#pre-battle

Despite my unease with the whole Jacob-and-Renesmee-imprint situation, a phenomenon that bound Jacob to Renesmee in a protective, almost supernatural way, I knew that he would keep her safe from harm. The bond was strong, and it meant that he would be with her forever, offering her unwavering protection and loyalty, whatever that ultimately meant for Renesmee's future. As a maxima, a vampire with heightened abilities, I had always questioned my purpose and role in this strange existence. Yet, one thing was clear: if a battle were to occur against the formidable Volturi, I would summon all my power to protect Renesmee from their grasp.

I had a full understanding of what the Volturi were capable of; their ruthlessness and power were known throughout the vampire world. However, my resolve was unshaken—I was willing to sacrifice my own chance of escape if it meant ensuring her safety. As Ethan and I trudged through the snow towards his house, the crunching of the snow beneath our feet was the only sound in the quiet, picturesque town. I clutched a bag filled with carefully wrapped gifts, each one a token of my appreciation and love for my newfound family. Despite the looming threats and uncertainties, the holiday spirit filled me with a sense of warmth and hope as we prepared to celebrate Christmas together.

"If anyone asks, we're college students," I reminded Ethan, my gold eyes stern. The charade was a necessary one, a way to blend in and avoid unwanted attention. It was a role we played well, each lie told with the precision of actors on a stage.

"Don't worry, I won't blow our cover," he replied with a smirk. Ethan's confidence was reassuring, his demeanour always calm and collected.

"Ethan, I'm serious," I warned him. The gravity of our situation was not lost on me, and I needed him to understand the importance of maintaining our facade.

"I know, that's why I'm trying to ease the tension," he chuckled. His laughter was infectious, a brief moment of levity in an otherwise serious conversation. It was moments like these that reminded me of the simple joys in life, even amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

As we entered his home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and love that surrounded me. The snow may have been falling heavily outside, but inside, I was surrounded by the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season. The house was adorned with festive decorations, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. Laughter and chatter filled the rooms, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness and contentment.

Although, I missed Ingram and I wished he was there but, understandably, his thirst for human blood still lingered. The struggle was a constant one, a battle between his nature and his desire to be with those he loved. However, Ingram had said he vowed to spend time with me. "All night," he had said. His promise was something of mystery yet excitement.

As we approached Charlie's door, my heart raced with anticipation. I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me, threatening to burst out at any moment. I knocked on the door, and we waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing Ayla with her infectious smile.

"Violet!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Hey, sis," I chuckled, returning her hug.

As we pulled away, Ayla's gaze shifted to Ethan, and she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hi, Ethan," she said, her laughter ringing through the air.

"Hey, La," he replied, hugging her back.

Ayla informed us that Leah was in the living room, and Ethan's face lit up with joy. But before we could make our way inside, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small gift.

"I also got you something," I said, shaking the bag.

Ayla's eyes widened with surprise as she eagerly took the bag from my hands.

"Oh, thanks," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "They're also inside."

As we stepped into the house, I realised that Ayla had left out a crucial detail. Edward, Bella, Renesmee, and Jacob were all there, along with Jacob's entire pack, Sam, and Emily. I could see the fear in Ethan's eyes as he took in the sight of his enemies.

"Just don't do or say anything stupid," I whispered to him, hoping to ease his nerves.

As we stood there, two figures emerged from the shadows and made their way towards us. It was Embry Call and Quil Ateara V, two young men from his pack. Embry was tall and lean, with a crop of short black hair that contrasted beautifully against his russet skin and brown eyes. Quil, on the other hand, was shorter but more muscular, with a near buzz cut that accentuated his sharp features. As they approached us, their faces remained stoic and calm, but there was an underlying tension in the air.

Without preamble, Embry spoke up. "So, you must be Leah's imprintee," he said, his voice devoid of any inflection.

Ethan's lips curled inward, but he nodded nonetheless. "Yes," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Quil chimed in, his hand raised in a gesture of acceptance. "Well, this is something," he said, his tone light but tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "But hey, if that's who she imprinted on, that's who she imprinted on."

