Chapter 18

A/N: Hello everyone. Thank you so much for reading and providing your feedback. I so appreciate your thoughts! I know its been a little bit, but I'm still here! Lots going on in life, but I still plan to finish this tale. Thank you for the support of this story. I did have a moment to do some editing. I hope you enjoy.

"As you know, madness is like gravity: All it takes is a little push." — The Joker

Enzuk POV

The next morning, I awoke with a newfound resolve—I needed to speak with my father. Just a week ago, I had viewed his company as something to shun. We had been estranged for what felt like an eternity, yet after our journey, I found myself longing for his presence. I had been devoted to Aro and the Omna realm, ready to live and die by their cause.

But now, everything I thought I knew and cherished felt like a carefully constructed lie. In Aro's army, they painted humans as the embodiment of evil, deserving only death.

My mission was clear: eradicate them without hesitation.

But then came Isabella.

She shattered the image of the monster I had been trained to fight. She was nothing like the evil I'd been warned about, and she sought peace, not war, with my people. If she defied the stereotype, perhaps other humans could too.

My father's account of the great wars unsettled me deeply. Part of me still wanted to reject his claims, but he wasn't the type to lie. And neither was Melxa... Unbelievably, my father transformed from a man I'd avoided into my most trusted confidant.

Never did I think he would support my union with Isabella. I expected him to oppose me until the end. His unexpected backing surprised me and evoked something I hadn't felt in ages—a bond with my father.

I paused outside my father's door and knocked. When there was no response, I cautiously opened it, surprised to find it unlocked. While I never bothered to lock my own door, my father tended to be more vigilant. He was accustomed to the rugged outskirts of Novis, where he lived self-sufficiently with my mother amidst nature. I wondered if my mother was truly happy in the wild. Or did she do it just to be near my father.

"Father?" I called, casting a glance around the room that felt emptier with every heartbeat.

Packed bags huddled in corners; my parents were ready to bid this place farewell, here only for the festival's fleeting joy.

"Enzuk?" My mother's voice, as soft as the white sheers she appeared through, embraced me. Her eyes flickered with concern before a smile smoothed the lines of her brow. "Are you alright, dear?" she asked, approaching with the grace of her flowing white dress.

"Yes," I replied, retreating toward the door, causing her steps to falter. "I was just looking for Father. But I see he's not here."

"Oh," she said gently. "No, he's making arrangements for our journey back home." Another smile graced her lips. "It's time for us to leave but seeing you again has filled us with joy. We miss our children terribly."

I mirrored her smile. "I'm glad you could come for the festival. It was wonderful to see you."

She closed the distance between us, and I felt her arms envelop me in a warm embrace, and for a moment, I was a child again.

"Why do children insist on growing up so fast?" she murmured, stepping back to study my face with an affectionate sigh. "You've grown into such a handsome man, Enzuk. Your father and I are so proud. Remember, whatever path you choose, we'll support you."

I nodded, a silent acknowledgment, yet mused over whether Father had shared our forest whispers with her—she was his partner in all things. Did she know anything about Isabella and I? But courage failed me in asking.

She drifted away from me, tending to her travel case, absent-mindedly sorting through books and jewels. I cleared my throat, breaking the silence.

"M-Mother."

"Hmm?" she answered without turning.

"Do... do you enjoy living on Novis's outskirts?"

Her brow furrowed, eyes locking with mine before a chuckle escaped. "Of course. It's where we chose to raise you," she replied, beaming.

"Yes, but... was it truly your choice?" Her head tilted gently.

"It was ours, your father's and mine, without regret. The peace of the forests, the solitude on our terms—I cherish it. Why ask, dear?"

"Just curious," I murmured.

"You ought to visit more," she suggested, raising an eyebrow playfully. "We'd love the company." I nodded.

"Yes, I'd like that too."

"Good. It's decided. And bring grandchildren," she added with a teasing wink. I spluttered awkwardly.

