𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [1] ✔️

17. THE INVITE

AS RHONA AND I APPROACHED THE GRAND ENTRANCE of the mansion, the sun was still stretching its rays across the sky. With a gentle push, she opened the doors and we stepped inside. The warmth of the active fireplace greeted us, but my confusion grew as I saw Gabriel standing in front of it, with Helena lurking behind him. Simon and Alana were cozied up on the couch to the left, while Joseph sat on the opposite side.

"I thought we needed a search party," Joseph exclaimed.

Rhona quickly interjected, "She was just enjoying a nighttime stroll."

As I scanned the room, my eyes caught sight of a book lying on the ground. I made my way over to it, my curiosity piqued.

"Say, for a coven with a library," I mused, sauntering towards the book. "You left that book on the floor."

"It's not me," Simon raised his hands in defence.

As I picked up the book, something suddenly landed in front of me. I looked up to see Ethan, roaring like a little kid trying to scare me. But he was a big kid. My amber eyes stared blankly at him as he stopped screaming. I greeted him with a smile and his question caught me off guard, "Were you scared?" he asked, his eyes searching for an honest answer.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, "I was this close to being scared," I replied sarcastically, holding my fingers up to emphasise my point.

Ethan chuckled, "I'm trying to be fearsome here, but it's just not working," he admitted as we made our way to the coven. "I think I'm just coming off as annoying."

I couldn't help but wonder if he ever thought before he spoke. Did he even listen to himself? But I pushed those thoughts aside as we settled onto the couch, surrounded by Ethan's family and our coven.

Gabriel held a white envelope in his hand, and as he opened it, my heart raced with anticipation. He pulled out a small card, cleared his throat, and began to read.

"Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Masen Cullen," he began. "Together with their families; request the honour of your presence at the celebration of their marriage."

A tiny voice within me let out a high-pitched squeal. Edward and Bella, tying the knot? Why was I even surprised? They had been together for what felt like an eternity, braving the storm of Victoria's wrath, the newborns' chaos, the wolves' howls, and the looming threat of the Volturi.

"Wow, that's fantastic news!" Alana exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Finally, they're making it official," Joseph chimed in, a wide grin spreading across his face.

As the celebration swirled around me, my mind drifted to a memory. A memory of Jane's words to the Cullens about Bella. Something that had left me with an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Caius will be interested to know that she's still human."

The words that now echoed in my mind, taunting me with their ominous implications.

Why would the Volturi be interested in Bella's mortality? How much did they know about her? My heart raced as I considered the possibilities. The date was set, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was looming on the horizon.

"The date is set," I whispered the words to myself, my voice barely audible over the din of the party. Gabriel's concerned voice broke through my thoughts, but I couldn't focus on him. My mind was consumed with the weight of what I had just realised.

"Bella said that to her," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Who?" Gabriel asked, his golden eyes searching mine for answers.