're worth every risk."

I smiled, a flicker of hope igniting within me as warmth spread through my chest. "I would risk anything for you too," I said, my voice steady despite the tremor of emotion beneath it. "But everything we've done, all the sacrifices we've made—it means nothing if we don't have a plan. We need a plan. We can't keep going on like this forever."

"No, we can't." Enzuk's jaw tightened as he ran a hand through his hair, the gesture betraying his frustration. His usually sharp, confident features were shadowed with a rare vulnerability. "And I do have a plan."

I blinked, pulling my head back slightly to meet his gaze more clearly. "You do?" My voice held a mixture of surprise and curiosity, my heart quickening at the prospect.

"Yes," he replied, though there was a hesitant edge to his tone. He paused, as if weighing how much to say, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Well... it's more of a plan in the making. But it might work, depending on..."

"Depending on what?" I interrupted, stepping closer to him, my voice firm. "What is the plan, Enzuk?"

His gaze softened, and he exhaled deeply, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "Depending on whether you trust me enough to see it through," he said quietly, his words heavy with meaning. "And whether I can trust myself to keep you safe through what's coming."

"You know I trust you," I said, my voice steady but laced with unspoken tension. "And we're in this together. We've always had each other's backs. So... spill it. What is it?"

Enzuk let out a long, heavy sigh, his gaze distant as though he were weighing his words, measuring their weight in the silence that hung between us. When he finally spoke, his voice was lower, guarded. "You remember the woman you saw? The human, in Aro's forbidden Kingdom?"

"Yes," I replied, my brow furrowing as a deep sense of foreboding stirred inside me. The way he was hesitating, the carefully chosen words—instinctively, I knew this wasn't just some casual conversation. "I remember her."

Enzuk hesitated again, his eyes shifting to the floor, his expression unreadable as if the words he was about to say would change everything. "As much as I hate to admit it," he started, the weight of his confession pressing on him, "I think she's Aro's mate. Actually, no—I know she is his mate." He let out a breath, the tension in his body undeniable. "And that doesn't mean I'm condoning you going there... But I think you've stumbled onto something much bigger than you realize. Something that might actually work in our favor."

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips, a mixture of disbelief and amusement, but it quickly faltered as the truth of his words sank in. Aro had a human mate. I'd suspected something like this, but hearing it confirmed made my stomach churn. It was like an ugly puzzle piece clicking into place.

"Oh my god," I whispered, the words slipping from my mouth like a quiet prayer. The realization settled over me like a storm cloud, dark and suffocating. "But that means… that means…"

Enzuk finished the thought, his voice lowering even further, taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "He's been hiding it for years," he said, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond me, his mind clearly far away in thought. "And that means… he has a weakness." The air around us seemed to freeze, as if the very room had taken on a chill, as if the revelation itself was enough to shift the atmosphere.

"A weakness?" I echoed. The word tasted bitter on my tongue, like ashes, but I couldn't stop myself from repeating it. It felt heavy—unnatural, even.

"Yes. He has a weakness. He has allowed himself to fall in love and thus, now has something else other than himself to preserve." Enzuk's eyes narrowed as he let out a bitter laugh. "All my life," Enzuk continued, his voice dropping, tinged with a vulnerability I rarely heard from him. "I've believed Aro was invincible. That the reason he never took a mate, never allowed himself to be tied to anyone, was because he had to serve the realm better, with no distractions, no emotional ties to weaken him. But now... everything is falling apart. Everything I've known is unraveling." He stopped, his jaw tightening as if he could physically hold the flood of emotions at bay. "I feel..." he murmured and then paused.

I felt a sharp pang in my chest, the weight of his pain settling in. "Betrayed?" I asked softly, my heart aching for him, for the life he had lived under Aro's shadow, the loyalty he had sworn to a man who now appeared so fallible.

