The door clicked softly behind him as Edward ensured Bella was out of earshot. His thoughts turned inward for a moment, tracing the weight of the decisions that had been laid out in front of him. He felt a quiet urgency stirring within him—he needed to speak with the Cullens, needed to explain his thoughts without the interference of the child's innocent curiosity.
"Come with me," Edward began, his voice steady and resolute. "We'll discuss why I asked you here and why your help is needed."
He couldn't hear any resistance in their thoughts—none that he expected, at least. That much surprised him. He knew the power of their unity, knew that being among them now was a silent acknowledgement that each of their strengths was crucial. He had hoped they would lend their support in this difficult time, but it seemed that none of them had doubts about their part to play. Still, he was careful.
Edward had seen more than one side of Rosalie in his time with the family. At first, he had been skeptical—almost dismissive of her. She struck him as selfish, concerned only with her own desires and those closest to her. Protective, yes. But in his short time here, he'd learned that there were layers he hadn't seen. And Bella? Bella had charmed Rosalie with effortless grace, something that, in Edward's experience, few could do with Rosalie.
He didn't need Rosalie's help, not in a practical sense. But Bella's connecting with her, with them. She was attached to each member of the family, forming a quiet bond with them in a way that was both natural and unexpected.
Carlisle's quiet warmth stood out above the others in Edward's mind. He could almost feel the sense of relief the elder vampire experienced when Edward first made his choice to stay with an animal diet. No crimson eyes. Just the steady golden hue that had become a reminder of who Edward chose to be—who he strived to be, out of respect for the one who created him. Carlisle's thoughts on this subject were complex, tinged with gratitude and maybe even pride. But what made it bittersweet was that they had both hoped things would be different, would unfold another way. But now, the path he'd walked—so heavily influenced by Isabella—seemed to grant him a momentary calm in his decision.
But still, Edward's thoughts darkened for a moment. How could he go back to drinking human blood when Bella adored the golden hue of his eyes? When she had grown so fond of him as he was—had settled into an idea of him that didn't require a return to darker tendencies? His thirst… his hunger… he could manage it. For her, for them, he could hold it in check. He knew, more than ever before, that her happiness outweighed his struggles. If staying this way—if remaining at peace with the way he fed—meant his world could revolve around Bella in this small way, then he would endure it. Because her smile, that infectious joy and adoration for him, meant more than the pull of human blood ever could.
He paused in front of the door that led to the grand hall where they'd meet. He inhaled deeply. Not even the familiar scent of the Volturi, or the tension that lingered, could deter him from this final choice. His family's concerns would be heard—both his and theirs. But they'd act in unity. There was no other way. It would work, for Bella.
Edward entered the room first, stepping confidently to the center before pausing and holding out his hand to Alice, signaling for her to take the seat beside him.
The soft hum of voices faded as the grand doors creaked open, revealing Aro, Marcus, and Caius flanked by their elite guard—Demitri, Jane, Alec, and others whose names Edward had memorized in case their loyalty wavered. The Cullens rose as a gesture of respect, and Edward stood alongside them, his mind already leaping ahead to the conversation to come.
Formal pleasantries were exchanged quickly, the sharp edge of tension still palpable despite Aro's flourishes and light tone. Marcus, as ever, lingered in his silent musings, though his sharp eyes betrayed his awareness. Caius watched from a distance, his usual suspicion cloaked under a mask of vague disinterest. But the conversation was swiftly claimed by Demitri, his deep voice cutting through the room with precision.
"We returned to the location where the scent trail disappeared," Demitri began, his gaze flicking toward Edward as though seeking confirmation before continuing. "The group remains in place, though they've taken precautions to shield themselves from discovery. Alexandros, as expected, appears to be their leader. However, he isn't the strongest of them."
Edward's jaw tensed as Demitri relayed the details of what he had observed. They were overconfident, Edward realized. Convinced that no one could catch their trail.
"They have no idea we've caught their scent," Edward added aloud, his voice calm, though his words carried weight. "Which means now is the time to strike—before they can scatter or fortify their position."