Just then, we heard footsteps approaching from behind us. Leah's voice, low and dangerous, whispered in our ears. "What are they saying?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger.

Quil and Embry visibly flinched, their faces contorting with fear. "We're just asking," Quil stammered, his voice barely audible. "I hope Sam doesn't find out. We all know what happens if he does."

Leah turned her head and I followed her eyes. I saw Sam Uley cuddling his fiancé while sitting on the couch talking to Sue. He had long, rounded muscles with an older face, copper skin, cropped black hair and brown eyes. He smiled at Emily and kissed her cheek. She was an extremely beautiful young woman with exotic good looks, glossy black hair and satiny copper skin. What caught my attention was her face. The right side of her face was scarred from hairline to chin by three thick, red lines, vivid in color though they were long healed. One line pulled down the corner of her dark, almond-shaped right eye, another twisted the right side of her mouth into a permanent grimace.

I didn't know how she got those scars, and I didn't want to ask.

"We moved on," Leah said. "Don't make a big deal out of it."

"We're just saying," Embry replied and they sauntered away from us.

I turned my attention to them. "What was that all about?"

"Don't worry about it," she replied.

"I guess they're still not sure about it," Ethan enquired.

Leah nodded. "Seth natively announced it to our pack and Paul overheard it and said 'Taha Aki and The Third Wife would be turning in their graves'."

My eyes widened as I was shocked to hear that. Yet I was curious about the two people she mentioned.

"Who were they?" I asked.

"Taha Aki was one of the last great spirit chiefs who was well known for his wisdom and for being a man of peace," she explained. "He was the first shape-shifter of the Quileute tribe. We have been a small tribe from the beginning. But we've always had magic in our blood.

"We were great spirit warriors... Shape shifters, that transform into the powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies, and protect our tribe. One day, a vampire, or The Cold Man as we called him, came across the warriors and managed to destroy him. They lived in fear, the Cold Man was not alone. And they were right. For he had a mate.

"She took her vengeance on the village. Taha Aki was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe, after his son was killed. The Third Wife could see that he would lose. She was no magical being, no special powers, but she had courage. Her sacrifice distracted the Cold Woman, long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe."

My body heaved as I took in the story Leah had just shared. It was far more intricate and captivating than I had anticipated. My eyes darted between the two of them, searching for any hint of emotion.

"Leah, that was centuries ago," Ethan spoke softly, his fingers entwined with hers. The frigid air didn't seem to faze her. "I'm not that person anymore."

"It doesn't matter," Leah replied, her gaze cast downward. "They see it as a mockery of everything they stood for."

I couldn't help but interject, "Seth imprinted on my sister, who's a full-blooded werewolf. Why should this be any different?"

"Violet," Leah's voice was barely above a whisper. "You don't understand what I'm going through."

She was right. I couldn't fully comprehend the weight of her emotions, but I could empathise. We stood in silence for a moment until I excused myself to find Bella.

"Sorry for ruining the Christmas spirit," Leah's voice trailed after me. I assured her it was fine.

As I approached the Cullen couple, I overheard Bella's worried tone. "The snow is sticking."

Edward's reassuring voice followed, "Hey, we still have today."

I wrapped my arms around them in greeting, grateful for their presence.

"Is everyone trying to kill the vibe?" I quipped, but my attempt at humor fell flat as neither of them laughed. I let out a heavy sigh. "Just kidding," I added, trying to salvage the moment.

Bella flashed a fleeting smile at me before turning her attention to Charlie and Sue. "Vi, I'm so happy Charlie has someone to take care of him," she said, her voice laced with genuine warmth.

Edward wrapped his arms around Bella, his voice velvety smooth. "No one's giving up here," he reassured her.

Charlie barged into the room, clapping his hands together. "Alright, present time!" he announced. "Let's go! Seth, Leah, stop stuffing your faces. Jake, you're up first. Let's get this show on the road."

Jacob plopped down beside Renesmee, who was wearing a locket from her mother and a MP3 player from her father. On the couch sat Seth, Ayla, Ethan, and Leah. Charlie sat in his armchair with Sue perched on the arm, while the rest of us stood around.

