𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟔 | 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐅𝐓 𝐔𝐒

THE NEXT DAY FELT LIGHTER. Jasper and I had finally talked everything out. The tension that once sat between us had melted away. We even made a decision together, once we were married, we'd adopt a child.

Now, we were packing our bags, ready to head out. The plan was to travel with Bella, Edward, Jacob, and Renesmee though in separate cars, since Edward's couldn't possibly fit all of us.

"All right," Jacob said, slinging his bag over his shoulder with that trademark grin. "Let's get this show on the road."

Before we could leave, Jacob's smile faded. He spotted Sam approaching the house, holding an envelope.

"Carlisle," Sam said, handing it over. "Alice asked me to give you this. She and Zane crossed our lands to the ocean last night."

Carlisle unfolded the note, reading silently. His expression shifted calm, but heavy.

"Carlisle?" Esme asked softly.

"They've left us," he said at last.

"What? Why?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

"She didn't say."

"Can I see it?" I asked.

Carlisle handed me the note. Bella leaned over my shoulder as I read:

"Gather as many witnesses as you can before the snow sticks to the ground. That's when they'll come."

The message was written on a torn page from The Merchant of Venice. Alice's words were clear but her absence spoke louder.

Why would she and Zane leave now, of all times? What did they know that we didn't?

Our mission was clear. The search for allies began with a trip north to our closest relatives, the Denali coven.

Jasper and I drove in silence. The hum of the tires filled the space between us as we both tried to process the growing threat the Volturi, once again, looming over our family.

When we arrived, Bella and Edward were already there. Jasper and Edward stepped out first, approaching Tanya, Carmen, Kate, and Eleazar.

"Edward, Jasper," Tanya greeted cautiously. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"

"Is it Irina?" Carmen asked. "Have you heard from her?"

"Not really," Jasper replied evenly.

Eleazar's gaze flicked to the car. "Why are your bride and fiancée waiting in the car?"

Kate wrinkled her nose. "And why did you bring a wolf with you? I can smell him from here."

Edward stepped forward. "Our family is in danger. We need your help."

"What's happened?" Carmen asked, concern tightening her tone.

"It's... complicated," Edward said. "But I need you to be open-minded, can do you do that?"

"Of course," Tanya said but that calm didn't last long.

When we all stepped out of the car, the Denali coven froze. Their eyes widened in shock as Renesmee came into view.

"The Volturi will come for all of us," Kate whispered to Tanya.

Tanya's expression twisted. "You get that thing out of here!" she snapped. "This is a crime!"

She lunged at Edward but Jasper was faster. He caught her by the throat, pinning her to the ground. Kate rushed forward, attacking both of them, but I stepped in, my red scarlet energy flaring as I threw her back.

"Stay back!" I shouted, standing between them and my family. Bella, Jacob, and Renesmee were suddenly beside me.

Edward spoke quickly, his voice calm but firm. "She has blood in her veins. You can feel her warmth."

Carmen's eyes softened. "I can feel it."

Jasper moved to my side, taking my hand in his. His touch grounded me.

"I'm her biological father," Edward said. "Bella is her mother."

Kate shook her head. "Impossible."

"It's true," Bella said quietly. "She was born while I was still human."

"I've never heard of such a thing," Eleazar murmured.

"She can show you," Edward said. "If you let her."

Jacob guided Renesmee forward. Edward's voice carried a weight of memory and pain. "Tanya, you owe us this much. We're all under a death sentence because your sister didn't let us explain."

Renesmee reached out, placing her small hand on Tanya's cheek. Tanya flinched, but I gently urged, "Don't be afraid. This is how she communicates."

A moment later, Tanya's eyes filled with realization then awe.

"She's telling the truth," Tanya whispered. "She's not immortal."

And just like that, the tension began to ease. But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. Fear of the Volturi was spreading like wildfire and we would have to face it together.