"Mother... for that, I need a mate."

"And?" she prompted.

"You already know Tanya isn't my mate," I clarified.

"Oh, yes," she grinned. "But surely someone must have caught your eye? Will you really keep me waiting for grandchildren?"

"Shouldn't this conversation be with Emmico?" I contested. "He's bonded already. And Japher is getting married. Why press me about grandchildren when there's no one to announce?"

"Announce?" Her eyes lit up. "So, there's someone you haven't introduced us to?"

"Mother. Please." I implored.

"You can't fault me for a little curiosity," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "You're my firstborn, yet the last without a mate. It's only natural for a mother to wonder, don't you think? Don't tell your brothers, but between you and me, you are the most handsome. I want good-looking grandchildren." She smiled. "A little girl," she added softly.

"A girl?" I arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Isn't it traditional for mothers to wish for sons and grandsons?"

She dismissed my words with a playful wave of her hand. "I've had my share of sons. I'm ready for a little girl to dote on." Her smile wavered, and for an instant, a shadow of longing crossed her face. "I've always wanted a little girl," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Mother?" I murmured, concern pulling my voice tight. Her expression grew distant, and I feared for a heartbeat that a tear might escape down her cheek.

She shook her head, sighed and then resumed packing her trinkets.

Was having a little girl that important to my mother? Isabella and I could certainly work on that. While I wanted to have sons of my own, a little girl would be nice as well. My mind drifted to Isabella; her womb ripe with our creation. A smile touched my lips. The thought of Isabella, belly round with our children, was my deepest desire. Many children—I would ensure she had no rest. I would bed her daily, claim her nightly, and keep her eternally with child. Motherhood would transform her, and she would be majestic. My lust surged at the memory of her cries of ecstasy, our bodies entwined together.

Isabella was exquisite when passion overtook her. I couldn't get enough of her moans and her body close to mind. And the fact that she chose me too, was exhilarating. She was perfect. My perfect woman. Mine to claim. Over and over again. Until she could do nothing but lay in my arms with a content smile on her lips. Like she did the first time we bonded.

"Enzuk?" My mother's voice shattered my reverie, pulling me back to the present.

"Huh?" I mumbled, still half-lost in thought. "I asked what you wanted to discuss with your father, if I may."

"Oh. Um. Nothing important, really. Just wanted to wish him farewell and a safe journey. I'll, uh, let you finish packing. I'm sure we'll cross paths again before you leave." She nodded, and as I turned to exit, a thought rooted me to the spot.

I glanced back at her, mulling over a suspicion. My mother had been my father's closest confidant—perhaps she knew more about the rumors surrounding King Newton's lost child. Surely, she was privy to the truths of the great wars, having stood by my father when he was allied with Aro.

"Mother."

"Yes?" Her eyes flickered with surprise at my hesitation. I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

"I've been digging into our history," I began. "Had some talks with Father during our travel. King Newton and Aro's father—they once shared peace, right?"

She frowned slightly, then lowered herself onto the bed's edge. "Yes, that's true. But digging into history…why? You already know the tales of Novis. Why these questions? It all happened ages ago."

I knew our historical tomes by heart; it was compulsory for any in Aro's army to learn the chronicles of Novis. Yet my father and Melxa spoke tales shaded in truths the ancient records conveniently brushed aside. If their stories held truth, Aro would have had every reason to expunge them from the record.

"Just curiosity. Maybe it's reaching, but… did King Newton have an heir? I've read the scrolls. As a king—surely he'd have wanted his lineage preserved."

My mother's brow furrowed, her gaze darting. "Again, why the sudden interest?"

"I just wondered. Are we certain his line was erased completely?"

"Yes. His bloodline was extinguished long ago," she confirmed.

"Bloodline?" I echoed. "Does that mean… there were children?"

She hesitated, her own hand mirroring mine against her neck. She knew something. She began pacing, hands clutched tight, her face troubled. After a moment, she halted, almost whispering, "T-there was one. Yes."

