APOV (Alice)
The dim light of a rainy afternoon in Forks cast long, watery streaks against the Cullen household's windows. Alice sat cross-legged on the pristine white couch, her golden eyes unfocused, a thread of unease slipping through her otherwise buoyant demeanor. Her visions of the future had always been a comforting constant, but lately, Volterra had been nothing more than flashes—cryptic images, incomplete and frustratingly void of context.
She had seen Edward standing within the grand walls of Volterra, his expression pensive. There was an unsettling stillness in the vision, but no immediate threats, no real clarity. And yet, Alice couldn't shake the feeling that something important was brewing.
Her fingers drummed against her thigh as she mulled over her last conversation with Edward before he left for Italy. Despite knowing him for nearly seven years, Alice still couldn't quite understand his inclination for seeking out trouble—or perhaps trouble had an uncanny way of finding him. Memories of Denali flickered in her mind, a tangled mess of emotions involving Kate, Tanya, and Irina. Edward had seemed to invite the chaos, navigating it all with that stoic composure of his.
That's just Edward, Alice thought with a mix of exasperation and affection. Always carrying burdens alone until they couldn't be ignored.
Her suspicions deepened when a letter arrived, bearing Edward's precise, familiar signature. The contents were brief, written with calculated elegance, yet they carried an undertone Alice recognized all too well—Edward was asking for help. She could practically hear his voice behind the lines, reluctant yet resolute. This wasn't something he could solve alone, which was unusual in itself.
Moments later, as Alice paced the room with the letter clutched in her hand, her mind snapped back to the present. "Carlisle is going to get a call any second now," she muttered.
Jasper, standing by the window and gazing out at the misty forest, turned to her with an arched brow. "You're certain?"
Alice smiled knowingly, her tone teasing. "Don't I always know?"
And just like that, the phone in Carlisle's study rang.
After the brief but telling call, the Cullen household sprang into action. Edward hadn't provided every detail—he never did—but Carlisle explained that they had been requested to come to Volterra. Edward needed their support, and there was no question among the family about what they would do.
Emmett's booming laughter filled the house as he tossed an oversized duffle bag onto the floor. "Finally, some excitement! A trip to Italy and maybe a good brawl—what's not to love?"
Rosalie, however, was less enthused. "You're acting like this is a vacation," she snapped, folding her arms. "We're heading straight into Volturi territory. Do you remember who we're dealing with?"
Emmett rolled his eyes. "C'mon, Rose. You know Edward. If he's calling, it means he's already thought this through. He wouldn't drag us into anything stupid."
Rosalie's icy gaze softened just slightly. Edward's judgment, despite his occasional knack for attracting chaos, had rarely failed them.
Meanwhile, Alice sat cross-legged on her bed, her tablet balanced on her knee, planning the finer details of the journey. For her, the prospect of returning to Italy was thrilling. The old world charm, the luxurious shopping, the elegant architecture—it was all a feast for her senses. But what truly piqued her curiosity was the mysterious Isabella.
Edward had mentioned her sparingly in the letter, and though Alice's visions of her were strangely absent, that only made Isabella more fascinating. She found herself buzzing with excitement to finally meet this enigmatic hybrid child, who seemed to carry so much importance in Edward's world.
"Who do you think she looks like?" Alice mused aloud to Jasper, who had silently entered the room.
"From what Edward's written, she sounds remarkable," Jasper replied, resting his hands on her shoulders. "But isn't it odd that you can't see her at all?"
Alice's grin widened. "It's more than odd—it's infuriating! But also exciting. For once, there's a surprise waiting for me."
Jasper laughed softly. "Let's hope it's a pleasant one."
The final preparations were soon underway. As the family gathered by the door, Alice couldn't help but feel the anticipation thrumming in her chest. This was more than just a trip to Italy—this was a new chapter, a departure from their routine in Forks.
"Shopping in Volterra," Alice announced with a gleam in her eye. "I can already see myself raiding the boutiques. This trip isn't so bad after all!"
Emmett slung an arm around her shoulders with a mischievous grin. "See, that's the spirit, Alice! A little adventure never hurt anyone!"
Rosalie sighed, still skeptical but ready. Carlisle and Esme stood calmly by the door, their presence a source of steady assurance, while Jasper loaded the final bags into the car.
