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𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲
MOST OF THE VAMPIRES sat in the living room as a vampire explained about Aro and the Volturi.
"When Aro wants someone from a coven, it's not long before evidence comes up proving that coven committed a crime." he explains.
"So he's done this before?" I ask worried. "It happens so rarely, I never realized it was a pattern" He answers.
"Apparently he always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant." Carlisle adds. "This person always has an ability. And they're always given a place with the guard."
"This is all about Alice" Jasper says from across the room. "Yeah, he has no one like her" Edward adds. "Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett asks.
"To spread the word that justice has been served. After he slaughters an entire coven" the moody vampire says. Part of Benjamin's coven gets up and walks to the door.
"Benjamin, Tia, we're leaving" he announces. "And where will you go?" Edward asks. "What makes you think they'll be satisfied with Alice? What's to stop them from coming after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina or Kate or anyone else with a gift. Anyone they want?" he says.
My eyes meet Jaspers as I give him a small smile, knowing once Aro found out about my gift he would want it. Jasper gives me a slight smile, sadness in his eyes before her looks back at Edward.
"Their goal isn't punishment, it's power. It's acquisition. Carlisle might not ask you to fight, but I will. For the sake of my family, and also yours. And for the way you want to live." Edward says. Jake suddenly stands up "the packs will fight. We've never been afraid of vampires" he announces.
The Denali coven also stands up "We will fight." they say. Gareth stands forward "This won't be the first time I fought a king's rule" he says.
"We'll join you" Benjamin says smiling. The leader of his coven steps forward "No" he tells Benjamin. "I will do the right thing, Amun. You may do as you please." he says.
Me and Bella stand together just as another Coven joins, then another. Eventually everyone agrees, even the Nomads.
———•———
Everyone showed courage, though we knew Aro's army was moving against us. Soon we would face the dark gifts of Jane. And worse the paralyzing vapor of her brother Alec, who could rob you of sound and touch.
-------------------------
As Bella learns how to project her shield, I sit in our small cottage with Elizabeth. "What's going to happen, mommy" Lizzie asks from beside me. I smile down to her and pull her into a hug.
"I don't know yet sweetheart, do you want me to read to you?" I ask. She nods eagerly causing me to chuckle. I stand up and grab a book and sit back down.
A little while later Lizzie had fallen asleep in my arms. I brushed some of her hair out of her face and gently kissed her forehead. Jasper walked in through the front door, about to speak but I placed my finger over my lips to shush him.
I motioned to our sleeping daughter and he smiled. He took her from my arms and carried her to her room. He walked back in and sat beside me. I put my feet up on the couch "What's happening with Bella's gift?" I ask him.
He places his arm around me "She's learnt how to use her shield on other people" he tells me. I smile and nod. "I'm worried" I admit.
He frowns and kisses my temple "what's up?" Jasper asks. I trace my finger along his shoulder and let out a sigh.
"I don't want anything to happen to Lizzie, or you, or Bella, or anyone" I say putting my head back. "Nothing's going to happen, Noe. I won't let it" he says trying to reassure me.
I nod "Yeah, you're right" I say. He smiles and kisses me softly "I love you Elanova" he whispers against my lips.
