LA REGINA DEI CIGNI | VOLTURI KINGS [1]

xix.

Diana's POV

The day of the confrontation finally came; the witness, the guard, the Kings, and I were running through the snow, going faster than the speed of light. We were all dressed in black cloaks with red lining. The Guards, Kings, and I were sporting the signature Volturi pendent. 

The Kings and I led the group, the elite guard immediately following behind us. Rosalie, Emmett, the Hale Twins, and the triplets were within the groups. 

We came upon a clearing, the Cullens and their witnesses already waiting for us. I noticed the vampire I spared, Bree, was there, still looking well. All of them spread out in separate groups. 

I surveyed the entire field, searching for Jasper and Alice. My eyes never met the ones of my brother so I assumed he wasn't here. 

As we continued walking, the sound of wolves howling came from the forest, followed by a large pack of wolves trailing out of the treeline. They joined the group, filling in the gaps. 

We stopped a good distance away from them. I slowly removed my hood from my head, the rest followed my actions. 

Once we finished, Carlisle stepped away from his mate and walked forward, "Aro, let us discuss things as we used to. In a civilized manner."

"Fair words Carlisle," Aro spoke, "But a little out of place given the battalion you've assembled against us."

"I can promise you, that was never my intent," Carlisle declared, "No laws have been broken."

"We see the child," Caius growled, "do not treat us as fools."

"She is not an immortal," Carlisle announced, "These witnesses can attest to that. Or you can look." He gestured to the child, "See the flush of human blood in her cheeks."

"Artifice!" Caius shouted

"We will collect every facet of the truth," I placated, "But from someone more central to the story, Edward. As the child clings to my newborn Sister. No doubt you had a hand in its creation."

Edward traveled over to our side. As he walked, I noticed a blurry shield-like substance reach out to him before it traveled back to Bella. I used Eleazar's gift once more and realized that my dear sister was a shield. I smirked, waiting to use it to my advantage, along with all of the other powers I have now collected from the other witnesses.

Aro grasped Edward's hand when he finally reached us, showing proof that the child was indeed born and not bitten. This newly acquired information took the smile right off of Aro's face. 

"I'd like to meet her," Aro asserted

The small child followed Bella, Jacob trailing behind them in wolf form. They made their way to Edward's side, in front of us. Bella looked at us with a sneer on her face.

"Ahh, young Bella," Aro drawled, "immortality becomes you."

The strong heartbeat of the child could be heard from every vampire on the field, eliciting a laugh from Aro, "I hear her strange heart."

The child approached Aro, bypassing his outstretched hand, and placed her palm on his cheek, "Hello, Aro." Memories of her short life filled Aro's mind and mine as well as I watched her birth and the events that led up to today.

"Magnifico," Aro gasped. He stood from his crouched position, "Half mortal, half immortal. Conceived and carried by this newborn while she was still human."

"Impossible," Caius scoffed

I turned to face him, "I can assure you, Aro speaks the truth. They have not fooled us, my warrior."