Rhea paced nervously in the Cullen family's living room, her mind racing. Alice's vision had shaken her; Edward was planning to provoke the Volturi, the ancient ruling clan of vampires, by revealing himself to humans. He thought Bella was dead and saw no other option but to end his own life.

Rhea turned to Alice, who was gathering supplies. "You're sure we're going to make it in time?"

Alice didn't look up, her usually calm face tight with worry. "I saw him stepping out into the sun, surrounded by humans. If we don't leave now, we'll lose him."

At that moment, Bella came into the room, pale but resolute. She had overheard Alice's vision, and her decision was made—nothing would keep her from Edward.

Alice's gaze moved between Bella and Rhea, her golden eyes sharp. "I think it's best if you both come with me. Bella, he needs to see you to stop himself. And Rhea... with your ability, you might be able to shield us from the Volturi's guards, just in case."

Rhea nodded. She could shift into a hawk and keep watch from above, or something faster if needed. Her heart hammered as the plan formed in her mind, but she pushed her nerves aside. Edward was family now, and if it meant facing down a group of ancient vampires, she would be there.

---

The flight to Italy felt endless, with Bella clutching her seat anxiously, Alice focused on driving, and Rhea staring out the window, her mind filled with possibilities. They landed in Rome and sped toward Volterra in a sleek car Alice had somehow acquired, the landscape whipping past them in a blur.

"Just a little longer, Bella," Alice said, her voice comforting. "We're close."

The car screeched to a stop near the edge of the old city, and Rhea noticed Bella's apprehension as they exited. The medieval stone buildings towered over them, and in the center of the city square, a festival had begun, marking St. Marcus's Day. People bustled about, dressed in crimson cloaks to honor the day their city was supposedly "saved" from vampires.

Rhea surveyed the scene, her eyes sharp for any sign of Edward. "Alice, which way?"

Alice pointed to a narrow alley leading toward the central clock tower. "He'll be there, just at noon."

They began weaving through the crowd, Bella leading the way with a frantic determination. Rhea transformed into a sparrow, her smallest and most inconspicuous form, and flitted above them. From her vantage point, she spotted Edward emerging from a dark doorway across the square, slowly making his way toward the edge of the shadow that kept him hidden from the midday sun.

She fluttered down and landed near Alice, transforming back as quickly as she could. "He's right there. Just at the edge."

Bella broke into a run, her voice ringing out. "Edward!"

Edward looked up, his face a mask of despair and determination, but at the sound of Bella's voice, confusion flickered in his eyes. He took a step back into the shadows, stunned. She reached him just in time, her arms wrapping around him in desperation.

"Bella?" His voice was barely a whisper.

She nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm alive, Edward. I'm right here."

He closed his eyes, a look of intense relief passing over his face. But their reunion was cut short as the doors behind him swung open. Aro's guard had arrived.

Rhea stepped forward, her posture wary but steady as the guard surrounded them. She knew what they were capable of, and if Alice's visions were right, her own unique power could help them escape unscathed.

The guard members, cloaked in gray, eyed them with cold interest. Jane, a small vampire with a deceptively innocent face, stepped forward.

A cruel smile played on Jane's lips as she looked at Edward and Bella. "How interesting. A human who knows our secret."

She turned her gaze to Bella, her eyes glinting with malice as she prepared to unleash her pain-inducing ability. But before Jane could focus her power, Rhea quickly shifted into a sleek mountain lion, placing herself between Bella and Jane.

"Try it," Rhea growled in a low, defiant voice. Her eyes locked onto Jane's, filled with a warning.

Jane's amusement faded, replaced with a flicker of irritation. She shot a look at Alec, who stood to her side, his eyes narrowed as he gauged the threat Rhea presented. They both seemed to recognize her as something different, a vampire with an ability they had never seen.

Aro, the head of the Volturi, finally emerged from the building, his face alight with curiosity. "Ah, a unique addition to our guests. And what might you be, dear one?" His voice was silken, probing.

Rhea straightened up, her form shifting back into her human shape as she stood tall beside Alice and Edward. "I'm here to protect my family, Aro."

Aro's eyes gleamed with intrigue, his interest clearly piqued. "How remarkable. A vampire with Therianthropic abilities—a rare gift indeed." He studied her closely, sensing the strength of her resolve, but also the defiance in her stance.

Alice stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "We came to prevent a misunderstanding, Aro. Bella is unharmed and no threat to our secrecy. Let us leave peacefully."

Aro tilted his head, weighing Alice's words. For a tense moment, silence hung between them. Then, he nodded slowly.

"For now, we shall allow it," he said smoothly, his eyes lingering on Rhea for a beat longer. "But know this—we will be watching."

With a flick of his hand, Aro dismissed the guard. The tension in the air slowly dissipated as the Volturi retreated back into the shadows.

