The dense forest surrounding Forks stretched endlessly, a testament to the Cullen family's careful choice of home. Edward, Emmett, and Jasper weaved swiftly through the underbrush, their hunting session almost over as they tracked the final herd of elk. The thrill of the hunt filled the air as the brothers executed their chase with ease.

But amidst the silence that followed, as they walked back to the house, a pressing reality loomed over them.

"I think we've overstayed our welcome," Jasper finally said, his Southern drawl calm but laced with finality.

"Understatement of the year," Emmett quipped, his grin fading into a thoughtful expression. "Last week in town, some kid asked me if I was immortal. Joking, sure, but the fact they're noticing? Not good."

Edward remained quiet, his hands in his pockets. They all knew it was time. Eight years in Forks had been a gift, especially for Carlisle and Esme, who cherished stability. But the town wasn't blind. The Cullens were unchanging, forever youthful—a secret that couldn't hold indefinitely.

Back at the house, Alice sat on the porch, her expression distant, her gold eyes glazed over as she focused on a vision. Jasper quickened his pace immediately, recognizing the faint furrow in her brow.

"What is it, Alice?" Jasper asked, concern etched on his face.

Alice blinked, the vision dissipating. She turned to Edward. "You're going to get a call. From Caius."

Emmett snorted. "Caius? Pretty sure we don't have him on speed dial."

Edward's brows furrowed. "Caius? Are you sure? Why would he need me?"

Alice nodded slowly, her golden eyes focused on Edward. "I can't see everything—it's fragmentary—but something's happening in Volterra. Threats, tension… and bloodshed. The humans being killed? It's part of something much bigger."

The room fell silent. For months, Alice had seen disjointed glimpses of the Volturi in chaos—darker than anything she had envisioned before. Now, the rumors they'd heard about entire villages being slaughtered by vampires seemed to fall into place. Ever since Alice had her first vision of Aro deciding to push through with his plans to create his own hybrid, visions involving the Volturi had plagued her. Yet, she still couldn't see the hybrid child.

Edward, leaning against the far wall, crossed his arms, his expression sharp. "Let it happen. The Volturi always find a way to get their hands dirty. Whatever mess they've gotten themselves into, it's their problem, not mine."

"Edward—" Carlisle started, but Edward cut him off with a cold glance.

"I've had enough of this," he said. "Months of Alice's fragmented visions, half-understood whispers. For all we know, the Volturi are orchestrating this chaos themselves. A power play to strengthen their dominance. Let them deal with it."

Alice frowned, unshaken by his tone. "I don't think that's the case. This isn't just some political maneuvering. Whoever's after them knows what they're doing—and they've been escalating."

"They always have enemies." Edward's voice was bitter, his posture rigid. "And those enemies always lose. What difference does it make?"

Jasper interjected, his voice calm but measured. "The difference is the ripple effect. If these threats grow louder, it's not just the Volturi who'll feel the pressure—it's all of us. The last thing we need is the human world taking notice because the Volturi can't keep their backyard clean."

Edward scoffed. "Then why don't they fix it themselves? Or are their so-called 'gifts' finally failing them?"

"Edward, you know it's not that simple," Carlisle said softly. "If Caius is reaching out—"

"He hasn't," Edward said sharply. His jaw clenched. "Not yet. And if he does? I won't answer. I'm not their servant, and I refuse to be summoned like a dog. If the Volturi can't protect their empire, that's their failing, not mine."

Esme's face was full of concern as she spoke. "Edward, what if it's more than just an attack on them? What if these threats endanger everyone? You've always been willing to step in when lives are at stake."

"When lives are at stake," Edward repeated coldly. "Not to save their pride. If someone wants to bring down the Volturi, I say let them try." His gaze shifted to Alice. "Whatever you're seeing, it doesn't concern me. Their games never have. The only reason I've worked with them in the past is because their goals occasionally align with my principles. But I don't owe them anything."

"You may not," Alice said evenly, "but if Caius calls, they'll make you part of this. I saw it. You can claim you're not involved, but they'll give you little choice."

Edward's laugh was dark, almost mocking. "They can't make me do anything, Alice. You know that. If Caius thinks I'm just another tool for them to wield, he's forgotten who he's dealing with. And if he comes to me? He won't like my answer."

Alice tilted her head, unfazed by his defiance. "You're stubborn, but you're not reckless. If the danger becomes unavoidable, you'll act. You always do."

"I'll decide when to act," Edward snapped, his tone icy. "Not them."

