Entitled // caius volturi

Chapter 16 // blood amongst the battle.

~Love is the death of duty.~
December 30th, 2006.

Rowen's pov.

The day had fast approached us. The night would certainly be a long one of preparation should the worst happen. I had faith in the Volturi that as long as I stood with the Cullens they were safe from harm... well that was hoped for at least. If the events over the past year have taught me anything it's to never underestimate your enemies but keep an even closer eye on your loved ones. Their betrayals cut far deeper.

Over the course of my stay in forks I have admittedly grown close with my niece. Every morning since the first one, she has shown up at my father's with either Bella, Edward or Jacob with her, eager to start a day of adventures.

Our days were full of laughter and excitement, much like my father had done with me growing up I taught her how to, shoot, fish, track and an array of other self-sustainable hobbies. She naturally excelled at all, but we also had relaxing strolls down la push, and spoke about anything and everything. She became joined to my hip and I almost didn't want to let Jacob take her away as Bella had planned.

She was the closest I would ever get to my own child and the urge to protect her was prevalent.

I agreed with Bella to stay at her and Edward's cottage the night before the battle. Lohar was still at the Cullens and reported back to me every day.

I lay on the bed next to Renesmee as she played with my hair, crafting a pretty braid with the dark locks. I had taken her to the stables today we spent hours riding through the thick shrubbery and forest floor on horseback. I missed Freya incredibly and knew that no other horse would live up to her but that shouldn't stop me from riding. Renesemee took to riding exceptionally well and she adored the bristling wind and the smell of fresh bark and evergreens.

I sat up quickly bringing her to sit with me. I had come to realise how resilient she is. The entire situation didn't seem to weigh as heavy on her shoulders as it did mine and I wished I had the same childlike wonder about the world that she did.

I placed my hands on her cheeks, my crimson eyes scorning into her brown ones.

"I have something for you, sweetling..."

Her eyes lit up at my words, moving my hand I retrieved a small black box with a red ribbon from my pocket, placing it in her open palms.

She wasted no time before opening the box gently. A small thin gold locket rested inside. A large V was engraved on the front and a matching C was on the back.

She turned the locket over in her hands noticing the engravings.

"What're the letters for auntie roo."

She knitted her brows together in confusion her sweet voice barely audible. Smiling softly, I brushed a finger against her freckled face.

It was like looking into a morbid mirror. Her features were similar to mine and her mannerisms were just the same. I almost wanted to apologise to her for all that was to come... or maybe to my younger self...

"I'm no Cullen, but you are. Their blood runs through your veins... as does mine... and whatever way it turns you'll know that one of us is there with you... whether our last name be Cullen or... Volturi... you will know that we are there. Wear it always... and if you find yourself needing me you simply need to open the locket."

I opened the small metal heart for her. Inside it rested a small photo of the two of us on la push. She sat on my shoulders as I ran around on the wet sandy beach. Her laughter filled the air while Jacob chased us... it was fate that Bella had secretly snapped a similar picture to the one of my own parents.