I tilted my head, fully engaging her with my gaze. To see my mother unsettled was a rarity.

"A male? Or female?" I asked, my voice almost a whisper.

Deep down, I hoped she'd say it was a son. That would mean Aro hadn't taken the human queen into his lair. But a heavy certainty told me it was a girl. I felt that Melxa had been right.

My mother swallowed hard, her eyes darting away. "W-why do you ask such things?"

There was a sharp edge to her voice, a rare flicker of anger. I moved closer, taking her hands gently. "Mother," I urged. "I need the truth. Please."

Her eyes flickered, a sigh escaping her lips. "It was a girl." Her voice was barely audible. Sadness settled deep in her eyes. "Her name was, Renesmee."

Renesmee. The same name Melxa had mentioned.

I looked at my mother with grave intent. "What was your connection to the child? Why claim you named her? That's something only a mother should do." I frowned deeply. "You—you weren't..."

"I might as well have been her mother," she replied defensively. "By blood, no. She wasn't mine. But we rescued her from Aro's cruelty. We wanted to give her a chance at life. What Aro did to the humans wasn't right. He was driven by rage and his own agenda. The great wars were all about his quest for revenge. Nothing more. Ending that child's life—an innocent girl—was a travesty. I cared for her. Deeply. We thought we were keeping her safe by taking her away from Novis and letting her stay on..." She paused, her gaze turning peculiar as she looked at me.

After a moment, I finished her sentence, "To stay on Endis?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "You know about Endis?"

"I know a lot now, more than I'd like to. Father told me," I said. "But there's something I might know that even he doesn't. That child—the girl. I believe she's still alive."

My mother fell silent, absorbing my words. After a pause, she shook her head. "That's not possible," she whispered. "She died... I saw what Aro did."

"Did you see a body?"

I pressed. She raised a hand to her mouth and shook her head. "Not a body. But I found..." She went to her jewelry case, retrieving a gold necklace. Holding it to her heart, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "This was hers," she revealed. "It was my gift to her. She never took it off. I found it among the ashes after Aro... after he did what he did." She hesitated. "Don't you see? Aro wouldn't leave her alive. You don't know him like Carlisle and I do. And if she were alive, she would have come to me by now."

"What if she couldn't come to you? What if Aro has her locked away somewhere out of reach?"

Esme frowned and shook her head again. "He wouldn't. He hated her. Everything related to King Newton, he despised. He wouldn't just leave her alive."

"But what if he did?" I persisted. "What if Renesmee's real mother wasn't Aro's mate? Could it be that Renesmee is—"

"No!" Esme snapped, her voice venomous. "She couldn't be. And he couldn't just hold her captive. There is no way a man like Aro could love. He doesn't know what love is. He would've killed her."

"Unless she was his mate," I countered.

"To be his mate, he would have needed to know her. He didn't. He killed her. There's no chance he kept her alive to get to know her."

"If you saw no body, anything is possible," I insisted.

"Why are you saying this?" she whispered. "Enzuk, you don't know Aro like I do. You don't understand the depths of his cruelty. His heart is black. There's no love in him, especially for anyone connected to King Newton."

"Unless that person was his mate. I might not know Aro as you do, but I have reason to believe Renesmee lives. It's related to that forbidden realm no one can access."

"What 'good reason' do you have to believe she lives?" Esme asked.

I blinked a few times. "Um. Well. I've spoken with Melxa—"

"Melxa!" Esme interrupted, a tinge of betrayal in her voice. "Melxa knows of this?" she muttered.

"In Melxa's defense, he felt opposing Aro was unwise. Aro is Lord and could easily crush him. If this secret was a threat, Melxa would be silenced. Aro would ensure only a select few knew and served a purpose. Melxa has kept her alive all this time. The legend is true." I smirked. "The Rubix flower has healing powers for humans. She's proof."