"Disappointed," he corrected, his voice barely audible, as though speaking the word out loud would give it more power than he was willing to admit. "I've given my entire life to the service of the realm. To Aro. Everything I believed in... all of it was a lie." His gaze hardened, and I could see the flicker of rage in his eyes, barely contained beneath the surface. "The way he ruled... everything he taught me as a boy, how I followed his every command, thinking it was for the greater good... only to find out that the very thing he condemned—the very thing he poisoned me against—is the very thing he himself has been hiding, something he's been holding close to his heart this entire time. And he has the nerve to interrogate and condemn me for having any feelings for human."

The words hit me like a wave, and for a moment, I could only stand there, struggling to process the enormity of what he was saying. Aro, the man I had feared and revered for so long, wasn't the untouchable force I had always believed him to be. He had vulnerabilities. And, in the end, those weaknesses could be our key to everything—like Enzuk said.

I placed my hands gently on either side of Enzuk's face, holding his gaze until his bright blue eyes met mine. For a moment, the weight of the world seemed to disappear, and all that remained was the intensity of this shared moment between us. "You are good, Enzuk," I said softly, my voice firm yet comforting. "You are strong. You've shown honor and loyalty to your realm. That's nothing to be ashamed of. You couldn't have known what Aro was up to. It is his fault that you were deceived. That all of Novis has been deceived."

Enzuk's expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, but it was fleeting. I could see that my words had struck a chord, though he tried to hide it. "Everyone except for Melxa," he muttered, almost to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.

I blinked, trying to process what he had just said. "Melxa? What does he have to do with all of this?"

Enzuk sighed deeply, the weight of his knowledge settling heavily on his shoulders. His eyes darkened, a flash of something painful flickering across his face. "He knows. He's always known…since…god, since the beginning."

I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. "But Melxa wouldn't just sit there and do nothing. He would have—"

"He would if Aro threatened him," Enzuk interrupted, his voice tense, laced with a bitterness that made my stomach turn. "Melxa is just one Omna, Isabella. There was no way he could have taken on Aro. I mean, at the time when this all was going on, even I would have turned against him if Aro told me to. It's sad but true. Aro has complete loyalty of the Omna. He is praised as our ruler—as the one who set us free and exercised justice for our people. One word from him, and the entire Omna would go to war. Back then…I'm sure Melxa never stood a chance. And I believe... the only reason Aro has tolerated Melxa knowing his secret is because Melxa is the one keeping his mate alive with the Rubix flower."

I took a step back, processing his words. The Rubix flower—the ancient and rare botanical miracle capable of sustaining human life. It was the key to saving Aro's mate, and obviously proved that the legend was true. Humans could live untold years with the power of the Rubix flower.

However, I was still confused about Melxa's involvement. "Why didn't Melxa just refuse to make it?" I asked, my voice tight with frustration. "Obviously, his ability to keep Aro's mate alive gives him power. Doesn't it?"

Enzuk's eyes darkened as he shook his head, the weight of his knowledge more evident than ever. "I think Aro would have found a way, no matter what. I've learned more about him than I care to know, but one thing that stands out—one thing I can't ignore—is his tenacity. Aro will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even if lives must be risked, even if it means manipulating and controlling those around him." He paused, his face twisting in distaste. "He would have figured out a way to get what he needed, or he would have found someone else to do it. And Melxa's death... it would have been nothing more than a drop in the bucket of the bloodshed Aro has already spilled."

The gravity of his words hit me again, like a cold wave. I was learning now that Aro wasn't just a ruler—he was a man who would sacrifice anyone for his own gain. Well, except his mate. But I could tell, it wasn't just power he sought—it was control, and he would do anything to keep it. My stomach churned as I tried to imagine what Melxa must have felt, knowing he was trapped in a corner where every decision, every move, was dictated by Aro's ruthless will.

"But still," I pressed, "Melxa has some power, doesn't he? If Aro relies on him so much, he could have used that leverage to get out of this somehow. All the secrets he knows about Aro. Including his human mate. I mean…couldn't he have used that power in some way?"

