𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟖 | 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒

AFTER A LITTLE WHILE OUTSIDE, THE FOREST AROUND IS FELL EERILY STILL UNTIL THE FAINT RHYTHM OF FAST-MOVING FOOTSTEPS BROKE THROUGH THE QUIET. In seconds, two pale figures emerged from the shadows of the trees.

Carlisle stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Vladimir. Stefan. You're a long way from home."

Kate leaned closer, whispering, "What are they doing here?"

"We heard the Volturi were moving against you," Vladimir said, his crimson eyes gleaming. "But that you would not stand alone."

"We didn't do what we were accused of," Carlisle explained evenly.

Jasper's arm slid around my waist, drawing me closer. The movement was protective instinctive.

Vladimir smirked. "We do not care what you did, Carlisle."

Stefan's expression darkened, his tone sharp. "We have been waiting a millennium for the Italian scum to be challenged."

Carlisle shook his head. "It's not our plan to fight the Volturi."

"Shame," Vladimir replied, almost disappointed. "Aro's witnesses will be so let down."

"They enjoy a good fight," Stefan added with a humorless chuckle.

Both men scoffed in unison.

"Aro's witnesses?" Eleazar questioned, brows furrowing.

Vladimir's lips curled. "Ah, still hoping they'll listen, are you?"

The tension was thick as their laughter faded into the trees.

Later, we all gathered back inside the Cullen house. The living room glowed with low lamplight, flickering off marble skin and nervous faces. I sat with Jasper on one of the couches, resting my head on his shoulder as Carlisle and Eleazar spoke.

"When Aro wants someone from a coven," Eleazar began gravely, "it's never long before evidence appears to prove that coven committed some crime."

I looked up. "So... he's done this before?"

"It happens so rarely, I never realized it was a pattern," Eleazar said. "But yes. Apparently, Aro always seeks out ability. And those who survive are offered a place in the guard."

Edward's jaw clenched. "This is all about Alice and Delilah. He has no one like them."

Bella's voice softened. "Which is why she left."

Emmett frowned. "Why does he need witnesses then?"

"To spread the word that justice has been served," Alistair said dryly. "After he slaughters an entire coven."

Amun suddenly stood. "Benjamin, Tia, we're leaving."

Edward's eyes hardened. "And where will you go, Amun? What makes you think they'll stop with Alice and Delilah? What's to keep them from going after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina? Or Kate? Anyone with a gift — anyone they want. Their goal isn't justice. It's power. Control."

He stepped forward, his voice rising with quiet conviction. "Carlisle may not ask you to fight but I will. For my family. For yours. For the freedom to live as we choose."

I rose to my feet. "I'm with you," I said, smiling at him. Jasper immediately stood beside me, his hand finding mine.

Jacob pushed his chair back, standing tall. "The packs will fight. We've never been afraid of vampires."

Tanya stood next. "The Denali will fight."

Garrett laughed lightly. "This won't be the first time I've stood against a king's rule."

Benjamin straightened his shoulders. "We'll join you," he said to Edward.

"No," Amun warned sharply.

"I will do the right thing," Benjamin said firmly. "You may do as you please."

Senna nodded. "We will stand with you."

"So will we," Siobhan added, her Irish lilt ringing through the room.

Vladimir smirked. "That didn't take much."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Edward murmured.

Alistair crossed his arms. "We'll see."

One by one, they pledged themselves. For the first time, I felt something fierce stir inside me not fear, but unity. Because we knew what was coming. The Volturi would soon descend, bringing with them Jane's agony and Alec's suffocating darkness.

Later that night, when the voices in the house had softened, Jasper and I stood in the kitchen, speaking quietly away from the others. That's when Bella and Edward approached, hand in hand.

"Can we talk to you both?" Bella asked gently.

"Of course," I said with a smile.

Jasper straightened, curious. "What's wrong?"

The couple exchanged a glance. Bella hesitated, then Edward spoke. "We were wondering... if you would be Renesmee's godparents."

I froze, eyes widening. "Really?"

They both nodded.

"Yes," Jasper and I said together, without hesitation.

Bella's voice trembled slightly. "Look, I know Renesmee will always have Jacob but if anything happens to us on that battlefield, we need you to help him protect her. Raise her. Love her."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "We understand. We'll protect her with our lives. She'll always have us no matter what happens."

Bella smiled softly, eyes glistening, and reached for Edward's hand. Together, they turned and walked away.

I looked up at Jasper, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face. He leaned his forehead against mine, his expression tender.

I laughed quietly. "Guess that makes us family in more ways than one."

Jasper chuckled, his voice low and warm. "Guess it does, darlin'."