𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [1] ✔️

19. THE WEDDING

THE DAY HAD FINALLY ARRIVED. MY BEST FRIEND was about to tie the knot and I couldn't be more excited. We had left for the airport twelve hours early, just to be safe. The sky was mercifully covered in clouds, shielding us from the harsh sun. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at the lack of sunshine. But Gabriel had thought ahead and booked us a hotel where we could freshen up before the wedding. I was grateful for that, especially since I was wearing heels.

As we settled into our first-class seats, Rhona struck up a conversation. "You grew up in Forks, right?" she asked, and I nodded. "So, for you, this is like a welcome home treat."

I smiled wistfully. "Yeah, it is. Home..."

But my mind was already racing ahead to my next plan. After the wedding, I had promised to go get Ayla. She had been on my mind constantly, and I couldn't wait to see her again.

When we finally landed in Forks, it was like a homecoming for me. The cool summer breeze in August was a familiar comfort. It was strange to think that I had only been away for three months, and yet it felt like an eternity. As much as I loved being back in my place of origin, I couldn't help but miss London.

As we arrived at the Cullens' abode, the scent of human blood wafted through the air, tempting my senses. But I was grateful for my self-control, for I knew that one wrong move could lead to disastrous consequences. Gabriel rapped on the door, and it creaked open to reveal Carlisle, dressed in a sleek black suit with a crisp white shirt.

"Hello, again," Carlisle greeted, his warm smile radiating through the room as he embraced Gabriel. "It's been a while."

"Only four months," Gabriel replied nonchalantly.

Carlisle's gaze then shifted to Rhona, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree as she rushed to embrace him.

"It's so lovely to see you after all these years!" Rhona exclaimed, her joy palpable as Carlisle returned her hug. "It's been far too long!"

"I know," Carlisle replied, his golden eyes flickering towards me. "Hello, Violet. I see your eyes are amber now."

"I've grown accustomed to the diet," I replied, recalling his words of encouragement. "I'm doing well, thank you."

After greeting the rest of the coven, Carlisle ushered us into his home, informing us that the wedding was taking place in the backyard. As we stepped outside, the sound of classical music filled the air, and my nerves began to fray at the sight of so many humans. The anxiety within me grew, and I struggled to control my breathing.

"You okay, Violet?" Simon's voice cut through the noise, and I turned to face him, trying to keep my cool.

I nodded, but my mind was racing. What if he could see the fear in my eyes? What if everyone could see it?

Just then, four vampires appeared out of nowhere, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice. My saviours.

"Hi, all!" Alice greeted us with her usual cheerfulness, and I couldn't help but smile at her infectious energy.

But as she hugged me tightly, I felt my anxiety spike again. I tried to hide it, but I knew the others could sense it.

"I'm glad you all made it in time," Alice said, beaming with joy.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Gabriel replied, and the others nodded in agreement.

As they chatted and caught up, I tried to blend into the background, hoping no one would notice me. But Emmett's voice cut through the noise.

"Wow, Violet. You've got amber eyes now," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

"That's what happens when you drink animal blood, sweetie," Rosalie teased him, and the others chuckled.

"Just a few steps closer to having gold eyes," Ethan added, and I couldn't help but smile at their banter.

For a moment, I forgot about my anxiety and just enjoyed being around these amazing creatures. They made me feel alive, and I knew that as long as I had them by my side, I could face anything.

As my family mingled with the Cullens and the other coven, I found myself lost in a sea of white roses, their delicate petals swaying in the breeze. My nerves were on edge, my mind racing with the possibility of someone discovering my true identity. What would be my final reason? I couldn't let my anxiety ruin Bella's special day. I took a seat next to my family, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Suddenly, I heard familiar voices in the distance. My heart sank as I recognized the sound of Eric Yorkie, Mike Newton, Angela Webber and Jessica Stanley. They were here too. What if they saw me? Would they be able to tell that I was no longer human? My eyes were no longer brown, but a deep amber. My skin was paler than ever before.

I had to think fast. Then, I remembered my power. I focused on the groom waiting at the altar, willing myself to be invisible to those around me.

"I wish Violet was here," Jessica muttered.

"You know she's missing, not dead," Eric replied.

"But don't you think it would be better if she was dead?" Jessica's words cut through me like a knife.

"Why would you say that?" Angela gasped.

"I mean, after all her family went through," Jessica added.

My mind raced with confusion. What were they talking about? Gavin and Dina didn't seem to care about my disappearance. Unless Ayla had something to do with it. She was the only one who truly cared about me.

As the wedding began, I sat in silence, my mind consumed with worry. Would I be discovered? Would my family be in danger? Only time would tell.

As I sat among the guests, the air was thick with anticipation. Suddenly, a familiar tune filled the room, signalling the start of the long-awaited wedding. I rose to my feet, eager to catch a glimpse of the bride.

There she was, Bella, resplendent in a white-sleeved dress, clutching her father's arm as if her life depended on it. She made her way down the aisle, her eyes fixed on her beloved fiancé.

As we settled into our seats, the minister began to speak. His words were solemn and measured, a reminder of the gravity of the occasion. We repeated after him, our voices ringing out in unison.

And then, the moment we had all been waiting for. The minister turned to the groom and asked him to repeat the sacred vows. Edward spoke to them with conviction, his eyes locked on Bella's.

She, in turn, repeated the same words, her voice trembling with emotion. And then, the moment of truth. The minister asked the all-important question, and both bride and groom answered with a resounding "I do."

With those words, the couple was pronounced husband and wife. They sealed their union with a kiss, and the room erupted in applause. I joined in, my heart filled with joy for the newlyweds.