Before The Storm | J. Hale & A. Cullen

0.8

The field was silent as the two groups stood across from each other. The heartbeats of the wolves and the two hybrids were the only audible sounds until Carlisle stepped forward after briefly conversing with Edward.

Carlisle spread his arms out in greeting as he spoke, "Aro, my old friend, it's been centuries."

Aro stepped forward, shadowed closely by Renata. He held up his hand as growls rippled from the crowd behind him.

"Behave," he muttered to his coven, "Fair words, Carlisle. Though, they do seem a bit misplaced, considering the battalion you've assembled against me and my dear ones."

Carlisle relaxed his posture before he held his hand out in front of him. "You need but a touch to find that was not my intent, my friend. You could have the truth."

Aro remained silent for a moment as his gaze lingered. He spoke as his eyes narrowed. "Maybe such, but how could your intent possibly matter, considering the treachery you've committed?"

Carlisle stepped forward again as he raised his voice, standing taller as it echoed over the field.

"I have not committed the crimes you accuse me of! There is no need for punishment!"

Aro took another step forward as he swept his arms open wide. "Then step aside, and let us punish those who are responsible. Truly, Carlisle, it would grieve me to have to end your inquisitive life today."

"No one has broken the law, Aro." He stepped forward again, holding his hand out to Aro once more. "Just let me explain."

Before Aro could speak, Caius moved forward to stand by his brother's side.

"So many pointless laws, minor inconveniences, many of which you helped create. How could you stand to break the only one that truly matters?"

"The law wasn't broken, if you could just listen - "

"We can see the child, Carlisle!" Caius hissed out, "Do not treat us as fools!"

"She isn't immortal! She isn't a vampire! If you'd just let me explain for one quick moment - "

"If she is not an immortal child, then why have you gathered such an army to fight for her?"

"Witnesses, Caius. They are witnesses, just like your own," Carlisle's gaze drifted toward the edge of the forest, where the mass of vampire witnesses stalked. "Any one of these covens could attest to my claim. They can tell you the truth about the girl. Or you could look for yourself. You can see the flush in her cheeks, feel the warmth running through her veins. Please, Caius, just look."

"Artifice!" The blond snapped, a sneer taking over his face. 

"Enough, brother," Aro chided him quietly. "I must collect every facet of the truth for evidence. Perhaps, from someone more central to the story." His eyes flickered through the crowd before him. "Edward, as the child clings to your newborn mate, I assume you are involved?"

Michael watched as Edward crossed the field and allowed Aro to take hold of his hand.

Aro's gaze flickered back toward the crowd before he looked back to Edward's face. "I'd like to meet her," he spoke faintly.

Edward gazed back at his wife, briefly nodding his head as he sensed her hesitance. Bella moved forward a few feet before she stopped and gazed back at them, her eyes stopping as they landed on Emmett before skipping over to Michael.

Michael started across the snow-covered field with Emmett to meet up with them without her having to utter a single word. He stuck close to Renesmee, who was still on Jacob’s back. They came to a stop in front of the Volturi Kings, the sound of the snow crunching under their feet ceased to exist. Michael kept his expression blank as he helped Renesmee off of her imprinter’s back. He balanced her on his left hip, walking the rest of the way to the insane king as Isabella kept close to his side.