Edited 7/10/22.

A/N: This chapter contains graphic violence.

***

It's snowing.

An open field is covered in a fresh coating of piled flakes that fall from a light gray sky. Surrounding trees are caked with frost. They sway alongside biting wind.

Everyone is tense. Quiet. They have their collective attention on the other side of the field. Covens are splayed out in small groups. People are drumming their fingers together in physical displays of building anxiety.

Both wolf packs are hidden behind groups of pine trees. Marshall is standing among them.

He's clad in a pair of gray skinny jeans, boots, a thin sweatshirt, and his go-to leather jacket. Pale hands are wrapped around thin straps of a full backpack.

His jaw is clenched. Silent breaths are taken in to suppress an overwhelming fight or flight response.

Having fed off of his husband last night, Marshall's eyes have finally taken a darker shade of red.

It's menacing.

And predatory.

Even though the Volturi have yet to arrive, his face is pulled into a threatening sneer.

He takes a moment to look over at Paul.

The shifter is in his wolf form alongside the others. Brown eyes are unblinking. Silver fur dances with the wind against his body. His form remains still aside from small shifts caused by his breathing. His tail is puffed out in clear agitation.

Marshall approaches the wolf. Without a word, a cold hand is buried in warm fur. A few gentle caresses are given before the appendage freezes.

Ruby eyes dart in the direction of the opposing side of the field.

His nose is assaulted by sweet copper.

It's such a substantial group of vampires, the usual muted scent of human blood is more than amplified. The overwhelming mixture of smells is too much—it makes his nostrils burn.

Marshall is forced to look away in order to find reprieve. He's aided via an enveloping form of musk and dog. His sneer pulls into a grimace. Even when taking in his husband's fragrance, the intense stench of other vampires makes Marshall want to gag.

His bonding mark secretes equally strong pheromones. Like always, it helps make the situation less distressing.

He stands up straight.

Full attention from everyone is brought toward a peaceful treeline.

Moments continue to pass in uncomfortable silence.

It's broken by a crunching twig.

Multiple sets of feet can be heard walking along the fresh snow. Marshall swallows when the Volturi and their witnesses finally make an appearance.

A multitude of cloaked, hooded figures are seen walking as a group composed of all ruby eyed vampires. One set of familiar golden irises are among them. Differing complexions and tones of skin are hidden beneath black garments. The main Volturi members are walking triumphantly in front of everyone else.

Marshall notices Aro surveying the area, most likely for Alice. Other sets of ruby eyes look around to take in the smaller group of vampires. A few people even grin as they think the Cullens have only collected a minuscule gathering of witnesses.

A single howl is given from Sam. It's a signal for the packs to get involved.

Marshall holds his head up high when he breaks through the treeline. Previously excited faces turn shocked, and even afraid in response to both packs emerging.

He pays no mind to it.

His hands pull into tight fists. His deep sneer returns. A guttural snarl escapes him.

Every wolf gives their own menacing growls in warning. More howls ring out.

Marshall chooses to stand in the very back of the group with his husband beside him. Other wolves spread out to fill any large gaps between covens.

The Volturi and their witnesses take a firm stance.

For a moment, everyone waits. The scene is further taken in. Ruby eyes blink, and Marshall watches as his enemies remove their dark hoods.

A tense atmosphere remains as Carlisle walks forward. The man only moves a few feet to not be perceived as an active threat. He stops a good distance away from the other group of vampires.

"Aro," he greets, "let us talk this out like we used to, and be civil."

"Choice words, Carlisle, considering the battalion you have standing behind you."

"I can assure you our intent is not to fight. It never has been. These witnesses are simply here to give honest testimonies about the crime that's been pinned against us. A crime which has not actually happened since no laws have been broken."

"We see the child," Caius joins in, "do not treat us as fools."

Carlisle's voice remains firm. "The girl- she's not immortal. She has a beating heart and blood in her veins. You can see warmth pooling in her cheeks in response to the cold."

"Artifice!"

"Now, now, brother." Aro puts a hand up. "I will gather every facet of evidence necessary. But I'm not sure if simple verbal testimonies are enough. Perhaps I need a more... personal outlook. A more central piece in this puzzle. Edward- I see that the girl clings to your newborn mate. That must mean that you were involved, yes?"

Aro's question is met with a single nod.

"Then, would you be so kind as to come show me just how all this came to fruition?"

Marshall feels his fists clenching tighter as he watches his brother walk toward their enemies. In search of support, the black haired vampire buries his fingers in silver fur again. The action receives a more gentle growl and an increase in body heat.

Ruby eyes don't dare blink to ensure that every detail is absorbed. Pink lips are bitten in apprehension. As Aro grabs Edward's hand, Marshall feels his entire body stiffen.

"I'd like to meet her."

