Unbelievable

It can't be...

Alice's POV

Before the fire

I lost count of the number of years she's been gone, but even now I feel empty without her around. There were days when I could enjoy the moment, go back to how I used to be, the cheerful Alice.

My family, while no less sorrowful, seemed to forget about her death much faster than me. They could laugh, enjoy each other's company, and even make jokes about the past. It was odd, how they could let go so easily while I stayed stuck in the same place; unable to move, sinking lower and lower.

They tried to help me, Rose even bought me my dream car, though it did little to bring any more joy than a few moments of peace. It was the newest Ferrari, painted yellow; a color that used to bring me so much joy. It was my favorite color, it was bright and seemed happy. Though, looking at the car I wished to change the color, but it was a gift; it felt wrong to tamper with it. Carlise seemed to be the most concerned with me, trying to get me out of the house as much as possible; even letting me help him at the hospital. From his point of view, I was depressed, and upon talking to him I revealed my desire to leave the family and go to the Volturi. It was a bad idea, I knew that, but at least with them I would have a purpose; something to draw me out of my head.

I sighed, staring at the ceiling as Edwards's annoying music played through the house. My window was open, allowing it to drift through the normally soundproof walls. It was depressing; as always, and normally I would admire his talents but ever since losing Bella I grew to hate his music. It just reminded me of that day she first heard him play, how immersed she was in the moment, even if his song was anything but happy. It didn't help that Edward himself had begun to antagonize me. He often joked with me whenever we were left alone, talking about how irrational I was being and that if anyone should be moping around it's him. In his mind, Bella is still his, even though he seems okay with her death. He loved dangling the fact that Bella was his in my face, almost taunting me. It only fueled my hatred for him and more often than not I avoided him completely.

I groaned, walking towards the window, ready to sling them closed just to gain some peace until rising smoke caught my attention. The scent of burning was strong, it was a distance away but it appeared that a fire was growing in strength.

I ran downstairs, where my family had stopped what they were doing upon my entering. "There's a fire, not too far away, but it's growing in size," I stated, knowing it was dangerous if we didn't attempt to put it out.

Esme immediately stood up, the rest following her lead, "Oh dear, maybe some campers left their fire going. Let's go take a look."

I nodded, "We should try to put it out just in case humans come looking."

Once in agreement we all left the house, the only one absent was Carlisle; though judging by Esme talking on the phone I had no doubt she was letting him know about the situation.As we grew closer the scent of wet dog hit my nose, alerting us to the presence of the Shifters of La Push. They'd crossed over their treaty line, though at the moment they may have suspected danger as well. It would be an issue to consult at a later date, preferably one with Carlise present.

We reached the area in no time, the fire already dimming down. What greeted us made us all pause in our steps.

What appeared to be a house was slowly burning, and in front of it was a figure in a cloak pinning down none other than Victoria. I watched as the figure seemed to shift its weight, exposing a portion of its body as it pulled out a very sharp-looking dagger. The figure's hood was pulled up, but as the fire went dead completely a gust of wind flew by, throwing the hood up and revealing someone I thought to be dead.It was Bella.

I gasped, my knees becoming weak, wanting nothing more than to run to her. I could hear a cry from Esme, shuffling of someone comforting her; most likely Rose. Looking at her I couldn't help but notice her red eyes, though I only caught a glimpse as she thrust her hand out, a sickening crunch following as she disconnected Vitoria's head from her body.

My family let out reigniting gasps of shock, watching as Bella kept hold of the now-disabled body of Victoria.

Before I could make any move towards her I was grabbed by Edward, "Don't."

I growled, wanting to fling him away, but I soon understood why as the shifters let out a warning growl. They stood across from us, watching us and Bella, though the one that growled was glaring me down. Staring at the shifter I soon recognized it was Jacob, the new Alpha of the shifters. He'd been appointed not too soon after Bella's death, and unlike the previous Alpha, he was in no mood to be friendly toward us. The fact that we were on the same turf only caused things to be tenser.

I nodded at him, trying to show peace, as my eyes drifted back to Bella. She had stood up, her right hand grasping the still fear-stricken face of Victoria. She didn't look up at us, her head tilted downward, as she hoisted the body of Victoria over her shoulder. Within seconds she was gone.

A new presence was felt as Carlisle spoke up, "Was that... Bella?"

Edward nodded, Esme, rushing towards Carlisle's side as she began to sob; rather it was of happiness or sadness was Jaspers's job to find out. Jasper was grimacing, though his eyes looked cheerful, which was odd looking but considering how strong Esme's emotions seemed to be it could be throwing him for a loop. Emmett and Rose were standing next to him, Emmett looking more than happy while Rose had nothing more than a small smile on her face. Edwards's face was emotionless, unreadable, it's a bit worrisome considering everything.

However, the moment of uncertain happiness didn't last long as Edward stepped forward, "Did anyone else notice her clothing, the patch on the cloak?"

Carlisle turned towards him, his full focus on Edward, "Patch you said?"

Edward nodded, a thoughtful look gracing his face, "Yes, it was a large V, and what looked like a ruby at the top center."

Carlisle looked shocked for a moment, his eyes becoming worried, "Are you sure?"

Edward nodded once more, "Yes, I'm quite sure."

Esme pulled away from Carlise, her emotions still adrift as she looked up at him, "You know of it don't you?"

He nodded, almost sadly, "Yes, it's the Volturi Guard crest."

Rose's small smile disappeared, a look of anger replacing it, "Are you serious?!"

I gasped, shaking my head, "No, you must be mistaken, Bella wouldn't be with them," though recalling the outfit she had on it was hard to dismiss the idea.

Carlisle let out a long sigh, "I'm sure, I remember it from my time in the Volturi, they added the ruby not too long after my joining them."