Enzuk let out a bitter laugh, though it lacked any humor. "Power doesn't always give you freedom. In Melxa's case, his power is the very thing keeping him chained. He's got a delicate balance to maintain, and Aro knows exactly how to tip the scales. Melxa's only real option is to keep playing the game until he finds a way out... or until Aro decides he's no longer useful. That is why our plan to change the tides will not only affect us, but all of Novis. Including Melxa."

The silence between us stretched long, filled with the weight of what we had just uncovered. Aro's web of control, his manipulations, and Melxa's unwilling role in it all... it was overwhelming. But even with all that, there was one thing we both knew deep down: something had to give. There had to be a way to turn the tables. There had to be a way to change Novis, and save Melxa.

"You said you have a plan," I said, my voice steady but filled with curiosity. "A plan that involves Aro's mate. What is it?" I asked, leaning forward, my mind already racing with possibilities.

Enzuk let out a deep sigh, his eyes fixing on me, sharp and calculating. "Do you think you can find Aro's kingdom again?" he asked, his tone more serious than I expected.

I tilted my head, taken aback by his suggestion. It seemed strange coming from him—of all people, I wouldn't have expected Enzuk to condone me returning there. "I think so," I hesitated, unsure whether I was more surprised by the question or the fact that it was even being asked. "You want me to find Aro's mate again?"

"Yes," he replied simply, his gaze unwavering. "I want you to speak with her again. Being human, you might have the upper hand in reaching her."

I frowned, my mind still struggling to grasp what he was asking. "Reaching her... I don't understand. What am I supposed to say to her? Your mate is an evil dictator, and we want him to stop?"

Enzuk's expression softened, as though the words he was about to speak carried great significance. "No. That might provoke an argument. I think you should appeal to her responsibilities as a ruler."

I frowned again at his words, waiting for him to elaborate.

He continued. "Her name is Renesmee, and she is the rightful ruler of the ancient human race—the ones you read about in the journal. You remember?"

I froze, the memories of the journal flooding back to me, all the ancient accounts of a time long past. "The ones that tortured your people?" I asked slowly. "She was their ruler?"

Enzuk nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. "She didn't torture our people. That was before her time. She and I were still children during the first great wars. And though Aro made it seem that the humans were the ones in the wrong, the Omna were not completely innocent either. Both sides have their share in the deceit and bloodshed that followed."

Enzuk delved into the intricate history connecting Aro and Renesmee's mother, recounting how Aro's obsessive desire for her had ignited a catastrophic war that left both their peoples deeply scarred. He detailed how his own father had once forged an alliance and a genuine friendship with Aro, only for it to shatter under the weight of Aro's insatiable thirst for power, blood, and revenge. Aro's ambitions drove him to annihilate King Newton's royal bloodline, a vendetta that included targeting King Newton's only child, Renesmee.

Enzuk revealed that his father, bound by Aro's orders, was commanded to kill the young princess. Yet, defying those orders, his father made a pivotal decision—to spare Renesmee's life. He secretly hid her away on a distant planet called Endis, a sanctuary where she would remain under the protection of trusted allies. Enzuk's mother, who shared a profound bond with Renesmee, came to see the girl as her own child. However, despite their affection, his parents ultimately chose to leave Renesmee on Endis to shield her from the ever-looming threat of Aro.

As Renesmee grew, she longed to reclaim her rightful place and sought to return to the human world Aro had ravaged. Her defiance was seen by Aro as a direct challenge to his reign. In response, he crushed the rebellion she led with merciless force. Though many believed Aro had killed Renesmee during this confrontation, her death was never confirmed—her body was never found. The absence of definitive proof allowed her people to cling to hope that she might have escaped and survived.

Esme, however, was convinced of Renesmee's demise. She had discovered a necklace Renesmee always wore buried in a heap of ashes, a grim symbol of loss. Still, the uncertainty surrounding her fate left the possibility of her survival an enduring mystery.

