CHAPTER EIGHT
(gifts and disputes)

Vivienne stood by Benjamin's side, her eyes taking in the gathering of allies, each preparing to display their unique gifts. The idea was Renesmee's own, and it seemed most had readily agreed to it. Gifts, after all, were one of the things immortals took much pride in.

Vladimir and Stefan were clearly disoriented, trapped within one of Zafrina's illusions. Stefan expressed his disbelief with a baffled tone, his thick accent clear in every word he spoke.

"This can't even be legal," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

Vladimir, meanwhile, was practically beaming with a wide grin on his face, remaining uncharacteristically quiet as he soaked in the illusionary surroundings. Everyone around them was left bewildered, their imaginations left to wonder what the Romanians were seeing.

Although Vivienne didn't particularly enjoy the presence of the Romanian vampires, she could not help but empathize with their plight. Like the Egyptians, they had suffered deeply at the hands of the Volturi. As the only remaining members of their clan, their losses were immense. Her compassionate nature couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for their situation.

Benjamin was particularly protective of Vivienne. Throughout the gathering, he kept her close, making sure she stayed near him at all times. He was determined that Vladimir wouldn't get the opportunity to approach her. Vivienne, in turn, was more than happy to comply, relishing being near her fiancé at every turn since their engagement.

Vivienne discreetly touched the ring on her finger, a smile playing upon her lips. The ring, which Benjamin had held onto for so long, was a symbol of their destined connection. For many, the timing may have seemed off, but for them, it was perfectly fitting.

Stefan approached the floating sphere of water, his curiosity piqued. "So, you can control all the natural elements with just your hands alone?" he queried, circling the sphere with fascination. Although Vladimir attempted to feign disinterest, his eyes betrayed him, reflecting his undeniable intrigue.

Amun's disapproval was clear on his face as Benjamin explained his ability. However, the presence of Kebi served as a much-needed counterbalance, preventing Amun from acting on his impulses.

Vivienne's attention was drawn back to Stefan, who now had his arms folded across his chest. With a composed demeanor, he posed a question directed at her, "And what do you do, Vivienne?"

Benjamin murmured gently, "You don't have to display it."

Vivienne glanced at him, a petite smile gracing her lips.

"It's alright," she reassured him, adding with a hint of confidence, "Besides, I have you to mend it, don't I?"

Her words gave Benjamin a sense of reassurance, and he nodded with a small, knowing smile.

"Alright then," he agreed softly, giving her a supportive look.

Vivienne smirked, looking at the two Romanian immortal men in front of them.

"I believe it would be wise for you to take a few steps back," she suggested, confidence lacing her voice.

Vladimir and Stefan, albeit reluctantly, stepped a few paces away from her, still gazing at Vivienne with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Vivienne felt the attention shift to her as she took a breath, readying herself. She glanced at Benjamin, who waited patiently, knowing what was to come.

With a subtle nod, Vivienne closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts and focusing her mind. The air around her seemed to grow still, charged with anticipation.

Benjamin watched her with a mixture of awe and concern. He knew what her gift was capable of, and he knew that he would have to be prepared to help her regain control should she need it.

He observed her for a moment, silently forming a plan. As Vivienne unleashed her power, a ball of decaying energy hurtled towards a nearby tree. The Romanian immortals watched in horror, their eyes wide with shock.

In a swift movement, Benjamin focused his own elemental gift, harnessing the earth's power to mend the decaying force. However, as he repaired the tree, something unexpected happened—Vivienne's power responded, creating an unforeseen reaction.

The air crackled with energy as Benjamin's earth element and Vivienne's power intertwined. The two opposing forces seemed to struggle against each other, creating a momentary clash of powers.

Benjamin could feel the strain on his own abilities as he fought to maintain control of the situation, his gaze never leaving Vivienne.

Benjamin met her gaze, his own eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination. He channeled his power, surrounding her with an aura of energy.

As his earth element enveloped her power, Vivienne's body suddenly halted the ejection of blood. No tears of blood appeared, and her form seemed to stabilize, thanks to the intervention of Benjamin's ability.

Vivienne touched her face in bewildered wonder, realizing that the blood no longer stained her cheeks. Her voice was soft, filled with surprise, as she whispered, "What... What's happening?"

Benjamin, still focusing on maintaining control, kept his gaze on her, his own concentration unwavering.

Edward's observation echoed in the room, his gift effortlessly picking up on the exchange of thoughts between the couple.

"Your powers..." Edward stated, his eyes locked with theirs, "They complement each other perfectly."

Benjamin and Vivienne shared a warm smile, understanding the significance of this revelation. Their abilities were not just compatible—they were designed to work together seamlessly.