Esme fell into another long silence, then she looked at me with disgust. "You think Aro has held Renesmee captive all this time, using her—torturing her?"

"No. I don't think he's torturing her. I believe she's his mate. Why else keep her alive? He doesn't need her for anything else. She's human. And Isabella mentioned she was adorned like royalty." I stopped myself, realizing I'd said too much.

Esme's eyes widened. "Isabella?"

"Uh…yes. Isabella... well." I sighed. "She somehow visited Aro's realm through the labyrinths. I'm not sure how, but our conversations revealed she was able to navigate there simply by asking the labyrinth to guide her. It doesn't make sense. I don't know why a Novis entity would heed a human."

"Isabella saw Renesmee?" Esme asked.

"Let's just say, she saw a human dressed in royal attire in Aro's realm. This human had long brown hair and green eyes."

"But—how—when?" Esme stuttered.

"Apparently, while she was with you during my journey. When she was waiting outside a garden while you visited a friend. At least, that's what Isabella said."

Esme thought for a moment. "Hmm. The day we went into town for Alicia's wedding shopping. I told her to wait outside because not all Novis are kind to humans. I had her sit in the garden. I noticed she wandered off, but it wasn't long. I thought she was just being curious."

I smirked. "Well, she was. Just not in the way any of us expected."

Esme frowned, but soon a small smile touched her lips. "She went to Aro's realm. She saw Renesmee. Renesmee is alive," she whispered. "She's alive," she repeated, trying to convince herself. "She lives. But why hasn't she come to me? After all this time."

"Maybe she couldn't," I suggested.

Esme glanced at the door. "I must go to her," she said urgently.

"Mother," I cautioned. "I don't think that would be wise."

"No. I need to see her," she insisted. "I must be sure she's alright. She's probably being held against her will. That—that vile creature is likely using her for his own sick pleasure."

"Mother. I doubt that's the case. You know an Omna cannot treat his mate like that."

"He knows nothing about mates," she fumed. "He only cares about his own desires. He doesn't consider others, least of all Renesmee. He may think she's his mate because he's sick, but she's truly being kept against her will—"

"And if she isn't? What if she loves him too?"

Esme shook her head, anger blazing in her eyes. "That's impossible. No one could ever love a beast like him. He's become a monster. He's driven by one thing—revenge. He would never love a Newton."

"You can't confront Aro on this," I warned. "It's not the right time. He holds too much power. Mother, you—"

"That's my daughter! I'm not afraid of Aro."

I smiled at her. "I know. You're a fearsome mother when you want to be. But it's not about fear. It's about striking when the time is right. I have a plan. Something I wanted to discuss with Father. Aro isn't the only one with a human to protect."

Esme looked at me, her eyes softening. "You speak of Isabella," she said gently. "The one you need to protect?"

I looked down. "I guess there's no point hiding it from you now."

"When did you ever hide it?" she said with humor. "You're a silly boy to think I didn't know. I just wanted you to tell me."

"I didn't—I didn't want to disappoint you," I admitted. "Father and I have been distant, but you and I have stayed close. I knew how much you wanted me to find a mate. I wanted that too. But I didn't expect it to be… a human."

My mother lifted my chin, meeting my eyes. "You could never disappoint me, Enzuk. Especially not by being true to your heart. If you love her, then love her." She smiled. "Omna or human, she is a fine mate. I've never been prouder of you."

"So, you approve?"

"Of course I do," she smiled. "I more than approve. I like her. She's a far better choice than Tanya."

I smiled. Isabella truly was an exception.

"Have you made your intentions clear to her?" my mother asked slyly.

I had done way more than that…I cleared my throat. "Yes, I have."

"And she feels the same?"

I smirked a little. "Mother. We are bonded."

She blinked in surprise. "Oh," she said before smiling. "I didn't realize you moved so quickly."

"We had time to get to know each other on Earth. Since leaving, I knew she was my mate. And I'm not alone in my feelings. We feel the same for each other."

