Edward sat by the expansive arched window of his assigned chamber, gazing at the dimly lit streets of Volterra. The festivities of the past days had quieted, and the castle now hummed with subdued activity. His thoughts, however, were far from subdued—they spiraled in endless loops of worry and strategy.

Carlisle.

The name brought him a strange sense of comfort. Carlisle had always been a steady presence, a moral anchor through Edward's long existence. The promise Edward made to update him weighed on him, and though the task was simple, the implications were far more complex.

The current situation was precarious. Demitri was out tracking a dangerous coven whose motives remained unclear. The Volturi were on high alert, with Aro's growing suspicion of Edward shadowing every move he made. And then there was Bella, whose safety was the epicenter of every thought and decision.

Edward knew what he had to do: involve the Cullens.

Edward considered his siblings, their abilities, and their roles in what was becoming a volatile situation. Alice, with her unparalleled gift of foresight, was his best bet for ensuring Bella's safety. But her visions of Bella were fragmented—a problem Edward had speculated on since Alice had first described it.

Perhaps it's Bella's gift, he thought. It was as if the child instinctively shielded herself from scrutiny, even unintentionally. Or maybe it was because Bella wasn't fully human or vampire—an anomaly that defied Alice's abilities.

Edward's fingers tapped restlessly on the window ledge. He would have to approach Alice carefully, explain to her the situation and, if necessary, urge her to adapt her visions around Bella's orbit. By observing others closely connected to Bella, Alice might be able to detect the ripple effects of their choices, ensuring the child's safety as they proceeded.

The thought brought an uneasy twist to Edward's chest. He didn't like pulling Alice into this tangled web. But his protectiveness over Bella outweighed any hesitation. He would make this decision ten times over if it meant keeping her out of harm's way.

Another thought had been nudging at Edward's mind for some time: Isabella's health.

She was vibrant, precocious, and full of life, but Edward had witnessed her moments of exhaustion, her fragility after periods of overexertion. Vampires and half-vampires like Bella didn't fall ill, but there was no precedent for her kind, no understanding of how her body worked—or failed.

Edward frowned. As an infant, Bella had never been seen by a doctor, which was natural for her world. Vampires had no need for medical care, and even hybrid children like Bella had always been anomalies, shielded from human science and understanding.

All but Carlisle.

The idea of calling upon Carlisle for his expertise wasn't just logical—it was necessary. Carlisle's deep well of knowledge, combined with his ability to suppress his predatory instincts, made him the only one who could possibly examine Bella and provide insights into her well-being. And Edward trusted no one more with her care.

But involving Carlisle would mean more than a single consultation. If Carlisle came to Volterra, the rest of the Cullens would undoubtedly follow. This would expose Alice and Jasper's gifts to Aro's scrutiny, something Edward had long avoided.

A gamble worth taking.

Edward pushed himself away from the window, pacing the length of the chamber. The risks were high. Aro would know of their gifts, perhaps find ways to exploit them. He would most certainly see Edward's actions as evidence of ulterior motives, maybe even betrayal. But Bella's safety came first.

With that in mind, Edward composed his thoughts and prepared to contact Carlisle. He would lay out the situation in careful detail, ensuring his family understood the delicate balance at play in Volterra.

The first step was to seek permission. Edward knew Aro well enough to predict that his curiosity about Carlisle and Alice would likely outweigh any objections. Aro would want to meet them, perhaps even see Bella under Carlisle's care.

Edward exhaled slowly, frustration mingling with determination. This plan would place his family in the heart of the Volturi's stronghold, but he was willing to take that chance.

For Isabella, Edward would risk it all.

With renewed resolve, he reached for pen and paper. He would write to Carlisle, entrusting the words to a messenger whose loyalty couldn't be questioned. There was no room for error now. As he crafted his letter, Edward's mind lingered on Bella's laugh, her curious brown eyes that sparkled with wonder, and the unshakable feeling that she depended on him to be more than he had ever been.

That same evening brought a new current of tension to the great halls of Volterra as Demitri returned, his report concise but heavy with implications. Edward listened carefully, standing at a respectful distance from Aro, Caius, and the gathered elite guards, though his mind worked far ahead of the discussion.