Aro's ascension to power, Enzuk explained, was built upon layers of treachery, bloodshed, and manipulation. He had cunningly turned the Omna people against the ancient humans, branding them as traitors. Yet beneath the lies, Aro's true motivation was exposed—a desperate lust for something that had never been his to claim. His tyranny left a legacy of shattered alliances and unending grief, a testament to the destruction wrought by his unrelenting ambition.

He revealed more about the ancient realm of the humans—Kelus—and its connection to Renesmee. The planet, once decimated by Aro's slaughter, was now thriving again, repopulated by the ancient humans who had managed to survive. Aro's attack had left wounds that had never fully healed, and now there was talk of war—not just from those on Kelus, but also from Endis, the other planet where the ancient humans had fled, and where some of the exiled Omna from Novis went.

I listened, wide-eyed, as the depths of this tangled history unfurled before me. The Omna, a people I had once believed were completely innocent, had their own dark past—greed, violence, and betrayal lay on both sides of this conflict. I had thought the ancient humans were the only villains in the story, but the truth was far murkier. The rift between humans and Omna had been brewing for centuries, and both were at fault. Both sides had acted ruthlessly with the other.

"I've told you everything I know," Enzuk said after a long pause, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession. "So there will be no secrets between us. And because you deserve to know the truth. My people—including me—are not innocent. The story is sad, broken, and wrong. But I don't want our story to continue based on lies. I want it to have meaning. I want to end this...this rift between our people. And I want to do it with you. It's the only way I can right the wrongs I've carried out in Aro's name. I can not standby and let more innocent people die based on a war that shouldn't even happen.

I watched him closely, sensing the depth of his regret. "I've been so blind," he continued, his voice cracking slightly. "I have blindly followed Aro for so long. I even distanced myself from my parents. I have followed Aro without question, killed many humans, and overseen executions of those deemed disloyal to Aro. But no more. I will see an end to this. I don't know if there is a way to right all the wrongs I have done, but I will try."

My heart ached for him. I could see the burden he carried, the guilt that weighed heavily on him. But his words were filled with conviction, and I knew he was determined to make things right.

I nodded. "There is a way to right the wrongs," I said. "You were fooled, Enzuk. Had you known the truth, you would have done what was right. Just like your father did in saving that child. You are both men of honor and you both have been used by Aro. But, it's time to put a strop to Aro. And will be right by your side to help. I believe in you." I said, my voice firm, filled with unwavering determination.

He smiled faintly, his expression softening, though the seriousness of the situation remained. He placed his head to mine. "Your help will be crucial to speaking with Renesmee. If you can gain an audience with her again, I believe you could uncover more about her relationship with Aro. I don't understand why she would stay with him, especially after what he did to her parents and her people. It doesn't make sense why she would fall in love with a killer, nor why she would remain in that place willingly when her people are on the verge of war with Novis."

"Maybe she thought Aro killed her people," I said quietly, piecing together what I knew. "Or maybe she doesn't even know about the war. I didn't even know there were ancient humans left."

"I didn't either. I knew of Kelus, because it was part of our history and past dealings with humans. But I never ventured there. And I certainly didn't know anything about Endis, until my father told me." Enzuk admitted. "I also don't understand why Aro hasn't attacked them yet. Surly he knows about Kelus. If it has been repopulated, he must know. Afterall he spend a great deal of his time trying to wipe out the ancient humans, and banish them from Novis. Now, as I am told, the planet, once desolate after Aro's slaughter, is now thriving."

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to make sense of everything. "It is strange," I admitted. "I would think Aro would know about the planet's repopulation, since his goal was to make sure it remained desolate." I bit my lip in thought and then recentered my attention to the Renesmee. "So, this Renesmee is the ancient human ruler of Kelus. But what does that mean now? If she's his mate, what am I supposed to say to her? When I saw her, she didn't seem trapped. She seemed happy, content. The woman I saw wasn't a prisoner. Maybe she is where she wants to be—even though it sounds wrong." I shook my head, struggling to understand. Who would love a man like Aro?

