»—— act five. breaking dawn, part two
☽⋅──SEVEN──first witnesses─⋅☾

Travelling on a plane with two four-year-olds who seemed to have endless reserves of energy was almost a nightmare. The private jet felt simultaneously luxurious and chaotic as the twins dashed up and down the narrow aisles, their laughter echoing in the cabin. However, just as the situation threatened to spiral out of control, the twins noticed Eve sitting by herself near the window, her unease palpable.

Ciel was the first to respond, climbing into the seat beside her with a quiet determination. He didn't say much, but his presence was comforting, a silent gesture of solidarity. Celeste, sensing the mood shift, slowed her whirlwind activity. She alternated between whispering conspiratorially to Eleanor or chatting softly with Leah and Seth, making a visible effort to tone down her usual exuberance.

Eve gave Ciel a small, grateful smile as she rested a hand on his head. He leaned into her touch, his quiet maturity a stark contrast to his earlier energy. She appreciated the twins' instinctive understanding that now wasn't the time for chaos.

They had only a day to convince the Denali Coven to act as witnesses—a task that felt monumental given the weight of what was at stake. After that, they would need to return home to greet the other nomads and allies who were being gathered to testify in their defence. The pressure loomed heavy over Eve, but as she looked around the cabin—at her children, Eleanor, Seth, and Leah—she found herself bolstered by the support of those around her.

For now, the steady hum of the jet's engines and the low murmur of her companions' conversations created an atmosphere of tentative calm. It was a fragile peace, one that felt borrowed from a future she could only hope to secure. Eve gazed out the window, watching the endless expanse of clouds roll by, their serene white starkly contrasting with the turmoil in her heart.

She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment and letting the rhythm of the flight soothe her nerves. This journey was only the beginning of what promised to be an uphill battle, one fraught with uncertainty and danger. The stakes were immense—not just for her family but for the truth they sought to protect, a truth that could either save them or condemn them all.

The gentle weight of Ciel's head resting against her arm brought her back to the present. His quiet presence reminded her of why she had to be strong, why she couldn't afford to falter. Across the aisle, Celeste giggled softly at something Leah had said, her laughter a fleeting reminder of the innocence they were all fighting to preserve.

Eve took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. The challenges ahead were daunting, but she would face them with everything she had. For her family, for her children, and for the fragile peace she hoped would one day be more than just a fleeting moment stolen mid-flight.

A few hours passed before the jet began its descent, and the snowy peaks and dense forests of Alaska came into view. The pale light of the northern sky cast a silver glow over the landscape, a stark reminder of the icy terrain they were entering. The sight of the airport nestled against the backdrop of towering evergreens and distant mountains brought a mix of anticipation and trepidation to Eve's mind.

As the plane touched down with a smooth thud, Eve looked over at the twins. Celeste was peering eagerly out the window, her small hands pressed against the glass, while Ciel remained close to Eve, quiet but alert. Seth and Leah exchanged glances, their expressions betraying their own apprehension about the task ahead.

"Alaska," Leah murmured dryly as the plane taxied to the private terminal.

"Cold and quiet," Seth added, stretching. "Feels like a good place to convince some vampires to save the world."

Eve smiled faintly at Seth's attempt to lighten the mood, but her thoughts were already focused on the Denali coven. She knew the task wouldn't be easy—persuading them to stand as witnesses required not only proof but also trust, something that had to be delicately nurtured.

As the plane came to a stop, Eleanor stood and began gathering their bags, her efficient movements belying the tension she felt. "Let's hope the Denali's hospitality is as warm as their reputation," she said, glancing at Eve.

Eve nodded, standing and helping Ciel down from his seat. "It has to be. For all our sakes."

The group stepped off the jet, greeted by the sharp bite of the Alaskan wind. The twins huddled into their oversized coats, looking almost comical as Eve adjusted Ciel's scarf with a fond smile. Seth and Leah scanned the surroundings with alert eyes, their heightened senses attuned to any potential threat, despite the calm atmosphere of the private airstrip.

After their bags was swiftly loaded into a waiting SUV, Eve took the wheel. Eleanor secured the twins in the backseat, ensuring they were strapped in safely, while Leah and Seth slid into the middle row. As the vehicle made its way through the snowy landscape, Eleanor gazed out at the endless expanse of white, the towering pine trees bending under the weight of fresh snow.

"Do you think they'll believe us?" Seth asked, breaking the silence.

"They'll have to," Eleanor replied firmly, her grip on the wheel steady. "The Denali coven knows the Volturi's tactics better than most. They'll understand how serious this is."

Leah turned to glance at Eve, her sharp gaze softening. "And if they don't?"

Eve drew in a deep breath. "Then we'll figure out another way. But I don't think it'll come to that. Carmen and Eleazar are reasonable. Once they meet the twins and hear our story, they'll see the truth."