"But you aren't married," Esme raised an eyebrow.

"We can't be on Novis. Not yet. But change is coming, I feel it. Like I said, I have a plan."

"A plan for what?" my father's stern voice interrupted. My mother looked at my father, then back at me, wondering how much to reveal.

I smiled and shook my head at her. "Father. I need to speak with you. It's urgent." He eyed me, then glanced at Esme. She smiled at him, and only then did he relax slightly. I gestured for my father to follow me outside where we could speak in private.

I decided there was no point in skirting around the issue. If Esme was aware of Renesmee, then my father surely knew too—her words, 'we tried to save her,' were telling. That meant he was involved in the effort to save Renesmee and was well aware of the human queen.

As I unveiled every secret I'd shared with my mother, my father remained wordless, his brow furrowed in a sober silence. He didn't question a thing, nor did he flinch; he simply sat there, absorbing it all. Once I'd laid everything out and awaited his response—which didn't come right away—I began to worry he was in shock. Finally, he rose from the bench outside, his expression indecipherable. Anger? Sadness? Relief?

"Father?" I prompted, hoping for the bare minimum of a reaction.

He sighed after a prolonged pause. "I doubt Renesmee is alive. I'm unsure what Isabella might have seen, but I have reasons to believe Aro did kill her. He told me so himself."

"And Aro is a model of honesty?" I asked, arching a brow.

My father gave me a pensive look. "Point taken," he replied, a faint grin cracking his stoic facade. "Still, I can't fathom him lying about this. Why would he take Renesmee?"

"She's the daughter of the woman he fancied himself in love with. She must be a spitting image of Victoria—perhaps once his muse, now possibly his mate."

"I'd need convincing," my father insisted. "Aro has never failed to pursue revenge, and King Newton's lineage tops that vendetta list."

"Maybe," I conceded. "But the sight of Renesmee might have softened him. How old was she when Aro allegedly ended her life?"

"In human years?" my father pondered. "Her twenties—early twenties."

"Time enough for her to mirror her mother," I surmised.

"He did mention she resembled her mother—a 'striking beauty,' he called her." My father's fists clenched, knuckles blanching. "That devil," he cursed under his breath. "If he has her, truly, I'll kill him."

"Killing Aro won't untangle Novis's chaos," I warned. "Per Isabella's vision and Melxa's testimony, they even could be bonded. Ending Aro risks harming Renesmee, and we need Aro to repair his damages, lest a great war ensues. Melxa claims Renesmee is pivotal."

"I still can't believe that Melxa has had a hand in this…but how so?"

"She's the human queen holding Aro's heart—a bridge between Novis and the human realm. Only she can parley peace. Rebellion stirs in Endis and Kelus; war looms. Exiled Omna crave return to Novis, and humans demand what Aro stole—a living heir. They're uniting. Melxa advises we persuade Renesmee to quell the brewing conflict, reason with Aro before lives fall and truth remains unspoken."

"We can't count on Aro's listening," father countered. "He's stubborn. Novis is testament to his obstinacy."

"Renesmee is crucial," I said. "If she's his mate and human, she'll have sway. He might grit his teeth, but he'll hear her out."

"And this is your grand plan?" my father asked with a scoff. "Convince Renesmee to have Aro rewrite Novis's laws?"

"My aim is to take Renesmee to Kelus, show them their queen breathes."

"And what of Novis?" my father queried. "Think they'll accept her return, her alliance with Aro? Or Aro surrendering Novis to reside with Renesmee?"

"We need to bridge this abyss; war isn't an option," I insisted.

My father shook his head. "If she truly lives, what assures her desire to abandon Aro and return to humanity? If she's been willingly with Aro all this time, why would she leave now?"

"To save Aro and her people," I reasoned. "Aro is powerful. But, he has a weakness now. His strength is compromised by his human mate. He faces no refuge if he doesn't heed reason—cornered from Endis to Kelus. I doubt he'd risk her life. It's tough to wage war with something precious at stake. With something to lose, Aro can't be the monster he once embodied."