Renesmee's wrist was adorned with an intricately braided Quileute promise ring, which had caused Edward to grit his teeth, but Bella didn't seem to mind.

"What did you get me?" Seth asked Leah eagerly.

"I'm not getting you anything," Leah chuckled.

"Come on, don't be like that. What did you get me?"

I handed my bag to Ayla, who rummaged through it and pulled out a black box. She opened it to reveal two silver butterfly wing necklaces, accompanied by a note.

𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉

wear this Necklace as a reminder of our Infinite Bond

Ayla's eyes widened in amazement and her lips curved into a radiant smile. She leapt up from her seat and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I love it," she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy and gratitude. "Thank you so much!"

I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at her reaction. It was worth all the effort I had put into finding the perfect gift for her. We both took out the necklaces and clasped them around our necks, admiring the intricate design and the way they sparkled in the light.

"I've found something in our old apartment, and I'm sure you'll appreciate it," Ayla stated before walking away for a moment before coming back with a cardboard box.

As Ayla returned with the cardboard box, she handed it to me with a gentle smile. My fingers trembled slightly as I took the box from her, feeling the weight of its contents both physically and emotionally. I placed it on the table and carefully lifted the lid, revealing a treasure trove of memories from our shared past.

Inside, there were journals, photo albums, and various mementos that had belonged to Evelyn Baxter, my human mother. The scent of old paper and faint traces of her perfume wafted up, enveloping me in a wave of nostalgia. Ayla and I exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the significance of this moment without needing to say a word.

I picked up the first journal, its leather cover worn from years of use. Opening it, I saw Evelyn's handwriting, neat and flowing. The entries ranged from mundane daily occurrences to deep reflections on life and love.

"I just thought that, since I know my mom," Ayla said. "I thought you could have your mother's stuff."

I nodded, my eyes still glued to the journal over as I continued to flip through the pages. Each entry was a window into my mother's world, a world I had longed to know more about. Her words painted vivid pictures of her experiences, her joys, her fears, and her dreams. It was as if she were speaking to me across time, sharing her heart and soul.

Suddenly, Bella stepped forward and handed her dad an envelope. "Well, Dad, we didn't have time to wrap yours, but here it is," she said with a mischievous grin.

Charlie opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. His eyes widened in surprise as he read the contents. "It's a 5-day fishing trip to Fraser River," Bella announced. "It's for you and Sue."

Charlie was speechless for a moment, then he turned to Edward. "You leave tomorrow," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

Edward nodded. "That's right. We've got everything arranged."

Charlie's face fell. "But I can't leave tomorrow," he protested.

Sue stepped forward, a sly smile on her face. "Don't worry, I've taken care of everything. You can take Billy with you."

Charlie looked at her in disbelief. "How did you manage that?"

"Ayla and I are planning to have a bonding time," Sue explained.

Charlie chuckled. "Sneaky. And extravagant."

Edward chimed in. "And non-refundable, I'm afraid."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "You two trying to get rid of me?"

Bella and Edward exchanged a nervous glance, wondering if he had figured out their plan. But Charlie just laughed. "Because it's working!" he exclaimed, holding up the paper. "Fraser River. That means we'll be chasing Cutthroat."

Sue grinned. "You might even hook a Rainbow or some Bulls."

Charlie nodded, impressed. "Woman knows her trout."

As I gazed upon the scene before me, I felt bittersweet emotion. Bella, the epitome of maternal grace, approached her daughter with a gentle smile and a glint in her eye. "Hey, beautiful. Let me see," she cooed, her voice as soft as a summer breeze.

As Renesmee extended her arm, I caught a glimpse of the delicate bracelet adorning her wrist. "Jacob made this for you?" Bella inquired, her eyes alight with curiosity.

Renesmee nodded, her face glowing with pride. "It's so pretty," she murmured, her voice as sweet as honey.

"It is really pretty," Bella agreed, turning to Edward with a smile that spoke volumes.