Ciel, quietly listening, reached out and placed his small hand on Eve's arm. "They'll listen, Mommy," he said with quiet confidence, his golden eyes exuding a maturity beyond his years.

Eve smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I hope so, sweetheart."

The drive continued in a heavy silence, the tension palpable. As they approached the Denali coven's home, the forest thickened, the towering evergreens forming a dense canopy. At last, they rounded a bend, and the house came into view—a beautiful structure of glass and stone that blended perfectly with its snowy surroundings.

Eve parked the SUV and stepped out alone, gesturing for the others to wait. She didn't want to overwhelm the Denalis. Approaching the door, she was about to knock when it opened, revealing Carmen. Her surprise quickly melted into a warm smile.

"Eve? You've been turned?" Carmen asked, her eyes noting Eve's golden irises and the absence of a heartbeat. "When did this happen?"

"Almost a year ago," Eve explained. "It was a life-threatening situation, and Carlisle turned me." She lifted her hand to reveal a ring. "But before that, we got married."

Carmen's face lit up with joy. "Congratulations!"

Eve smiled back before noticing Eleazar join Carmen at the door. His gaze lingered on her, curious. "Ah, so it's you," he said. "I could sense a new presence—a gift of instinct."

As they spoke, Carmen and Eleazar glanced toward the SUV. Carmen tilted her head, puzzled. "Eve, are wolves travelling with you?"

"Yes," Eve confirmed calmly. "But I need you both to do something for me." Tanya and Kate approached from inside, their curiosity piqued as they listened.

Eve gestured toward the car. "What do you hear?"

Carmen focused. "Two heartbeats...and two other sounds? A thrumming, like a bird, is it a bird?"

"No," Eve clarified. "But remember what you hear. Now, tell me what you smell—besides the wolves."

"Humans?" Eleazar guessed.

"No," Tanya interjected, shaking her head. "Not human...but something closer. What is that scent, Eve? I've never smelled anything like it."

Eve nodded, her tone calm but firm. "That's because it's entirely new to you. I need you to set aside your assumptions and approach this with an open mind."

"For you, Eve, always," Carmen assured her with a kind smile.

"All right," Eve said, glancing back at the SUV. "Eleanor, bring them out."

They never personally met Eleanor, but they seen pictures if her back when Eve and Carlisle came to Alaska for vacation.

At Eve's signal, Eleanor emerged, guiding the twins. Tanya's eyes widened as she recognized Eleanor's golden eyes. "She's been turned too?"

"Yes," Eve replied, her voice tinged with sorrow. "She was in an accident."

Sensing Eve's reluctance to elaborate, the Denalis exchanged understanding looks, refraining from pressing further as they focused their attention on the approaching twins.

As the twins stepped out of the car, Tanya instinctively retreated several steps, her strawberry curls quivering as if she had been confronted by a deadly predator. Kate darted back into the house, pressing herself against the wall, a shocked hiss escaping her lips. Eleazar sprang protectively in front of Carmen, crouching low as if preparing to defend her.

"You promised to listen," Eve reminded them, her voice steady.

"Some things cannot be heard!" Tanya retorted, her tone filled with alarm. "Eve, how could you? Do you have any idea what this means? Do you understand what you've done?!"

"You all need to leave," Kate said urgently, gripping the doorknob as if ready to slam it shut.

"Eve..." Eleazar's voice faltered, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Wait," Eve said firmly, her voice hardening. "Remember what you hear and smell. The twins—Celeste and Ciel—are not what you think they are."

"There are no exceptions to this rule, Eve," Tanya snapped, her voice filled with tension.

"Tanya," Eve countered sharply, "you can hear their heartbeat! Stop and think about what that means."

"Their heartbeat?" Carmen whispered, peeking cautiously around Eleazar's protective stance.

"They're not full vampire children," Eve explained, locking her gaze with Carmen's, who seemed less hostile than the others. "They're quarter-human."

"Quarter human?" Tanya asked

She then paused, " I was half-mortal and half-vampire, before Carlisle turned me. My biological father is a vampire."

The four vampires stared at her as though she were speaking in riddles, their expressions a mix of disbelief and confusion.

"Hear me out," Eve pleaded, her tone softening but remaining resolute. "Me, Celeste and Ciel are unique. Carlisle is their father. None of us turned them—they're our biological children."

Tanya's head shook slightly, as though she couldn't process the idea. She seemed unaware of her own movements.

"Eve, you can't expect us to—" Eleazar began.

"Tell me another explanation that fits," Eve interrupted, her tone persuasive. "You can feel the warmth radiating from their bodies. Blood flows through their veins—you can smell it."

"How?" Kate whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.

"I speak no lies," Eve said gently. "I conceived, carried, and gave birth to them while I was still human. Giving birth nearly killed me, and it's why Carlisle had to turn me."