Demitri's voice was calm and steady as he relayed the findings. "It is Alexandros. He is leading the coven, though I did not observe him directly exerting control. There are far more than the ten I initially thought—possibly closer to fifteen, perhaps more. The coven's structure is elusive, and I suspect several may possess gifts. However, he is undoubtedly orchestrating these letters and threats."

Aro's expression flickered, a hint of both curiosity and disdain crossing his face. Edward already knew what Aro would say before he uttered a word. The glimpses Edward caught in Aro's mind painted a vivid picture of Alexandros—a once-loyal servant, fiercely intelligent but insatiably discontent.

"Ah," Aro began softly, his fingers tented, his gaze distant. "Alexandros. How poetic, don't you think, that he believes himself capable of undermining us?" His lips curled into a bemused smile. "He spent nearly three centuries in service to the Volturi, and even then, his boredom drove him to folly. He conspired with the Romanians, imagining their disorganized anarchy could offer him some… satisfaction."

"And yet, you let him live," Caius growled, his sharp features tight with controlled rage. "He conspired with our enemies, and instead of erasing him, you humored his delusions!"

Aro turned to Caius, his tone patient but patronizing. "You must understand, brother, that sparing Alexandros was a lesson—a gift. If he found his existence dull under our rule, what would the endless monotony outside of it do to him? I offered him the chance to see for himself that the Volturi provided order and purpose."

"And in return, he dares to spit in our faces," Caius shot back, his tone venomous. "You see, I was right, Aro. We should have destroyed him back then."

Demitri glanced briefly at Edward as he continued, perhaps noticing the quiet calculation in his eyes. "There's more," he said, his tone grave. "The coven isn't simply a band of discontented vampires. They are organized, and there's evidence that they have been for some time. We should not assume Alexandros acts alone or recklessly. If they've chosen to reveal themselves through threats, then they must have confidence—either in their numbers, their gifts, or something else we've yet to discern."

The weight of Demitri's statement settled over the room. Even Aro's demeanor darkened as he absorbed the implications. The Volturi had stood unchallenged for millennia, their power unquestioned. For Alexandros to challenge them so brazenly meant one thing: he believed he had an advantage.

Edward's sharp gaze didn't miss the subtle flicker in Aro's eyes as his thoughts drifted in a dangerous direction. Alexandros's coven surely knew about the Volturi's most fearsome weapons—Jane and Alec, the siblings whose abilities could incapacitate or destroy armies. But Alexandros wouldn't act so boldly if he didn't believe he had counters prepared.

Yet Aro seemed unshaken. In his mind, Edward caught flickers of disdain, even pity, for Alexandros. He has gravely underestimated the Volturi, Aro thought. If he believes a few petty gifts can overcome our dominion, then he is already defeated.

Edward resisted the urge to scoff. It was precisely this kind of overconfidence that Alexandros might have been counting on. The coven would not have taken these risks if they didn't have reason to believe they could inflict damage.

Aro's piercing red eyes shifted, landing on Edward. The silence was palpable, broken only by the faint crackle of torches along the chamber walls.

Edward knew what was coming. In Aro's mind, the threads of suspicion weaved tightly. He trusted Edward only so far, and Edward's role in all of this—his presence in Volterra, his closeness to Bella—only complicated matters.

Edward straightened, preparing himself. He had already made his decision: he would approach Aro with his plan. There was no time to wait, not with Bella's safety at stake and the possibility of Alexandros's coven striking before they were fully prepared.

"Demitri," Edward said, his voice measured, breaking the silence. "Your findings confirm what we already suspected—this Alexandros has organized his forces and believes himself capable of standing against us."

The council meeting had dispersed, leaving the grand hall eerily silent. Edward lingered, his face an unreadable mask as he watched Aro carefully. Every movement and expression mattered now. Aro stood by the dais, his back turned to Edward, lost in some private thought.

This was the moment Edward had been waiting for.

"Aro," he began, his voice calm but weighted. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

Aro turned slowly, his expression uncharacteristically serene, though Edward knew better than to trust that placid facade. "Oh? What matter could require my attention now, Edward, when our problems are near resolution?"