"And how do you intend to approach Renesmee without alerting Aro?"

I smirked. "Same way we did the first time, but it'll be me, not Isabella. I won't risk her safety again."

"You plan a venture into Aro's lair?" my father mocked. "He'll kill you if you trespass, especially if you are seeking out his mate. It's unwise. Isabella managed—"

"No," I interrupted sharply. "I won't risk her."

"Listen," my father grinned. "If she can repeat her previous success, she might reach Renesmee—woman to woman. Human to human. If Renesmee hasn't turned her in already, she might be willing to talk. You, however, are Omna, and Aro might not be suspicious of a human presence given he is used to Renesmee's human presence. But Omna? He'll be on alert. He will sense another Omna in his realm. Isabella's our logical choice."

His point planted seeds of doubt, as much as I resented it. For any other human, I'd agree, but not with Isabella—not my mate. The pain of losing her was unthinkable; it'd be a torment I'd never escape. I'd flip the world to find her, leaving ruin in my wake. She was mine.

"Consider it," my father advised. "Discuss it with Isabella. We won't succeed without Renesmee—if she breathes. And I think Isabella is the best one to speak with her."

I scoffed, anticipating Isabella's reckless courage I could already predict Isabella's reaction. She'd insist on taking the job—it was who she was. But I couldn't let her go. She needed to understand she was the one who could bring me to my knees, the only person capable of ripping my heart apart. She was the single reason I lived. If she exited this world, I wouldn't be far behind.

"I'll speak with her," I assured.

My father's eyes twinkled with approval. "Good."

"But if we convince Renesmee to join us, if she agrees to escape with us… will you come too?"

"To Endis?" my father questioned, crossing his arms like a skeptical bouncer guarding the gates of reason.

"Yes. To Endis and Kelus. To put an end to this war."

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then smirked with a hint of devilish delight. "Yes. I suppose."

"Why are you smiling like that?" I asked with a smirk.

"Oh nothing. We'll just have a very angry Aro in hot pursuit."

I frowned, then realization struck me. We were taking his mate…

"Taking his mate will make him lose all sense of sanity," my father elaborated. "I suspect Aro cared deeply for Victoria, nearly setting the universe ablaze for her sake. But if Renesmee is truly his mate, bonded with him, expect fire and death."

"Well, here's hoping Renesmee has a knack for calming wild beasts," I quipped. "She's managed this long, hasn't she?"

"Taming Aro is a difficult task. Let's hope she can do so…at least until we've slipped out of the path of his raging tunnel vision," my father added. "Have you ever witnessed an Omna's wrath over their mate? It's a spectacle you don't want front-row seats to. And Aro… Well, let's just say he can flatten anything in his way without an ounce of hesitation. Don't underestimate him."

I recalled the blistering anger I felt the night Isabella was tormented—an anger I hadn't known existed within me. And that was over something minor compared to this. I could only begin to fathom the havoc I'd wreak if anyone dared to take her from me. Aro wouldn't be any different, and we were about to steal away his heart's claim.

"However," my father mused with a sly grin, "it might work to our advantage. It'll lure him out of Novis, and maybe, just maybe, if Renesmee's got enough charm to melt his icy logic, perhaps he'll listen to her. But as I said, it's a big if, and he'll want our heads to decorate his mantelpiece if we misstep."

"He'll never take mine," I declared. "Even if I must duel him to the death."

My father assessed me with a knowing smile. "You've got the guts, son, but you've never faced Aro. He plays by no rules, using whatever leverage he finds. That might include your human mate."

"Let him try," I ground out. "If harm befalls even a single hair on her head, I'll make sure his mate's the last thing he sees."

