LA REGINA DEI CIGNI | VOLTURI KINGS [1]

xviii.

Bella's POV

The Volturi were coming for us, for Renesmee. The Cullens and I gathered witnesses from all over the world to help explain to the Volturi. To prove that we didn't break the law.

With the arrival of the witnesses, I learned that I had been gifted an ability along with my newfound immortality. I was a shield and that is the reason Edward can't read my mind. 

Currently, I was standing at the edge of the woods with Kate Denali, training my gift so that I can use it to shield others and not just myself.

"You need to visualize it. See how it moves, what color it is," she explained, "Picture it expanding. Will it to go beyond you."

I produced a small shield before it was absorbed back into my body. Kate used Edward to provide "incentive" by shocking him with her gift of electrokinesis. 

When it continued not to work, she threatened to go get Renesmee. I couldn't let that happen so I pushed my shield harder, making it cover Edward. He informed us that it was bearable and I spent the rest of the day practicing my shield. 

Later in the night, I finally realized what Alice's note meant. The book that matched that page that was torn from it led me to a man named J. Jenks in Seattle. 

So on the 23rd of December, I dropped Jacob and Renesmee off at Charlie's and drove to Seattle. Turns out J. Jenks was a forger and Alice had him make a passport for Jacob and Renesmee in case they have to run.

Christmas rolled around and Edward, Jacob, Renesmee, Seth, Leah, and I joined Charlie and Sue for Christmas. We all relaxed around the living room, opening presents.

Another piece of information was that Jacob split away from Sam's pack, taking Seth and Leah with him. 

When we found out that the Volturi were coming for us, they agreed to witness for us. Sam agreed to witness but if it came down to a fight, he said that he wouldn't go against Diana.

I was angry that in such an important time as this, Diana continues to ruin my life. 

Tonight was the night before the confrontation. We all camped out near the clearing, waiting for the Volturi to come. 

A few days ago, I packed a bag for Renesmee and Jacob, filled with cash, their passports, and anything else they would need. 

I was inside the tent with Renesmee while the witnesses sat around the campfire and told stories. I explained what was happening to her, I reassure her that she would be okay. I presented her with a necklace from Edward and me, letting her know that we love her. 

She huddled under the blankets for warmth before falling asleep while I sat there, thinking about what tomorrow will bring. Hoping that I won't lose my family.