»—— act five. breaking dawn, part two
☽⋅──TEN──fourth witnesses─⋅☾

A few days later, the Egyptian Coven arrived. Unlike the Irish Coven, who had been relatively easy to persuade, convincing their leader, Amun, proved to be an entirely different challenge.

Though the younger members of his coven, Benjamin and Tia, quickly accepted Eve's explanation after experiencing Ciel's gift, Amun remained unmoved. He flatly refused to touch Ciel and, with an air of finality, ordered his coven to leave.

However, Benjamin—an oddly cheerful vampire who appeared barely older than a boy yet carried an aura of unshakable confidence and carelessness—was not so easily deterred. With a few carefully placed words and subtle threats about disbanding their alliance, Benjamin managed to coerce Amun into staying. Begrudgingly, Amun relented, though he remained adamant in his refusal to engage with Ciel or allow his silent mate, Kebi, to do so.

The Egyptian Coven was a curious ensemble. Their shared midnight-black hair and olive-toned skin made them resemble a biological family, though their dynamic was anything but conventional. Amun was the undisputed leader, outspoken and commanding. Kebi, who rarely ventured more than a step away from him, was his silent shadow, never uttering a word. Yet, Kebi's gaze was constantly drawn to Eve. Her quiet yet unwavering focus didn't escape Amun's notice, and it made him silently question what could be causing such a reaction in his usually composed mate.

For Kebi, however, the sense of comfort emanating from Eve was undeniable, a feeling she couldn't shake despite her efforts to ignore it. It was a powerful pull, much like what Siobhan had described, and it left Kebi wrestling with her thoughts. Edward, listening to her internal struggle, chose to remain silent, waiting to see how things would unfold.

Tia, Benjamin's mate, was equally quiet but exuded wisdom and gravity whenever she did speak. Despite Amun's official position as leader, it was Benjamin who seemed to hold the group together. His invisible magnetism gave the others a sense of balance, making him the de facto anchor of their dynamic.

As Benjamin and Tia stood close to Ciel, holding his hands and experiencing his gift, Eve couldn't help but notice Amun's increasingly strained demeanour. He looked as though he was on the verge of losing his composure entirely.

Eve, wanting to shield her son from Amun's barely concealed hostility, walked over and stood protectively beside Ciel. Though she felt the urge to shoot Amun an offended look, she chose to remain calm, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she focused on Ciel, her silent presence an unyielding statement of her support for her child.

Eve's steady presence beside Ciel didn't go unnoticed. Benjamin glanced at her briefly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "He's remarkable," Benjamin murmured, his tone filled with genuine admiration. "And so are you, for raising him."

Tia nodded in agreement, her calm demeanour radiating a quiet respect. "His gift is extraordinary," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "I've never felt anything like it."

Eve smiled warmly at them, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she replied softly, her voice laced with pride. "They are my everything."

Meanwhile, Amun's sharp eyes flickered toward the interaction, his expression a mix of scepticism and simmering frustration. "Enough," he finally snapped, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "We've seen what we came to see. There is no need for further discussion."

Benjamin straightened, his cheerful expression dimming as he fixed Amun with a pointed look. "You've seen the truth, Amun," he said, his tone calm but firm. "You can't deny what's right in front of you."

Amun scowled but didn't respond. Instead, he turned his back on them, his posture stiff with defiance. Kebi, however, remained rooted in place, her gaze locked on Eve. For a moment, the silence between them was almost palpable. Then, with a rare flicker of independence, Kebi spoke for the first time.

"She's different," Kebi said, her voice soft but resonant. "There's something about her... something that feels pure."

Amun whipped around, his eyes narrowing at his mate. "Kebi," he warned, his tone low and commanding.

But Kebi didn't waver. "I trust her," she continued, her words deliberate. "And I trust what I've seen."

Eve blinked in surprise, taken aback by Kebi's sudden declaration. She met the other woman's gaze, offering a small, grateful nod. "Thank you," Eve said, her voice steady despite the unexpected turn of events.

Benjamin smirked, clearly pleased by the shift. "Well, there you have it," he said lightly, turning back to Amun. "Even Kebi trusts her, and you know how rare that is."

Amun's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. It was clear that his resolve was beginning to crack, though his pride kept him from admitting it outright.

Edward, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Amun," he said evenly, "you don't have to like it. But you've seen the truth. You've felt it through your coven. That's all that's being asked of you."

Amun glared at Edward but didn't argue. With a sharp exhale, he turned to Eve. "Fine," he said grudgingly. "I will stand as a witness. But only because of them," he added, gesturing toward Benjamin and Tia.

Eve inclined her head, choosing not to push further. "Thank you," she said simply.

As Amun stalked out of the room, Kebi lingered for a moment longer, her gaze still on Eve. Then, with a small, almost imperceptible smile, she turned and followed him, leaving the others to exchange looks of relief and satisfaction.

Benjamin clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Well," he said cheerfully, "that went better than expected."

Tia gave him a wry look. "If that's what you call 'better,' I'd hate to see what worse looks like."

Eve chuckled softly, grateful for their humour. Though Amun's acceptance had been reluctant, it was a step forward. And for now, that was enough.

As the tension eased, Benjamin gave Ciel a playful nudge. "You've got quite the gift, little man," he said, his voice warm with admiration. "You'll be changing minds all over the world if you keep this up."

Ciel grinned, his confidence blooming under the praise. "Thank you," he said shyly. "But it's not just me. Mom and Celeste help too."

Benjamin ruffled Ciel's hair with a chuckle. "A team effort, huh? I like that."

Tia stepped forward, her calm gaze meeting Eve's. "You have done something extraordinary," she said sincerely. "Your strength, your children's strength—it's inspiring. Thank you for letting us see it."