Despite the contrast in their abilities, Vivienne's power being destructive and Benjamin's ability to heal, the solution to counteract the harm her powers inflicted upon her came together thanks to Benjamin's innate ability to replenish.

Their gifts, seemingly opposing, had now become allies in the quest to keep Vivienne safe and unharmed

Garrett's observation added a touch of humor to the situation, but his words held a truth that resonated with everyone present.

"She destroys, and he creates," Garrett mused, eliciting a collective chuckle from the onlookers, "but together, they form the in-between. It's almost poetic, isn't it?"

Benjamin and Vivienne shared a knowing glance, their connection now even deeper. Their abilities, once seen as contradictions, had formed a perfect harmony when brought together.

Emmett's teasing remark brought another round of laughter from those around them.

"Watch out, Garrett," Emmett jested, a smirk on his face, "Your inner Shakespeare is coming out."

Benjamin and Vivienne smiled, enjoying the moment of lightheartedness amongst the gathering of immortals.

"Oh, man," Vivienne chimed in, a mischievous grin on her face, "Just imagine if Garrett was our Shakespeare. Most of his tales would be too explicit to be legally published!"

The laughter from the group grew louder, drowning out Garrett's pout.

Garrett's smirk turned into a playful pout as he pretended to sulk, knowing that Vivienne's comment struck a lighthearted chord.

...

As the sun began to sink lower on the horizon, the sky gradually darkened, signaling the changing seasons. The shorter days would soon give way to the grip of winter, but this also meant that the imminent arrival of the Volturi drew ever nearer.

The immortals retreated into the Cullen home, their minds filled with anticipation and trepidation for what lay ahead.

All appeared to be well, with no immediate signs of concern, until the departure of one ally, Alistair, who quietly vanished one night.

The absence of Alistair sent a ripple of unease through the group. The Volturi's imminent arrival loomed over them like an ominous cloud, and every departure or absence felt like a potential blow to their already fragile position.

The departure of Alistair had sown fear in the hearts of some of the allies, casting doubt on the assurance of a peaceful resolution. Their confidence in the situation wavered, and whispers of uncertainty passed between them.

Some of them began to question the promise of a peaceful resolution, their faith in the plan faltering with every passing moment. The absence of the nomad fueled their worries, causing them to wonder if they truly stood a chance against the Volturi.

Vladimir and Stefan's pessimistic comments further fueled the tension in the house. Their words added fuel to the fire, and Amun's heated exchange with Carlisle only served to worsen the situation.

"I knew it!" Amun exclaimed, his frustration clear. "This is exactly like I predicted, Carlisle. I could sense this outcome from a mile away!"

Despite the chaos around them, Carlisle maintained his composure, responding to Amun with a steady voice, "Amun, if you wish to leave, there's no obligation to stay."

Carlisle's words were firm yet understanding, leaving the decision to the frustrated Amun.

"You're poaching half my coven, Carlisle!" Amun cried out, his voice rising in volume. He gestured in the direction of Benjamin and Vivienne, accusation in his tone, "Is that why you summoned me here—to pillage from me?"

Amun's anger boiled over as he confronted Carlisle, his accusations filling the room with tension.

Vivienne couldn't contain her scoff at Amun's words, and Benjamin rolled his eyes at the absurdity of the accusation.

"Yes, Carlisle deliberately instigated a confrontation with the Volturi, putting his entire family at risk, all just to bring me to my demise," Benjamin replied sarcastically, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Be reasonable, Amun," he continued, his voice steady yet firm. "I am fully dedicated to doing the right thing here. I have no plans to join any other coven, as Carlisle has indicated. You are free to do as you see fit."

"This won't lead to anything good," Amun seethed, his gaze darting to the rings on Benjamin and Vivienne's hands and widening with shock.

"You... You got engaged?" he uttered in disbelief, his voice barely above a whisper. The room fell silent, the surprise evident on everyone's faces.

Vivienne looked at her hand adorned with the ring and replied, her tone a mix of surprise and annoyance, "Ah, yes—well, thanks for spoiling the moment, Amun. We were planning to announce it after all of this."

No one had paid attention to the ring before since it blended in with her other rings on her other fingers. However, its existence was now thrust into the limelight.

Amun's gaze fixed on the ring, his eyes narrowing as he realized the gravity of the situation. Benjamin's declaration, "I'm not joining any other coven," held multiple meanings, and Amun could clearly see the implications between the lines.

With the revelation that Benjamin was not returning with him, the ring on Vivienne's finger signified a choice that had been made—Benjamin would become part of the Olympic Coven through marriage.

"This is not up for debate, Amun," Benjamin replied firmly, his voice steady. "I've made my choice, and I won't change it. You tried to separate me from her once, and even went as far as lying to me that she was no longer around."

