The line had long gone silent, but Edward remained seated, the soft crackle of the dying fire filling the quiet room. His brow was furrowed as he let Caius's words play over in his mind—unsettling and uncharacteristically vulnerable. Worried. That word alone made his decision for him, though he didn't trust Caius's concern. Such an emotion didn't belong in a creature like him. It felt… unnatural.
As Edward finally stood, the room behind him came to life with quiet shuffling. The Cullens had been listening. Of course they had. Nothing in this family stayed private for long. Carlisle, seated near Esme on the far couch, regarded him calmly, though his expression betrayed unease. Esme's lips pressed together, her brows knit in concern as she watched him, a silent question hanging between them.
Carlisle broke the silence first. "Are you sure about this, Edward?" His voice was low, steady as always, but it carried the gravity of someone who deeply considered what such a journey would mean.
Edward met his father's gaze, his jaw set, and answered plainly, "This may be the best course of action for now. I'll let you know more once I'm there."
Carlisle's golden eyes flickered, his expression softening with relief. His thoughts, clear as day, revealed the quiet optimism brimming beneath his composure. He'll return soon. This time won't be like the last.
Edward didn't respond—aloud or otherwise. He let Carlisle think what he wanted. If it brought him a modicum of peace, Edward wouldn't strip that from him. Let him believe it.
At this, Carlisle's face lit up just slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting, an unconscious reaction to his hopeful thoughts. Esme, however, was not so easily placated. She rose to her feet, crossing the room until she stood before Edward, a mother's worry etched into her every movement.
"Edward," she said softly, resting her cool hand against his cheek, a fleeting touch. "You're certain you'll be fine?" Her voice, though quiet, held enough weight to root him in place. She was searching his face, looking for answers that went beyond words.
Edward offered her the faintest of smiles—an attempt to reassure her, even if he couldn't reassure himself entirely. "I will. You don't need to worry, Esme. I've been to Volterra before."
"Yes, and you left for a reason," Esme reminded him gently, though the way her voice softened told him she didn't truly want to argue against his decision. She just wanted him safe.
"I'll be fine," he repeated more firmly this time, squeezing her hand once before stepping back.
At that moment, Alice spoke up from her perch near the corner, her elbows resting on her knees as she studied Edward carefully. Though Alice's wide, knowing eyes usually saw more than anyone in the room, there was a flicker of frustration in her gaze. She hated the ambiguity clouding her sight. "I'll book your flights and everything," she said quickly, slipping back into her more proactive role.
Edward turned his head to look at her, his expression shifting to faint curiosity. "So nothing's changed?"
"No." Alice frowned, shaking her head. "I still can't see the details. I catch glimpses—flashes, but they mean nothing. A red cloak, the sound of someone laughing, broken stone… vague things. None of it gives context, Edward. Whatever's going on in Volterra, someone—or something—is actively muddling my visions."
"That's unusual," Carlisle said from his seat, shifting his gaze from Edward to Alice.
"It's frustrating," Alice corrected with a pointed sigh. She met Edward's gaze again. "If it were a decision that someone hadn't made yet, I'd understand. But this feels deliberate. Almost as if… someone doesn't want us watching."
"That would explain Caius's behavior," Edward muttered, half to himself. "If they can't keep track of everything, neither can you."
Alice shrugged, clearly unimpressed by the thought of being on equal footing. "I don't like blind spots, but I'll keep trying while you're there. Just don't be reckless, Edward."
Her concern rang clear as she turned her attention to the laptop she'd pulled onto her lap, her fingers already typing out details for his flight. Edward could see her trying to distract herself—an action born not out of disrespect but necessity. When Alice couldn't foresee something, it became all she could think about.
"I won't be reckless," Edward said calmly.
Rosalie, leaning casually against the wall nearby, let out a small scoff. "That's debatable."
Emmett chuckled beside her, clearly enjoying Rosalie's bluntness, but even he turned his gaze to Edward with curiosity. "You think it'll actually be fun over there?"
Edward shook his head. "No. But I do think something's wrong." He didn't elaborate further, knowing they didn't need to hear the endless loops of suspicion twisting through his thoughts. Caius did not call unless it was necessary. Caius did not worry. And the name Isabella continued to resonate beneath his skin like an itch he couldn't quite scratch.
He strode toward the staircase, needing to clear his head before departure, but he paused mid-step. "I'll be in touch once I know more," Edward said, turning slightly to Carlisle.
Carlisle nodded gently, his thoughts steady and supportive, but unspoken words remained. We'll be here when you're ready.
And Edward simply nodded back, letting that be the last thing he carried out of the room.
As he ascended the stairs, the weight of what he was about to face began pressing in on him. He didn't feel afraid, but there was unease lying dormant beneath the surface—a quiet promise that whatever awaited him in Volterra would not leave him unchanged.
He just couldn't shake the whisper that clawed at his thoughts with every step.
Isabella.
A hybrid child. A threat. And a curiosity Edward knew he would have to face.
Let me just drop this real quick. Might update again later. Merry Christmas guys!!!