And yet, as I stood there, taking in the beauty of the moment, a sense of foreboding crept over me. This could be the last time I would see any of them alive, I realised with a heavy heart. The thought hung over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the idyllic scene before me.

The night sky was a dark canvas without any stars to be seen anyway. I was at the Cullens' rooftop where Ingram told me to meet up. The chill of the night air was present and, despite not feeling any coldness. I pulled my coat tighter around me. The rooftop was eerily silent, the only sounds being the faint rustle of the trees in the wind and the distant hum of the town in the distance. My breath formed small clouds in the cold air as I waited, my thoughts racing with the events of the day.

I heard a slight movement behind me and turned to see Ingram emerging from the shadows, his pale skin almost glowing in the moonlight. His eyes were still red but it seemed to had diluted slightly, a stark contrast to the snow-covered surroundings, and his presence sent a shiver down my spine. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was a softness in his gaze that set me at ease.

"Ingram," I breathed, stepping toward him.

He smiled, a rare sight that made my heart flutter. "Violet," he replied, his voice low and smooth. "I'm glad you came."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said, trying to mask the anxiety in my voice.

He reached out and took my hand, his touch cold but comforting. "I wanted to spend this time with you," he said softly. "Before everything changes."

The weight of his words hung in the air between us, a reminder of the uncertain future we faced. I squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his presence. "We'll get through this," I said firmly. "Together."

He nodded, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. "I believe we will," he said. "But we need to be prepared for whatever comes."

We stood in silence for a moment, the gravity of our situation sinking in. The Volturi were a formidable enemy, and the thought of facing them filled me with dread. But I knew we had no choice. We had to protect Renesmee and our family, no matter the cost.

"Ingram," I began, my voice trembling. "What if we don't make it?"

He pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me in a protective embrace. "Don't think like that," he whispered. "We'll find a way. We will."

I buried my face in his chest, drawing comfort from his presence alone. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in that moment. For a brief, fleeting second, I allowed myself to believe that everything would be alright.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The future was uncertain, but with Ingram, I knew we could face anything. The bond we shared was unbreakable, and it gave me the strength to keep going. I looked up at him and, in what seemed to be in a desperate moment, I immediately pressed my lips to his.

The kiss was electrifying, a surge of emotion and passion that seemed to ignite the cold night air around us. Ingram responded with equal fervor, his hands finding their way to my waist, pulling me closer as if he never wanted to let go. In that moment, all the fear and uncertainty melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love and connection. Our lips were the same temperature, almost soft and yet the intensity of our embrace warmed me from the inside out.

When we finally pulled apart, we were both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. I looked into his eyes, searching for the reassurance and determination I needed. "Ingram," I whispered, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. "No matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you. I always will."

His gaze softened, and he cupped my face in his hands. "And I love you, Violet," he said, his voice full of conviction. "We'll get through this. Together."

In that moment, I felt a surge of determination. No matter what lay ahead, I knew we would face it together. The love we shared was stronger than any threat, and it would guide us through the darkest of times.

“I would.” She turned her gaze upward to meet his own. No longer vacant and lost in thought but pointed and insistent. “If you wished me to hold back you should have left me in Ravenshollow.”

The Lord let off a defeated huff. “I know. I know you’ve been called, your vows. You’d probably follow anyway if I’d asked you to stay back. Regardless, you’re here. Do not let failure trouble your mind, Little Wolf. It’s the easiest way to lose. Stay by my side and deliver our justice. Be our beacon, our Countess, our strength.” His hands moved up her arms to her shoulders, turning her to face him properly with a kiss to her brow. “Be our Light, Rian. Gods know it is lost from me without you.”

His words rang truth, lifting her from her doubt. Each value she’d pledged to upkeep for their family and people. No matter the odds, she was a Kestavin borne of House Valteric, even to fall in service was considered a victory. Thaylynnlifted a finger and hooked her chin, bringing her gaze to meet his own. “Promise me, Rian.”

“Yes, my Lord. I promise. I will be by your side till my last breath.” She gave the faintest nod before his lips graced hers.