Eve felt her chest tighten with emotion, but she kept her composure. "Thank you for being open to it," she replied. "It means more than I can say."

Edward, who had been silently watching the interaction, finally spoke up. "Benjamin, Tia," he said, his voice calm but insistent, "your willingness to stand with us is critical. Amun may be stubborn, but your support strengthens our case more than you know."

Benjamin smirked. "Oh, I know," he said lightly, though his tone carried an underlying seriousness. "We're here for you. No doubt about that."

Tia nodded in agreement, her gaze unwavering. "We'll do what's right."

From the corner of the room, Celeste appeared, her blue eyes bright with curiosity. "Did you like what Ciel showed you?" she asked, tilting her head.

Benjamin crouched to her level, his expression softening. "I did," he said. "You and your brother are incredible."

Celeste beamed at the compliment, her joy infectious. "We're glad you're here."

As the group shared a moment of quiet camaraderie, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Amun reappeared, his expression guarded but slightly less tense. Kebi trailed behind him, her gaze flickering briefly to Eve before settling on the floor.

"A word," Amun said curtly, directing his attention to Benjamin.

Benjamin exchanged a quick glance with Tia before nodding. "Of course," he said, straightening. He followed Amun out of the room, leaving the others to wait in a charged silence.

Eve turned to Edward, concern etched on her face. "Do you think he's going to change his mind?"

Edward shook his head. "No," he said confidently. "Amun's pride won't let him back out now. He'll grumble, but he'll stay."

Eve exhaled slowly, relieved by his reassurance. "I hope you're right."

Moments later, Benjamin returned, his expression calm but firm. "He's not happy," he said, addressing the group, "but he's committed. We're in."

A collective wave of relief washed over the room. Celeste clapped her hands together excitedly, while Ciel let out a small cheer.

Eve placed a hand over her heart, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "All of you."

Benjamin waved her off with a grin. "Don't mention it," he said. "We're just doing what's right."

Tia stepped closer to Eve, her voice gentle. "We'll stand with you," she promised. "No matter what comes."

Eve smiled, her heart full despite the challenges that still lay ahead. With allies like the Egyptians, Irish, and Denali covens, she felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in days. Together, they might just stand a chance.

As the days passed, the house buzzed with an air of anticipation and preparation. Each coven that joined the cause added their unique perspectives and energy, and despite the underlying tension, bonds began to form among the various groups.

Eve spent much of her time with the children, ensuring they felt secure amidst the growing number of strangers. However, her role as a mother didn't shield her from the responsibilities of a leader. She had countless conversations with the covens, sharing her story and ensuring their commitment. The burden weighed heavily on her, but her determination never wavered.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape in hues of gold and orange, Eve found herself standing on the porch, gazing into the distance. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—about the upcoming confrontation, the safety of her children, and the allies who had placed their trust in her.

"You've taken on a lot," a familiar voice said from behind her.

She turned to see Edward, his expression both empathetic and thoughtful. He stepped onto the porch, his hands in his pockets.

"It's not like I have much of a choice," Eve replied with a small smile. "But I'm grateful for everyone who's come. I didn't expect this much support."

Edward leaned against the porch railing, his gaze steady. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for," he said. "And it's not just about what you've said or done—it's who you are. People feel it when they're around you."

Eve tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"

"Siobhan felt it. Kebi felt it. Even Amun, though he'd never admit it." Edward's golden eyes met hers. "You have an aura about you—a way of making people trust you, even when they don't fully understand why. It's not just your story or your children's gifts. It's you."

Eve looked down, her fingers brushing over the Celtic necklace she wore. "I'm not sure if that's something I do... or something I inherited," she murmured. "But if it helps, I'll take it."

"It helps," Edward assured her. "More than you realize."

The two stood in companionable silence for a moment, the cool evening air wrapping around them. The sound of laughter drifted from inside the house, likely the twins entertaining Maggie again. It was a brief reprieve from the weight of their situation, and Eve allowed herself a moment to soak it in.

"I can't help but worry," she admitted quietly. "Even with all this support, the Volturi... they're overwhelming."

Edward nodded, his expression darkening slightly. "They are," he agreed. "But they're not invincible. And with every coven that stands with us, we grow stronger. They rely on fear and control. We're showing them something they haven't faced before—unity."

Eve let his words sink in, drawing strength from them. "Unity," she echoed. "Let's hope it's enough."

"It will be," Edward said with quiet conviction. "Because it has to be."

As the night deepened, Eve found a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn't just fighting for her children anymore; she was fighting for the chance to prove that even in a world of darkness and fear, light and hope could prevail. And with allies like the Coven's by her side, she believed they just might succeed.

But right now, Eve was hanging on by a thread. Each passing day without Carlisle weighed heavier on her, and her longing for him was palpable. Edward, with his gift, constantly heard the unspoken ache in her thoughts. It wasn't just the challenges of rallying allies or preparing for the looming confrontation; it was the absence of the steady presence she had come to depend on.

Her mind often drifted to moments with Carlisle—his calm demeanour, his unwavering support, and the way his very presence seemed to ground her. Now, with him gone, she felt adrift, trying to hold everything together for her children, for her family, and for the others who had placed their faith in her. But it was hard, and no amount of resolve could erase the loneliness she felt.

Edward, ever observant, didn't pry but found subtle ways to reassure her. A shared glance, a soft word of encouragement, or simply standing close by when her thoughts grew too heavy. He respected her strength but understood her fragility in these moments. Though he missed Carlisle as well, he knew the bond between Eve and Carlisle was unique, and no one could fill that void.

Eve kept going because she had to. For Ciel and Celeste, for Carlisle, and for everyone who needed her to be strong. But Edward saw the cracks, and he silently vowed to do what he could to help her hold everything together until Carlisle returned.