Edward stepped forward, making sure his tone remained measured. "It's about Isabella," he said plainly.

At the mention of his daughter's name, Aro's face darkened slightly, though he gave nothing away in his thoughts—just silence.

Edward pressed on. "I want Carlisle to come to Volterra. Bella is still half-human, Aro. Her physiology is unique, and no one else in our world has the expertise or experience to examine her needs and offer guidance. I am asking for his assistance—for her sake."

For a moment, Aro simply stared, his eyes gleaming like twin rubies as he processed the request. But there was no shift in his mind, not a single flicker of a thought Edward could grasp.

Finally, Aro spoke, his voice cold as steel. "Why do you concern yourself so much with Isabella, Edward?" His gaze pierced through Edward as if trying to peel back his carefully constructed layers. "Your purpose here has been fulfilled. You identified the mole, and Demitri has uncovered the truth. Alexandros is a problem we will handle. What obligation do you believe you still carry?"

Edward held his ground, though he could feel the crackling tension between them. "You already know the answer to that," he said firmly. "I concern myself with Isabella because she is my mate."

The silence that followed was thunderous. Aro's features froze in a chilling stillness, but his mind was anything but calm now. Edward caught flashes—memories of moments between him and Bella, their lingering glances, the way she lit up when Edward was near. And then rage, hot and consuming, tore through Aro's thoughts like fire.

"You dare?" Aro hissed, his composed facade crumbling as his voice rose with venom. "You think I didn't see this? You think I wasn't aware of this… bond? I knew from the moment you set foot in Volterra that you were no ordinary guest. I should have sent you away before this infection could spread!"

Edward stayed motionless, his expression neutral even as Aro's anger filled the room like a tangible force.

"Mating, you say?" Aro spat, his voice trembling with fury. "Mating does not excuse this! Do you think it absolves you of taking what is mine? She is my daughter—mine to protect, to guide! Not yours to… claim!"

Edward straightened, his golden eyes narrowing. "It wasn't my choice. You know as well as I do how this works. The bond is not something either of us sought. It is beyond our control, and you cannot deny the truth of it."

Aro's anger burned brighter at the calmness in Edward's tone, but his thoughts betrayed a deeper fear—a fear of losing Bella, a fear that Edward, with his intelligence and cunning, might take her far from Volterra. He could feel the truth in Edward's words, and that only made his fury harder to contain.

"And you expect me to allow this?" Aro barked. "You expect me to trust you with her life, with her future?" He laughed coldly, the sound devoid of humor. "What is to stop you from whisking her away to that coven of yours and leaving Volterra entirely? What loyalty do you have to me, Edward? To my family? To the Volturi?"

Edward took a step closer, his voice low and even. "I have no intention of taking Bella away. I swore to protect her, and I will keep that promise. She is safer here, with you, in Volterra. But her safety means ensuring her health as well. Carlisle is the only one capable of understanding her unique biology, and if Alice's visions can ensure her safety, then that is a risk I'm willing to take—even if it means revealing their gifts to you."

Aro's eyes narrowed further, his thoughts shifting rapidly. The offer intrigued him—Carlisle, the only vampire doctor, one of the rarest among their kind, a mind of unparalleled insight. And Alice's visions, which could provide an advantage beyond measure. But the underlying threat—that Edward's bond with Bella might grow strong enough to steal her away—remained at the forefront of his mind.

"This is no small favor you ask," Aro said, his voice quieter now but no less dangerous. "You propose to bring these… Cullens into my sanctuary, exposing Isabella—and me—to their influence. And yet, you expect me to believe you act solely in her best interest?"

Edward held Aro's gaze, unflinching. "I do. This isn't about me, or Carlisle, or Alice. This is about Bella's future—her safety. You may not trust me, Aro, but I would sooner burn than see any harm come to her."

The declaration hung heavy in the air. Aro's fury remained palpable, but beneath it, doubt and calculation churned. He could see the conviction in Edward's eyes, the unshakable truth of his bond with Bella. But Aro's anger did not cool; it only simmered, waiting for its moment to erupt.

The silence hung thick between them after Edward's declaration, broken only by the soft rustle of Aro's robes as he moved closer. The flames of anger that had surged moments ago were now tempered, though Aro's calculating expression remained sharp.

