Zafrina had power over the mind. She could make anyone see what she wanted them to. Bella watched as Zafrina made Edward a beautiful forest with birds chirping in his mind.

"If she weren't holding my hand right now, I could swear this was real," Edward whispered.

"I don't see anything," Bella retorted, upset that she wasn't able to see whatever beautiful scene that was splayed out in front of her husband.

"Edward, you didn't tell me your wife is a shield," Eleazar said.

"What's a shield?" Bella asked.

Edward suddenly understood and smiled. "The ones I've met are so different."

"It's a defensive talent," Eleazar added.

"It's why I couldn't read your mind, even before. It's why Aro couldn't," Edward said.

"You have a very powerful gift," Eleazar complimented.

Suddenly, Kate took Bella's hand, electricity wielding in her palms.

"Oh - yeah, she's a shield, all right. Shoulda put her on her ass," Kate said.

"Or your voltage has been exaggerated," Garrett mocked.

"Maybe, it only works on the weak," Kate corrected. She put her hand up by her face, daring Garrett to try to touch her.

Carlisle shook his head. "Garrett, I wouldn't."

Garrett touched his finger to Kate's hand, instantly getting electrocuted and falling to the ground. He was breathing heavily as he slowly got back up on his feet.

"You are an amazing woman," he breathed out.

Alec, Beatrice, Zelda, and Finnick walked up to the group, wanting to fill their boredom with the abilities of the new vampires on their land.

Eleazar smiled and took Beatrice's hand. "It is wonderful to see you again, love. I hope your gift has been treating you well."

She sighed. "Not well, Eleazar, but Alec has been good for me."

Eleazar smiled at her and Alec. "The perfect match to compliment each other."

"What's your gift?" Garrett asked.

"I see the past," Beatrice said. "However, I only see their worst memories. I saw you," she whispered. "The night you were turned."

Garrett shrugged. "Not the best night, but it was highly entertaining when I look back on it. But, maybe, not for you."

Jacob was teaching some young Quileutes how to control themselves when they turn into wolves.
Suddenly, Jacob stopped, hearing something in the woods.

"Whoever's coming wasn't invited," he stated.

He shifted and ran into the forest with the young shifters following him. They all chased after two vampires, who jumped up trees and then jumped down to sit on rocks. They were mocking the shifters, smiling to each other.

Carlisle cleared his throat. "Vladimir, Stefan, you're a long way from home."

"What are they doing here?" Kate hissed.

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

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

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

"We have been waiting a millennium for the Italian scum to be challenged," Stefan declared.

"It's not our plan to fight the Volturi," Carlisle explained.

"Shame," Vladimir whispered. "Aro's witnesses will be so disappointed."

Stefan grinned. "They enjoy a good fight."

"Aro's witnesses?" Eleazar asked.

Vladimir mock pouted. "Aww. Still hoping they'll listen? You can ask this Volturi scum," he spat out at Alec.

Alec bared his fangs at him, black mist floating near them. Beatrice gripped his arm tightly, giving him a warning glare. He rolled his eyes but called back the mist.

The group moved back into the household, holding a meeting to decide what to do next. There was a lot of tension and decision-making in progress that could tear friendships.

"When Aro wants someone from a coven it's never long before evidence turns up proving that coven committed some crime," Edward explained.

Bella raised an eyebrow. "So he's done this before?"

"It happens so rarely, I never realized it was a pattern," Eleazar mumbled.

Carlisle nodded. "Apparently, he always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant."

"This person always has an ability, and they're always given a place with the Guard," Eleazar said.

Alec nodded. "Anyone who is anyone will get a place within the guard. Aro wants to build up his power. He guarantees their protection and power if they join him. He also uses their weaknesses against them if needed."

Edward sighed. "Alec is right. This is all about Alice and Beatrice. He has no one like them."

Alec clutched Beatrice's arm tightly. She looked at him in worry.

"Which is why she left," Bella stated. "Well, why didn't she take Beatrice with her? Their abilities are two-in-two."

"Alice can see the future. She knows something we don't. Beatrice must be needed here. Besides, Alec wouldn't let her leave anyway," Edward replied.

"Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett questioned.

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

Amun shook his head. "Benjamin, Tia, we're leaving."

"And where will you go?" Edward asked. "What makes you think they'll be satisfied with Alice? What's to stop them from going after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina or Kate or anyone else with a gift? Anyone they want. Their goal isn't punishment, it's power. It's an acquisition. Carlisle might not ask you to fight, but I will - for the sake of my family, but also for yours, and for the way you want to live."

There was a moment of silence as the vampires looked at each other, then Jacob stood up.

"The packs will fight," Jacob declared. "We've never been afraid of vampires."

The Delanis stood up.

"We will fight," Tanya declared.

"This won't be the first time I fought a king's rule," Garrett said.

"We'll join you," Benjamin concluded.

"No," Amun retorted.

"I will do the right thing, Amun. You may do as you please," Benjamin said, turning his back on him.

"We will stand with you," Senna declared.

Siobhan nodded. "So will we."

The other vampires stepped forward, nodding. They were done with the Volturi's unethical and prejudiced rule.

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

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

"We'll see," Alistair muttered.