reaching dusk (WATTY Awards 2013)

chapter 12 fight

The next morning we all stood ready in our assigned places in the clearing awaiting the coming onslaught. I took another looked around at my family, the people I loved most in the world and fought back the smothering weight of sorrow as I realized this may be our last moments together.

No one can help their parentage. I knew that, but I had been a danger to my family since my conception. I nearly killed my own mother at birth, and brought the wrath of the Volturi down on my family for a second time now. I was bane of my own existence- I couldn't help but to acknowledge the irony of the situation. The term being 'your own worst enemy' had never had such a prudent situation to adhere it's meaning to before. I knew the guilt I felt was completely misplaced, but is still hung heavy around my neck.

I thought back to the last time we had all stood here. We had been fortunate to dodge the bloodshed then – at least, for the most part. However, our battalion had been stronger then with the backing of our friends. This time I had refused to ask them to endanger themselves a second time. It felt horrible to have to depend on the Volturi and their formidable gifts, to help us but we had no choice.

Jacob and his pack had made it to the clearing before us. Unlike the last time we were here the wolves didn't bother to hide themselves this time- they flanked behind us in a straight line with Jacob and Sam in the middle. It was a very daunting formation to behold even thought the entire pack wouldn't be involved in this battle. Sam had kept the younger wolves at home, but the five that were here were massive and loomed behind our grouping.

At least, this time we were more organized. The Volturi were insistent on forming us in the theatrical pattern they used to 'enforce justice' as Aro had put it. My father was less than thrilled with order and grouping as we formed the preliminary setup the night before.

Aro had floated from one end of the line to the next moving us around like pawns on a chess board. I imagined the analogy was appropriate as I was sure we all had our own apprehensions. So far, the Volturi were sincere in their efforts to help but my father had said that they were never caught without ulterior motives and an intricate web of strategy. So, needless to say, Aro's placement of us in the Volturi formation didn't sit well with him at first.

"Aro, I would prefer my family be placed closer to me," my father insisted as my mother was placed at the end of the line near Demetri.

"My dear Edward, that is hardly effective for our defense, wouldn't you agree?" he said in his lilted voice.

"We will place Bella at one end so she can shield our company, and you and your brothers at the other. You are all such skilled fighters! You will be able to stop the advance before they even reach her. Surely, you don't doubt Demetri's ability to protect Bella?" he said scolding.

"No Aro, I just want to make sure we are all safe," he said frustrated. "I still don't understand why we are making a formation to meet them…we outnumber them. We should split off in groups and take them down that way" he said confidently.

His face was very still as he concentrated on Aro's thoughts, but it appeared Aro was making a concerted effort to keep his mind as quiet as possible."

"This is the safest way to defend ourselves without either side losing members. You are not the only ones who have something to lose here, my family is dear to me just as yours is dear to you," Aro explained patiently.

"Where is the trust?" Aro spoke again, but lower this time looking to Carlisle. His voice was full of hurt and sorrow.

"Forgive us, Aro," Carlisle responded, "but the last time we met it didn't exactly inspire confidence in your motives. Never the less, we are grateful for your help."