Benjamin paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, his determination clear. "I stayed with you and endured your rules for so many years. Now, I want to do what is right. I control my own decisions."

"Alistair was the only sensible one among us," Amun bellowed, his voice rising in volume. "Everyone should be running."

Benjamin fought the urge to roll his eyes yet again, his patience wearing thin at Amun's continued outbursts.

"Consider who you're referring to as 'sane,'" Vivienne interjected, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Amun refrained from sneering at her, knowing better than to antagonize her. Instead, he looked elsewhere to direct his anger, diverting his gaze away from the couple.

"We'll all be slaughtered!" Amun yelled, his voice filled with panic.

Carlisle's response was firm yet calm, his words attempting to instill some measure of reassurance. "It's not going to come to a fight," he asserted.

It was clear to everyone present that Carlisle, too, was growing weary of Amun's emotional outbursts.

"You say," Amun retorted, his frustration mounting.

His words were loaded with disbelief, reflecting his own skepticism about the prospects of a peaceful resolution.

"If it comes to a fight, you can always switch sides, Amun," Vivienne remarked with biting sarcasm, her tone laced with irritation. She took a step forward, her gaze fixed on him, a fierce fire in her eyes.

Amun flinched slightly at her words, and Vivienne held back a smirk, enjoying the sight of his uneasiness in her presence.

She knew how deadly her powers were, but sometimes she liked seeing people cower to it. Especially Amun, since the festering hate she had for him was still present within her, one that was never going to disappear, because of the scar he left on her and Benjamin.

Vivienne was fully aware of the potency of her abilities, but on occasion, she relished witnessing the fear she caused in others. Amun, in particular, fell into this category, for the deep-seated hatred she held for him remained unyielding.

Though she had come close to ending him, the scars he had inflicted on her and Benjamin were immeasurable, far exceeding the damage she had done to him. The pain of being torn apart as mates was a wound that even time struggled to heal.

"Perhaps that's the answer," Amun sneered, his tone laced with mockery.

Carlisle rubbed his forehead with a sigh, his voice carrying an air of honesty as he responded, "I wouldn't hold that against you, Amun."

Vivienne glanced at her adopted father, seeing the small smile he directed her way. She stepped back, wrapping her arms around Benjamin's torso and resting her head on his chest, finding comfort in his embrace.

"We have been friends for a long time," Carlisle continued, his voice steady, "but I would never ask you to die for me."

Amun growled once more, the sound nearly feral in its intensity. Vivienne couldn't help but think he resembled a wolf more than the Quileute tribe at times, with how often he resorted to growling.

Edward covered his mouth, attempting to stifle his laughter as he read Vivi's thoughts. She glanced at him, smirking and discreetly winking.

Amun's words hung in the air, and Benjamin sighed, his hand gently running through Vivi's hair in response.

"But you're taking my Benjamin down with you," Amun asserted, Vivienne heard Benjamin sigh as he ran a hand through her hair at Amun's statement

"I'll stay, Carlisle," Amun declared, his voice tinged with reluctance. "But I might join them if it means survival. You're all fools to believe you can defy the Volturi."

Amun's scowl deepened, and he momentarily darted his gaze towards Renesmee and Bella. "I'll bear witness to the fact that the child is growing, that much is true. Anyone with eyes would agree," he added, his tone still laced with irritation.

"That's all we've ever asked," Carlisle replied, his voice steady and composed.

Amun grimaced, his eyes fixated on Benjamin's arm wrapped around Vivienne. "I gave you life. You're wasting it," he declared, his tone laced with disappointment.

Benjamin tightened his grip on Vivienne, pulling her closer before responding, "It's a shame you couldn't replace my will with yours in the process; perhaps then you would have been content with me. You made a grave mistake in trying to take Vivienne away, and I will never forget the pain you inflicted upon us, Amun."

Amun's gaze hardened, and he gestured sharply to Kebi, signaling their departure. They strode past everyone towards the front door.

Edward's voice filled the room, "He's not leaving. But he will maintain an even greater distance now. He wasn't bluffing when he mentioned joining the Volturi."

"Wouldn't put it past me honestly," Vivienne chimed in, her voice filled with skepticism.

Benjamin nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "His desire for power is all-consuming. He'd join the Volturi in a heartbeat if given the chance," he murmured.

Rosalie's voice pierced the air, her tone deceptively calm yet laced with a subtle threat. "So, when were you two planning on sharing the news that you're engaged?"

Vivienne instinctively cowered into Benjamin's chest, gulping nervously as she braced herself for the inevitable reaction from not just Rosalie, but also the rest of her family.