As they departed for the airport, Alice couldn't suppress the tingling sense of excitement coursing through her. She trusted Edward completely—there would be challenges, no doubt, but they would face them together. And perhaps, in the heart of Volterra, she would finally unravel the mystery of Isabella.
*
The ornate throne room gleamed under the soft glow of the overhead chandeliers. The white marble floors, intricate tapestries, and golden accents gave the room an air of grandeur that Bella had come to associate with her home. Normally, the room was a place of formalities, judgments, and the somber presence of her father, Aro, and her uncles, Marcus and Caius. But today, it was filled with an entirely different energy—Bella's laughter and Caius's occasional muttering of frustration.
Bella sat comfortably atop Uncle Marcus's lap, her small fingers carefully moving a chess piece across the board. Uncle Caius, perched rigidly across from her, had his sharp eyes fixed on the game. His silver hair caught the light, making him look more intimidating than he really was—at least to Bella.
"You know, Bella," Marcus said with a soft smile, his soothing voice wrapping around her like a warm blanket. "It's been far too long since we had you here with us. I've missed our time together."
Bella looked up at him, her brown eyes shining with affection. "I missed you too, Uncle Marcus."
Caius let out a theatrical sigh, though his lips twitched as if fighting a smile. "Don't let him fool you. He missed his chess partner. And if I had to hear one more word about you from him…"
Bella giggled, her voice bubbling with delight. "You missed me too, Uncle Caius. You're just grumpy because you know I'm going to beat you!"
Caius arched a skeptical eyebrow. "Don't get ahead of yourself, young lady. Let's see if you can get past me this time."
Alec had gifted Bella her chessboard two years ago, and since then, she had made it her mission to outmatch as many opponents as possible. Uncle Caius was her favorite—not just because he was skilled, but because she enjoyed watching his composed exterior crack ever so slightly when she challenged him.
Today, though, Bella was even more excited than usual. The Cullens were coming to Volterra—Edward's family. She'd never met visiting vampires before, as she was usually shielded from strangers by her parents. But Edward had told her stories about them, and now she couldn't wait to meet the coven he once called home.
Bella bounced slightly on Marcus's lap as they reset the board for their third game. "Daddy said the visitors will be here soon," she said, moving her first pawn forward.
"Yes, yes," Caius replied, studying his pieces. "I'm sure we'll hear about it when they arrive. Now, focus on the game, little one."
Bella giggled again but quickly grew serious, her small brows knitting together in concentration as she planned her next moves.
They were deep into the game, the intensity in the room palpable, when Edward entered. He moved with his characteristic grace, his golden eyes sweeping over the room. "They've landed," he announced, his smooth voice carrying a note of expectation. "The Cullens are in Italy."
Bella lit up at the news, her concentration momentarily breaking. "Oh, Edward!" she exclaimed, her voice high with excitement. "When can I meet them? Do they know I'm going to meet them?"
Edward smiled softly, walking over to her. "They do. Carlisle and Esme are especially eager to see you." His gaze shifted to the chessboard, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Still tied, I see."
Bella narrowed her eyes playfully at Caius. "Not for long!"
As Caius studied the board, Bella glanced at Edward with a conspiratorial grin. She tugged lightly at his sleeve and whispered, "Can you read his mind and tell me what his next move is? Please?"
Edward chuckled, his smile widening. He tilted his head toward her as though he were seriously considering it but gave her a look that warned against outright cheating. Even if she knows Caius could hear her.
Before he could speak, Caius's voice rang out. "Edward, don't you dare read my mind!" He turned his sharp gaze to Bella. "And you, little girl, had better not cheat."
Bella gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest. "Cheat? Me? Uncle Caius, how could you accuse me of such a thing?"
Marcus let out a rare laugh, his chest rumbling beneath Bella. "Caius, let her have her fun. Besides, we both know she doesn't need help to beat you."
Caius grumbled under his breath, but Bella could see the hint of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
Bella smirked mischievously and leaned over the chessboard. "Well, Uncle Caius," she said sweetly, "I guess we'll just see who's the better player, fair and square."
