Midlight (Third in the Apocalypse Saga)

Chapter 30 ~ Hope

A/N Yes I know it's been forever, but here's a new chapter! I hope you can forgive me!

Chapter 30 ~ Hope

*Amelia's POV*

I could hear everybody breathing. I hadn't gotten up yet, I didn't even move. I was afraid that if I did, things will go back to the way they were. I had a knack for ruining things. If I didn't get involved in the first place, Damien would be alive right now.

I ignored my panging heart and split my concentration between my own regeneration and the movements of Ash and Aro. "What is the meaning of this Ash?" Aro demanded. I wanted to roll my eyes. I hadn't seen it coming but I wasn't surprised.

"You've spent the last two decades thinking of a way to destroy the Cullens or to become more powerful to them. You preyed on Narissa, Nolan and Selestia and forced them into this existence -"

"I gave them eternal life, by far the best life -"

"No Aro. You forced them into this existence, not life. You forced them into this nothingness. They don't have a life. They were born from vengeance and that is how they continue to exist. The Cullens have made a life together. They changed their existence to something you are incapable of comprehending. Yes, you had a family once but even then it was nothing more than a coven. I will not let you destroy what the Cullens and their friends have left."

The conviction was clear in his voice, making me smile. He was undoubtedly right. Even Aro knew what he said rung true, but all the arrogance and anger he harnessed didn't let him see that.

I imagined a glaring competition ensuing. Aro couldn't counter his son with anything and I doubted he would make the first move. Selestia and Nolan were standing behind Aro, their confident composure descending rapidly into anxiety. They knew their fate.

Having a small team was good. Everyone had their strengths and expertise. Nolan and Selestia stood a fair chance against the Cullens before, but now Narissa was dead their powers couldn't ensure victory. They knew they were outnumbered and wouldn't last long. They were going to pay.

I knew Aro didn't have a good counterargument. He'd probably try to retaliate at a different angle. "Only from my actions have you been born, don't forget that my child. I have given you everything, what have the Cullens given you? Amelia treated you as one of her own until she realised who she was. They won't respect or love you like you hope. You're still the enemy."

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes and, despite the heaviness, I slowly forced myself to sit up. I saw the twins first and gave them, what I hoped to be, a reassuring glance. From now, everything is going to be okay. I promise.

"That's where you're wrong Aro," I interjected and lifted myself to feet. My hand shot to my head, I could feel the start of a splintering headache, but I didn't let it hinder me. It was the least of my worries. "People change. I know Ash better than you do. He'll be part of the family, part of something better than anything than you could give him. There's no point in feeding him lies you know, he doesn't believe you."

Aro glowered at me, but the malice had no effect anymore. I responded with a smirk and I let it broaden as the seconds past. He knew he had lost, he couldn't win. This was the end of the line for him. I was tired but I wanted vengeance. I wouldn't let him leave alive, or at all.

"I know I've made mistakes and that I am undeserving of a family, or even a second chance, but now I want to do the right thing and that could only happen if you stop what you are doing. I can't let you hurt this family anymore," Ash declared. "It doesn't matter if you're my father. You caused my existence, yes but I am not indebted to you in any way."