My father's expression tightened, concern squeezing his features. "Let's not jump to the execution phase, all right? Renesmee's special to your mother and-"

"I. Will. Kill. Her," I annunciated with the clarity of a tolling bell. "If Aro treasures his own mate, he'd do well to steer clear of mine."

My father acknowledged my determination with a strained smile. "Let's focus on winning over Renesmee to our cause. The rest will unravel with time."

I nodded thinking over our next steps in silence. "No matter who speaks to Renesmee, we will need to distract Aro," I said. "He can't be anywhere near his realm. Especially if Isabella takes on the task. He has to be completely distracted and unsuspecting." I looked at my father.

He nodded in agreement. "True," he said pensively. We thought again in silence. Both mimicking each other and father and son. Finally, my father spoke again. "Well. He knows that I am leaving soon. And while our friendship is very strained, I could invite him to an early dinner to say farewell."

I frowned. "Given that your friendship is strained…he won't be suspicious that you are wanting to see him?"

"He might wonder…but I don't think he will refuse. And I don't think he will ever guess the reason behind my actions. Who would guess that we were trying to smuggle Aro's human mate away from his private realm? I don't think he would suspect that his mate was being stolen."

I sighed. "Are you certain you could distract him for a good amount of time?"

My father nodded slowly. "I think so. Esme and I will wine and dine him. It's been a while since the three of us broke bread together as friends. I'll tell him, I wish to mend old ties. I doubt Esme will be happy with the plan but, for Renesmee, she might put up a fight."

I nodded. "It's a good plan. But we will need to come up with a plan B if he decides to leave early. I don't know what sort of surveillance he has at his realm or how often he checks it. I think it's a miracle that Isabella got in and out. But to do it again is risky—for anyone. Who knows? Aro could have a way to instantly teleport to his realm. I imagine he has a quick way to get to his mate at any given time. It's what any Omna would have."

My father nodded. "Better involve Melxa in this. He's the only one that knows about such things. He might have even helped design some of the surveillance that Aro uses. He might also have something that Isabella-I mean one of you could use as a cloaking device. Just in case."

"Right," I said eyeing my father. "You work on your dinner plans. I'll speak with Isabella and Melxa."

My father nodded, and we parted with a lingering, heartfelt embrace, the kind that seemed to whisper of unspoken understanding.

Still. My mind spiraled with a storm of possibilities, the clang of imminent decisions thundering in my head.

Should I whisk Isabella away from Novis, to the peaceful isolation of Endis? The war was threatening Novis, not Endis. There, we could live undisturbed, like my father had with Esme—nurturing our family far from the chaos, insulated from the world's harsh grasp.

Should I rally against the forces brewing in Novis and Aro?

Should I place my trust in Renesmee's ability to temper Aro's ambitions and restore harmony?

All I longed for was Isabella, nestled safe in my arms, away from danger. I craved the simple vision of her warmth beside me, of building a life and a legacy together—a love pure and enduring.

So why was everything so damn complicated? All I desired was the woman I adored.

With these thoughts swirling, I busied myself readying a ship, stacking it with the essentials of survival for what lay ahead. Whether our path led to Endis in flight or in pursuit of a better future, the vessel had to be prepared. Contingencies were no longer optional; they were imperative. Isabella's safety came first.

As I packed supplies—medicines, clothes, food—a reckless thought tugged at me: why not abandon it all and elope with Isabella right now?

Novis no longer held sway over me. The realm, its conflicts, its wars, had dimmed in importance. My heart's loyalty was hers alone. So why linger amidst battles and burdens that bore no meaning for us? I exhaled, heavy with resignation.

Because even if we fled, true freedom would elude us. We would forever be fugitives. And, without the Rubix flower, Isabella's days would be heartbreakingly finite.

Thus, the path was clear—it had to be this way. Renesmee truly was our only hope.

Plans are in the making...What's up with Aro and Renesmee? Love? Or does Aro have something up his sleeve? Who knows. Love does funny things.

"When we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love"-Robert Fulghum.