Enzuk's expression darkened, his voice quiet but resolute. "She is the rightful ruler of her people, and they have never healed from what Aro did. These ancient humans still hold great anger toward him. Renesmee was the only heir to the throne by blood. She was the one who rose up against Aro, trying to avenge Kelus. The people of Kelus know the story, and they believe that Aro killed not only countless of their people, but also the last bloodline to the throne. That's why they're angry. That's why talk of war is on the horizon—not just from Kelus, but from Endis too. Exiled Omna and their mates are tired of living apart from Novis. War is coming from all ends."

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything we had discussed settle heavily on my shoulders. "Since the moment we met," I began, looking up at him, my voice tinged with frustration, "all I ever wanted was peace. And now... there's more war than ever."

Enzuk's gaze relaxed, and for a moment, I saw something raw and vulnerable in his eyes—a reflection of the turmoil inside me. Without a word, he stepped closer, his arms wrapping around my body, pulling me gently into his embrace. The warmth of his hold was a comfort, but it did little to ease the storm brewing within me.

"I know," he murmured, his voice low and steady, almost as if he were speaking more to himself than to me. "And although I said there would never be peace between humans and Omna, I find myself wanting that more than ever. I see the truth now, Isabella." He paused, his hand gently resting on the small of my back, grounding me. "You will have peace. We will find a way."

His words, though quiet, were a promise.

He kissed the top of my head, the gesture tender and almost protective. In that moment, I allowed myself to lean into him, just for a second, as if I could draw strength from his resolve. Peace seemed like such an impossible thing to attain, especially now with everything that had been revealed. But in his arms, the possibility didn't seem entirely out of reach.

I shifted uncomfortably, my fingers twisting together as I stood before the thick, unyielding wall of vines. The tendrils were as silent and unmoving as stone, despite the desperate whispers I sent their way. Enzuk, on the other hand, paced restlessly, his footsteps light but quick against the soft ground.

"I don't understand," I muttered to myself, frustration building in my chest. "Why aren't they responding?" I had tried everything, repeating the same words that had once led me straight to Aro's kingdom, but the vines didn't even stir.

Enzuk glanced over his shoulder at me, his brows drawn tight in concern. "We don't have much time," he said, his voice clipped with urgency. "My parents are keeping Aro occupied, but I don't know how long they can hold him. My father and Aro... they don't exactly see eye to eye anymore. And my mother—well—she despises him." His eyes flickered to the vines. "We need to hurry."

"I know," I said, my voice quieter now as I focused again on the wall of vines. I had to make them listen, like I had before. "I'm just trying to do what I did the first time."

Enzuk turned to me, exasperated. "Which was?"

I sighed, glancing at the tangled mess of greenery in front of us. "I approached the maze… extended my hand, and touched one of the vines. It coiled around my wrist, so tightly that it almost scared me. I pulled away instinctively, but then it sealed itself off from me." I paused, my memories of that first time rushing back. "So, I spoke to it. I didn't think it would work... but it listened, and then the vines reopened to me."

Enzuk's gaze softened, though it was still edged with impatience. "And then what?"

I glanced down, speaking as much to the vines as to him. "I asked if it would take me where I needed to go, but I didn't really believe it would. Then, as a joke, I asked for something ridiculous—something impossible." I met his eyes, my voice firm as I said, "I asked it to take me to Aro's kingdom."

Enzuk raised an eyebrow, though there was a flicker of disbelief in his eyes. "And it did?"

I nodded slowly. "It did. There were lights... flickering along the walls, like a trail guiding me. And before I knew it, I was standing in Aro's kingdom."

Enzuk let out a deep sigh, as if the weight of our task was finally settling in. He stepped closer to the wall of vines, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Slowly, deliberately, he lifted his hand and placed it against the rough surface of a nearby vine. The moment his skin made contact, the vine jerked to life, twisting around his wrist with a quickness that made my breath catch. His eyes fluttered closed as the vine tightened, slithering upwards, curling around his forearm, and then, to my horror, around his neck.

My heart lurched in my chest. I watched as the vine coiled tighter, its grip tightening like a noose. Enzuk's breath hitched, but he didn't flinch.