"I've never heard of such a thing," Eleazar admitted, though his posture remained defensive, his expression cold.

"Please," Eve implored, her voice cracking with emotion. "Just listen to us. We need you to trust us. If not me, then trust Carlisle. You know we'd never come here with the intention of putting you in danger." She gestured toward the twins. "Surely you can see the resemblance—they look like both Carlisle and me."

Carmen was the first to respond, her grip on the door loosening. She stepped outside, drawing a collective gasp from her family. "Carmen!" they exclaimed in unison, but she turned to them with a calm expression. "She's right. They would never put us in danger."

Carmen walked forward, halting halfway, and Eve followed cautiously. The rest of the Denalis exchanged wary glances before trailing behind, keeping their distance.

Eleanor approached with the twins, holding their hands tightly. As they neared, Carmen knelt down to their height. She listened to the faint thrumming sound again, but her focus shifted to their eyes. Looking at Ciel, she noted with a soft smile, "You have your mother's eyes."

"And I have Daddy's!" Celeste chirped, pointing to her own eyes. "Well, that's what Daddy said."

Eve crouched beside Carmen. "Carmen, would you let Ciel show you something? He needs to touch you for it to work."

Carmen hesitated briefly before nodding, ignoring the low hisses of protest from Tanya and Kate. Eleazar moved closer, standing at Carmen's side, ready to intervene if necessary.

Ciel smiled warmly and reached out, gently touching Carmen's cheek.

As Ciel's small hand rested on Carmen's cheek, her expression shifted from wary scepticism to wide-eyed astonishment. Her posture relaxed as though an unseen weight had been lifted, and her lips parted slightly as if to speak, though no words came.

"What is it?" Eleazar asked cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning Carmen for any signs of distress.

"It's..." Carmen trailed off, her voice trembling with wonder. She gently cupped Ciel's hand with her own, her gaze fixed on him. "I see it. Everything. He's showing me..." She stopped again, overwhelmed.

"What do you mean? What's he showing you?" Tanya demanded, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Carmen turned her head slightly toward Tanya, though her eyes remained locked on Ciel. "Their story. Their truth. I see it—Eve's journey, the children's conception, their growth, their uniqueness. There's no deception here, Tanya. They're exactly what Eve says they are."

Kate took a hesitant step closer, still bracing herself against the doorframe. "How is that possible?"

Carmen looked over her shoulder at Kate, her eyes glistening. "It's not just words or images—it's pure truth. It's like feeling their lives as if I lived them myself."

Ciel withdrew his hand, breaking the connection, and Carmen blinked as if waking from a dream. She looked at the child with reverence. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but full of sincerity.

Eve exhaled deeply, relief washing over her. "Do you believe us now?"

Carmen stood and turned to the others. "I do. And I think you will too—if you let them show you."

Eleazar's expression softened slightly, though he still looked cautious. "You're saying this child has the power to...share memories? Truth?"

"Yes," Carmen confirmed. "It's unlike anything I've ever experienced."

Tanya and Kate exchanged uncertain glances. "I still don't know..." Tanya muttered, but her voice had lost some of its earlier sharpness.

"Let him show you," Carmen urged, stepping aside to give them space.

Eve looked at Ciel, her expression tender but encouraging. "Do you think you can help them understand too, sweetheart?"

Ciel nodded confidently, stepping forward toward Eleazar first. Eleazar hesitated but eventually crouched, his curiosity and trust in Carmen overriding his reservations. Ciel placed a hand on his face, and Eleazar's eyes widened as the connection was made.

A few moments passed before Eleazar stood, his usually composed demeanour replaced with visible awe. "It's true," he said simply, his voice carrying both conviction and surprise. "Every word."

Tanya and Kate looked at each other, then back at Eve and the twins. Slowly, Tanya stepped forward. "I'll try," she said reluctantly, her tone laced with lingering doubt.

When Ciel touched her, Tanya flinched slightly but quickly stilled. Her sceptical frown dissolved into an expression of wonder, her lips parting in a soft gasp. When Ciel finally pulled away, she stared at him for a long moment before turning to Eve. "They're...real. This isn't some trick."

Eve smiled, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "I told you. They're not a danger—they're a miracle."

Kate, still lingering by the door, took a deep breath before walking toward Ciel. "Fine," she said curtly. "Let's get this over with."

The process repeated, and Kate's reaction mirrored those before her. When she stepped back, her eyes were wide. "I don't know how, but...you're right. They're incredible."

Eve's shoulders sagged with relief as she turned to Carmen and Eleazar. "Will you help us now? The Volturi won't believe this as easily as you have."

Carmen nodded without hesitation. "We'll stand with you, Eve. Whatever it takes."

Eleazar placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The Denali coven will support you. You have our word."

Kate and Tanya then shared a look, before smiling, "We are with you."

For the first time since arriving, Eve allowed herself to fully smile. "Thank you. Truly."