The simple, expected statement feels like a punch in the gut to everyone witnessing for Renesmee.

Marshall pulls his attention to his niece. Sharp tingles assault his stomach, and uncomfortable knots form. Still, he remains silent when Ness, Bella, Jake, and Emmett approach the opposing group of vampires.

A short comment is made about a particular golden eyed newborn, but it's fleeting. Everyone's collective attention is pulled to the young hybrid at her mother's side.

A trembling hand clenches silver toned fur when Renesmee walks toward Aro.

A bit of hesitancy is met in return to the girl reaching for his cheek, so she can use her gift. Aside from a cautious glance toward her small hand though, the gesture is met without much further issue.

"Magnifico..." Aro's voice is nothing short of mesmerized; but he pulls himself back into the moment and stands to his full height. "Half mortal, half immortal. The girl was conceived and carried when this young newborn was still human."

"Impossible..." Caius' tone is equal parts disbelieving as it is surprised.

"Do you think they've fooled me, brother?"

Marshall shifts from side to side when Jake sends a threatening growl toward both ruby eyed Volturi members.

As the Cullen members start making their way back to the others, Irina is called forward. Fear settles onto her face and in her eyes. She's questioned about whether or not Renesmee is the child claimed to be immortal. Irina stammers; but she ultimately concedes that her accusations are false. Golden eyes glance over the group in front of her before the woman offers a sincere apology.

Multiple broken yells rip through the air as the woman is dismembered, beheaded, and set ablaze.

Tears sting Marshall's eyes. He nearly falls to the ground in utter shock. The only reason he stays on his feet is because his body is supported by Paul's.

While distraught, more unease settles in the vampire. It takes every ounce of self control to not run forward to assist his grieving Denali cousins.

Kate and Tanya attempt to avenge their fallen sister. A struggle is made, but the women are ultimately subdued when Zafrina blinds them. Both Denali sisters fall back as they realize Irina's death was used to try and ignite a physical confrontation.

Marshall remains stiff.

Anxiety worsens when Jane uses her ability on Edward. He falls to his knees in pure agony.

The sight of his brother in such a state genuinely makes Marshall want to step in. He can't help but sigh, however, when Bella steps in instead.

He's heard from Eleazar that the newborn is gifted with a defensive shield. Although unseen, it must spread to all Cullen witnesses because Jane looks at multiple people.

No one falls in response to her gaze.

Tensions almost escalate to dangerous levels. Somehow, everything is kept in check by Aro of all people.

"As you can see, no laws have been broken here," Carlisle states.

"Agreed, but that doesn't mean that everything has been settled- that this meeting is over." The Volturi leader relocates his focus with a sick sense of glee. "Another issue has been brought to my attention. Both by the informer and Edward. It appears that one of your members, Carlisle, has left your coven. Not only that, but it also seems he has formed a relationship with a werewolf as well. I'd like to... sort out any confusion on my part in order to get all the information necessary. I'll decide whether or not such a union will be upheld."

Marshall swallows. He makes direct eye contact with the head Volturi member. Two sets of ruby eyes maintain tense contact before the vampire in question looks away.

Both Lahotes spare a glance at each other. Side by side, they make their way forward.

Other witnesses are hesitant while moving to let them pass. It brings a bit of comfort when multiple people step in to aid them—to act as reinforcement if necessary.

In total, Benjamin, Emmett, Rosalie, Tanya, Zafrina, and even Edward step up to the plate. Sam, Jared, and Leah do so as well.

The couple are surrounded on all sides except one as they make a slow trek over to Aro. A hand stays nestled in silver fur when everyone stops walking.

"Ah, if it isn't our dear Marshall. Surprising to see that your diet has changed. Perhaps that's why you left your coven and have chosen to cohabitate with a werewolf."

"A shapeshifter," Marshall corrects with a steady voice. "He's a shapeshifter. They are intelligent creatures with excellent control in terms of lucidity when transformed. Unlike the Children of the Moon which you seem to be mistakenly referring to."

"I see." Aro chuckles. "But that still begs the question as to what we do here. Your partner is male, so there's no threat of another hybrid being made. At the same time though, we don't know what fully entails from such a union. A wolf and a vampire- that can't possibly be tolerable. Not with both of your natural instincts pitting you against each other."

"If you must, see for yourself that our relationship is nothing but genuine."

Aro's eyes widen, and his smile follows suit. He puts a daring hand out.

Marshall looks up at his husband with a forced smile before they separate. Multiple growls and snarls come from behind the vampire. He takes a short breath.

His free hand clenches when the other is grabbed by Aro. Marshall makes sure to keep certain things blocked in order to not reveal any information which he deems too imperative or private.

His expression stays hard. His gaze remains unwavering. Both metal bands feel warm against his ring finger, and they help to ground him.