"We are in your hands," he whispered, his voice strained, but steady. "Please help us. Novis needs peace. Let us pass."

The vine tightened further, and I could hear the strain in his voice as the pressure around his neck increased. Panic surged through me, and without thinking, I reached out, grabbing the vine with both hands in an attempt to pull it away. But it only tightened in response, squeezing harder, until Enzuk's face began to turn pale.

"Enzuk!" I cried out, my voice raw with fear. "Stop!"

He didn't respond, his hands trembling slightly as he kept his focus on the vine, his eyes still closed. But then, another set of vines snaked around me. Before I could react, they pulled me in close to Enzuk, squeezing us together with such force that it felt like the air was being sucked out of my lungs. I could feel the rapid beat of his heart against mine, and my own breathing began to shallow.

"Please," I begged, my voice barely a whisper. "We just want peace. We don't want to fight. We want to help Novis."

For a long moment, there was nothing but the pulse of the vines around us and the ragged sound of our breathing. Then, slowly, they began to loosen. The vine around Enzuk's neck slackened, and I heard him exhale deeply, relief flooding his body as the pressure faded.

I placed my hand gently on one of the retreating vines, my fingers trembling. "Please," I whispered, my voice soft but steady, "We want to help Novis. We can't do that without your help. Enzuk and I only want to bring peace. We mean no harm."

The vine paused, and I could almost feel it hesitating, considering my words. Then, it began to unwrap itself completely. The vines slackened, and I saw the briefest flicker of light as the walls of the maze seemed to shift.

"Will you take me to Aro's kingdom again?" I asked softly, my hand resting on the vine, seeking its agreement. "I must get there. Please."

I gripped Enzuk's hand, and together, we stepped into the maze that suddenly opened before us.

Darkness enveloped us, but soon, soft lights began to flicker along the walls, illuminating a path ahead. Enzuk glanced at me, his expression slightly apprehensive. Then, with a determined breath, he took the first step forward, leading us into the heart of the maze toward the lights.

Hand in hand, we walked in silence, carefully following the lights that flickered along the walls to guide us. Their soft glow illuminated the twisting path ahead, and though neither of us spoke, the weight of our purpose was heavy in the air between us.

When the lights finally ended, a towering wall loomed before us. The vines parted with a slow, deliberate motion, revealing what lay beyond. I gasped audibly, my breath stolen by the sight before me. Enzuk's hand tightened around mine, his grip steadying as we both stared in awe.

We were there. Aro's kingdom.

I looked at Enzuk. "I know the way from here. I remember."

Enzuk's eyes narrowed. "If I'm not mistaken, you told me that last time you went to see her, there was a huge wolf guarding her. I should stay with you just in case."

"You should guard the entrance," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "In case Aro returns."

Enzuk's expression shifted, startled by my words. "I hope to be long gone before he returns. You won't have much time to talk to Renesmee. Our goal is for her to understand her role in stopping the great war that's headed our way—and to better understand why she's remained here instead of staying with her people."

I nodded, my gaze dropping briefly to the ground. "Yes, I'll try to speak with her. But it will take some time. It's not like she'll just come with me, someone she doesn't even know. Especially if she's Aro's mate. It will take time." I glanced back up at him, determination shining in my eyes. "So, you keep watch, and if anything happens, you can—"

"I will not stay down here," he interrupted with resolve. His hand tightened on mine, his voice unwavering. "I'll follow you, so I know where you are. Then, I'll remain close by and keep watch." His grip on my hand was firm and unrelenting as he added, "I'm not leaving you. Especially with that wolf around."

I nodded and led the way from memory. There was no piano playing, but I recalled the path well enough—or at least I hoped I did. Hopefully, she was still in the same spot. It had seemed like her primary place of dwelling last time I was here. But then again, what if she wasn't? What if she was somewhere else in this massive, sprawling kingdom? For the sake of time, I hoped she hadn't moved.