---

The trio quickly made their way back to the waiting car, the weight of what they'd just faced still heavy on their minds. As the car sped away from Volterra, the realization settled in: they had crossed paths with the Volturi and survived.

Rhea glanced at Edward and Bella, who sat together in the back seat, their hands entwined. The fear she'd felt was replaced with relief, though she knew their encounter with the Volturi had left them all changed.

Edward caught her eye in the rearview mirror, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Rhea. I don't think we would have made it without you."

Rhea smiled softly, finally allowing herself to relax. "That's what family is for."

As they left Volterra behind, Rhea couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter had been a prelude—a taste of the challenges that lay ahead.

The flight back to Washington felt worlds apart from the frantic journey to Italy. In the soft, dim light of the plane, Bella dozed against Edward's shoulder, her breathing steady, finally at peace after the ordeal they'd been through. Rhea and Alice sat quietly beside them, each lost in their own thoughts.

Rhea couldn't shake the haunting image of Aro's face—his eerie fascination when he'd realized what she was capable of. The Volturi were not the kind of vampires to let unusual talents slip from their notice. She knew they would be back, and the thought sent a chill down her spine.

---

When they finally reached the Cullen home, night had fallen over Forks. The other Cullens had gathered in the living room, waiting in tense silence. Carlisle was the first to rise, his face etched with concern, while Esme moved quickly to embrace Edward, relief washing over her face.

"You're safe," Esme murmured, her voice choked with emotion as she pulled him into a hug.

Edward held her tightly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Thanks to Bella... and all of you."

Emmett stepped forward, folding his arms with a teasing grin, though there was a tension behind it. "Did you really have to go all Romeo on us, Ed?"

Edward's smile was faint, a mix of humor and remorse. "I wasn't thinking clearly."

Alice cleared her throat. "That's an understatement. If Bella hadn't reached him in time..."

Bella's face flushed as she took a step forward, recalling the horrifying image of Edward standing at the edge of the square. "I couldn't let him go like that. I'd do it again if I had to."

Rosalie, though usually distant with Bella, sighed, her voice softer than usual. "We're just glad you're both okay." She shot Rhea a grateful glance. "And that you kept Jane at bay. That was impressive."

Carlisle turned to Rhea, his face serious but grateful. "Thank you, Rhea. I don't think any of us expected you to stand up to the Volturi's guards like that. They'll remember it."

Rhea shrugged modestly, though the thought lingered in her mind. "I just did what I could. I know they're powerful, but I couldn't let them harm Bella."

Jasper leaned forward, his expression calculating. "You know, this changes things. They know about us more than they did before. Aro's interest was... more than casual."

Edward nodded, understanding the full weight of what Jasper was saying. "Aro will keep tabs on us. Rhea's powers, Bella's knowledge of us—it's all added risk."

Alice's gaze grew distant, her voice thoughtful. "And it's not just a risk to us. It's a risk to Bella."

The room fell silent as Alice's words sank in. They all knew the Volturi's laws and what happened to humans who knew too much about vampires. Bella's mere presence was a potential threat to the Cullen family, and it was only a matter of time before Aro's interest became more than just curiosity.

Bella's voice broke the silence. "Then change me. Make me one of you."

Edward's face hardened. "Bella, we've talked about this."

"Edward," she argued, "if the Volturi are watching, if they think I'm a risk, then becoming a vampire is the only way I can truly protect you. All of you."

Rhea admired Bella's determination, but she could sense the conflict in Edward's face. He wanted to keep Bella safe, yet he struggled to accept her willingness to give up her humanity.

Carlisle raised a hand gently. "There may come a time, Edward, when we have no choice. If Aro truly becomes fixated, Bella will need protection that only transformation can provide."

Rosalie frowned, her voice low. "Bella, think about what this means. Being a vampire isn't just about survival. It's giving up a part of yourself—forever."

Bella looked steadily at her, her resolve clear. "I know what I want."

Emmett, always one to break the tension, chuckled and patted Bella on the back. "If you can handle the Volturi, you can handle this life."

Edward sighed, relenting slightly as he reached for Bella's hand. "This is something I wanted to spare you from, Bella. But... it seems fate has other plans."

Rhea leaned forward, addressing them all. "Whatever happens, you have my support. The Volturi may be powerful, but they're not invincible."

Jasper looked at her thoughtfully. "Rhea, do you think you could stand up to them again? If it came to that?"

Rhea met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "If it means keeping my family safe, yes. I'll do whatever it takes."

Edward put his arm around Bella, holding her close as if he could shield her from all the uncertainty and danger that lay ahead. For now, they were back in the safety of their home, surrounded by their family. But the shadow of the Volturi loomed large, and each of them knew that one day, they would be forced to face it.

For tonight, though, they were together, strengthened by the bonds they shared. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a family.