The Cullens exchanged uneasy glances, and Edward didn't need his gift to hear their unspoken concerns. He acknowledged them silently before stepping forward.
"I'll go with Demitri," he declared. "Just the two of us. I'll be able to read their thoughts, learn their plans, and, more importantly, uncover their gifts. We can't approach this blindly. From there, we'll determine our next steps."
Jasper was the first to speak, his military-trained mind already analyzing potential weaknesses. "If we're going to act, we need to plan contingencies," he said, his voice level but firm. "What happens if you're intercepted? If they sense you before you reach them?"
Edward met his brother's gaze. "That's why it's just me and Demitri. Fewer variables. No offensive movements. If they sense anything, we retreat and regroup."
Despite his measured explanation, he saw the concern etched into their expressions, particularly Carlisle's. But they couldn't afford hesitation now—not if they hoped to maintain the element of surprise.
Aro leaned forward slightly, addressing Carlisle directly. "Carlisle, you know what I require from you," he said, his tone grave. "Bella consumes human food more than blood. It exhausts her at times, and while her condition isn't urgent, it does raise concerns."
Edward stiffened at Aro's candor. His words sounded more paternal than the antagonistic tone he'd used when first insisting on Carlisle's presence. Aro had a talent for twisting his demeanor, but this time, Edward felt a note of sincerity that surprised him.
Carlisle inclined his head, ever diplomatic. "I'll do everything I can to ensure Bella's needs are met," he replied, though Edward could see the flicker of unease in his thoughts.
Edward turned to Alice next. "Alice, Bella is a shield. That's why you can't see her future. But that means your gift is invaluable in a different way."
Alice tilted her head, curious. "You want me to watch the people around her?" she asked, seeking clarity.
"Yes," Edward confirmed, his tone deliberate. "I've been thinking. You can monitor those closest to her—myself, Aro, Sulpicia, Gianna. You'll see their decisions, and when a fight comes, you'll know if there's a threat to Bella's safety."
Alice nodded slowly, the logic of his plan settling into place. Edward pressed on, his voice quieter but no less commanding. "You'll also need to become more familiar with Sulpicia and Gianna. Build that connection. Their choices may shape the outcomes more than we anticipate."
Alice's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Alright, Edward. I'll do that. I've got you."
Edward muttered his thanks, grateful for her trust and willingness.
Aro, ever attuned to strategies and foresight, regarded Edward with a glimmer of what could almost be mistaken for admiration. "Remarkable," he murmured, his smooth voice carefully modulated, reaching the farthest corners of the chamber. "You're always thinking ahead. A true leader."
But Edward wasn't fooled. He could read Aro's thoughts—clear and deliberate, like a trap left slightly ajar. Do not think this means trust, Edward. Your actions are clever, but your motivations remain suspect. This is only for Isabella… She sees something in you, but I will be the judge of your worth.
The thoughts hit Edward like ice, colder and sharper than the stoic expression Aro wore. The centuries-old vampire allowed the scrutiny to linger, a calculated move Edward could read all too well.
Edward inclined his head slightly, masking his frustration behind a measured calm. Aro's lack of trust didn't matter—not to him. What mattered was Bella and keeping her safe. She had made herself precious to everyone in this castle, even to those who wouldn't admit it. Edward would use that connection to his advantage, regardless of Aro's reservations.
Aro allowed himself the faintest smile, sensing Edward's unshaken resolve. For now, I'll humor you. But falter even once, and we shall see just how far my patience extends.
The tension remained palpable as Edward turned back to his family and allies. They began diving into the details of their plan, outlining contingencies and strategizing every step forward. Timing would be key; their secrecy was their greatest advantage.
Edward stayed focused, his mind returning always to the thought of Bella—her well-being, her safety. For her, he could endure Aro's doubts, his cold assessments, and his looming, watchful presence. Nothing else mattered.
"When the time comes to strike," Aro said, rising to his feet, "we will act decisively. And the witnesses I have called upon will stand with us in battle." His voice resonated with confidence, the room silent as the weight of their shared mission settled upon them.
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