The spiral staircase was just as I remembered it, twisting upward in elegant curves. We ascended carefully, the dim glow of distant sconces lighting our path. At the top, we emerged onto a vast expanse.

The floor was breathtaking, dazzling with intricate patterns of gold flecks that shimmered under the faint light, casting delicate reflections across the walls. At the far end of the expanse, sitting regally, was a large grand piano. But this time, Renesmee wasn't there.

I paused, my gaze scanning the room, searching for any sign of her. Beside me, Enzuk stood still, his wide eyes taking in the grandeur around him. There was awe etched on his face, his lips slightly parted as he absorbed every detail of Aro's kingdom.

I imagined how foreign this must all seem to him. After all, he had been told his entire life that this realm was forbidden, a place shrouded in mystery and danger. And yet, here we were, standing in its heart, surrounded by its majesty.

I bit my lip as I glanced around, my eyes flitting from the grand piano to the towering columns and gilded walls. For some reason, I had thought Renesmee would be easy to find.

Enzuk, still taking in the surroundings, finally turned his attention to me. His gaze sharpened as he asked, "So. Where is she?"

Before I could answer, a strong, commanding voice echoed behind us.

"Why do you ask?"

The words sliced through the stillness, and Enzuk spun around instantly, his hand instinctively pulling me behind him. My heart leapt into my throat as I peeked over his shoulder, and there she was—the same woman I had seen last time.

Her presence was striking, commanding attention even more than I remembered. She stood tall, her figure gracefully draped in a flowing light green gown. The fabric shimmered faintly, catching the dim light and casting soft glimmers as she moved. Diamonds lined the edges of the gown, tracing her form like delicate starlight, their brilliance accentuating her every movement with an air of quiet regality.

Her green eyes glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, sharp and discerning as they swept over us. They were windows to a soul both ancient and unyielding. Her long, cascading brown hair flowed like molten silk, framing her high cheekbones and the gentle curve of her jawline. The golden undertone of her tan skin gave her a radiant, sun-kissed glow, as though nature itself had graced her with its touch.

But it wasn't her beauty that held me captive—it was the crossbow she held steady, aimed directly at Enzuk. Its polished wood gleamed with care, and the notched arrowhead glinted like a silent threat.

Beside her stood a massive white wolf, its presence as commanding as its master's. The wolf's fur was pure, its coat reflecting the light like freshly fallen snow. Its lips were pulled back in a silent snarl, revealing sharp teeth that could tear through flesh with ease. Its low, guttural growl sent a shiver down my spine, a primal reminder that we were intruders here. Piercing blue eyes locked onto us, radiating intelligence and unwavering loyalty.

The air between us was thick with tension, like the moment before a storm breaks. Her gaze flicked between Enzuk and me, calculating and unreadable. Though she hadn't spoken yet, her presence alone demanded respect.

"Stay your hand," Enzuk said calmly, his voice steady and deliberate despite the clear threat before him. "We mean you no harm."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, the sharp edges of her expression unsoftened by his words. "That doesn't answer my question," she replied, her tone as taut as the string of her crossbow. Her grip on the weapon was firm, unshaken, as the wolf let out another low growl, taking a calculated step forward.

"Wait," I blurted, stepping from behind Enzuk before I could second-guess myself. My heart pounded, and my voice wavered, but I forced myself to push through. "My name is Isabella Swan, and this is Enzuk. We truly mean no harm."

Her eyes flicked to me, scrutinizing every detail with unnerving intensity. "Interesting that you've come while Aro is away," she said, her voice dripping with suspicion. "I am certain he doesn't know you're here. That can only mean you're hiding something—or worse."

I took a steadying breath, my palms damp as I tried to stand my ground. "Aro wouldn't have let us in, even if we begged," I countered, keeping my tone firm but respectful. "But we must speak with you, Renesmee."

At the mention of her name, her expression darkened. The wolf's growl grew louder, its blue eyes narrowing as it shifted its weight forward.

Her voice was ice. "How do you know my name, human?"