"Alice, Carlisle's coven member," Edward began carefully, watching Aro's every reaction, "has the gift of foresight. She can see potential futures based on the decisions that have been made. If she were to come here, perhaps she could guide us toward the safest path for Isabella. Her gift could ensure no misstep puts her at risk."

Aro's head tilted slightly, his ruby eyes gleaming with curiosity, though his thoughts were guarded. "A seer, you say?" His tone was measured, laced with intrigue but noticeably devoid of the unhinged greed Edward had feared. "Such a talent is exceedingly rare. Fascinating… though I suspect not entirely without its limitations."

Edward nodded, knowing he had to tread lightly. "Her visions aren't absolute—they shift with decisions—but they're precise enough to grant foresight into the outcomes of critical choices. It will be a difficult favor to ask, but I'm certain Alice and Carlisle will agree. This is for Isabella, after all."

Aro narrowed his eyes slightly, the lines of his face hardening as a layer of suspicion crept into his voice. "And if Carlisle agrees, you propose his entire coven will come with him? An influx of vampires into Volterra is no small matter, Edward. Have you truly thought this through?"

"I have," Edward said firmly, knowing Aro's doubts ran deeper than what was spoken aloud. "And their presence would only be temporary—long enough for Carlisle to assess Bella's health and for Alice to provide clarity on the path forward." He hesitated briefly, knowing the risk of exposing Alice's gift to Aro, but pressed on. "You may not trust me, but this plan ensures Isabella's well-being above all else."

Aro regarded Edward coldly, his mind whirring beneath the still surface of his expression. "I don't trust you, Edward," he admitted in a voice edged with ice. "Not yet. Let me see what I wish to see, and only then will I consider granting your request."

Edward tensed. He had been careful, relentlessly so, to keep his mind shielded from Aro's invasive gift since arriving in Volterra. But now there was no other option. Isabella's future—her life—depended on this fragile truce. Steeling himself, Edward slowly extended his hand.

Aro's thin, pale fingers wrapped around Edward's with the lightness of a spider spinning its web. Edward watched as Aro's eyes glazed over slightly, a faint flicker of movement in his irises betraying the maelstrom of images flooding his mind.

Aro sifted carefully through Edward's thoughts, brushing past trivialities and focusing on the storm of emotions tied to Bella. He saw Edward's shock upon realizing their bond, the protective fire in his heart every time he looked at her, the unyielding resolve to safeguard her future. He saw glimpses of Edward's intentions—Alice's visions, Carlisle's expertise—all centered on Isabella's well-being.

Then, Aro saw something deeper, something that gave him pause: the unwavering love Edward bore for Bella, a connection as ancient and unshakable as the instinct to breathe. It wasn't manipulation or ambition driving him—it was genuine, undeniable.

When Aro released Edward's hand, his expression was inscrutable. The room felt heavy with the weight of what had passed between them.

"Your resolve is… admirable," Aro said at last, his voice quiet, almost reflective. "Perhaps even genuine." He let out a soft, sardonic chuckle. "Reluctantly, I find myself inclined to believe you, though I do not yet fully trust you."

Edward met Aro's piercing gaze head-on. "That's enough for now. I only need you to consider my request. Bella's safety depends on it, Aro. And whether you want to admit it or not, you know it as well as I do."

Aro regarded him for a long moment before finally inclining his head. "Very well. I will allow Carlisle and his seer to come—for Isabella's sake." His voice turned sharper. "But do not think for a moment, Edward, that my watchful eye will waver. Should you falter, even once, you will face my wrath. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly," Edward said simply, knowing this was only the first step in the battle for Bella's safety. He turned to leave, but not before catching Aro's murmured words, soft but laced with venom.

"This bond of yours may be your undoing yet."

There's been a concern about whether Edward could hear what Aro was thinking in the previous chapter. But I believe he's had his gift for decades, and I'm sure he knows how to turn it down so he doesn't hear everyone around him—otherwise, he would go insane.

Aro is an overprotective dad—let's give him that.

Update: We're bringing the Cullens into the story because I just love them all!