Carlisle stepped forward, his voice calm but tinged with worry. "Edward, I won't force you. But if the Volturi are facing a true threat, the vampire world's balance could depend on your decision. If you're contacted—"

"If I'm contacted, I'll handle it," Edward interrupted, his gaze distant but hard. "But I'm not bending to their will. Not again. The days of the Volturi assuming they can control me are long over."

The room remained tense as his words settled, a stark contrast to the quiet determination Carlisle had hoped for. Edward had changed, become colder and more detached since his time in Volterra. Whatever came next, it was clear he would stand his ground—on his own terms.

The next few days passed uneventfully, though an underlying tension lingered. That morning, Carlisle sat in his study, absorbed in a book, when his phone rang. The name on the screen made his brow furrow slightly—Eleazar.

Answering, Carlisle leaned back in his chair. "Eleazar," he greeted warmly. "How are you?"

"Carlisle, I'm well, but… I've heard something troubling." Eleazar's tone was grave, cutting through any pleasantries.

Carlisle straightened in his seat, immediately alert. "What is it?"

Eleazar hesitated for a moment before speaking. "A friend called me—someone I trust. They told me there's a rumor spreading that the Volturi have done the unthinkable."

Carlisle frowned. "Unthinkable in what sense?"

"They're saying Aro has made an immortal child."

The room grew quiet, Eleazar's words hanging heavy in the air. Carlisle's immediate thought went to his family—how they might be implicated—and then to the Denalis. The weight of history pressed on him, bringing to mind the mother who had once been hunted down for breaking the law against immortal children.

"Aro making an immortal child?" Carlisle repeated incredulously. "Eleazar, those are just baseless rumors. You've lived with us. You know the Volturi would never violate their own law. It's their cornerstone for ruling our world."

"Do I know that for certain, Carlisle?" Eleazar asked. "Aro has always been an enigma—his motives hard to pin down. But my source insisted. The gossip is spreading rapidly."

"Where did these rumors come from?"

"The origin isn't clear yet," Eleazar admitted. "But the claim alone is dangerous enough. The very mention of an immortal child—whether real or fabricated—puts a target on the Volturi."

Carlisle considered Eleazar's words for a moment, unease settling deep in his chest. "Listen," he said finally, "I'll be honest with you. Esme and I have heard faint whispers of Aro's plans, though I'm certain they have nothing to do with creating an immortal child. He's… taken an interest in a hybrid, one born naturally. It's not a violation of the law."

Eleazar drew a sharp breath, surprised. "A hybrid? You mean a child born of a vampire and a human?"

"Yes. But it's within reason," Carlisle explained. "Hybrids are rare, yes, but not forbidden. Aro, with his obsession for power and perfection, sees this child as… something of a treasure to protect."

Eleazar exhaled deeply. "Even if that's true, how will that be perceived? Aro might believe he's within his rights, but the rest of us remember the consequences of defying the Volturi's laws. This rumor could bring chaos, whether or not it's true."

Carlisle nodded gravely. "Which is why I need you to remain calm and not let this gossip take root, Eleazar. We must try to quell it wherever we can. If left unchecked, it could lead to unnecessary conflict. The vampires who hear this will have two choices: to turn on Aro for his supposed hypocrisy, or to attack this 'immortal child' to avoid further wrath. Neither outcome is acceptable."

Eleazar agreed before ending the call, but Carlisle's unease remained. Rising, he walked to the window, where Edward stood at a distance, staring out over the forest.

"Whoever started this knows exactly what they're doing," Edward said, his tone as cool and detached as the winter chill outside.

Carlisle regarded him curiously. "You're convinced it's not just rumors?"

"They're not random," Edward said firmly. "Alice has seen Aro receiving threats. Villages destroyed. And now this—gossip designed to paint Aro as a hypocrite. They know exactly how to ignite fury in our kind. Whoever is behind these letters and this rumor is orchestrating chaos, one calculated step at a time."

He turned then, meeting Carlisle's gaze, his expression cold. "It's clear they aren't just trying to challenge Aro. They're stirring the vampire world against him, spreading doubt, and framing the Volturi as weak and hypocritical. But one thing is certain."

"What's that?" Carlisle asked.

"This wasn't just someone trying to hurt the Volturi's reputation. This is a strategy—a distraction, or maybe an escalation. The true threat is still coming."

Carlisle remained silent as Edward's words sank in, leaving him with the grim realization that their peaceful days in Forks might be nearing their end.

Just to be clear, Bella conveys her memories through touch, whether it's by placing her hand on someone's face or hands. There might have been a misconception in the last chapter—when Caius extended his hand, it didn't mean he shared the same gift as Aro. He extended his hand so Bella could touch him and show him her memories.

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