𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [1] ✔️

4. SECOND CHANCES

AS THE DARK FOG LIFTED, CARLISLE'S friends emerged from the shadows and approached us. My mind was consumed with thoughts of the conversation between Carlisle and Jasper. What was this Volturi they spoke of? The other vampires stood stoically beside their leader, with Bree sandwiched between them. Though they couldn't see me, my focus remained on Bella. The wind carried her scent towards me, causing my thoughts to scatter. I glared at her, feeling my thirst intensify. But she couldn't see me either, thanks to the power I possessed over humans.

Four dark cloaks emerged from the trees, their presence sending shivers down my spine. They watched as the fire consumed the bodies of the dead newborns, before gliding through the vapour to face the yellow-eyed vampires. None of them looked in my direction, but I remained frozen in place.

Despite the seven yellow eyes standing before them, the four dark cloaks exuded an air of experience and caution. They were just as wary of these dark cloaks as Riley and my creator had been. There was something about them that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but I could feel it. These were the punishers, and they never lost.

"Welcome, Jane," greeted the yellow-eyed one, his grip firm on Bella's arm.

The air was thick with tension as the family emerged from the shadows, their otherworldly beauty and grace sending shivers down my spine. It was as if they were creatures from a different realm, their presence both alluring and terrifying. As I took in their features, it dawned on me - these were the Cullens.

The ones who never came out in the sun, who were rarely seen in school. The ones who were whispered about in hushed tones, their secrets shrouded in mystery. And now, standing before me, it all made sense.

They were vampires too.

My mind raced as I tried to process this revelation. How had I not seen it before? How had I been so blind to the truth? And yet, as I looked at Edward's cold and polite expression, I knew that he had known all along.

That he had been waiting for this moment. The Volturi. The name echoed in my mind, sending a chill down my spine. I knew of them, of course. The ancient and powerful coven who ruled over all vampires. But what did they want with us? And why were the Cullens involved?

As the Volturi removed their hoods, revealing their dark cloaks and piercing gazes, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. This was it. The moment we had been dreading. The moment when our fate would be decided. And yet, as I looked at the Cullens standing beside me, their eyes locked in a silent understanding, I knew that we were not alone. That we had each other. And that, no matter what happened next, we would face it together.

"Impressive," Jane, the blonde haired girl, exclaimed, her red eyes gleaming. "I've never seen a coven escape an assault of this magnitude intact."

Carlisle merely shrugged, his humble nature preventing him from basking in the glory of their successful evasion. "We were lucky," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.

Jane scoffed at his response, her sharp wit cutting through the air like a knife. "Luck had nothing to do with it," she retorted. "Your coven is skilled, Carlisle. You should be proud."

The dark-haired young man, who had been silently observing the exchange, spoke up. "It appears we missed an entertaining fight," he commented.

Jane, who stood at his side, same height and all, nodded in agreement. "It's not often we're rendered unnecessary," she remarked, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.