Edward stepped back, his hands tucked into his pockets as he watched the two opponents face off. He found Bella utterly endearing—her sharp mind, her competitive streak, and the way she navigated the world with a blend of innocence and wit.
As the game resumed, Bella's tongue peeked out slightly in concentration, her small hand carefully moving her knight. Edward couldn't help but feel a swell of affection. This child, with her unyielding determination and joyful spirit, was always a light in the often-dark halls of Volterra.
The chess match ended with Bella's triumphant "Checkmate!" echoing through the throne room, her petite form brimming with pride as she leaned back with a radiant smile. Caius scowled at the board, his crimson eyes narrowing as though a second glance might somehow change the outcome.
"You've been practicing too much," he muttered, his tone grudging but tinged with faint amusement.
Bella grinned at him, her voice teasing yet affectionate. "Maybe you need to practice more, Uncle Caius."
From his seat beside her, Marcus chuckled softly. "She's right, Caius. It seems you've finally met your match."
Caius rolled his eyes, straightening in his chair as if trying to reclaim his dignity. "She's relentless, that's all."
Bella stuck out her tongue playfully, earning a dramatic sigh from him.
Just as Bella began resetting the chessboard for another game, Edward, who had been leaning casually against a nearby pillar, suddenly tensed. His heightened senses picked up the distinct sound of vehicles approaching the castle. His golden eyes flicked toward Bella, who was now engrossed in repositioning the pieces.
"They're here," Edward announced quietly, though his words carried across the room.
The throne room doors creaked open slightly, revealing Heidi. She bowed her head respectfully before addressing Aro directly.
"Master, the guests have arrived. They're making their way through the city."
Aro's expression shifted, a complex blend of anticipation and intrigue crossing his alabaster features. "Thank you, Heidi. Ensure they are received properly," he said, his tone smooth and commanding.
Heidi nodded and disappeared through the door, leaving a heavier atmosphere in her wake.
Bella straightened, her fingers curling nervously into the fabric of her dress. She glanced at Edward with wide, curious eyes.
"The Cullens?"
Edward nodded, his gaze softening as it landed on her. "Yes. Carlisle and the others have arrived."
Bella's excitement was palpable. "Oh!" she exclaimed, quickly climbing off Marcus's lap. "I have to go meet them!"
"Wait," Caius interjected, though his tone was uncharacteristically mild. "You can't just run out there. This is the Volturi's domain, Bella. Guests are received with proper decorum."
Marcus smiled warmly, his calm presence diffusing any tension. "Let her have her moment, Caius. She's been waiting for this."
Edward crouched slightly to meet Bella's gaze. "Stay close to me, alright? You'll meet them soon enough."
Bella nodded eagerly, practically bouncing with anticipation. "Let's go!"
Before she could pull Edward along, the sound of measured footsteps echoed down the hall. It wasn't chaotic or hurried, but deliberate, enough to quiet the room entirely.
The Volturi guards stiffened, their postures straight and vigilant. Aro adjusted the folds of his long cloak, pale hands smoothing the fabric in an almost eager gesture. Caius muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like irritation, while Marcus remained calm and unbothered.
Bella glanced from one face to another before turning to Edward. His gaze was fixed intently on the massive doors.
"They're here," Edward murmured, the words barely above a whisper.
Bella's heart leapt as she clutched the edge of the chessboard. She tried to picture them. Would they be as regal as Uncle Caius? As kind as Uncle Marcus? Would they move with the same grace as Edward?
The grand doors creaked open.
Through the narrow gap, Bella caught a glimpse of the figures beyond. Taller than she'd imagined. Statuesque and impossibly poised. Even in the dim light spilling through the hallway, she could see the same supernatural elegance in their movements that Edward possessed.
Her breath hitched as the doors opened further.
The first figure stepped through, but before Bella could fully take them in, Aro's voice rang out like a grand welcome.
"Finally, our friends have arrived."
Bella gripped Edward's sleeve tightly, her wide eyes glued to the unfolding scene.
And then, the Cullens stepped inside.
Finally, I missed Bella with her uncles, so I wrote this scene. And now, we finally have the Cullens in Volterra!
Some of you might be wondering why Luna isn't afraid of vampires. Well, let me just say—she's just built different. Lol.
Let me know what you think!