"We know a great deal of many things," Enzuk interjected smoothly, his tone diplomatic. "But this is no time for riddles or posturing. Lower your weapon, call off your wolf, and let us speak plainly."

Her gaze lingered on him, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, I thought she might fire. Then, with a sharp glance at the wolf, she murmured, "Nevarth, calm."

The massive creature let out a low huff, closing its mouth and retreating a single step. It remained alert, muscles coiled, but the growling ceased.

"Speak," Renesmee commanded, her voice cool and deliberate.

Enzuk stepped forward, his movements measured. "I am Enzuk—"

"I know who you are," she interrupted sharply, her grip on the crossbow loosening but still firm. "What I don't understand is why a soldier of the Order is here with a human, trespassing in a forbidden realm."

Enzuk's jaw tightened, but his tone remained even. "In short? Because Novis is in grave danger, and the tides of war are rising. And you have a hand in stopping it."

Her expression didn't waver. "Wars rise and fall every generation," she replied flatly. "Why should this concern me?"

Enzuk's gaze hardened, and he took another step forward, his tone growing urgent. "Because this war involves Kelus, and you are the rightful queen of Kelus."

Her composure faltered for the first time. Her luminous green eyes widened, a flicker of something unspoken crossing her face. Surprise? Pain? She quickly masked it, shaking her head as if to dispel the notion.

"I am not," she said, her voice quieter now but no less resolute. "Not anymore."

"What do you mean, not anymore?" I asked, unable to keep the confusion from my voice.

Enzuk pressed on. "Renesmee, you cannot deny the ancient laws. Rulership is passed through the bloodline. You are the only heir of King Newton and Queen Victoria. By birthright, you are queen."

Renesmee turned away from us, her movements deliberate. She placed the crossbow on a nearby table, her fingers lingering on it as if it were a lifeline. "Kelus is no longer my home," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow.

"That doesn't change your responsibility," Enzuk countered, frustration seeping into his voice.

I stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder to calm him. "Enzuk," I said quietly, sensing the tension rising. "We should speak in private."

He glanced at me, his jaw set tight, but after a long pause, he relented with a nod. Turning to Renesmee, he inclined his head in a small bow. "Queen Renesmee," he said pointedly before leaving the room.

Renesmee's eyes narrowed at Enzuk as he left, her irritation unmistakable. She stood tall, her expression cold, and it was clear she bristled at his words. The acknowledgment of her title seemed a deliberate provocation against her earlier denial.

When her piercing green gaze turned to me, I felt its weight like a physical force. She carried herself with the poise and authority of a ruler, even as she denied the role. I cleared my throat, willing my voice to remain steady.

"I know this must all seem rather strange—us being here," I began carefully. "But I promise, we have good intentions."

Her lips pressed into a thin line before she sighed, lifting a hand to motion Nevarth away. The great wolf hesitated for a moment but eventually turned, padding to a corner of the room. He settled on the cold stone floor, his massive form still radiating quiet power.

"Good intentions or not," she said, her tone laced with skepticism, "I do not understand what you want from me."

"Just a few answers to some questions, and… perhaps your help," I replied cautiously.

Renesmee raised a brow, studying me with an intensity that made me shift my weight under her gaze.

"There is no need to stare at me like that. You must not think I'm too dangerous," I ventured with a tentative smile, "since you didn't tell anyone about me being here the last time."

Her lips curved into a sly grin, though her words carried a sharp edge. "Who said I didn't?" she muttered under her breath.

I blinked, my thoughts racing. The possibility hadn't even occurred to me. I guess I assumed she didn't…but maybe I was wrong. Could she have told Aro about my presence? And if she had, why hadn't he done anything? The notion was unsettling.

Renesmee moved to a chair near Nevarth and sank into it with a surprising grace. She leaned back slightly, one hand idly scratching the wolf's head as he let out a soft, contented growl. His tail wagged lazily, the sound of it swishing against the floor filling the silence.

"You may ask your questions," she said, her tone even. "But I won't promise answers—or my help."

Well, it was a start.

Here we go...