"...Such a strange position to be in." Aro releases the appendage in his grasp. "Driven into a wolf's arms by a broken family dynamic. I will say, I can understand why you left as living in such conditions is unfair- even to me. Either way, this is a situation in which judgment must be weighed. You feed off of him. Aren't you concerned that such actions could kill your mate?"

"No," Marshall answers with complete certainty. "I have better control than you may think. I would never do something like that to him."

"Wow- you really do care for the creature. It seems you are simply a protective person in general. And with such an astounding gift, it's such a waste for your previous coven to have lost you. Perhaps, instead of being part of a wolf pack, you'd like to join my ranks instead?"

"...Thank you, but I'm happy where I am."

"You sure I can't twist your arm on that? It'd be a shame for such a loving relationship to be cut short by... unforeseen circumstances."

Marshall is grabbed from behind with enough brute force to send him tumbling to the ground. His head pulls up with great speed when he hears Paul's high pitched whimpers.

Ruby eyes take in the sight of multiple people shielding the wolf. He's lying on the ground, seemingly in pain.

Attention draws from the shifter to Jane.

Her eyes are set on Paul, and she has a sickening smile on her face.

No one is fast enough to stop Marshall as he jumps in front of the group. On command, royal blue wings fan out to shield everyone behind him. He crumbles to one knee once Jane's gaze falls on him.

The agony is encompassing. It feels like every part of his body is slowly ripping apart.

Tears fill his vision. But he fights the pain and remains focused.

Marshall lets out his loudest, most threatening hiss. His fingers bend as if ready to claw. Due to his positioning, leather sleeves ride up above his wrists.

A set of tattoos are missing.

Aro's amused expression shifts to pure shock when Jane collapses to the ground. She starts coughing uncontrollably and clawing at her chest. Streams of venom fly out of her mouth. Her eyes are pulled shut in response to her own pain, consequentially stopping her ability.

Marshall trembles.

He's overcome by such an intense need to protect his mate, he doesn't care if their enemies are hurt beyond repair.

Everyone watches in shock as another Volturi witness tries to jump in. He doesn't get very far because he begins thrashing in pain as well. The man falls to the floor. His ruby eyes are wide, and his mouth has fallen open in a silent scream. He clutches at his chest. Ripping and cracking sounds resonate from his body. Venom leaks from all facial orifices.

Marshall lets out another hostile growl.

He exhales, and multiple chains come hurling out of the witness' body. It's done so violently and so forcefully, the man is beheaded and dismembered.

A tattoo reappears on its owner's skin when no longer in use.

"Fall back," Marshall warns, "or I'll do the same with her."

To show that he's serious, the vampire forces a vine to shoot out of Jane's abdomen. It isn't enough to actually kill her, but it's enough to wound her. She screams in pain.

Her sharp cries force Aro to step in. "Fine."

And just like that, vines and wings disappear. Tattoos reappear in their rightful places.

Paul isn't subtle when he takes a threatening stance beside his husband. Every member of their small group takes similar stances.

Marshall watches as Jane is helped to her feet by her brother. She has a look of pure fear on her face. It would normally be something for the black haired vampire to revel in. Right now though, he's only concerned with keeping things from escalating further.

"I don't see why my relationship is something that needs to be discussed," Marshall states, his tone authoritative. "It's just as when vampires mate and cohabitate with each other. Our only difference is species- something neither of us can control. We may not be a typical couple, but all we want is the same as those people. We just want to be happy. We just want to live a quiet life together.

"I'm not saying you need to understand us. I'd just like for you to see beyond your prejudices. You saw for yourself how much of that I've had to face, Aro. And even you think it was unfair to be put through such horrendous scenarios.

"Just like you said- we're both males, so we can't have children. There's no active threat of us producing a hybrid- or even breaking any laws that you've made. We just want to be together, that's all. There isn't a real reason as to why we shouldn't be."

Aro is quiet as he ponders Marshall's words. Everyone looks on with tense expressions while the Volturi member comes to a decision.

"Very well."

Both Lahotes and their protectors waste no time in returning to their original spots. Footsteps are fast paced as a means of putting substantial distance between opposing forces.

Marshall still feels on edge. It still feels like this isn't over.

His hunch is proved correct when he picks up a familiar set of smells coming from a further distance away.

"Alice..." he mutters.

It takes a moment, but she breaks through the treeline with Jasper in tow.

Both Cullen members approach the Volturi with apprehensive expressions. Multiple guards step in so they can keep some distance and to protect their leader. Alice doesn't back down though. She lets Aro know that she has definitive proof that Renesmee won't be an issue—that there's no need to try and continue to pick a fight.

She's given permission to share her vision.

Everyone watches on with bated breath as Aro takes Alice's hand in his.