𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒘𝒏

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏

As they make their way to the clearing where they'll meet the Volturi, the tension in the air is palpable. Renesmee and Jacob have agreed to join them there. Trembling with anticipation, Aurora tightens her grip on Rosalie and Emmett's hands. Rosalie casts a worried glance her way, her brow furrowed. "Are you feeling alright, sweet girl?" she asks, her voice gentle but concerned.

Emmett turns to look at Aurora at Rosalie's question. She bites her lip hard before confessing, "I'm really anxious." That's the understatement of the century, she thinks. I'm shitting bricks. What if the Cullens' plea doesn't work? I'm dead. Six feet under. Goodbye, Aurora.

Rosalie squeezes Aurora's hand. "We've faced them before, and we'll face them again. You're not alone in this."

Emmett chimes in with a reassuring grin, "Yeah, they've got nothing on us. We've got you covered."

In what feels like a fleeting moment, they find themselves at the designated meeting spot. Renesmee and Jacob arrive, holding hands. Renesmee smiles widely and places her hands on Aurora's cheeks, showing her all the best moments they've ever had together. It calms her somewhat, and she can feel Jasper subtly using his gift to help ease her anxiety.

"You'll be alright," Renesmee assures her before returning to Jacob's side. "I'll tear them to shreds if they try anything," Jacob chuckles, trying to make light of the situation. Renesmee hits his chest and gives him a stern look. If it were any other day or any other situation, Aurora would have laughed with him, but today was not the day. She manages a weak giggle before slipping back into her thoughts.

As Renesmee and Jacob move to stand beside Edward and Bella, Aurora's panic intensifies. There was no way in hell she was going to make it. They were so not going to make it. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

"We're not going to die," Edward states firmly, breaking through her spiraling thoughts. Aurora glares at him.

"You don't know that!" she shouts, her panic getting the best of her. "You're all so calm and collected. It baffles me! This is literally life-threatening. I mean, listen, I know this isn't your first rodeo from what you've told me, but shit, people! At least panic a little." She feels the sting of tears in her eyes but blinks them away before they can fall.

Esme steps forward, her eyes full of motherly concern. "Aurora, dear, we understand your fear. It's perfectly natural. But we've faced the Volturi before, and we've come out stronger. Trust us."

Carlisle adds, "We've prepared for this. You're part of our family now, and we protect our own."

Alice steps beside her, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I've seen a future where we all walk away from this. Trust my visions." She winks at Aurora, a mischievous smile on her face. So she did have another vision. Aurora knew it!

Jasper nods, his calm demeanor reassuring. "We'll handle this, Aurora. Just focus on staying calm." Aurora whispers a soft, "Okay," before lowering her gaze to the ground. Alice said she saw a future where they all walk away from this. Does that mean the Volturi too? Do they pardon them? She has so many questions. She takes a deep breath and brings herself to look at where Edward and Alice said the Volturi would arrive from.

As the minutes tick by, Aurora tries to take deep breaths to keep her calm facade, grounding herself in the presence of her vampire family. Her heart still races, but their confidence and support help steady her, if only a little.

In the weeks leading up to this confrontation, the Cullens had thought it necessary to give Aurora lessons on the Volturi. Sitting in the cozy living room of their house, she had learned about each member and their gifts. Carlisle had taken the lead, his voice steady as he detailed each member of the Volturi and their abilities.

"Aro, the main leader, can read every thought a person has ever had with a single touch," Carlisle had explained, showing her a picture of Aro from an ancient book he owned. He was so handsome. Shit! Edward... She glanced his way to see him subtly laughing. She blushed, turning her attention back to Carlisle. "Caius is fierce and uncompromising but doesn't own a gift of his own, and Marcus... well, Marcus can see the bonds between people, the ties that bind them."

She remembered Jasper stepping in, his eyes serious. "It's crucial you know them, Aurora." See, that right there confused the hell out of her. Why was it crucial for her to know them?

Alice had chimed in before she could ask him, her voice a mix of cheer and seriousness. "And Jane, Alec, Demetri... They each have their own gifts. Jane can cause immense pain with her mind, Alec can numb all senses, and Demetri is the best tracker."

Esme had added, "And don't forget Felix. He's one of their strongest fighters, very loyal to Aro. If things were ever to get physical, he'll be one to watch out for."

"But that won't happen," Rosalie stated, her voice steady and filled with conviction. She turned to Aurora, her eyes softening as she sent a reassuring smile her way.

Those lessons had been intense, but they had also brought Aurora closer to the Cullens. They had taught her to understand the Volturi, to prepare for this very moment, and to trust in her family.